Golden Retriever

Date of Origin: 19th Century
Place of Origin: Great Britain
Original Use: Retrieving game
Modern Use: Gun dog, companion, guide for the blind
Size: Height: 51-61 cm (20-24 in)
Weight: 27-36kg
Colors: Cream, gold

One of the most famous family dogs, Golden Retriever is the most benign, good-natured, easiest to train and most willing to learn breed. Historically, Golden Retriever was developed as a gun dog to retrieve shot from water during hunting and shooting. Because of its intelligence and versatility, Golden Retriever is used for illegal drug detection and search and rescue in the present. They also make a brilliant gun dog and excellent guide for the blind.
Kind, friendly and confident, Retrievers are amiable with both stranger and those they are familiar with. Because of this trusting and gentle nature, they do not qualify as guard dogs. They are not aggressive at all, nervous and unduly timid. Adult Retrievers are active, fun-loving and love to work. So it should be kept in mind that they do not overwork. Renowned for their patience with children, they are also compatible with adults and other pets. In fact, Golden Retrievers make excellent surrogate mother and in some cases may produce milk even though it is not pregnant. Retrievers also require plenty of exercise.
Retrievers rank 4th in Stanley Coven’s “The Intelligence of Dogs” indicating that they are one of the brightest dogs ranked by obedience command trainability. Due to their intelligence, athleticism and desire to please handler, they are exceptionally trainable. They respond well to upbeat and positive training style.
Hip and elbow dysplasia is very common in the breed. However, according to 1998 health survey, 61.8% deaths of American Golden Retrievers are caused by cancer which is the biggest killer. Apart from these diseases, flea allergies, heart diseases, eye diseases also bother Retrievers.