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The Golden Retriever is a
breed of dog, historically developed to retrieve shot and upland game during hunting. As such they were
bred to have a soft mouth to retrieve game undamaged and an instinctive
love of water. The ancestors of modern water dogs originated in the Mediterranean and
other parts of Europe over 2,000 years ago. Their versatility and intelligence sees them employed in
a variety of roles including illegal drug detection, search and rescue, as hunting dogs and as
guide dogs. They possess a friendly,
eager-to-please demeanor, and are one of the most popular family dog
breeds in the world.
By the time they reach maturity Goldens will have
become active and fun-loving animals with the exceptionally patient
demeanor befitting a dog bred to sit quietly for hours while hunting.
Adult Golden Retrievers love to work, and have a keen ability to
focus on a given task. Care should be taken to avoid overworking them.
Other characteristics related to their hunting heritage are a size
suited for scrambling in and out of boats and an inordinate love for
water. Golden Retrievers are exceptionally trainable and often excel
in dog show obedience trials as well as agility trials.
Retrieving a tennis ball, stick,
or Frisbee, can keep a dog of this breed
occupied and entertained for hours, particularly if water is also
involved. Goldens might also pick up and "retrieve" any object that is
near to them upon their masters' arrival, all of this lending to their
retriever name.
The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a
hallmark of the breed and is described in the standard as "kindly,
friendly and confident". They are not "one man dogs" and are generally
equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them. Their
trusting, gentle disposition therefore makes them a poor guard dog.
The Golden Retriever is noted for intelligence, and can learn up to roughly 240
commands, words and phrases.
Golden Retrievers are highly social house dogs, seek to sleep in the same
room as their owners, and should not be put into kennels for protracted
periods. Leaving them alone in a room can cause the dog to become
anxious and distressed. The dogs like to have something in their mouth
and carry things around and should for this reason be provided with a
copious supply of favorite toys.
Golden Retrievers are compatible with children and
adults and are good with other dogs, cats and most livestock. They are
particularly valued for their high level of sociability towards people,
calmness, and willingness to learn. Because of this, they are commonly
used as guide dogs.
Golden
Retrievers are very active dogs, and require a reasonable amount of
exercise each day, although exercise needs may vary depending on the
individual dog and its age. Goldens should be groomed at least once
a week, and every day during heavy shedding. The median life span for Golden Retrievers is approximately 10 to 12 years.
However our dogs have lived up to 17
years quite healthy. They range in weight from 65–75 lb for males and 55–65 lb for females.
Be wise in choosing your companion dog, as each
individual breed has its own special needs for leading a healthy and
well-adjusted life. Learn all you can about your dog and purchase your
companion from a reputable breeder. If you are diligent in your research
and have your heart set on a Golden Retriever, we hope you will consider
becoming a Best Rocky Mountain Goldens "Lucky Family".
Lakota,
showcased on this page, is the picture of health, intelligence, and an
adventurous spirit. Born into a litter of Best Rocky Mountain Goldens,
Lakota was adopted by a family with a good understanding of the breed.
They take her often to romp and play at the park. Notice that Lakota
appears perfectly comfortable near the water, as if waiting for the
command to "get the stick" and jump in.
We are always careful to
place our pups with the best family match we can find. If you would like
to be considered as an adoption family, or learn more about America's
Favorite Dog, please contact us.
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