THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER

The Golden Retriever has become the most popular retriever breed in some European countries. It owes this to a number of characteristics that are rarely observed in this combination in any other breed. With his high "obedience and training intelligence" he belongs to the dogs that are particularly easy to train: he learns most commands within a very short time. Intensive work with the dog creates a close bond between him and his owner. This creates his urge to always want to please his owner, his will to please. But his attachment also means sensitivity. He needs sensible care and close contact with the family. It contradicts the essence of the Golden to be kept predominantly in the kennel. The family is his pack that he does not want to part with.

Thanks to his "manageability", thanks to his tolerance, his child-friendliness and his particularly good-natured nature, he is often referred to as the ideal family and beginner dog. In order for it to actually be that, the owner also has to give the dog a lot: originally bred as a hunting dog, it needs activity, plenty of exercise, a larger apartment, and if possible even a house with a garden. Several walks a day, even in wind and weather, must be a matter of course. So that he does not act out his hunting instinct in the hands of a non-hunter when poaching in fields and forests, he should be worked with. He loves to fetch playfully, he is suitable as a guide or rescue dog, he is used as an avalanche or drug search dog. Even those who do not intend to give them such tasks should know that they have to devote a lot of time to their dog.

Basic training is the basis that everyone should give their retriever to; it becomes clear which other occupation is most suitable for dog and owner. In companion dog courses, which are offered by the ÖRC in many places especially for retrievers, the dogs learn to behave with their handlers in public in such a way that other people are not disturbed and other dogs are not irritated. An important goal of such courses is that the owner and dog form a harmonious team that has no difficulty in moving safely even in the hustle and bustle of traffic.

The "Golden", as it is often shortened, was bred around the middle of the 19th century in Scotland for hunting, especially in areas with a lot of water and cover. But it was not until 1911 that it was registered as an independent breed by the English Kennel Club. His original task was to retrieve shot game from the water or from thick undergrowth for his master or, thanks to his excellent nose, to lead the hunter to the shot game. The strong will to search, find and bring, which is characteristic of the Golden, still makes it the ideal helper when hunting small game.

The same characteristics, paired with steadfastness, calm and perseverance, are what make it possible to use it as a rescue dog or drug search dog. This makes it almost an all-rounder. But there is also something for which he is less suitable: his pronounced philanthropy is incompatible with the function of a guard dog, with being hot. Anyone who needs a guard dog who can effectively defend their home and yard from strangers should look for another breed if they want to avoid disappointment. The targeted breeding to be a retriever has resulted in many Golden Retrievers having a deep-seated need to carry objects around with them or bring them to their owners. In the house you have to have enough toys ready so that he can act out this innate behavior and not touch sensitive things lying around. Its soft mouth, a basic requirement for the hunt, usually prevents the retrieved person from being harmed.

The typical Golden is a well-built, medium-sized dog with long straight or slightly wavy hair that is rich in undercoat. The colors range from light cream (never white) to light golden to dark golden (never mahogany). Characteristic are a mostly quite pronounced stop (his 'forehead') and his large eyes; this gives him a peaceful, calm expression, his forward-facing eyes an above-average spatial vision. The hairs on the head are short, so that the distinctive play of mines can be clearly seen. The ears (the 'hangings') are set medium high and in their youth are often darker in color than the rest of the body. The muzzle is broad and strong, suitable for carrying heavier prey. If you own a typical, well-built Golden Retriever, you will often experience being asked about your beautiful dog on walks: many consider the Golden to be one of the most beautiful dogs of all. This too has certainly contributed to its widespread popularity. Its long fur, which helps it to feel comfortable outside even in the cold winter, traps a lot of dirt. But even in times of hair changing, the vacuum cleaner is an important tool for the owner. The breed-typical, muscular, strong physique of the Golden can only be achieved and maintained through a lot of exercise. A retriever not only needs movement: its high level of intelligence also needs to be challenged. When the daily walks are spiced up with small tasks, when obedience and retrieval exercises are incorporated in a playful way, then he feels really good. The enthusiasm that he shows when he notices that the walk is approaching, the gratitude that radiates from him, does not make going outside appear to the owner even in wind and weather as a compulsory exercise.

The Golden is considered a friendly, lively and at the same time trusting dog. Due to his balanced nature and his adaptability, he is especially popular as a loyal family dog. His willingness to work and his excellent retrieval instinct also mark his suitability for hunting. The "Golden", as it is often shortened, was bred in Scotland around the middle of the 19th century for hunting, especially in areas with plenty of water and cover . But it was not until 1911 that it was registered as an independent breed by the English Kennel Club. His original task was to retrieve shot game from the water or from thick undergrowth for his master or, thanks to his excellent nose, to lead the hunter to the shot game. The strong will to search, find and bring, which is characteristic of the Golden, still makes it the ideal helper when hunting small game. The same characteristics, paired with steadfastness, calm and perseverance, are what make it possible to use it as a rescue dog or drug search dog. This makes it almost an all-rounder. But there is also something for which he is less suitable: His pronounced philanthropy is incompatible with the function of a guard dog, with being sharp. Anyone who needs a guard dog who can effectively defend their home and yard from strangers should look for another breed if they want to avoid disappointment. The targeted breeding to be a retriever has resulted in many Golden Retrievers having a deep-seated need to carry objects around with them or bring them to their owners. Its soft mouth, a basic requirement for the hunt, usually prevents the retrieved person from being harmed.