Golden Retriever

This new DVD features expert information from: Heather Morss, a Championship breeder - Bryan Pooley, a vet with 40 years experience and Claire Arrowsmith, an animal behaviourist. Through their sound professional advice you'll gain an in depth insight and understanding of this wonderful breed.

They'll take you step-by-step through all the stages of Golden Retriever ownership, including; what to look for in a breeder, choosing the right puppy from a litter, puppy-proofing your home, transporting your Retriever, what to do when you get home, toilet training, puppy's first visit to the vet, exercise routines, the importance of socialisation and training, taking your Retriever abroad - in fact everything you need to ensure your Retriever grows into a healthy, happy and much loved addition to your family.

Useful Information about the Golden Retriever

Description: The Golden Retriever is a powerful, active dog, sound and well balanced. The Golden Retriever possess a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. A Golden Retriever is an ideal sportsman's companion, family pet, gundog, guide or service dog. Gentle with children, the Golden Retriever enjoys the endless attention that children provide. The Golden Retriever loves to swim and should be allowed to do so whenever possible. Though they will adapt well to a kennel environment, they prefer human companionship and are not happy in solitude.

Other Names: Yellow Retriever

Height: 20 - 24 inches

Weight: 60 - 80 lbs

Colours of the Golden Retriever: Any shades of gold or cream.

Coat: Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense, water-resistant undercoat.

Temperament: The Golden Retriever is responsive, alert, well-mannered, playful.

With Children: Yes, the Golden Retriever usually does well with children, best if supervised with younger children as they can be pushy with their affection.

With Pets: Yes

Special Skills: Field sports dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: Medium

Guard-dog: Low

Care and Training: The Golden Retriever sheds a fair amount and should be groomed weekly with a firm bristle brush or comb. Bath as needed. The Golden Retriever needs long daily walks and the opportunity to run freely.

Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - High, Problem Solving - Medium.

Activity: Moderate – High

Living Environment: A home with a fenced garden is essential either in the country or city for the Golden Retriever as they will adjust to either environment as long as daily exercise is given. A Golden Retriever does not do well as an apartment dog, as they are a very active breed. An owner of a Golden Retriever needs to be willing to give them the attention they require.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, hereditary cataract and epilepsy.

Life Span: 10 - 12 Years

Litter Size: 6 - 10

Country of Origin: Great Britain

History of the Golden Retriever

It is said that Lord Tweedmouth saw a troupe of eight Russian sheepdogs performing in a circus in the seaside resort of Brighton in England. He was so impressed that following the show purchased all eight dogs. The Golden Retriever history is then documented by handwritten records of Lord Tweedmouth. In 1868, Lord Tweedmouth mated a Tweed Water Spaniel to a yellow retriever and this resulted in the foundation of the definitive yellow breed now known as the Golden Retriever.