If you are considering getting a Golden Retriever as a pet and but are unsure about this breed of dog then read on to find out some brief details that could be very helpful.

The Golden Retriever is a relatively recent breed and its history is well documented. In the 1800's game was plentiful and all the large country estates held shooting parties. Dogs of various types were used to act as shooting companions but it was Lord Tweedmouth, whose country seat was Guisachan, in Scotland, who developed yellow Retrievers. In 1868 he mated Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel, with Nous, a yellow- coloured Retriever. The resulting litter of four puppies was the foundation of the Golden Retriever breed.

Lord Tweedmouth continued to breed from this line, giving his dogs names like Primrose, Crocus and Cowslip because of their distinctive yellow colour. He allowed puppies to go to friends and relatives, as well as to other shooting estates, and the new breed soon became popular. Lord Tweedmouth and his family travelled extensively and his son took yellow Retrievers to their ranch in Texas, thus introducing the Golden Retriever to North America.

Today the breed is still used as a working gundog and its gentle easy-going nature has made it ideally suited to other disciplines. The Golden Retriever is widely used as a guide dog for the blind and by security forces for sniffing out drugs and explosives. A glamorous show dog, perhaps the breed's greatest claim to fame is as a loving companion animal. A confident dog, the Golden Retriever has a sensible, serene attitude towards life. Intelligent and enthusiastic, this breed responds well to training. If you are interested in training your dog in agility, field trials or competitive obedience, a Golden Retriever will certainly enjoy the challenge. In many ways, it is the perfect family dog; friendly and outgoing, yet loyal and affectionate with its owners.

The Golden Retriever should appear balanced and symmetrical, with a noble head and a kindly expression. The head should have no hint of coarseness; it should be balanced and well-chiselled with a powerful muzzle. The eyes should be dark and the ears of moderate size, set level with the eyes. The neck should be of sufficient length to allow the dog to scent, track and carry game. The back is level, the forelegs straight and strong and the hindquarters sturdy and muscular. The tail is well- feathered and carried level with the back. The Golden Retriever's coat is it's crowning glory. This can be flat or wavy, with good feathering and a water resistant undercoat.