Golden Retriever

Yellow Retriever
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Face-On View
3/4 View
Sideways View
Standing View

Summary

  • The Golden Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog breed known for its friendly and intelligent nature, originating from Scotland for retrieving waterfowl. They are highly affectionate with families, good with children, and excel in various working roles including search and rescue and as therapy dogs.

Origin and Purpose

  • Developed in Scotland in the mid-19th century to retrieve waterfowl for hunters.

Appearance

Dimensions

GenderHeightWeight
Female21.5-22.5 inches55-65 pounds
Male23-24 inches65-75 pounds

Coat

AttributeNotes
Color
  • Various shades of gold, from light cream to deep golden.
Type
  • Dense, water-repellent double coat.
Length
  • Medium to long.

Care

AttributeNotes
Shedding
  • High.
Grooming
  • Regular brushing, especially during shedding season.
Drooling
  • Low.

Body

AttributeNotes
Head
  • Well-proportioned, with a broad skull and strong muzzle.
Skull
  • Broad, slightly arched.
Ears
  • Medium-sized, set on at approximately eye level and hanging close to the cheeks.
Eyes
  • Friendly and intelligent looking, dark brown in color.
Nose
  • Black.
Muzzle
  • Strong, straight, and tapering slightly to the nose.
Teeth
  • Scissors bite.
Neck
  • Muscular, of good length and sloping into the shoulders.
Forequarters
  • Muscular and well-angulated.
Fore Legs
  • Straight and strong with good bone.
Hindquarters
  • Broad and powerful with well-bent stifles.
Hind Legs
  • Well-muscled.
Feet
  • Round and compact with well-arched toes.
Tail
  • Long, reaching to the hock, carried level or with a slight upward curve.
Gait
  • Smooth, powerful, and well-coordinated.

Temperament

  • Intelligent, friendly, and devoted.

Social

AttributeNotes
Affectionate with Family
  • Very affectionate.
Good with Children
  • Excellent with children.
Good with Dogs
  • Generally good with other dogs.
Good with Cats
  • Generally good with cats, especially when raised together.
Openness to Strangers
  • Friendly towards strangers.
Playfulness Level
  • High.
Protective Nature
  • Low to moderate.
Adaptability Level
  • High.

Working Roles

  • Originally bred for retrieving game; now used as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs.

Exercise Needs

  • Moderate to high; requires daily exercise.

Health

  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, certain cancers, and heart conditions.

Additional Notes

  • Golden Retrievers thrive on human companionship and are eager to please.

References