Golden Retriever Breed description: Character & Co

What is the origin of Golden Retriever?

There are various myths and legends about the origin of the Golden Retriever. However, it is certain that breeding started in 1864. At that point in time, the yellow Wavy-Coated Retriever, which until then had lived with a shoemaker in Brighton, changed its owner. He stood out with his light fur coat among the otherwise black dogs of his litter. Sir Dudley Marjorbanks took the male back to his home in the north of Scotland to his estate Guisachan and crossed him with female dogs from said area. The aim was to breed a dog suitable for hunting ducks and other wild birds. The Tweed-Water-Spaniel bitch Bell fulfilled these requirements: Like other representatives of her breed, she was not only an excellent swimmer, but also distinguished herself by her retrieving abilities. Within the next two decades, Majoribanks bred other Wavy-Coated Retrievers with Tweed-Water Spaniels, a sand-coloured Bloodhound and Irish Setters. This is how the Golden Retriever as it is known today was born. In 1913 the breed was recognised by the British Kennel Club and quickly won adherents in its home country followed by the USA. As they were often seen in movies in the 1980s and 1990s, they became the most popular family dogs in many European countries.

What are the breed characteristics of the Golden Retriever?

The Golden Retriever is easy to handle and is considered to be adaptable. In general, it is considered to be of a peaceful and balanced nature. The precondition is to give the animal sufficient exercise and satisfy its great urge to move. This submissive dog remains playful until old age if in good health. Typical for the breed is also a certain greediness: You better make sure not to leave any food lying around unobserved.