Golden Retriever facts for kids
The Golden Retriever is a friendly and beautiful dog breed from Scotland. These medium-sized dogs are known for their gentle and loving nature, as well as their shiny golden fur. Many people keep them as pets, and they are very popular in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Golden Retrievers are also very smart and can be trained for many jobs. They often compete in dog shows and obedience trials. They are also used as gundogs to help hunters, and some even become guide dogs for people who are blind.
This breed was first created in the late 1800s by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks at his estate in Scotland called Guisachan. He bred Flat-coated Retrievers with Tweed Water Spaniels, and also added a bit of Red Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Bloodhound. The Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1913. After the First World War, Golden Retrievers became popular all over the world.
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Contents
History of the Golden Retriever Breed
The Golden Retriever breed was created in Scotland during the 1800s. A man named Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (who later became Baron Tweedmouth) wanted to create a dog that was good at retrieving game during hunts. He carefully bred Flat-coated Retrievers with Tweed Water Spaniels. He also added some other British dog breeds to get the traits he wanted.
For a long time, people told many interesting stories about how the breed started. But in 1952, Sir Dudley Marjoribanks' detailed records were published. These records showed the true story of how the Golden Retriever was developed.
In the early days, Golden Retrievers were sometimes called 'Flat-coated Retriever, Golden'. In 1911, a club was formed in England just for this breed, called the Golden Retriever Club. They gave the dogs a new name: 'Yellow or Golden Retriever'. It wasn't until 1920 that the 'Yellow or' part was dropped, and they officially became known as the 'Golden Retriever'.
A woman named Winifred Charlesworth was very important in making the breed popular. She helped create the breed club and get the dogs recognized by the Kennel Club. She also wrote the first official description of the breed, which is still mostly used today. Winifred Charlesworth was also known for making sure Golden Retrievers kept their natural hunting skills. She encouraged people to use them in field trials, which are competitions that test a dog's hunting abilities.
After the First World War, the Golden Retriever became much more popular. In the 1920s and 1930s, they spread to many parts of the world. The Canadian Kennel Club recognized them in 1927, and the American Kennel Club in 1932. Even during the Second World War, when it was hard to breed large dogs in Britain, the Golden Retriever remained popular worldwide. This meant there were always good dogs available for breeding, so the breed's special qualities were not lost.
Since the 1940s, their popularity has continued to grow. Today, the Golden Retriever is one of the most well-known and loved dog breeds in the world.
Golden Retriever Appearance and Personality
What Golden Retrievers Look Like
Golden Retrievers are strong, medium-sized dogs. According to the Kennel Club's official description, male dogs usually stand about 56 to 61 centimetres (22 to 24 in) tall. Female dogs are a bit smaller, standing about 51 to 56 centimetres (20 to 22 in) tall. Healthy adult Golden Retrievers typically weigh between 25 and 34 kilograms (55 and 75 lb).
They have a wide head with dark, friendly eyes that are set far apart. Their muzzle is strong, and they have a large black nose. Their ears are a medium size and hang down with a slight fold. Golden Retrievers have a strong neck and a deep chest. Their back is usually straight, and their long, straight tail is carried level with their back. Their legs are strong and straight, and their paws are neat and compact.
One of the most special things about a Golden Retriever is its beautiful double coat. The outer coat is long and can be flat or wavy, with longer hair (called "feathering") on their legs. The undercoat is thick and helps keep them dry and warm in wet weather. Their coat can be any shade of cream, yellow, or gold. As they get older, their coat often becomes lighter. The Kennel Club's rules say that red or mahogany (dark reddish-brown) coats are not allowed.
Originally, only yellow or golden colored dogs were permitted. But in 1936, the rules were changed to include cream-colored dogs. Today, the cream color, which can sometimes look almost white, is very popular, especially for dogs shown in conformation shows. Golden Retrievers bred for shows often have longer, finer coats than those bred for working as gundogs.
The official breed standards in North America (Canada and the United States) ask for a slightly taller dog. Also, the cream color is not allowed in their standards.
Golden Retriever Personality
Golden Retrievers are known for being very smart, gentle, and loving dogs. Like other retriever breeds, they are usually calm and eager to please their owners. This makes them very easy to train.
They make wonderful pets and family dogs. They are usually very patient and good with children. They love to join in on any family activity. Because they are so friendly, Golden Retrievers usually don't have strong guarding instincts. However, like any dog breed, individual personalities can vary, and it's important to choose a puppy from responsible breeders who focus on good temperament.
Golden Retrievers often keep many of their natural gundog instincts. They have an excellent sense of smell and love to retrieve things. Even if they aren't trained for hunting, it's common for Golden Retrievers to bring their owners toys or other objects. Compared to other retriever breeds, Golden Retrievers tend to take a bit longer to grow up and become fully mature.
Popularity and Uses of Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular pet breeds in Western countries. They are often among the top ten most registered dog breeds in places like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. They are also frequent competitors in dog shows, and some lines of Golden Retrievers are specifically bred for showing.
These smart dogs can be trained to be guide dogs for people with disabilities or therapy dogs that provide comfort to others. They also do well in obedience trials and other fun dog sports.
Golden Retrievers are still used as gundogs by hunters. They help find and bring back gamebirds like grouse and partridge. Dogs used for hunting usually come from special working lines that are bred for field use. A Golden Retriever with its thick double coat is great for working in cold and wet conditions because its coat keeps it warm and dry.
Compared to Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers are not as commonly used by hunters. One reason is that Golden Retrievers take longer to mature. A Labrador of the same age might already be a skilled hunting dog while a Golden Retriever is still learning basic training. Another reason is their long coat. It needs more care and grooming than a Labrador's short coat, especially after working in muddy areas, because their long hair can pick up dirt and burrs. Also, most Golden Retrievers today are bred as pets or for shows, so it can be harder for hunters to find puppies from proven working lines.
Golden Retriever Health
Golden Retrievers are generally a healthy breed. They usually live for about 12 to 13 years. However, sometimes when breeders are not careful and just try to meet high demand, some Golden Retrievers can have inherited health problems. These can include skin allergies, eye problems, and sometimes even a tendency to be a bit snappy. These problems are much less common in dogs that come from responsible breeders who prioritize health.
Golden Retrievers are known to be more prone to certain types of cancer than some other breeds. Studies have shown that cancer can be a cause of death in a significant number of Golden Retrievers. They are especially prone to types of cancer like hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. However, responsible breeding practices can help reduce the risk of these health issues.
Notable Golden Retrievers
- Liberty, a pet of US President Gerald R. Ford.
- Bailey, pet of US presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren.
- Orca, received the PDSA Gold Medal for being very brave.
- Mayor Max, an elected Mayor of Idyllwild, California.
See also
In Spanish: Golden retriever para niños
