Golden retriever
GENERAL APPEARANCE : It is not surprising that the Golden Retriever be one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. In addition to being exuberant and friendly, they are strong dogs and hard workers. Goldens are good at everything they do, whether it's hunting, serving as guide dogs, working in search and rescue, or being devoted companions.
Personality: Intelligent, friendly and devoted.
Energy Level : Very Active. This dog is active and energetic, and needs daily exercise.
Good with children: Yes.
Good with other dogs: Yes.
Grooming: Seasonal.
Life Expectancy : 10-12 years old.
Bark Level: Bark when needed.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
In the early 1800s, game was plentiful in England and Scotland, and hunting was both a sport and a practical way of obtaining food. Retrievers came to prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, highland play, and waterfowl. The breed established its presence in the 1930s and 40s, as hunting dogs and field trials and demonstrations, and also in obedience trials. The breed's versatility, intelligence and pleasant personality suit many purposes and it has become one of the most successful, recognizable and popular breeds in all areas of competition.
Country of Origin: Great Britain.
BEHAVIOR AND TEMPERAMENT: With its friendly temperament and golden color, this breed is beautiful to look at and a joy to behold. While Goldens can adapt to just about any living situation, they need considerable daily exercise to maintain physical and mental fitness. Time spent in the company of people indoors can and should be supplemented with time spent on daily walks or playing in a protected, fenced area. Without the companionship of people and proper exercise, your Golden may exhibit behaviors that are uncharacteristic of the well-busy pet and family member. Basic obedience training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. This will make your dog a better companion and help establish a stronger bond between the two of you. Your Golden wants nothing more in life than to please you.
HEAD:
CRANIAL REGION
Skull: Broad, slightly arched laterally and longitudinally without prominence of frontal bones (forehead) or occipital bones.
Stop : Well defined but not abrupt.
FACIAL REGION
Snout: Straight in profile, blending smoothly and heavily with the skull; when viewed in profile or from above, it is slightly deeper and wider. Removing whiskers is allowed, but not preferred.
Nose: Black or brownish black. the truffle pink or lack of pigmentation is a serious fault.
Jaws and Teeth: Scissor bite, in which the outer side of the lower incisors touches the inner side of the upper incisors. Missing or overbiting is a disqualification. Misalignment of teeth (irregular placement of incisors) or a level bite (incisors lying side to side) is undesirable. Complete dentition. Obvious leaks are serious failures.
Lips: Moderately developed, quite dry and have medium thickness.
Expression: Intelligent and alert.
Eyes: Eyes friendly and intelligent in expression, of medium size, set well apart and reasonably deep. Color preferably dark brown; acceptable medium brown. Slanted eyes and narrow, triangular eyes detract from correct expression and should be criticized.
Ears : Short with the leading edge well back and just above the eye and falling close to the cheek. When pulled forward, the tip of the ear should just cover the eye.
NECK : Medium/long neck, gradually merging into the shoulders, relaxed, robust and muscular appearance. No throat.
TRUNK
Top Row: Level.
Back: Well developed.
TAIL : Set on and carried level with the back, reaching the hocks, without curvature at the tip.
MEMBERS
PREVIOUS
Arms: Of equal length to the scapula, placing the legs well under the torso.
Elbows: Close to the chest.
Feet: Round; cat feet.
HINDQUARTERS
Hocks: Well let down; straight when viewed from behind, turning neither outwards nor inwards. Cow hocks are highly undesirable.
Paws : round; cat feet.
GAIT/MOVEMENT: Elastic and light gait.
COAT
Hair : Straight or wavy, well feathered. Dense, weather-resistant undercoat.
COLOR: Any shade of gold or cream. Neither red nor mahogany. Only a few white chest hairs are allowed.
SIZE: Females - 51 to 56 cm / Males - 56 to 61 cm
FAULTS
Any deviation from this standard should be considered a fault and penalized in exact proportion to its severity and its effects on the health and well being of the dog.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
• Aggressiveness or excessive shyness.
• Any dog that shows any sign of physical or behavioral anomaly must be disqualified.
• Atypical dogs.