The history of the Golden Retriever dates back to the 1800s. Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland bred the first documented Golden Retrievers in the British Isles. The Tweed Water Spaniel, a breed now extinct, along with the Irish Setter, Newfoundland, and Bloodhound was used to create the Golden Retriever of today. Golden Retrievers were bred to retain their yellow color and to hunt waterfowl and other game. Lord Tweedmouth also wanted a breed that was loyal and good-natured.
The Golden Retriever is known to be one of the most loyal and even-tempered dog breeds. The breed was called the Flat-Coated Retriever in Britain and was later named the Golden Retriever. Exported to America in the 1920s, the breed was registered by the American Kennel Club as a pure breed in 1925 and has enjoyed a successful AKC competition history ever since. Golden Retriever breeders select dogs with AKC breed standard characteristics to produce bloodlines of Golden Retriever champions.
The American Kennel Club sets the reed standard characteristics that must be apparent in a dog to compete in AKC competition. Golden Retriever breeders mate dogs with the most desirable characteristics in the hopes of breeding champion lines.
The breed is prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia, which can be a problem in most medium to large-sized dog breeds. Eye diseases such as cataracts and retinal atrophy are common. Some lines of Golden Retrievers have so many health problems that it may be difficult to find a purebred Golden Retriever that lives the average ten to thirteen years.
The breed is prone to obesity if not exercised daily. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will educate potential buyers on the health problems they may face as well as how to properly care for Golden Retrievers. Unfortunately, due to the beauty and popularity of this breed there are many illicit, or backyard breeders who sell unhealthy Golden Retriever puppies to unsuspecting buyers.
Golden Retrievers are highly focused. This can be a good trait but it can also be something owners must watch out for. Golden Retrievers will focus on work so much that they wear themselves out or focus on food so much that they become obese. Owners must be aware of the activities of Golden Retrievers and monitor their food intake and activity level closely.
Golden Retriever breeders you should avoid have the opposite characteristics from the traits listed below. All of the following are signs of reputable Golden Retriever breeders: – breeders maintain their own kennels and allow buyers to visit, – puppies have been socialized and are allowed in the breeder’s home, – puppies and parents have been screened for common genetic defects, – breeders provide documentation of ancestry, pedigree, etc., – medical records and immunizations are available upon request, – beeders will inform buyers of any known physical or behavioral problems in a line, – breeders do NOT sell to pet stores, – breeders provide warranties and may accept returns, – breeders either run or are affiliated with Golden Retriever rescue centers, – breeders answer all of buyers’ questions thoroughly and are knowledgeable on the breed, – breeders interview buyers to make sure buyers and puppies are a good match, – breeders educate buyers on how to train, groom, and care for puppies, – breeders have references available upon request.
Buyers have the responsibility of researching Golden Retriever breeders to find legitimate sources to buy purebred puppies. Buyers should ask for references, visit the kennels and puppies prior to purchase, and ask many questions of breeders to determine how much they know about Golden Retrievers. Good breeders will be experts on their breed and will also have questions for buyers to make sure puppies are going to good homes.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
