Sushi and Muffy looking for treats

 

Lets talk about Golden Retrievers

• Golden Retrievers were first bred and developed in the mid 1800's by Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness-Shire, Scotland.
  
  
• Lord Tweedmouth's breeding program included Wavy-Coated Retrievers, Tweed Water Spaniels, an Irish Setter and a Bloodhound.
  
  
• The end results were dogs that became known as "Yellow or Golden Retrievers" and later were officially given the title Golden Retriever.
  
  
• In the breeding and development of the breed, the aim was to get a dog that would be highly intelligent and easy to train, one whose temperament was calm, steady and responsive so it wouldn't get overly excited at the explosive sound of a gunshot AND most especially a dog with a 'soft mouth'. This means that when the retriever was sent to bring back the game, it would never bite or maul the meat, but only pick it up very gently and carry it carefully.
  
  
• This combination of traits has made an amazing animal who is very smart and gentle and who almost can't bite... because of its 'soft mouth'.
  
  
• The other thing that has resulted from that early selective breeding program was what could best be described as a great 'willingness to please'. Goldens are not only smart, but because of their temperaments they are extremely responsive to their owners needs and moods! So much so that it feels as if the dogs actually try to fit in with your life. This is unlike some of the other breeds who are also intelligent but which have more dominant personalities and want to be 'top' dog and teach you what THEY want! Or some of the smart working dogs (eg herding breeds) who have great temperaments, but really need a lot of space and to be taken for a run or worked every day in order to run off all the excess energy.
  
  
• Through the years, the Golden Retriever has become one of the most popular family dogs in the world and are now listed as number 4 on the list of most intellegent dogs! The perfect hunting dog has become the perfect family pet and is considered to be one of the most trustworthy with children as well as learning to respect and get along well with most other family pets - even cats!
  
  
• In addition to being in great demand as family pets they are also successful in field trials, hunting, obedience competitions and as companion dogs in cancer wards and Guide Dogs for the blind.

You don't have to win any competions Muffy! But would you like to play dress-up with me?