Golden Retrievers are one of America鈥檚 most popular breeds year after year. This beautiful, exuberant, and loving dog breed is a devoted companion. But there鈥檚 so much more to know about this lovable breed.
Golden Retrievers Trace Their History Back to Scotland
For decades, apocryphal stories were floating around that the Golden Retriever was descended from Russian circus dogs. This theory was debunked when the records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness in聽Scotland were released.
In 1864, Lord Tweedmouth purchased a 鈥測ellow retriever鈥� named 鈥淣ous鈥� and bred him to a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named 鈥淏elle.鈥� The Golden Retrievers we know today likely descended from Nous and Belle. Thank you, Lord Tweedmouth!
They Need Lots of Exercise
These active members of the Sporting Group make poor couch potatoes. Goldens are always ready for action, whether it鈥檚 a game of fetch, hiking, swimming, or other exercise. They鈥檙e natural athletes that excel at a variety of sports.
They鈥檙e a Hard-Working Breed
Golden Retrievers are used for everything from hunting聽to rescue and service dog聽work. Despite that playful, sometimes goofy demeanor, they learn quickly and can master a multitude of skills, including how to perform as search and rescue dogs at the site of a disaster.
Golden Retrievers Make Top-Notch Therapy Dogs
Goldens are often employed as therapy dogs to soothe and calm people. Goldens seem to have reserves of empathy and unconditional love. They can help calm and comfort almost anyone, from young children to elderly patients.
They Often Stay Young at Heart
We鈥檝e all seen that exuberant puppy behavior. That tends to last longer in Golden Retrievers than in other breeds. They mature slowly and can be playful and downright silly into adulthood.
Golden Retrievers Love to Eat
They鈥檒l eat anything, from the dinner in their bowl to toys, paper, and crayons. If it鈥檚 out, it鈥檚 fair game. Goldens also tend to overeat, so savvy owners know to limit treats, carefully measure out food, and feed them only at mealtimes.
Golden Retrievers Are Naturally Mouthy
Like other retrievers, Goldens are likely to carry something around everywhere they go, such as sticks, toys, clothing, or whatever else isn鈥檛 tied down.
When Carrying Objects, They鈥檙e Known For Their Soft Mouths
All retrievers must have a mouth 鈥渟oft鈥� enough to pick up and hold game (like ducks) without damaging them. The Golden鈥檚 mouth is so soft, it鈥檚 said they can carry a raw egg in their mouths without cracking the shell.
Goldens Shine in Dog Sports
As intelligent, athletic dogs, Goldens are exceptional competitors in dog sports like obedience, agility, dock diving, and more.
They鈥檙e a Perennially Popular Breed
The breed is perennially among the list of most popular dog breeds in the United States for decades. Their charm and appeal are simply timeless!