ipawprints.com Golden Retriever

GROUP: Sporting
ORIGIN: United Kingdom

History

The breed was originally developed in Scotland, at "Guisachan,” near Glen Affric, the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks (pronounced "Marchbanks"), later called Lord Tweedmouth. For many years, there was controversy over which breeds were originally crossed. Especially popular was a romantic story concerning the purchase of a whole troupe of Russian sheepdogs from a visiting circus. However, in 1952, the publication of Majoribanks’ breeding records from 1835 to 1890 removed all doubt.

The original cross was of a yellow-colored dog, Nous, with a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch, Belle. The Tweed Water Spaniel is now extinct but was common at the time in the border country. Majoribanks had purchased Nous in 1865 from an unregistered litter of otherwise black wavy-coated retriever pups. In 1868, this cross produced a litter that included four bitch pups. These four became the basis of a breeding program which included the Red Setter, the sandy-colored Bloodhound, the St. John’s Water Dog of Newfoundland, the Springer Spaniel, and two more wavy-coated black retrievers. The bloodline was also inbred and selected for trueness to Majoribanks’ idea of the ultimate hunting dog. This vision included a dog that was more vigorous and powerful than previous retrievers but still exceptionally good with people, and thus gentle and trainable. Russian sheepdogs are not mentioned in these records, nor are any other working dog breeds. The ancestry of the Golden Retriever is completely composed of sporting dogs, in line with Majoribanks’ goals.

Golden Retrievers were first accepted for registration by the the Kennel Club of England in 1903, as Flat Coats – Golden. They were first exhibited in 1908, and in 1911 were recognized as a breed described as Retriever (Golden and Yellow). In 1913, the Golden Retriever Club was founded. The breed name was officially changed to Golden Retriever in 1920.

The first record of the breed in North America comes from the Honorable Archie Majoribanks, who registered a Golden Retriever named “Lady” with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1894. The breed was first registered in Canada in 1927, and the Golden Retriever Club of Ontario, now the Golden Retriever Club of Canada, was formed in 1958.

The AKC recognized the breed in 1932, and in 1938 the Golden Retriever Club of America was formed.

Typically, Golden Retrievers are fairly unruly as puppies. As they reach maturity, Goldens remain active and fun-loving while developing an exceptionally patient demeanor, as befits a dog bred to sit quietly for hours in a hunting blind. Other characteristics related to their hunting heritage include their size, which is suited for scrambling in and out of boats, and their inordinate love for cool water.

Golden Retrievers are noted for their affection for people, and their tolerance of children. They are natural clowns, which makes them great therapy dogs for use in hospitals and retirement homes. Most Goldens require a great deal of companionship to be happy. Due to their intelligence, they do well in obedience trials and make excellent assistance dogs. While they might not do quite as well in field trials as Labrador Retrievers, they are excellent hunters, famous for their outstanding scenting abilities.

Mature Golden Retrievers love to fetch. Retrieving a thrown stick, tennis ball, or flying disc can keep a Golden occupied and entertained for hours, particularly if there is also water involved. However, many Golden Retrievers will not express their desire to "fetch" until adulthood.

Today’s Golden Retrievers generally fall into two groups: show dogs and field dogs. Goldens in the show group are bigger boned, longer, and heavier. A champagne color and long flowing coat are highly prized in the show ring. Field Goldens tend to be smaller, longer legged, and of a more reddish color. These strains derive from two famous Golden Retrievers from the 1960s. Gold Rush Charlie moved the show Goldens toward their present characteristics, while Holway Barty greatly effected the field group. Presently, many breeders are attempting to unite these two strains into the all-purpose Golden Retriever.