Golden Retriever

GENTLE, LOYAL, RELIABLE

• Weight: 55 - 70 pounds (female), 60 - 75 pounds (male)
• Height: 20 - 22 inches (female), 22 - 24 inches (male)
• Colors: Dark Golden, Golden, Light Golden
• Shedding: High
• Grooming: Low
  
• Energy Level: Very Active 
• Barking Level: Barks When Necessary
• Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years

Origin The Golden Retriever was developed and bred to be a hunting dog. The breed's ancestry has ties to the United Kingdom and Scotland. Ancestors of the Golden have origins in Scotland, but Lord Tweedmouth of England decided to breed yellow Flat-Coated Retrievers with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, then crossed the offspring to yellow Labrador Retrievers to create today's beloved Golden Retriever.

Description The beautiful golden color of the Golden Retriever is dense and water-repellent, which is beneficial during hunting and water retrieving. Their eyes are a medium-large size, dark colored, and set well apart. The ears are short and furry. The muzzle is moderately-sized and straight in profile with a black or brown nose. The tail of the breed is long and feathered.

Temperament & Training Widely known to be friendly, reliable, and trustworthy, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the United States due to their loyalty and affectionate-nature towards their families. There is a reason the breed is used a lot as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and as companion dogs. They show little hostility towards other dogs and people in normal situations, and get along extremely well with children, young and old. Goldens are an active breed and need plenty of daily exercise, both physical and mental. Due to their high intelligence, they are fairly easy to train and are very eager to please their owners.