Golden Retriever

Type: Gun Dog; Origin of Great Britain

Height: Females: 20 - 22 inches; Males: 22 - 24 inches

Weight: Females: 55 - 65 lbs.; Males: 65 - 80 lbs

Coat: Flat or wavy coat with a good feathering on the chest, legs and underbelly. Golden Retrievers have a double coat; a dense, water-resistant undercoat, and a thick, straight or wavy outer coat.

Description: Golden Retrievers are among the most popular breeds in America, and for good reason. They are powerful, active dogs, sound and well balanced. Golden Retrievers possess a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. A Golden Retriever is an ideal sportsman's companion, family pet, gundog, guide or service dog. Gentle with children, they enjoy the endless attention that children provide, as well as a high tolerance for children who are not so well-behaved. Golden Retrievers love to swim and should be allowed to do so whenever possible. Though they will adapt well to a kennel environment, they prefer human companionship and are not happy in solitude. Golden Retrievers delight in learning and in pleasing their owners, and are known to have an incredibly affable personality. They do not do well as guard dogs, however large they are, because they are more likely to wag a tail than bare any teeth. Golden Retrievers are trustworthy, reliable dogs that have been bred for several different specific reasons, resulting in several lines of dogs meant for their specific duty. Some of these lines are bred for either retrieving and field skills, guides for the blind, or show dogs with family personalities. Golden Retrievers are large dogs, from light pale yellow to burning golden sunset colors. They have generally flat or wavy fur that is medium length, furnishing featherings on the legs, chest, and underbelly. They are handsome dogs not only in appearance, but in personality.

Special Needs: Exercise and grooming

Life Span: 10 - 15 years.