History
For this breed’s history, we will be transported back to the rolling green landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Dudly Majoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, started this breed in the Victorian period. Tweedmouth was on quest to find the perfect gundog to use on his estate. In terms of ancestry, this breeds might be on of the easiest to track thanks to Tweedmouth’s detailed breeding records. They show us the the Golden Retriever is a mixture of:
- Yellow Retriever (a now extinct breed)
- Tweed Water Spaniel (another extinct breed)
- Irish Setter
- Bloodhound
The Yellow Retriever and Tweed Water Spaniel where the two major breeds that were used to create the Golden retriever.
General Personality
This breed is know for it loyalty and energy. The are seen as the optimal family dog. They are very affectionate, especially towards their family – showing a gentle nature towards children and other pets. Golden Retrievers also make wonderful playmates for the young and old.
To top off their fun- loving personality, Golden Retrievers are also very intelligent. This makes training them easier then some other breeds.
Health
Like any breed, Golden retrievers had some health problems that they can be genetically predisposition to. This includes:
- Cancer
- Hip and Joint issues
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Bleeding Disorders
- Liver problems
Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight. Therefore take care to feed them high quality food with your veterinarian’s guidance. Your veterinarian can also help you determine if your furry friend has any other kind of special dietary need.
If you notice that your furry friend is acting differently ( i.e won’t eat or not as playful). Then it is best to contact your veterinarian and have your pet seen as soon as possible.
Grooming
Goldens shed heavily twice a year – this is where they shed their second coat. Other then that shedding can be moderate, making brushing once or twice a week a good practice. An occasional bath should suffice, though it can also help loosen up hair during their major shedding periods.
