Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. They are used a lot as hunting dogs, and for search and rescue operations for such things as drugs. They are also used as guide dogs for the blind, and are used in therapy.

They originally came to America from Scotland in the late 1800s. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth for the purpose of creating a super retriever that would survive the weather in the climate of Scotland. Later, mixtures of breeds were produced by integrating them with the Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and the Tweed Water Spaniel to produce the retriever that is known today.

The golden retriever's weight can range anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds, and they are friendly, trustworthy and very reliable. Their coat is very pretty. They get along with other animals for the most part, and they love to exercise and participate in athletic activities. They are recognized fourth of 79 breeds by the AKC for their obedience and working intelligence.

To describe a golden retriever, one would have to say that they have a strong, broad head that tapers, but has a wide and powerful muzzle. They have a scissor-like bite, and they possess a black nose and soft, dark eyes that are brown with dark rims. Their ears are medium size, and their necks and thighs are muscular with a broad chest. Their tail is long and straight. Golden retrievers are one of the best known dogs for a family.

As with any animal, there are disadvantages of owning a golden retriever as well. They have a distinctive "dog" odor, and several serious health problems. They have to be brushed and combed on a daily basis. A life expectancy of a golden is about 14 years because they often develop hip dysplasia. This is poor formation of the hip joint, which is another health problem. Some other problems to consider if purchasing a golden retriever are they do not like strangers, and might become suspicious of people's hats, sunglasses, beards, uniforms, and skin color. They are great with people of the same sex, but not with the other sex.