Retriever was in 1925.

The AKC states that the ideal representative of the breed should be balanced and powerful with a kind expression and an eager, alert bearing. . The height range is from 21 inches to 24 inches and the weight 55 to 75 pounds depending on sex and age. The length of the body should slightly exceed the height. The head is broad, with a straight profile, dark nose, and kind, intelligent, dark brown eyes of medium size. The ears fall close to the cheek.

The neck is of medium length and blends in to the shoulders giving a strong appearance. The back is strong and level, the body symmetrical with a broad chest, well-sprung ribs and short, muscular loin. The tail is well set on, thick at the base and carried gaily either level or with some curve upwards.

The fore and hind legs are straight, turning neither in nor out, with good bone, and strong pasterns. The round feet are compact, not small and with thick pads. The smooth gait is free and powerful, displaying good reach. The Golden Retriever is a working dog and has a ground-covering trot with good reach from the shoulders and powerful drive from the hindquarters.

The double, water-repellent coat is shorter on the head, paws and fronts of legs. There is a natural ruff and some feathering on the backs of the legs, underbody and underside of tail. The resilient outer coat may be wavy or straight. The feathering may be lighter in colour than the rest of the coat. Puppies usually darken with age although the ear tips may suggest their adult colour. They shed to some degree throughout the year but more profusely twice a year. Frequent grooming (daily to weekly) will help control the amount of shedding. Use a firm bristle brush and be sure to groom right to the skin. Bald patches are not normal and should be investigated by a veterinarian. Clean their ears regularly and check the feet for burrs.

The most impressive thing about the coat is the colour which can range from a luxurious cream to a rich gold. Red coats and white coats are not acceptable as Golden Retriever colours. Apart from a few small white hairs on the chest, white or black markings of any size are frowned upon.

The British Golden Retriever differs slightly from the American dog. It is likely to have more bone and to be slightly shorter with a squarer head and muzzle. The hindquarters do not have the slight sloping off that is mentioned in the AKC standard.

Because their popularity

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