The Standard
The temperament of the golden retriever is as much a breed trade mark as its golden
coat. They are among the most trainable, social, friendly, reliable,
and trustworthy breeds. But goldens are not known for the guarding abilities.
It was best put by Dr. Bruce Fogle DVM when he said that "goldens are more
likely to show burglars to the family's jewels rather than protect them".
Originally bred to work under human direction and in harmony with other dogs
the golden is highly trainable and one of the most playful breeds.
unwarranted shows of timidity or nervousness, are not in keeping with the golden
character of the golden retriever. According to the standard set by the AKC as a guide for conformation judges "The Golden is a symmetrical, powerful, active dog, sound and well put together, not clumsy nor long in the leg, displaying a kindly expression and possessing a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. " Breeders also use the following as they strive to breed the best goldens .
Size
Dogs are to weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand 23 to 24 inches tall with bitches weighing 55 to 65 pounds and standing 21.5 to 22.5 inches. The height being taken at the withers.Head
They should have a broad Skull with a well defined but not abrupt Stop. A Muzzle that is straight in profile and blends smooth and strong into the skull. Eyes should be friendly and intelligent in expression, medium large with dark, close-fitting rims, set well apart and reasonably deep in sockets, preferably dark brown in color. Ears rather short and fall close to cheek. When pulled forward the tip of ear should just cover the eye. Nose is to be black or brownish black. Teeth should have a scissors bite, in which the outer side of the lower incisors touches the inner side of the upper incisors.Body
The Goldens neck is to be medium long and merge gradually into well laid back shoulders. This gives a sturdy and muscular appearance. Goldens have a topline that is strong and level when standing or moving. Its body should be well balanced, short coupled, deep through the chest, with a tail that follows the natural line of the croup. The tail should also be well set on, carried with a merry action, and level or with some moderate upward curve. Goldens should have forequarters that are muscular and well coordinated with its broad, strongly muscled hindquarters while beeing capable of free movement. Finaly a golden should have paws that are medium in size, round, compact, and well knuckled, with thick pads.Coat
The coat is what put the gold in the golden retriever so I will wrap this page up with it.( sorry for that ) The golden retrievers have a dule-coat.The undercoat is to be dense and water-repellent with a firm and resilient outer coat. Coat is to be neither coarse nor silky while lying close to the body. It may be straight or wavy with an untrimmed natural ruff.Feathering on back of forelegs and underbody should be moderate with heavier feathering on front of neck, back of thighs and underside of the tail. Coat on head, paws, and front of legs is to be short and even. The golden should have a rich, lustrous golden color of various shades. Feathering may be lighter than rest of coat. White marking, with the exception of graying or whitening of face or body due to age,or any noticeable area of black or other off-color hair are not in keeping with the standard. Black spots do some times occure as the golden did originate from the wavy coated retriever ( a black breed ) and there are the occasional throwbacks.Introduction History Breed-Specific Problems Conclusion Links
