Golden Retriever
History and Origins
– Developed in Scotland in the 19th century by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks
– Cross-bred Flat-coated Retrievers with Tweed Water Spaniels
– Infusions of Red Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Bloodhound
– Developed at Sir Dudley Marjoribanks’ Scottish estate Guisachan
– Started with a yellow-colored Flat-coated Retriever named Nous
– Mated Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle
– Descendants from various matings formed the foundation stock of the breed
– Marjoribanks also used a sandy-colored Bloodhound and another Labrador in subsequent years
– Initially called the Flat-coated Retriever, Golden
– Recorded by the Kennel Club in the same register as Flat-coats in 1903
– Exhibited at conformation shows in 1908
– Golden Retriever Club formed in 1911
– Officially recognized as the Golden Retriever by the Kennel Club in 1920
Popularity and Spread
– Popularity increased after the First World War
– Spread through much of the Western world in the 1920s and 1930s
– Recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1927
– Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1932
– Registered in France in 1934 and Australia in 1937
Description
– Powerfully built, medium-sized breed of dog
– Height ranges from 56 to 61 centimeters for dogs and 51 to 56 centimeters for bitches
– Weight ranges from 25 to 34 kilograms
– Broad head with well-defined stop, dark eyes, and large black nose
– Double coat with long, flat or wavy outer coat and dense undercoat
Temperament
– Intelligent, gentle-natured, and affectionate breed
– Calm and biddable, easy to train and eager to please
– Excellent pets and family dogs, tolerant of children
– Often lacks guarding instincts
– Some variations in aggression due to genetic factors
Popularity and Uses
– Commonly kept breed of companion dog
– Frequently among the top ten dog breeds by registrations
– Competes in dog shows and obedience trials
– Can be trained as guide dogs and therapy dogs
– Used as gundogs for hunting and field trials