History of occurrence
The Golden Retriever is a relatively young breed and only dates as far back as the mid-19th century. Developed by Lord Tweedmouth near the English-Scottish border, the Golden combines the blood of retriever, Tweed Water Spaniel, setter and the sandy-colored Bloodhound. Goldens were first shown in UK in the early 1900's as Flat Coated Retrievers-Golden Variety. The Golden is a popular breed due to its well-mannered, friendly nature. It is also an excellent candidate for obedience training, and by instinct, is still a reliable, gentle-mouthed retriever. The Golden Retriever enjoys urban or rural settings as long as it is provided with plenty of outdoor exercise.
A few Goldens were imported into New Zealand in the 1940's, but it was not until the 1950's when some prominent English breeders emigrated to New Zealand, bringing their dogs with them, that the breed began to increase in popularity. From this time Goldens have gone from strength to strength. They are now one of the most popular breeds in the country.
General form
Symmetrical, balanced, active, powerful, level mover; sound with kindly expression.
Отличительная особенность породы Golden Retriever
Head and skull: balanced and well chiselled, skull broad without coarseness; well set on neck, muzzle powerful, wide and deep. Length of foreface approximately equals length from well defined stop to occiput. Nose preferably black.
Eyes: dark brown, set well apart, dark rims.
Ears: moderate size, set on approximate level with eyes.
Mouth: jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck: good length, clean and muscular.
Body: balanced, short-coupled, deep through heart. Ribs deep, well sprung. Level topline.
Forequarters: forelegs straight with good bone, shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting.
Hindquarters: loin and legs strong and muscular, good second thighs, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down, straight when viewed from rear, neither turning in nor out. Cow-hocks highly undesirable.
Feet: round and cat-like.
Set on and carried level with back, reaching to hocks, withoug curl at tip.
Coat: flat or wavy with good feathering, dense water-resisting undercoat.
Colour: any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. A few white hairs on chest only, permissible.
Powerful with good drive. Straight and true in front and rear. Stride long and free with no sign of hackney action in front.
Character
Kind, friendly and confident.
Maintenance care
The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise and human interaction. Challenging obedience lessons, active games or retrieving sessions are all good ways to exercise the Golden’s mind and body. Although it is capable of living outdoors, it is such a social dog that it is best when it shares its life with its family. The coat does not tend to mat but needs twice weekly brushing.
Lifespan — 10-13 years.
Dignity
The Golden Retriever is the classic family companion.
They are obedient, playful, intelligent, well-mannered, great with kids, and kindly to strangers.
Golden Retrievers are always at the top of their obedience classes and are often the champions of sporting competitions.
Hunters find them to be reliable bird dogs, and their keen sense of smell and desire to work alongside people makes them sought-after narcotics sniffers.
Difficulty keeping
Though they are naturally even tempered and don't need hours of exercise, their large size makes them unsuitable for apartments.
Diseases
Prone to cancer including mast cell tumors. Also prone to hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's disease, heart problems and congenital eye defects. Skin allergies are common in Golden Retrievers and often require veterinary attention. Gain weight easily; do not overfeed.
