The Golden Retriever is without a doubt one of the most popular dogs in the world. And there’s a lot you’ll want to know about this sweet-tempered and lovable breed. So here are the top Golden Retriever facts and information.
Thank You Lord Tweedmouth
The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland in the late 1800s. Sir Dudley Majoribanks who was later known as Lord Tweedmouth (because his estate was on the Tweedmouth River) was the creator of the breed.
As a passionate duck hunter, he wanted a dog that would swim out and retrieve his ducks for him but that was also yellow in color. The Flat Coated Retriever and Tweedmouth Spaniel were the main breeds used to create the Golden, along with several other hunting breeds used to develop specific traits.
Early Breed Registration
In 1904 the very first Golden Retrievers were registered in Great Britain. At that time they were actually listed and shown with Flat Coated Retrievers, not as their own breed. By 1913 they were being shown as a separate color variety which was yellow or golden. It was not until 1920 that they started being referred to as the Golden Retriever. And it took until 1932 for them to be recognized as a separate breed of dog.
Extreme Friendliness
Every dog has its own unique personality. However, one thing that all Goldens have in common is their friendly nature. This is not random, extreme friendliness is one of the Golden Retriever traits. It has been bred into them. The Golden shares this trait with its cousin, the Labrador Retriever, which is one of the many reasons both dogs are among the most popular breeds in the world.
Not Always So Light
In the past, Goldens were not nearly as light in color as they are today. In fact, the vast majority were a dark gold color. However, over time the breed standard changed to allow for an array of different golden shades. Today Golden Retriever colors can range from a pale blonde all the way to a deep red.
Hip Dysplasia
One of the Golden Retriever dog facts that every potential and current owner should know is that hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues with the breed. This is an inherited disease that causes poor development of the hip joint.
Hip dysplasia can only be diagnosed by x-rays. To reduce the chance of purchasing a dog that will develop this disease make sure to purchase only from a reliable breeder. They should be able to show proof that both of the puppy’s parents have had their hips screened and evaluated.
Speedwell Pluto
In 1932 the breed got an important boost in the United States with the importation of Speedwell Pluto an English Golden Retriever. He quickly became a champion in the U.S. and Canada along with becoming the first Golden Retriever to win a Best in Show.
Not only was Speedwell Pluto a phenomenal example of the breed in the show ring but in the field as well. He was used extensively to hunt in the Pacific Northwest. Despite only having one litter of Golden Retriever puppies in the U.S. he is considered to be the breed’s foundation sire in America.
The Golden Nose
The Golden is considered to have the best nose of all the retriever breeds. One of the Golden Retriever history facts most people don’t know is that during the development of the breed it was actually crossed with the Bloodhound. This crossing was specifically used to enhance its scenting ability.
Top Obedience Competitor
This is a breed that learns quickly and has a strong desire to please its owner. And these characteristics make the Golden Retriever an ideal competitor in obedience competitions. In fact each year there are almost always a higher number of Goldens that become obedience trial champions than any other breed.
Go Fetch!
Just like its name states, the Golden is a retriever. The desire to retrieve occurs naturally in the breed and does not need to be taught. It comes from generations of being bred to retrieve game and bring it back to its master while hunting.
However, the desire to retrieve isn’t just reserved for ducks, geese, and other game birds, in fact far from it. The Golden Retriever is more than eager to retrieve just about anything and everything, and for hours on end. Needless to say, fetch, is this breed’s favorite game.
Natural Love Of The Water
Just like the breed’s love of retrieving, the Golden Retriever’s fondness of the water is inherited. And of course, swimming comes naturally. This is a breed that loves to swim, play, and retrieve in any body of water.
Snow Nose
In the wintertime, many Goldens develop a condition known as, “snow nose”. This is when the dog’s nose turns a bit pink. “Snow Nose,” isn’t dangerous, and it’s not permanent. The dog’s nose will usually turn back to its original black or brown color by the spring.
A Shedder
This breed is a moderate shedder. And you can expect hair on your floor and wherever your dog typically likes to hang out, such as on the couch, all year long. This is one of the Golden Retriever facts you’ll want to consider before deciding whether or not to own a Golden.
The Golden Retriever coat is made up of two parts (known as a double coat) which include a top coat and an insulating undercoat. Typically every spring the dog will shed its soft undercoat. And when this happens you can expect to have thick chunks of hair in large quantities all around your home.
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