Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland in the 19th century by Lord Tweedmouth, who wanted a gundog able to retrieve game on land and from water.

Its exceptionally gentle nature has made it a guide dog, an assistance dog and one of the most popular family dogs in the world.

Affectionate, sociable and eager to please, the Golden gets on with almost everyone: children, strangers and other animals. It is no guard dog.

It learns very easily but stays playful and boisterous for a long time. It needs company and copes poorly with being alone.

The breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, some eye and heart diseases, and a higher-than-average cancer risk. Skin allergies and ear infections are common.

Choose a breeder who health-screens their dogs and see a veterinarian regularly.

Very food-motivated, it gains weight easily. Measure portions and limit treats to protect its joints.

Puppies should be fed large-breed food for steady growth.

It needs at least an hour of activity a day: walks, fetch, water games and search games. It loves to swim.

In hot weather, choose supervised swimming over running.

In summer, walk it at dawn and in the evening, keep it cool indoors and do not shave it. It can live in an apartment if it gets plenty of exercise, but a house with a garden is preferable. It is an excellent choice for families with children.

Its double coat sheds heavily all year. Brushing two to three times a week, and daily during the moult, is needed.

Dry its ears well after swimming to prevent infections.