The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland in the second half of the nineteenth century by Lord Tweedmouth, who wanted a gundog that would retrieve reliably from both land and water. The breed was built from a yellow retriever crossed with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with later additions.

Appearance

Medium to large, sturdy and balanced, weighing roughly 25 to 34 kg with males larger than females. The coat is dense, water repellent and double layered, straight or wavy, with feathering on the legs, chest and tail, in shades from cream to rich gold.

Life expectancy is generally around 10 to 12 years.

Temperament

Friendly, confident, biddable and tolerant, which is why the breed is so widely used as an assistance and therapy dog.

Two things follow from the breed’s history that owners should expect. They were bred to carry things in their mouths, so they mouth objects, carry shoes around and greet visitors with something in their teeth. And they were bred to work alongside people all day, so they want company and do poorly left alone for long periods.

They are not guard dogs. A Golden Retriever will usually show a stranger where the valuables are.

What the breed needs

Substantial daily exercise once mature, plus mental work: retrieving games, scent work, training. An under-exercised Golden becomes destructive and vocal.

Puppies need their exercise limited while the growth plates are open. Repetitive forced exercise and stair work in a large breed puppy contributes to joint problems later.

The coat

Brush two or three times a week, and daily during the heavy moults in spring and autumn. Pay attention to the feathering behind the ears, on the legs and under the tail, where mats form.

Do not clip a Golden Retriever short. The double coat insulates against heat as well as cold; clipping removes that protection, and in some dogs the coat does not grow back correctly. Removing the dead undercoat is what actually helps the dog stay cool.

Ears are pendulous and trap moisture, so check and dry them after swimming and check them weekly for redness or smell.

Health

Cancer. Golden Retrievers have a notably high rate compared with other breeds, particularly haemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. This is the single most important health fact about the breed. Any lump, sudden weakness, pale gums or unexplained weight loss deserves prompt attention rather than watching.

Hip and elbow dysplasia. Common. Ask about the parents’ hip and elbow scores before buying a puppy.

Eye disease, including hereditary cataract and progressive retinal atrophy. Breeding stock should be eye tested.

Ear infections, from the coat and the pendulous ear.

Obesity. Goldens gain weight readily and are highly motivated by food. Excess weight worsens joint disease and shortens life. Body condition should be checked by feel, not by the scales alone.

Gastric torsion, as with other deep chested breeds.

Routine care

Annual health checks and twice yearly from around seven, current vaccination and parasite control, dental care, weight kept lean, ears checked weekly, and any lump examined rather than watched.