History

Golden Retrievers originated in the 1860s in Great Britain from foundation stock developed at the Scottish country estate of Lord Tweedmouth.  To begin the breed, Lord Tweedmouth mated a yellow wavy-coated retriever, the only yellow in a litter of blacks, to a Tweed Water Spaniel (a breed now extinct).  The resulting litter produced four bitches who, with a limited number of outcrosses, produced the foundation stock from which all of todays Golden Retrievers descend.  Goldens were first brought to North America in the late 1890s.

While Goldens can adapt to virtually any living situation, they need considerable daily exercise to maintain physical and mental fitness.  Your Golden should never be allowed to run free.  Time spent in the companionship of people indoors and should be complemented with time spent on daily walks or playing in a secure fenced area.

Temperament

The fine temperament of the Golden is probably it most attractive attribute.  Dogs that are all-around family dogs, accepting and loving all members of the family from young children to the elderly make very desirable pets.  Goldens will warn the family of approaching strangers; however, once the stranger enters the home at the familys request, the Golden will be the first on line to welcome him.  Accompanying this calm, happy stability of temperament is a willingness to please.  Let the Golden know the house rules and he will try his best to keep them.  Most Goldens love affection and enjoy being petted.