Golden Retriever

The Golden has a wonderful reputation as a bird dog, able to retrieve on land and in water with equal skill. Like the Labrador, the Golden excels in narcotic detection, retrieving, agility trials and competitive obedience competitions.

The Golden Retriever is a loveable, intelligent and confident dog that is easy to train. This dog is extremely gentle, making them excellent companions for children. Although they can become quite mischievous if left alone for long periods of time, they are well-mannered and obedient. Most are sweet and eager to please, while some are somewhat excitable and easily distracted.

This breed gets along well with other animals, including other dogs. While they are good watch dogs, they should never be considered as guard dogs. Being confident and loyal, the Golden does make an excellent therapy dog for the blind and disabled.

With sufficient exercise this dog can be comfortable living in an apartment. They do like to play fetch, and daily games can suffice as adequate exercise.

This retriever has an athletic build, standing between 20 and 24 inches and weighing between 55 and 80 pounds. Their double coat is water repellent, and as their name implies, a golden color. The hair of the Golden is smooth, with feathering, and of medium length. This dog is an average shedder with typical grooming requirements. They do need fairly regular dry shampooing to help ward of skin allergies that may lead to serious complications.

Generally speaking, the Golden Retriever is a healthy breed, living between 10 and 12 years, but some do suffer from hip dysplasia, eye conditions and skin allergies.

Most have litters of between 6 and 8 pups.