Golden Retrievers, Know Your Breed
The Golden Retriever
“Picture it! Sicily, 1922. An attractive peasant girl who has saved her money embarks on a glorious vacation to a Crimean resort on the Black Sea. For weeks, she frolics at the seaside resort...” -Sophia Petrillo, Golden Girls
Okay, so it wasn’t Sicily and there was no frolicking at a Crimean resort. I do apologize. I was channeling my inner Sophia. Anyway, more like Scotland in the 19th Century. These dynamic, well-rounded dogs were evolved to work as gun dogs that retrieved waterfowl.
The word “retriever” refers to this breeds’ ability to retrieve game undamaged due to their soft mouths. Although when you’re on the business-end of those puppy teeth, they don’t seem to be as soft as advertised. With an unusually high pain threshold, goldens can tolerate injuries that many other breeds can not. In part, this is why they make such good rescue, police and hunting helpers. It also would come to no surprise that they are very strong swimmers which helps in the waterfowl retrieving jobs. Having large webbing between their toes and two layers of fur, these dogs were born for the water.
Golden Retrievers are one of America’s most favorite dogs! They’ve evolved to become one of the most successful of the working dog category. Goldens are commonly used as therapy dogs, gun dogs, rescue dogs, drug and bomb sniffing dogs, and guide dogs to the blind. This breed is nothing short of amazing, an all-around best friend kind of dog.
Goldens can be prone to hip problems, epilepsy and constant shedding. Compound all of that fur with super droolly kisses and the attention span of a perpetual toddler. For most, the positives of this breed by far outweigh the negatives. I guess that’s why they’re one of the top dogs chosen by families with growing children and busy lifestyles. The Golden Retriever personality traits are filled with parallels reminiscent of 80’s Golden Girls’ theme song. For those who haven’t had the pleasure;
“Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again, your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant.”
I’m cringing just thinking of how many younger people are reading this and have no clue what I’m talking about.
As with all things in life, please do your research prior to rescue or purchase. Knowing your breed and knowing what they were designed to do will help you decide if the breed is right for you, your family and your lifestyle. The happiest dogs are the ones who can experience a little or a lot of what they were born to do.
