Vol. 2 - June - No. 29
Field Dogs: Golden Retrievers
About the time of the American Civil War, a traveling showman in Russia was struck by the intelligence and impressive appearance of the massive cream or biscuit-colored dogs of the Caucasus which were chiefly used for guarding sheep. He tried training some of them and produced a striking troupe of performing dogs.When they appeared at a circus at Brighton, England, shortly afterward, the splendid animals caught the eye of the late Lord Tweedmouth - Sir Dudley Marjoribanks - who persuaded the proprietor to sell him the lot. From such ancestry comes one of the handsomest, most sagacious, and amicable of dogs, the modern Golden Retriever.
The Golden Retriever was first seen at dog shows about 1908, and at field trials in 1910-11. Since then he has become more and more popular in America as well as in Europe. Some of the earlier specimens were imported by a resident of Winnipeg, Canada, and were satisfactorily tried as duck dogs under the most sever winter conditions. The Goldens proved themselves as hardy as any of the other retrievers and large spaniels.
The coat is flat or wavy, with a good under-coat, and both are water-resistant. Light-colored eyes are considered objectionable; black or brown ones are preferred. The skull is broad, the muzzle powerful, and the teeth strong.
The very appearance of this dog gives one the impression of kindliness, understanding, and faithfulness; it is a dog for the country house as well as the field.
The male is usually about 24 inches in height and weighs around 70 pounds; females slightly less.
learn more about this fascinating subject:
Dog and Kennel Magazine: The Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers in Cyberspace
Buddy's Big Adventure, Memoirs of a Future Narcotics Dog
Guidelines for Choosing a Golden Retriever Puppy
Remembering Great Field Goldens from the Past
Golden Retriever Pet Portraits
Golden Retriever Latch Hook Kit
