Golden Retriever: Characteristics, history, and more

Some dog breeds are often intimidating due to their size; however, the Golden Retriever is an extremely gentle and affectionate breed, with an excellent relationship with children, seniors, and other pets.

Additionally, dogs of this breed will go to great lengths to see their family happy. For these reasons and more, it is one of the most popular breeds in Brazil, especially in the state of São Paulo. In general, its characteristics are as follows:

Origin: Scotland
Weight: 25-34 kg
Height: 56-60 cm
Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Continue reading to discover everything about the history of the Golden Retriever.

Origin of the Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever breed emerged and developed around the 19th century in England, specifically in Scotland.

The breed was conceived and developed by Lord Tweedmouth, an important Scottish politician and enthusiast.

During that time, various breeds already served as “retrievers” – dogs responsible for finding shot game and bringing it to their owners. However, none of them had characteristics to withstand the unfavorable conditions of the region.

With this in mind, Lord Tweedmouth selected specimens from various different breeds – including flat-coated retrievers, tweed water spaniels (a breed that became extinct in the late 19th century), terriers, and setters – and crossbred them.

As a result of these crossbreeds, a sporting dog emerged, good at hunting, swimming, gentle, easy to train, and with a golden-yellow coat distinct from other dogs, known as the “Golden Retriever.”

However, Golden Retrievers were not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club until 1927. In a short time, it became one of the most popular breeds in various countries, including the United States, Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Golden Retriever Temperament

Ask anyone familiar with the breed to describe it, and you’ll likely hear words like “cute,” “calm,” and “polite,” making you fall in love with these furry animals before even meeting them – if you haven’t already.

Similar to Labradors, Goldens will always be remembered for their super calm temperament and their constant desire to please their families.

As it became a very popular breed, unfortunately, it also came from illegal breeders who did not value the breed’s characteristics. Thus, although rare, some Golden Retrievers deviate from this docile and sociable trait.

Therefore, if you plan to acquire a Golden Retriever, it is important to find a responsible breeder who values the breed’s characteristics.

What are the benefits of raising a Golden Retriever?

Full of affection, love, and intelligence, this breed is perfect for those seeking more joy in the home. The love that a Golden Retriever provides and evokes is unconditional. Moreover, the Golden is a companion for the entire family.

Therefore, one of the main advantages of the golden dog is that it is a friend to everyone and always seeks affection – even from strangers. Additionally, it is known for being cheerful and full of energy, as well as being easy to train as a puppy.

Golden Retriever: Polite but Active!

The Golden has been a working dog from the beginning, and as such, it is an active and energetic dog! Although it is a very polite dog, if not stimulated with the necessary frequency, it will undoubtedly develop bad behavior.

All this willingness to train and please others, if not put into constructive action, will find destructive alternatives. Walks and playtime will undoubtedly help maintain a healthier and more docile dog at home.

Although these are the main behavioral characteristics of a Golden Dog, it is always important to talk to more than one breeder and explain what you are looking for in your future furry companion if you plan to have the company of this docile and loving dog.

Characteristics of the Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are considered medium/large-sized dogs, very active and well-behaved. They have a height of up to 61 cm at the shoulder and can weigh up to 36 kg without being overweight.

Despite not being a small dog, living in a confined space like an apartment is not necessarily a problem. As mentioned earlier, these dogs easily adapt to such spaces as long as they are regularly stimulated.

They don’t necessarily need a large house with a big yard. Of course, the more space they have to play and expend energy, the better. But with good walking habits, they will surely do well in the space of your home!

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