Golden Retriever
Gun Dogs

Group:

Gundog

Size:

large

Lifespan:

10-13 years

Exercise:

medium

Grooming:

medium

Trainability:

very high

Watchdog ability:

medium

Protection ability:

low

Area of Origin:

England

Date of Origin:

1800’s

Other Names:

Yellow Retriever

Original Function:

retrieving

History

The Golden Retriever is a relatively young breed and only dates as far back as the mid-19th century. Developed by Lord Tweedmouth near the English-Scottish border, the Golden combines the blood of retriever, Tweed Water Spaniel, setter and the sandy-colored Bloodhound. Goldens were first shown in UK in the early 1900's as Flat Coated Retrievers-Golden Variety. The Golden is a popular breed due to its well-mannered, friendly nature. It is also an excellent candidate for obedience training, and by instinct, is still a reliable, gentle-mouthed retriever. The Golden Retriever enjoys urban or rural settings as long as it is provided with plenty of outdoor exercise. A few Goldens were imported into New Zealand in the 1940's, but it was not until the 1950's when some prominent English breeders emigrated to New Zealand, bringing their dogs with them, that the breed began to increase in popularity. From this time Goldens have gone from strength to strength. They are now one of the most popular breeds in the country.

Temperament

The Golden Retriever is a devoted, responsible dog breed. The Golden is mild-mannered and easy to train, yet maintains its sporting instincts. These qualities make this breed an ideal and reliable family pet, one particularly suited to a family with children.

Upkeep

The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise and human interaction. Challenging obedience lessons, active games or retrieving sessions are all good ways to exercise the Golden’s mind and body. Although it is capable of living outdoors, it is such a social dog that it is best when it shares its life with its family. The coat does not tend to mat but needs twice weekly brushing.

Official Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Should be of a symmetrical, active, powerful dog, a good level mover, sound and well put together, with a kindly expression, not clumsy nor long in the leg.

Head and Skull:
Broad-skull, well set on a clean and muscular neck, muzzle powerful and wide, not weak-jawed, good stop.

Eyes:
Dark and set well apart, very kindly in expression, with dark rims.

Ears:
Well proportioned, of moderate size and well set on.

Mouth:
Teeth should be sound and strong. Neither overshot nor undershot, the lower teeth just behind but touching the upper.

Neck:
The neck should be clean and muscular.

Forequarters:
The forelegs should be straight with good bone. Shoulders should be well laid back and long in blade.

Body:
Well-balanced, short coupled and deep through the heart. Ribs deep and well sprung.

Hindquarters:
The loins and legs should be strong and muscular, with good second thighs and well bent stifles. Hocks well let down, not cow-hocked.

Feet:
Round and cat-like, not open or splay.

Tail:
Should not be carried too gay or curled at the tip.

Coat:
Should be flat or wavy with good feathering and dense, water-resisting undercoat.

Colour:
Any shade of gold or cream, but neither red nor mahogany. The presence of a few white hairs on chest permissible. White collar, feet, toes or blaze should be penalised. Nose should be black.

Weight and Size:
The average weight in good hard condition should be: Dogs: 32 - 37 kg (70 - 80 lb) Bitches: 27 - 32 kg (60 - 70 LB).

Height at shoulder:
Dogs: 56 - 61 cm (22 - 24 in) Bitches: 51 - 56 cm (20 - 22 in).

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.