More information can be found at: Eesti Kuldsete Retriiverite Tõuühing
Country of origin England
Beginnings: 1800s
Original purpose: game finder and retriever
Today: game finder and retriever field trailshunting, agilitytherapy dog, narcotics detection dog, guide dog, assistance dog, family pet, etc.
Life expectancy: 10–13 years
Energy level medium–high
Short description
The Golden Retriever is one of the six retriever breeds (the word retrieve in English means “to bring, to deliver”).
The Golden Retriever is a hunting dog that retrieves shot birds, hares, or other small game for the hunter. Golden Retrievers (and retrievers in general) are also used as bomb-detection dogs, narcotics-detection dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Thanks to their friendly nature, they cope well with being separated from their original owner and adapt to a new handler more easily than some other breeds. This makes it possible to train them and then place them with a blind owner.
The Golden Retriever is an excellent family dog: very friendly and good‑natured, with a strong willingness to work and a desire to please its owner, which makes training relatively easy. They always want to be close to their family and will choose a sleeping spot where they can keep track of what’s happening. If allowed to roam freely (for example in the forest or during a picnic), a Golden will regularly check in to make sure the family is all right and that no one happens to need their “help.”
Golden Retrievers, like retrievers in general, tend to have a big appetite. They are ready to eat almost anything in any condition, regardless of whether they are hungry or not. Of course, there are a few exceptions with a lower appetite.