Breed Information

You see them on city streets and retrieving balls in the field. They're in television commercials and magazine ads; they lead the blind, and aid the handicapped. They've also become one of the most popular purebred dogs in North America. They are the Golden Retriever.

The Golden Retriever is an excellent example of the "all around dog". They are highly intelligent and very versatile, excelling in obedience, tracking, field, and show. However, it is as a family pet that the Golden Retriever truly excels. A typical Golden has a relaxed, easy going temperament, and responds well to a good training program. Renowned for their gentleness, the Golden Retriever shows genuine affection for everyone - including the smallest child. So, if it's a watchdog you are after, the Golden Retriever is not a good choice. Although the Golden generally requires minimal grooming, they do shed, and that, combined with their love of water, can be frustrating for the housekeeper.

Unfortunately, breeders less interested in preserving the qualities for which these dogs are renowned are now capitalizing on the breed's popularity. These individuals are focussed mainly on profits. Like all purebred animals, the Golden Retriever is occasionally troubled by certain genetic defects such as hip, heart, and eye disorders. Screening for these problems is costly. However, a responsible breeder knows the true value in going the extra mile in the interest of producing sound, healthy dogs, with the much sought after Golden personality. Profit-motivated breeders see this process as liability that eats into their bottom line. The importance of dealing only with conscientious breeders cannot be over-emphasized. Whether you are purchasing a dog as a family pet, or a future show prospect, it is important to assure yourself that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the puppy you purchase has come from well-bred, carefully chosen stock.
A Golden Retriever required regular training, daily exercise, grooming, a balanced diet and veterinary care. Other than this, the Golden asks little more of his owner than companionship and affection. If these are the qualities you seek, then you have found yourself no better dog than the Golden Retriever.

A Glance Back

The Golden Retriever is recognized as being one of the most beautiful, loveable and trainable dogs in the world. Today’s Goldens possesses much the same qualities as those recorded more than one hundred years ago.

The development of the Golden Retriever can be traced back to England and Scotland. The efforts of one man in particular stand out from the rest. His name was Lord Tweedmouth and in 1865, he purchased a male, yellow wavy coated retriever – odd one in a litter of black pups. This dog was mated to a rare Tweed Water Spaniel, a very intelligent dog, light liver in color and excellent in the water. The resulting litter produced four yellow puppies in 1868, which became the basis of a selective line-breeding program by Lord Tweedmouth. Occasional outcrosses to an Irish Setter Tweed Water Spaniel and Bloodhound helped correct structural weaknesses and develop the Golden’s hunting and scenting abilities. Through the efforts of Lord Tweedmouth and others, a uniformity of type and color was achieved, and in 1913, the Kennel Club (Great Britain) recognized the yellow or Golden Retriever as a distinct breed.

The Canadian Kennel Club recognized the Golden Retriever as a breed in 1927. The establishment and development of the Golden in North America once again owes a great deal to one man, Colonel Samuel Magoffin. From his Rockhaven Kennels in North Vancouver and Gilnockie Kennels in Denver Colorado, the Colonel imported Ch. Speedwell Pluto from England, a dog destined to become a major influence on the breed in North America. Careful breeding at Rockhaven produced the strong foundation upon which the Golden Retriever stands today.

As their name suggests, the Golden was developed primarily to retrieve fallen game for the hunter. They have a very tender mouth and a dense water-repellent coat that can withstand cool temperatures and icy waters. Their sensitive nose can scent game at distances of 40 – 50 years. These characteristics and abilities also make them an enthusiastic tracking dog. Heir eager, alter attitude and their desire to please has allowed the Golden Retriever to maintain it’s ability in the field, while going on to participate in many other activities with great success.