Golden retrievers are one of the most popular Dog breeds around the world. These scottish gundogs of great beauty serve as versitale working dogs, excelling from working on the field to search-and-rescue dogs, service dogs for blind people among many other different fields. With their characteristically friendly eyes and dreamy goldi-lock fur they're a perfect cover dog and tend to symbolize the best in dogs. Their reputation as being great with children makes them amazing family dogs and it's no wonder they make for such a popular pet.

Average lifespann: 10-12 years

Height:

• Males: 56-61cm or 22-24 inches
• Females: 51-56cm or 20-22 inches

Weight: 25-34kg or 55-75 lbs

Looks and characteristics:
The Golden retriever should have a well balanced, muscular build and give off a friendly outgoing impression. It has its famous lustrous golden dubble coat, the outer coat being long, wavy and well abundant. The hair around its neck, chest, hindquarters and tail is long and thick, its undercoat is water repellent. It has brown, friendly, eyes, a powerful muzzle with slightly drooping flews and medium sized ears set high, hanging with a slight fold. Their neck are muscular with fairly long with loose-fitting skin and they have webbed-feet to assist them when swimming

Colors: Any shade of gold and cream, from dark gold (almost reddish) to a very pale yellow (almost white).

History and origins:
Goldens were developed and made into the breed we know today in Scottland during the 1800s. The purpose was to create a breed that excelled in retrieving small game during a hunt, with a great on- and off - button and could retrieve in water as well as on land.

Temparement:
Obedient, outgoing, intelligent and friendly are some words that can be used to describe the golden retriever. They're loyal with a great retrieving ability (as they often carry stuff for fun) and a willigness to work. Their love for water is also a big part of their personality and many goldens won't hesitate to jump in any body of water at any given time.

Health:
Goldens are considered healthy dogs though they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, you should be careful not to overfeed them to avoid putting to much pressure on the joints.

Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:

• Hip Evaluation
• NCL DNA Test
• Elbow Evaluation
• Cardiac Exam
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation