About the breed

The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland in the second half of the 19th century, around 1860.

• Founder: Lord Tweedmouth (Dudley Marjoribanks) set out to breed a dog suited to retrieving wildfowl in Scotland: hardy, an excellent swimmer and able to carry game gently without damaging it.

• Early breeding: Records describe his yellow retriever Nous being paired with a Tweed Water Spaniel, a now-extinct breed. Irish Setter and Bloodhound ancestry was introduced in later generations.

• Recognition: The British Kennel Club recognised Golden Retrievers as a distinct breed in 1913. They were originally called Yellow Retrievers before the name changed to reflect their golden coat.

• Original purpose: These are retrieving dogs. Their job was to find shot game on land or in water and bring it back to the hunter.

A long-standing story claimed the breed descended from Russian circus dogs. Lord Tweedmouth’s breeding records later disproved it.

Golden Retrievers are medium-to-large, well-balanced and athletic dogs. Males typically stand 56–61 cm at the shoulder and females 51–56 cm.

• Coat: Their double coat has a dense, water-resistant undercoat and a straight or gently wavy outer coat. Accepted shades range from cream to gold, but not red or mahogany. Feathering on the legs, chest, belly and tail gives the breed its elegant outline.

• Head and expression: A broad head, defined stop, dark brown eyes and drop ears give the breed its characteristically kind, intelligent expression.

• Breeding lines: European show lines are often lighter in colour and more substantial in build. American working lines are commonly leaner and more agile, with a deeper golden coat suited to field work.

Golden Retrievers do not have black coats. A similar-looking black dog may be a Flat-Coated Retriever.

Golden Retrievers are exceptionally friendly dogs, known for their gentle and sociable nature.

• People-loving: They enjoy the company of family, visitors and new friends. They do not do well with prolonged isolation.

• Gentle and patient: They can be excellent companions for children, although play with young children should always be supervised because of their size and energy.

• Eager to please: Their willingness to work with people makes them highly trainable.

• Other animals: They usually get on well with other dogs and, with appropriate socialisation, can live happily with cats and smaller pets.

• Playful for life: Many keep their cheerful, puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood.

• Not guard dogs: A Golden Retriever is far more likely to greet a visitor than to guard the property.

Their temperament also makes them well suited to therapy, guide-dog and search-and-rescue work.

Golden Retrievers have plenty of energy. Without enough activity and stimulation, boredom can lead to destructive behaviour.

• Physical exercise: A brief walk around the block is not enough. Most need a good long walk every day, with opportunities to run and explore safely.

• Retrieving and swimming: Fetch games, training dummies and swimming are often favourites; swimming is also gentle on the joints.

• Mental stimulation: Scent games, food puzzles and training give these intelligent dogs a rewarding job to do.

• Carrying things: Many Goldens naturally greet people with a toy, slipper or other object in their mouth. It is a normal expression of excitement.

• Rest: Learning to settle is as important as exercise. A balanced routine helps prevent overexcitement.

A well-exercised, mentally engaged Golden Retriever is a happy companion.