Sweet, charming and very mild-mannered, we haven’t met a Golden we didn’t like. Their eyes are full of love and devotion, and their soft muzzles always seem to be smiling. Goldens thrive on close human companionship, and want nothing more than to be petted, loved, and of course the odd treat here and there would be nice. They are very gentle and loyal dogs, it’s no wonder they are one of the most popular breed of dogs!
Golden Retrievers originated in the 19th century in Scotland when Lord Tweedsmouth purchased a male yellow wavy-coated Retriever and bred him with a Tweed Water Spaniel (a breed now extinct). This union resulted in four yellow puppies: the first Golden Retrievers.
Early Goldens were primarily used as hunting dogs to retrieve game, particularly waterfowl. They were bred with soft mouths so they could gently retrieve the waterfowl without damaging it, and they were bred to be water dogs as well. Because they are intelligent, adaptable, and quick to learn, working Goldens are used as guide and assistance dogs, and also for search and rescue, tracking, obedience, and drug detection.
The Golden’s coat is either flat or wavy and has a dense, water-resisting undercoat. Early Golden Retrievers were known as ‘Flat-coats’ and were defined by their yellow colour. A Golden, by UK Standards, can be either gold or cream-coloured, but red or mahogany-coloured Goldens are not ‘permissible’ colours.
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Liz Bradley is a dog lover who lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her husband,