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