Golden Retriever
Sporting Group
Height at Shoulders
Females 21.5-22.5 in, Males 23-24 in
Weight
Females 55-65 lbs, Males 65-75 lbs
Life Expectancy
10-12 yrs
History
The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands between 1840 and 1980. The breed was developed by Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, who sought a gundog that was suited for the rain and rugged terrain of the region his estate was in. He crossed a mystery yellow retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel and added Irish Setter and Bloodhound to perfect the breed. The Golden Retriever is now a very popular companion dog, ranking as number 3 out of 192 breeds according to the American Kennel Club.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Golden Retrievers share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
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★★★★★
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
Intelligence
★★★★★
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★★★
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
Energy Level
★★★★★
Sensitivity
★★★★★
Noise Level
★★★☆☆
Prey Drive
★★★☆☆
Shedding
★★★★★
Common Traits
Very adaptable, easy to train, and good-natured; there's a good reason they're the 3rd most popular dog breed in the United States!
Favorite activites include swimming and playing fetch
Loving, eager to please, and people-oriented, making friends with everyone they meet
Have a lot of energy and need lots of mental stimulation and exercise (preferable a job to perform)- bored Goldens can be naughty
Slow to mature and keep their puppy-like personality into old age
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- Excitability