Origins:
The Golden Retriever was originally bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century. At that time, wildfowl hunting was a popular sport for the wealthy Scottish elite, but the existing retriever breeds were inadequate for retrieving downed game from both water and land. Retrieving from both land and water was necessary because the hunting grounds of the time were pocketed with marshy ponds and rivers. Consequently, the best water spaniels were crossed with the existing retrievers, resulting in the establishment of the breed today known as the Golden Retriever. Named 'retriever' because of their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged. Golden Retrievers have an instinctive love of water, and are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards.
Lifestyle:
The Golden Retriever, or ‘Goldie’, was originally a working gun dog which retrieved game in the hunting field. The Retriever has adapted to many roles, including being a guide dog for the blind and other types of assistance dog. He is a popular family pet but requires proper socialisation as a puppy. The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described as kindly, friendly and confident. As a largish hunting dog he needs plenty of opportunities for long walks and off lead exercise. He has a thick coat which sheds and will need grooming at least twice a week.
Notable:
Liberty was the presidential pet of the 38th President of the United States Gerald R. Ford
Victory was the presidential pet of the 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan
Also featured in a number of films and TV series, including the Air Bud film series, Full House, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, Fluke, Napoleon, Up, Pushing Daisies, You've Got Mail, The Drew Carey Show, and Cats & Dogs. Cash from The Fox and the Hound 2 was also a mix of this breed, as was Whopper from Pound Puppies.
A female Golden Retriever named Goldie appeared on the UK BBC One children's programme Blue Peter from 1978 to 1986.
Monty Don, a presenter of the UK BBC Two gardening programme Gardeners' World has a male Golden Retriever called Nigel who appears with him most of the time on the programme.
Lifespan:
The average lifespan for a Golden Retriever is about 11 to 12 years. They are susceptible to specific ailments, so should be taken to a vets for yearly checkups.
Health:
A 2004 survey by the UK Kennel Club says around 38.8% of Retrievers suffer with Cancer. Although most puppies are screened for the disorders before being sold (by reputable breeders), hip and elbow dysplasia afflict one-fifth of dogs. Eye diseases are also possible in the breed; cataracts are the most common eye disease, but they can also be afflicted with progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, distichiasis, entropion, corneal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia. They may suffer from heart disease, especially subvalvular aortic stenosis, and cardiomyopathy and joint diseases, including patella luxation, osteochondritis, panosteitis, and cruciate ligament rupture. Golden Retrievers can suffer from skin diseases; the most prevalent skin problem is allergies (often leading to acute moist dermatitis or "hot spots"), with the most common allergy being to fleas. They can also suffer from seborrhoea, sebaceous adenitis, self-inflicted lick granuloma, and haemophilia.
Ideal Weight:
Female: 25-32kg
Male: 30-34kg