Relaxed but responsive, calm but alert, sensible and serene, the Golden is, in many ways, the ideal family companion. This affection-demanding, multipurpose, easy to train, and attractive breed is even more popular in North America and Scandinavia than in its native Great Britain. Bred to retrive waterfowl, it has a gentle mouth and will rarely snap or bite - it is especially patient with children. Different breed lines have evolved for different purposes. One variety works as a gundog, another has been developed for use in field trials, while the largest line is devoted to the show ring and family life. A fourth breeding line has produced dogs that are trained excluively as assistants for blind or disabled people. Popularity has unfortunately produced inherited defects in some lines, such as allergic skin conditions, eye problems, and even irritable snappiness. Records reveal that this gentle breed was developed in the late 1800s, by crossing a light-colored Flat-Coated Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. The first Goldens were exhibited in 1908.
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
Weight range: 60-80 lb (27-36 kg)
Height range: 20-24 in (51-61 cm)
These dogs are usually a cream and/or gold color.
