| "> | | | | given tasks. They also have a strong sense of |
| It is so easy to fall in love with the golden | | | | smell. They are often employed as hunting dogs, |
| retriever. Whether it is the friendly glow of their | | | | guide dogs for the blind, illegal drug detectors, in |
| golden coats, their intelligence and loyalty, or their | | | | search and rescue, and as fire dogs. |
| natural work ethic, there is something attractive | | | | 7. American and European goldens are different. |
| about these dogs. Here is a list of helpful facts | | | | The AKC (American Kennel Club) Breed Standard |
| about golden retriever information. | | | | is different than the KC and other European |
| 1. Golden retrievers are one of the friendliest | | | | Breed Standards. Red and mahogany shades of |
| breed of dogs. They are friendly toward their | | | | gold are allowed in the American show ring, but |
| owners, strangers, other dogs, and other pets. | | | | not in Europe. Light cream shades of gold are |
| This is why they are so popular as family dogs. | | | | allowed in European competitions, but not in the U. |
| They are the 4th most registered breed as | | | | S. European dogs tend to be shorter and stockier, |
| family dogs in the world. | | | | while American dogs often have longer coats. |
| 2. The first ever 3 AKC Obedience Champions | | | | 8. Golden retrievers have a 'soft' mouth. They |
| were goldens. They are known as intelligent dogs, | | | | were bred to retrieve shot game without |
| and are easy to train. They respond better to | | | | damaging it. They have been known to retrieve |
| positive reinforcement training, than to harsh | | | | eggs without breaking them. |
| penalties. Talented dogs, they also excel in agility, | | | | 9. 'White' or snowy looking goldens are really light |
| tracking, and hunting competitions. | | | | cream colored. Breed Standards don't allow for |
| 3. Their golden coats are lighter when they are | | | | these dogs to be white in color. These lighter |
| puppies. You can look at the ears of a puppy to | | | | colored dogs are European or British dogs. |
| gauge the future color of the dog. | | | | 10. Poor breeding practices have led to a number |
| 4. They were developed near the banks of Loch | | | | of health problems in this breed. Responsible |
| Ness. In search of the perfect hunting retriever, | | | | breeders test each breeding pair for these health |
| Baron Tweedmouth bred the first goldens in the | | | | issues, before they have puppies. The most |
| late 1800's. His highland estate was in the North of | | | | common health problems in these dogs are hip |
| Scotland, just to the North of Loch Ness. To be | | | | and knee dysplasia, heart and thyroid problems, |
| sure, the Loch Ness Monster's best friend was a | | | | cataracts and other eye issues, and cancer. The |
| golden retriever! | | | | average golden retriever lives 10 to 15 years. |
| 5. Goldens love to swim. They love retrieving | | | | 11. Goldens require grooming. Brushing that |
| things in the water, and they are excellent dock | | | | gorgeous golden coat is recommended twice per |
| jumpers. That beautiful golden coat is water | | | | week. They are not a good dog for people with |
| resistant. They like lots of exercise. In fact, daily | | | | sensitive allergies. |
| exercise is recommended. | | | | 12. They make good surrogate Mothers for other |
| 6. Golden retrievers make great service dogs. | | | | animals. Golden Mothers have taken care of |
| They enjoy human companionship, and being | | | | kittens, zoo tigers, and other animals. |