The Golden Retriever is everywhere these
days, so it may surprise you to know that over 80 years ago they were hard to find. The American Kennel Club officially
recognized them in 1925.
The original Golden Retrievers was a sporting-hunting dog, but with its handsome
looks and winning personality this versatile animal was destined to be much more. Not only are they great family companions,
but the golden retriever serves their human partners as guide and assistance dogs for the blind and disabled, hearing
dog for the deaf, drug and rescue dog for the lost and therapy dog for the sick and lonely.
The size of Golden Retriever varies, but generally males are about 23-24 inches in height
at the withers; females are a bit smaller 21 1/2-22 1/2 in inches. Weight once again difers, but generally I do not breed
dogs over the standard which is males 75 to 80lbs and females 55 to 65lbs. I think an extremly large Golden
Retriever is unhealthy. The extra weight will affect the knees, hips and elbows. It cannot carry itself like it
should. The movement should be smooth and powerful and well coordinated, showing good reach.
The color and coat of the Golden Retriever varies, but it should be a
rich lustrous light gold, medium gold or dark gold color. Feathering may be lighter than rest of the coat. With
the exception of graying or whitening on the face or body due to age, the color white is not desireable. These
are Golden Retrievers not white retrievers.
Grooming the Golden Retriever is a must at least once a week, otherwise their coat will
not remain in good condition. For puppies we recomend that you do it daily. Brush and comb them as a part of the
training/socialization process. Touch their paws, get them used to it because you will need to clip their nails at least
once a month. Clip the hair between the pads of the feet and toes to keep it nice and neat. If you start this while they are
puppies, they will not hesitate to let you do it as adults. They will love it.
"Purge me with hysop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I
shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
As competitors, Golden Retrievers dazzle audiences whenever they preform.
They dance around the show ring, knock 'em out in the obedience ring, and astonish judges with their ability to out
do everyone in agility. In fact I think Golden Retrievers are just basicaly overachievers!
The Golden Retriever while beautiful is more than just a pretty face or beautiful
coat. The temperament of the Golden Retriever puppy or adult could be taken out from the boy scout handbook!
This dog is friendly reliable and trustworthy. Hostility towards other dogs or people in normal situations or nervousness
is not in keeping with the Golden Retriever character and should be avoided. They are sweet, willing to do anything
you ask of them. The temperament is a hallmark of this breed.
If you are inquiring about a puppy or just interested in learning more
about this breed please give us a call or email at:
evestar1@earthlink.net Victor or Gaila Brickus 951-763-0433 pacific time
