Their beautiful golden coats, intelligence, and enthusiasm for pleasing their masters have resulted in the immense popularity of this breed. Not only can they perform their original duty as a hunting companion, but their versatile working ability has also made them ideal for guiding the blind, therapy, assistance, search and rescue, and myriad other canine occupations and activities. The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland in the late 1800s by Lord Tweedmouth. He wanted to create a retriever that was especially suited for the Scottish terrain and climate and able to hunt the available game. The means to his end was accomplished through crossings of local spaniels and retrievers as well as Bloodhounds and Irish Setters. Golden Retrievers are a fun-loving and energetic breed that is very adaptable as long as they get the activity and attention they crave. Their gorgeous light to dark golden double coats are water-resistant and they shed seasonally. Regular brushing is required to keep them lustrous and tangle-free.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health, and care requirements. They also work to assure that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed become members of the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission. The nation’s top breed experts are members of the parent club.
The national parent breed club is the first and best place to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
