Golden Retriever

• The Golden Retriever dog breed is a gorgeous, lovable, patient, and gentle dog with a feathered golden or cream-colored coat.

• These strong, well-proportioned dogs have water-repellant coats, broad heads, soft brown eyes, wide, powerful muzzles, long straight tails, and black noses.

———————— Temperament ————————

• Golden Retrievers are popular for their intelligence, charm, and eagerness to please. Excellent with children and other animals, Goldens are intensely loyal to their masters and get great joy from following orders.

• Golden Retrievers are ideal for obedience training and competitions, and they excel at a number of jobs, from hunting and retrieving to narcotics detection to guiding the blind and acting as therapy dogs.

• Always energetic, this breed may become high-strung or mischievous if they are not given enough physical and mental exercise or if their owners do not display leadership.

———————— Height and Weight ————————

• Adult male Golden Retrievers tend to be 22-24 inches tall and weigh around 60-80 pounds.

• Adult female Golden Retrievers will be between 20-22 inches tall and weigh around 55-70 pounds.

———————— Living Conditions and Exercise ————————

• The Golden Retriever dog breed will thrive in an apartment setting only if they receive sufficient exercise. They are active both indoors and out, and do best with access to a medium or large yard.

• Goldens require a long walk, run, or jog, and love retrieving balls and toys. They are also enthusiastic swimmers.

• Owners should carefully monitor food consumption and exercise, as these dogs have a tendency to put on weight when overfed.

———————— Life Expectancy ————————

• Well-cared for Golden Retrievers can be expected to live an average of 10-12 years.

———————— Grooming ————————

• The medium-length double coat is easy to care for with a firm bristle brush. Simply comb and brush, with special care for the dense undercoat, and dry shampoo regularly.

• Golden Retrievers are average shedders.

———————— History ————————

• The Golden Retriever dog breed is most likely a cross between Tweed Water Spaniels, Flat Coated Retrievers, the Newfoundland, and other spaniels and setters. First bred in the British Island, the Golden is one of the most popular companion dogs in the world.

• Golden Retrievers are superior bird dogs both in the water and on land, and their acute sense of smell makes them ideal for hunting and tracking.
• The Golden's great desire to please and intelligence wins them many of the top spots in obedience competitions around the globe.

———————— Group and Recognition ————————

• Grouping: AKC Sporting Group, Gun Dog

• Recognition: CKC, NZKC, ACR, UKC, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, ANKC

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