The Golden Retriever 

       The Golden Retriever is a big, muscular dog, weighing in at 55 to 75 pounds and standing 21 ½ to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. This dog breed has a broad skull, which may be why Golden Retrievers are so intelligent. The coat  is dense and water repellent and the coat color ranges from a deep, honey colored gold to a light gold. The palest gold or darkest gold colors are considered to be undesirable, as are any white patches or markings.

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      Did you know that Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be working dogs? They are members of the Sporting Group. These dogs are high energy animals and need plenty of exercise, especially while they are less than three years of age. This desire to stay busy is one reason that Golden Retrievers make good rescue, Seeing Eye, or drug sniffing dogs. If you do not keep them occupied, they will find ways to amuse themselves, such as eating your entire shoe collection.

      If you are an avid gardener, you will need to be sure you have a separate area where you can contain your dog, since most Golden Retrievers love to dig. While they are going through their puppy stage, they are also prone to chewing up shrubs.

       Since Golden Retrievers are large dogs, you may want to consider the cost of food before buying your puppy. These dogs eat a lot. Also, since Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, you may want to ask your veterinarian about feeding your puppy food that is especially formulated to help large breeds grow properly.

      It's important to consider whether the Golden Retriever is the right dog for you particularly if you have a toddler in your home. These puppies are high energy, active and busy and may accidentally knock the toddler over. If you have a Golden Retriever puppy it is best not to leave them alone with small children as accidents can occur. This does   not take away the fact that they are great family dogs.

If you do buy a puppy when you have small children, you will need to  attend puppy obedience classes and practice what you have learned at home. It will also help with the puppies socialization and teach them  good manners quickly. They must learn  how to act when they are inside or outside the home.  The Golden Retriever puppies  will grow to be large dogs and will be difficult to manage if not trained at an early age.

Golden Retrievers need frequent grooming to keep their coats from tangling. You will need to pay special attention to the area behind your dog's ears, as it is prone to developing large mats. Frequent grooming will also help you alleviate dog hair on furniture, which can be quite heavy when your dog is shedding his coat. In addition, you will need to have enough time to check your dog for ticks after he goes for a romp in the park or other grassy and wooded areas.

If you still feel that this is the breed for you, be sure to look for a good breeder to buy your puppy from. A healthy, good tempered Golden Retriever makes a wonderful, intelligent companion.

Described as friendly, outgoing, reliable,  fun, gets along well with other dogs and is good with children  the Golden Retriever makes a great family pet, therapy dog and guide dog.

The origin of the Golden Retriever is believed to be the United Kingdom where it was used in hunting.

  The Golden Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1932.