Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a Scottish gun dog of medium-to-large size, as often kept as a companion as it is worked, and one of the most frequently registered breeds across the Western world.

History

It was developed in Scotland in the late nineteenth century as a retriever for shooting over land and water, and registration was historically tied to proving working ability. The gold coat it takes its name from is the breed's signature.

Temperament

The breed is known for a gentle, affectionate, eager-to-please nature — the reason it turns up so often as a family dog, an assistance dog and a therapy dog. It is sociable to a fault and does poorly left alone for long stretches.

Care and training

It needs daily exercise and enjoys retrieving games and training, which it takes to easily. The dense water-repellent coat sheds heavily and needs regular brushing to stay clear of mats.

Health

Golden Retrievers carry known tendencies toward hip and elbow dysplasia and certain cancers, and their appetite invites weight gain. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.