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Dog breed: Golden Retriever

According to 2005 statistics from the AKC (American Kennel Club), Golden Retrievers were the second most popular dog breed. Golden retrievers have been popular ever since they were recognized as a breed. There are many reasons. Find out why Golden Retrievers are so beloved.

Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland. They were bred to be retrievers for bird hunters.

There are varying opinions on which breeds were crossed to develop the Golden Retriever. The majority of experts believe that Golden Retrievers were originally crossed with a Tweed Water Spaniel and a yellow colored retriever dog breed.

If you don't know how to recognize a Golden Retriever, you don't have to look far. Some famous Golden Retrievers include Duke from Bush's Beans commercials, Shadow from the "Homeward Bound" movies, "Air Bud" movies, "You've Got Mail" movie, and Comet from television's "Full House".

There are two types of Golden Retrievers- American and English. Their only difference is in their appearance. English Golden Retrievers have a lighter yellow coat, sometimes almost white. They are broader than American Golden Retrievers, but shorter. American Golden Retrievers more resemble hunting dogs with their slim builds and long, lanky legs. The American Golden Retriever's coat is darker than the English, sometimes almost red.

Golden Retrievers get to their full size and weight at around age two. They are about two feet high at the shoulders or a little shorter. The average weight for a Golden Retriever is about seventy pounds.

Besides being popular pets, Golden Retrievers are useful in many ways. Golden Retrievers are excellent gun dogs for hunting, and of course they are used for retrieving. The breed is used for guide dogs for the blind, in search and rescue missions, and as therapy dogs. Golden Retrievers also score very well in obedience and agility contests.

If you want to base your decision on temperament when picking a breed, it's hard to beat a Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are least likely to bite than virtually any other breed. They are extremely patient dogs. Golden Retrievers love humans, and are very easygoing with children. This dog breed is very friendly, playful, and intelligent.

Golden Retrievers are a handful when they are puppies. Be prepared to give them lots of attention. For that matter, Golden Retrievers require lots of attention and companionship throughout their lives in order to be happy. They remain active and playful throughout their adulthood.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Dog breed: Golden Retriever

  • 1 of 28

    by Paul S Dutt

    The Golden retriever is a splendid breed of dog known for its gentle temperament and serene nature. This tremendous b... read more

  • 2 of 28

    by Leah Johnson

    Golden Retrievers became a recognized breed in 1912. However, the breeding that led to the Golden started in the mid-... read more

  • 3 of 28

    by Judy Evans

    The Golden Retriever, with his superb golden coat and trustworthy, friendly nature, thoroughly deserves his place as ... read more

  • 4 of 28

    by Tammy L Mahan

    The Golden Retriever dog breed originated in Scotland. The breed is the result of the cross breeding of a yellow retr... read more

  • 5 of 28

    by amy perry

    The Golden Retriever hails from Britain when in 1830 sportsmen started on a breed to be used solely for retrieving. S... read more

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Dog breed: Golden Retriever

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