Golden Retriever

Breed of sporting dog, developed in Scotland in the 1860s and later from wavy-coated retrievers, setters, and spaniels, especially one known as the Tweed water spaniel, used for retrieving waterfowl from icy lakes and game birds in brushy country. Goldens, once also called yellow retrievers, were found in the U.S. by the 1890s. The male is from 58 to 61 cm (23 to 24 in) high at the shoulders, about 66 cm (about 26 in) in length, and 29 to 34 kg (65 to 75 lb) in weight. The female is somewhat smaller. The dense, water-repellent coat, which is a rich golden color, may be straight or wavy and lies close to the body except for feathering on the throat and chest, front legs, and tail. The dog has a broad skull, longish muzzle, brown eyes set well apart, small ears that fall beside the cheeks, muscular neck, straight forelegs, muscular hind legs, and a straight tail. Still used for retrieving, goldens have been trained to guide the blind and to use their excellent sense of smell to detect narcotics. Friendly and dependable, they have great popularity as companions. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925.