So you have decided to go looking for a Golden Retriever puppy. According to some sources, you will be bringing home a new friend who represents the second most popular breed in the United States.
A member of the American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) Sporting Group, your Golden Retriever puppy has ancestry dating back to the late 18th century, where Golden Retrievers were bred specifically for the purpose of retrieving waterfowl. There are many complete records of the development of what we now know as the Golden Retriever in the books of the gamekeepers of the Guisachan estate of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness-Shire, Scotland. Lord Tweedmouth's efforts to breed a soft-mouthed retrieving dog that loved the water and worked well with human partners resulted in the dog we know and love today. Golden Retrievers were first shown at the Crystal Palace show in London in 1908 as Flat Coats (Golden).
Your Golden Retriever puppy of today displays many of the characteristics that Lord Tweedmouth worked so diligently to achieve. Golden Retrievers are powerful, active and intelligent dogs of great charm, and extremely good nature. When grown, your Golden Retriever male will be 22-24 inches at the shoulder and weigh in at 65-75 pounds. Females will be 21 1/2-22 1/2 inches at the shoulder, and weigh 55-65 pounds. This is a lot of dog in an active package, so make sure you are ready for that commitment.
Fortunately for you, one of the most notable characteristics of your new Golden Retriever puppy is his even temperament. He is almost always in a good mood, up and ready to learn. Goldens are highly intelligent dogs with an eager-to-please attitude that will make obedience training relatively easy for you. Just remember to keep it fun, because your Golden Retriever puppy has a true canine joie de vivre, and loves a happy time.
Golden Retrievers are such social dogs that they truly need to be around people in order to be happy. If you are up and out all day, every day, don't even think of bringing that Golden Retriever puppy home. A lonely Golden is a bored Golden is a naughty Golden! And, as you can imagine, a dog that big can do a lot of damage. Make sure to spend a lot of time with your Golden Retriever puppy and you will avoid a lot of consternation for both of you.
Spending time with your Golden Retriever puppy will not be a chore, since they are such happy members of the canine world. Who can resist that Golden Retriever smile? But your Golden Retriever puppy is so much more than a pretty face. These water-loving dogs are cracker-jack hunting partners and their intelligence and even temperament make them ideal companion dogs for the disabled or as Seeing Eye dogs for the blind as well. Goldens have also been used successfully in tracking endeavors and narcotics detection.
Your Golden Retriever puppy has a smooth, double coat. It is easy to groom with a firm bristle brush and this should be done at least twice weekly to keep the coat free of dead hair and to avoid matting in the soft undercoat. Also, since your Golden Retriever puppy may be prone to skin allergies, this will allow you to have immediate knowledge of anything beginning and let you seek prompt veterinary care.
The Golden Retriever puppy you bring home will be your active, loyal and loving friend for 10-12 years. Charming, intelligent and lively, Golden Retrievers are outstanding family dogs, and known for their patience and gentleness with children.
