Golden Retriever FYI

Goldens are easy to train, but their most outstanding trait is character. They are outgoing and devoted companions to all sorts of people, happy and trusting. They make great hunting companions, also.

Did you know?

· The first registration of a Golden Retriever by the American Kennel Club was in November 1925.

· The most complete records of the development of the Golden Retriever are included in the record books that were kept from 1835 until about 1890 by the gamekeepers at the Guisachan (pronounced Gooeesicun) estate of Lord Tweedmouth at Inverness-Shire, Scotland. These records were released to public notice in Country Life in 1952, when Lord Tweedmouth's great-nephew, the sixth Earl of Ilchester, historian and sportsman, published material that had been left by his ancestor. They provided factual confirmation to the stories that had been handed down through generations.

· Golden Retrievers are used successfully in field trials, hunting, obedience, and as guide dogs for the blind.

.The first three dogs of any breed to achieve the AKC Obedience Champion title, first available in July 1977, were all Golden Retrievers. The first (Ch. Moreland's Golden Tonka) was a bitch, the others were males.

· Golden Retrievers were first shown in England at the Crystal Palace show in 1908, and were listed as Flat Coats (Golden).

So you want to own a Golden Retriever?

Renown for its reliable temperament, the Golden Retriever makes a great hunter, family pet or show dog.

Although they can adapt to living in a small apartment they need to be given plenty of exercise daily.

The Golden Retriever's dense water repellent coat ranges in color from light to dark shades of gold.

Breed Standard

General Appearance
A symmetrical, powerful, active dog, sound and well put together, not clumsy nor long in the leg, displaying a kindly expression and possessing a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Primarily a hunting dog, he should be shown in hard working condition. Overall appearance, balance, gait and purpose to be given more emphasis than any of his component parts. Faults--Any departure from the described ideal shall be considered faulty to the degree to which it interferes with the breed's purpose or is contrary to breed character.

Size, Proportion, Substance
Males 23-24 inches in height at withers; females 21 1/2-22 ½ inches. Dogs up to one inch above or below standard size should be proportionately penalized. Deviation in height of more than one inch from the standard shall disqualify. Length from breastbone to point of buttocks slightly greater than height at withers in ratio of 12:11. Weight for dogs 65-75 pounds; bitches 55-65 pounds.

Cited from AKC Breed Standards