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Let's have a look at the interesting history of the Golden Retriever.
HISTORY AND EARLY BEGINNINGS OF THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER
The Golden Retriever has one of the better documented histories of the retriever breeds, largely due to the handwritten records kept by several of the breeders.
The first actual records of the Golden Retriever, then known as the Flat Coated Retriever, date back to the early 1800's.
One of the first developers of the breed was Sir Dudley Majoribanks, followed by Lord Tweedmouth. It was Lord Tweedmouth on his estate in Scotland on the Tweed River that started keeping the written records of the breed. It is important to note that many of the contributions made by different breeders in the area are also contained in the records, but Lord Tweedmouth is usually considered the major developer of the Golden Retriever.
The actual written records from Lord Tweedmouth were released to the public in 1952, and contained the extensive information on the development of the breed from 1835-1890.
The Golden Retriever was developed through selectively breeding the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel with Newfoundlands, Irish Setters and light sand or tan colored Bloodhounds. Colors were carefully considered in the breeding program and golden or yellow colored dogs were quickly developed out of the breeding program.
The goal of early breeders was to develop a unique hunting and retrieving dog that would have an easy going and relaxed temperament as well as being intelligent and independent with a natural gift for retrieving. The first puppies, crossed between a yellow Tweed Water spaniel with a dark wavy coated retriever, turned out to be amazingly agile dogs that had a true love for hunting and retrieving, were highly athletic as well as had an outstanding personality.
It was slightly later that the bloodhound and setter lines were introduced, both for hunting abilities as well as temperament. The coat of the modern breed of Golden Retriever closely resembles a setter or spaniel coat, whereas the temperament is more like the Bloodhound or Newfoundland ancestors of the line.
The first Golden Retrievers came in a variety of colors, from a medium gold or yellow color through to a dark gold or yellowish color. As the breed gained in popularity, the lighter color became more desired, especially in the show line. There is some evidence that originally the lighter breed was favored as a hunting dog as well, since it was not as likely to blend into the fall foliage.
The Golden Retriever was first shown in the United Kingdom in 1908, and immediately became very popular. The wonderful, gentle temperament and the natural intelligence of this breed made it highly desired by dog fanciers of the time. The breed was originally registered and recognized as a separate breed in 1913 under the name of Retriever (Yellow and Tan) but then was changed to the current name in 1920.
The breed came to the United States in the early 1900's, with Lord Tweedmouth's family that owned land in Texas. About the same time, in the year 1927, the breed was registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. In America, the breed was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1925.
Although the first Golden Retrievers were used has hunting dogs, the breed quickly diversified. Their natural obedience made them perfect as obedience competition dogs, and the first three dogs to ever win the prestigious American Kennel Club Obedience Trial Championships were Golden Retrievers. They are still used today in obedience trials, as hunting dogs both in the field and in competitions, as well as making outstanding family pets and companions, as well as therapy dogs and even narcotic detection dogs.
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The wonderful temperament of the breed has really contributed to its popularity throughout the world. They are a very adaptable breed that loves to please their owner, and is extremely good with other people and children.
They typically love all other types of pets including cats and other non-canine pets. The early breeders as well as modern breeders strive to ensure a calm, relaxed and loving temperament and personality with intelligence and the right amount of independence to make these dogs outstanding pets and much loved show dogs.
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I hope this short introduction to the history was interesting to you.
For further information on all aspects of the Golden Retriever, please consider the popular A - Z Guide To A Healthy & Happy Well Trained Golden Retriever
Wishing you great success with your Golden Retriever.
Warmly,
Dedicated To Helping Make All Of Your Dog Experience happy Ones
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