Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers, also commonly known as Goldens, stand around 21-24 inches tall. Their average life span is 10-12 years, and they generally weigh from 55-75 pounds. Golden retrievers are very popular and well known throughout the world. They rank 3rd in the American Kennel Club's most popular breeds. They have broad heads with long snouts and dark friendly eyes. Their bodies are long, muscular, and strong. Golden Retrievers, as suggested by their name, come in a variety of shades of gold or cream. They are sturdy dogs with strong tails and have a fun and friendly temperament. 

Golden Retrievers are said to have originated in Inverness-Shire Scotland in the 1800s. Lord Tweedmouth, also known as Dudley Marjoribanks, developed the great breed specifically for retrieving waterfowl, making them excellent swimmers and fetchers. Throughout 1840-1890, Marjoribanks wrote numerous, detailed notes of breedings as he attempted to make a gundog well suited for retrieving game in rough and rocky terrain as well as a wet climate. Throughout his numerous breedings, which eventually led to the beloved Golden Retriever, Marjoribanks crossed a Yellow Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel. Somewhere along the way Irish Setter and Bloodhound were also added to the mix. 

Golden Retrievers, while they are all the same breed, are divided into three subgroups based on different country's preferences. There is the English Golden Retriever, the American Golden Retriever, and the Canadian Golden Retriever. English Golden Retrievers are often called English Cream Goldens due to their very light coats. In England, they are more accepting of shorter Goldens than America or Canada. They also find the cream and light coats more desirable. It has also been shown that they tend to shed more than the American or Canadian Golden Retrievers. The Canadian Golden Retrievers generally have shorter and thinner coats than American and English Retrievers and are gold and cream. While some American Goldens have reddish-golden coats, Canadian Golden Retrievers do not.

Goldens are the fourth most intelligent dog breed, with the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepard just barely taking the lead. With their friendly, loving, and loyal qualities Goldens make great service dogs. Not only can they help take care of those who need them most, they are also used in the military and police force. They are also great family pets. Golden Retrievers have a reputation of being patient, friendly, and eager to please. If you are looking for a faithful, intelligent, and trustworthy companion I highly recommend a Golden Retriever for you!