Dog breeds
Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever was developed in late 19th century Scotland and
England primarily by crossing Flat and Wavy-coated Retrievers, Tweed Water
Spaniels, and the Red Setter. The Golden was bred by British aristocrats
to be a dual purpose dog, able to retrieve waterfowl and upland game birds
and also to be a companion.

Lord Tweedmouth produced some of the early foundation stock by mating a
yellow Wavy-coated Retriever named Nous to his Tweed Water Spaniel, Belle.
The Golden Retriever's friendly disposition, attractive appearance, and
high level of trainability have made this breed one of the most popular in
Britain. Today, are found at field trials and dog shows, in family homes
and nursing homes, leading the blind and serving as ears or hands for
handicapped persons.

The breed's most readily identifiable characteristic is its rich, lustrous
golden colour. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. A
Golden Retriever is friendly, calm, compliant and compatible with people
and other dogs. They are particularly good with children. The Golden
Retriever's friendly temperament is reflected in his kindly expression. It
is a powerfully built dog, with a good nose for tracking, a soft mouth, and
an eagerness to learn.

Although the breed has a reputation for being harder to train than a
Labrador Retriever, they make excellent gundogs and are often seen working
on the North Kent Marshes.

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