| The Golden Retriever is a popular breed of | | | | because of this. Though they are |
| dog that was used as a retrieving dog while | | | | intelligent, they require a companion to be |
| hunting wild fowl in the past. It is one of | | | | happy which makes them great assistance dogs. |
| the most common dogs for families now as it | | | | Golden Retrievers also enjoy retrieving |
| is very tolerant, easy to handle and doesn't | | | | anything, from tennis balls to |
| require much from the owners besides | | | | frisbees.Golden Retrievers were grown in |
| exercise, food and visits to the vet. Though | | | | Scotland and come from a cross of a yellow |
| known to get along well with other dogs and | | | | dog, Nous and a Tweed Water Spaniel named |
| people, they sometimes get human traits and | | | | Belle. They continued to breed as they were |
| then are not very fond of other dogs. Due to | | | | the idea of the best hunting dog. The idea |
| its friendly nature, Golden Retrievers are | | | | was to create a dog that was not only |
| not good watchdogs. However, they are liked | | | | powerful but gentle and affectionate towards |
| for their fondness of people.Golden | | | | people.Unfortunately since they are often |
| Retrievers are athletic dogs that are well | | | | profitable dogs, many corrupt breeders don't |
| balanced. They are a large breed, but are | | | | take care of them and they are prone to quite |
| slightly longer than they are tall. Golden | | | | a few diseases. Hip dysplasia is a common |
| Retrievers have an outgoing temperament with | | | | problem in the breed, along with von |
| a very luxurious coat. The coat is usually | | | | Willebrand's disease and cataracts. |
| straight, waterproof and dense. Golden | | | | Potential owners should check to make sure |
| Retrievers do not have hard, silky, or | | | | that the parents of the dog had healthy hips |
| wool-like hair. As they become older, their | | | | as well.Since purebred Golden Retrievers are |
| coats can become darker in color while the | | | | in high demand, many are sadly abandoned by |
| fur around their face whitens.Golden | | | | owners who no longer care for them. The dogs |
| Retrievers are about 22 to 24 inches tall but | | | | end up in animal shelters, but fortunately |
| reach that height after only one year of age. | | | | there are many organizations which try to |
| After their second year, they maintain their | | | | rescue and adopt these abandoned Golden |
| weight at 60 to 75 pounds.This breed of dog | | | | Retrievers. They are often placed in foster |
| is quite active, but also very patient. | | | | homes until a permanent home for them is |
| Their history as dogs sitting and waiting for | | | | found.There are also quite a few famous |
| the catch during hunts may be the cause of | | | | Golden Retrievers, such as Comet from Full |
| this. They also enjoy cold water, which may | | | | House, the star of the movie Air Bud, |
| also be a trait gained from their hunting | | | | Liberty, President Ford's pet and Speedy from |
| past. Retrievers are affectionate towards | | | | The Drew Carey Show. |
| people and are often used as therapy dogs | | | | |