Golden retrievers originated in Scotland. These large sized dogs with
a strong built, were primarily bred as bird or gun dogs (dogs used for
retrieving games) for locating and retrieving shot games intact.
The golden retriever has the ability to retriever games undamaged and is one of the breed crossed with the poodle to produce the comfort retriever.
This clearly shows that they are intelligent retrievers and for this reason they were referred to as " the retriever". They make an excellent breed for shooting or hunting parties.
- This breed has a thick inner coat that is overlaid by an outer coat that repels water.
- They are an intelligent breed that are easy to train and have a special love for water.
- Between the male and female, they weighs between 60-75 lbs and height ranging from 55-61 cm.
- Mildly wavy or straight coats.
- A life span of between 10 to 12 years, the same can be expected of the miniature golden retriever which is a bred down version of the golden retriever.
- Their friendly and kind temperament makes them an excellent family pet.
- The golden retriever is ranked NO.4 most intelligent dog breed with Border collie, Poodle and the German shepherd coming 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.
- Their level of intelligence couple with their willingness to obey their handlers makes them exceptionally easy to train.
- Because
of their level of calmness, sociability and a desire to please and to
learn, they easily do well as guide dogs used by the blind and in search
and rescue work.
- The most common health issue in golden retrievers is cancer, accounting for more than 60% of death in the United States in 1998.
http://www.aboutdogfacts.com/miniature-golden-retriever/
Facts about dogs