The Golden Retriever: Man's Best Friend

The Golden Retriever is a popular breed of dog that was used as a retrieving dog while hunting wild fowl in the past.  It is one of the most common dogs for families now as it is very tolerant, easy to handle and doesn't require much from the owners besides exercise, food and visits to the vet.  Though known to get along well with other dogs and people, they sometimes get human traits and then are not very fond of other dogs.  Due to its friendly nature, Golden Retrievers are not good watchdogs.  However, they are liked for their fondness of people. 

Golden Retrievers are athletic dogs that are well balanced.  They are a large breed, but are slightly longer than they are tall.  Golden Retrievers have an outgoing temperament with a very luxurious coat.  The coat is usually straight, waterproof and dense.  Golden Retrievers do not have hard, silky, or wool-like hair.  As they become older, their coats can become darker in color while the fur around their face whitens. 

Golden Retrievers are about 22 to 24 inches tall but reach that height after only one year of age.  After their second year, they maintain their weight at 60 to 75 pounds. 

This breed of dog is quite active, but also very patient.  Their history as dogs sitting and waiting for the catch during hunts may be the cause of this.  They also enjoy cold water, which may also be a trait gained from their hunting past.  Retrievers are affectionate towards people and are often used as therapy dogs because of this.  Though they are intelligent, they require a companion to be happy which makes them great assistance dogs.  Golden Retrievers also enjoy retrieving anything, from tennis balls to frisbees. 

Golden Retrievers were grown in Scotland and come from a cross of a yellow dog, Nous and a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle.  They continued to breed as they were the idea of the best hunting dog.  The idea was to create a dog that was not only powerful but gentle and affectionate towards people. 

Unfortunately since they are often profitable dogs, many corrupt breeders don't take care of them and they are prone to quite a few diseases.  Hip dysplasia is a common problem in the breed, along with von Willebrand's disease and cataracts.  Potential owners should check to make sure that the parents of the dog had healthy hips as well. 

Since purebred Golden Retrievers are in high demand, many are sadly abandoned by owners who no longer care for them.  The dogs end up in animal shelters, but fortunately there are many organizations which try to rescue and adopt these abandoned Golden Retrievers.  They are often placed in foster homes until a permanent home for them is found. 

There are also quite a few famous Golden Retrievers, such as Comet from Full House, the star of the movie Air Bud, Liberty, President Ford's pet and Speedy from The Drew Carey Show.  Golden Retrievers are popular because of their caring attitude towards people and the wonderful companionship that they can bring to a family. 

***************************************************
* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Dog Guide
* Visit us for more information.
***************************************************

Golden Retriever - Yahoo! News Search Results
Golden Retriever - Yahoo! News Search Results

Wonder Dog: A Golden Retriever Reaches a Raging Boy
A golden retriever was the only thing that could reach a raging, disconnected boy.
Update: Wounded dog gets new home, new name
A 3-year-old golden retriever that was shot last month how has a  new home.
Golden Retriever Puppy Heidi Shot to Death in Maryland: Help Find Her Killer
Golden retriever puppy Heidi was shot to death in Maryland. Her owners are looking for help finding her killer.
Video: Kobe the therapy dog is retiring
After ten years of helping children with autism learn to pet, brush and walk a dog, Kobe the Golden Retriever is retiring. A special birthday party was held in his honor Tuesday, at The Timothy School in Berwyn.
Dog found with gunshot wounds last month is being adopted
A 3-year-old golden retriever that was shot last month is getting a new home.
Golden retriever is another set of eyes at Vista Lakes Elementary
Remember the dog who helps inspire special education students during gym classes in Orange County schools? Well, there?s a dog of a different sort at Vista Lakes Elementary, also in Orange County. Six-year-old Ethan, a Golden Retriever, is computer tech Steve Sweeney?s seeing eye dog. Without him, ?I couldn?t safely get around anymore,? said Sweeney, who [...]
Novak Djokovic's winning streak can see golden retriever turn into the GOAT
Australian Open champion's winning streak could see him earn a place among the game's all-time greats.
Wisteria Goldens Donates an English Cream Golden Retriever Puppy to Benefit R...
English Cream Golden Retriever breeders, Billy & Debbie Franklin of Wisteria Goldens, to donate a puppy to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Arkansas.Parks, AR (PRWEB) January 23, 2012 On February 11, 2012, McDonald?s of Central Arkansas will present the ninth annual Chocolate Fantasy Ball, with proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas. Top breeder of English ...
Wonder Dog
A golden retriever was the only thing that could reach a raging, disconnected boy.
Golden retriever puppy found shot and killed on Maryland farm
Heidi, the Golden Retriever puppy, loved to play - especially in water.