Golden Retriever Dog Breed | Golden Retriever Dog Breed Info
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Golden Retriever
The Breed History
Golden Retrievers are perennial favorites as companion animal dogs, but their origins were in the hunt fields of the British Isles. The hunt was a popular sport, especially fowling. The genealogy of the Golden Retriever breed is thought to include Newfoundland dogs, Tweed Water Spaniels (and other spaniels), Flat-coated Retriever, Bloodhound and Irish Setters. These dogs were first brought to North America in the 1890s. First AKC Golden Retriever breed registration occurred in 1925.
Breeding for Function
Selection was for a versatile breed that could perform well in the hunt of both upland game and waterfowl. Obedience, hunting trials, companion guide dogs for the blind, tracking, and search and rescue are talents possessed by this breed. They are generally considered a gundog.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 21.5-22.5" (54.5-57 cm), male 23-24" (58.5-61 cm).
Weight: females 55-65 lb (25-29.5 kg), males 65-75 lb (29.5-34 kg).
Coat: The double coat has a very high hair density, repels water effectively and some feathering of underbody, forelimbs, and back of thigh/underside of the tail is present. The standard color is gold, but this color exists in a spectrum from light-dark-medium-dark, with the latter preferred. Red is not accepted. Some waviness is accepted.
Longevity: 10-15 years
Points of Conformation: This dog is a muscular, powerful, balanced dog, possessing a free smooth gait. The skull is broad, and stop is well defined, the square strong muzzle blends with the skull smoothly, and there is no heaviness in the flews. The deep-set eyes are moderately wide set, and are pigmented brown. The eyelids fit closely and have dark margins. Ears are moderately short, triangular, and the nose is darkly pigmented. The neck is medium in length, and well muscled. The topline is level, and slopes slightly to the croup. The thorax is deep, and ribs well sprung. The abdomen shows little tuck up, and the thick tail is slightly curved and generally carried horizontally. The tail bones reach to the level of the tarsus. Limbs are straight boned, and the dewclaws are usually left on forelimbs. The feet are round shaped, well knuckled, and compact.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Eager, alert, friendly, trustworthy; this breed is known for the ability to tolerate other pets and children. Needs lots of exercise, easy to train, relaxed, responsive, and they rarely bite because of their waterfowl handling instincts. They have a moderate shedding tendency, and moderate grooming needs. They possess very high trainability; a real willingness to please. Though they may alarm bark, they are not considered watchdogs. Goldens need close human contact, and are not good as kenneled dogs. They need plenty of mental stimulation and play to keep them happy.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Echocardiographic Normal Values:
Parameter Mean (Range)
Weight (kg) - 32 (23-41)
Heart rate (bpm) - 100 (80-140)
LVPWD (mm) - 10 (8-12)
LVPWS (mm) - 15(10-19)
LVD (mm) - 45 (37-51)
LVS (mm) - 27 (18-35)
FS (%) - 39 (27-55)
EPSS (mm) - 5 (1-10)
RVd (mm) - 13 (7-27)
IVSd (mm) - 10 (8-13)
IVSs (mm) - 14 (10-17)
AOD (mm) - 24 (14-27)
LAS (mm) - 27 (16-32)
N - 20
LVPWD, LV posterior wall dimension at end-diastole; LVPWS, LV posterior wall thickness at end-systole; LVD, LV chamber dimension at end-diastole; LVS, LV chamber dimension at end-systole; FS, percent fractional shortening; EPSS, E-point septal separation; RVD, RV chamber dimension at end-diastole; IVSd, interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole; IVSs, interventricular septal thickness at end-systole; AOD, aortic root at end-diastole; LAS, left atrium at end-systole; N, number of animals.
Drug Sensitivities
None Reported