The Golden Retriever is a well-known breed of dog that originated in Scotland.  Today, aside from popular family dog, many Golden Retrievers assist the blind and disabled, while some are still used in the field as gundogs.




Golden Retrievers are large dogs, standing between 20-24 inches and weighing between 55-75 pounds.  Their coat is either wavy or flat, with feathering on the forelimbs.  They have a dense, water resistant undercoat for retrieving game from water.  Colors range from a light cream to a bold, reddish gold.  It is not uncommon for the coat of a Golden Retriever to lighten with age.


The Golden Retriever was developed in the 1800s in Scotland at Guisachan, the highland estate of Baron Tweedmouth.  The original cross was a yellow-colored retriever named Nous, with a now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, Belle.  This produced a litter of four, which was the basis for the breeding program.  Other dogs would eventually be added to the line, including the Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and the extinct St. John’s Water Dog.  Once known simply as Retrievers, either gold or yellow, the Golden Retriever took their present name in 1920.


Golden Retrievers are happy and lovable dogs.  Highly intelligent, easy to train, and gentle with children, they make excellent family pets.  They do well with other dogs and other household animals, but their friendliness to both family and strangers makes them poor watchdogs. Golden Retrievers are active dogs that strive to be near their family, if left alone for long periods without human contact some individuals can turn destructive.


The Golden Retriever is susceptible to several health problems, such as hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects.  Skin allergies are very common in the breed, with Von Willebrand’s disease and heart problems do occur, they are less common.  The lifespan of a Golden Retriever tends to be 12-14 years.

Although Golden Retrievers can adapt to apartment life, but they do best with at least a medium sized yard.  They should be taken on long, daily walks, and enjoy brisk jogs or runs.  An inactive Golden Retriever can easily become obese.

Golden Retrievers are fairly easy to groom, but need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting.  Pay close attention to the feathering, tail and behind the ears.