Review author: “ZooVita”
This sweet, good-natured dog is an excellent companion and an indispensable assistant to hunters. Those who love long walks and trips to the bosom of nature will be ideal owners for it, but homebodies will only experience inconvenience.
Smart, quick-witted individuals will not annoy with causeless noise; they have a silent and patient disposition. A smart earner, a faithful family friend, he is responsive to affectionate treatment, coping with any master’s assignment, for this it is enough to bestow him with human attention.
History of origin
The hunting passion forced the English of the 19th century to disappear for days in the wilds of the forest in search of game. But getting the ducks out of the lake was problematic; the hounds were not up to the task. Soon the Scottish valleys were filled with shaggy creatures with golden fur, thanks to Lord Dudley Marjoribanks.
An avid dog breeder carried out long and purposeful breeding research in order to breed a breed capable of rushing into the water after a bird, easily overcoming heather thickets. The blood of a tweed spaniel, bloodhound, and labrador flows in the golden's veins.
The dogs quickly gained fame in many countries; they appeared in Russia in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Nova Scotian (toller)
The newest breed among Retrievers appeared in 1945 in Canada. Hunters needed a dog that could lure ducks to traps on the shore. From English “tolling” means luring a bird, which is where the name comes from. The standard was adopted in 1983.
Toller's work technique attracts not only waterfowl, but also small rodents. The dog runs along the shore around the set traps, joyfully jumping and “dancing”, wagging its tail.
This is the smallest dog among Retrievers. The height of the Nova Scotia Toller rarely exceeds 50 cm, and the maximum weight is 20 kg. Despite their size, animals do not like apartment life. They like a country house where they can walk in the yard.
The dogs are similar to foxes: a long rectangular body, a fluffy tail, a narrowed muzzle and a bright red color . White spots on the chest and head are characteristic. The coat is smooth, red, silky, consists of two layers: thick guard hair and soft, padded undercoat. The cover is waterproof.
Cheerful, active dog, devoted to family, non-aggressive . At home, Toller is calm, even melancholic. And in nature he is a real fidget. The retriever loves to play, hunt and run. He gets along with children, but does not like other pets. The dog is wary of strangers, so it can serve as a guard.
The dog cannot stand loneliness and cannot live in an enclosure. It is vital for an animal to be close to its owner and feel his love. The breed needs education, training and physical activity. Average cost of puppies: 60,000 rubles.
Appearance
These handsome men have a soulful gaze and luxurious iridescent fur. They are especially recognizable, often starring in American films. The weight of a golden retriever is 41 kg, height is 60 cm. Bitches are smaller and lighter.
In Europe, the English variety is widespread with massive paws and a wide skull, which has a light, almost white color. "Americans" are more graceful and elegant. The Canadian type is larger than its counterparts, distinguished by its rich dark colors.
Specific Features:
- A large head with flat cheeks, the muzzle tapers towards the nose.
- The black lips hide the oral cavity. The strong jaws have a scissor bite.
- A black nose with open nostrils.
- The elongated, hanging ears are located above the round eyes, the whites of which are not visible.
- The body with a sloping croup has prominent muscles, a strong neck, and the tail is thick at the base.
- Smooth legs with voluminous pads and toes folded into a ball.
Coarse coat that repels moisture, with abundant undercoat. The hair is wavy, the shortest areas are on the muzzle, in front of the paws. The standard allows all golden shades, including cream tone.
Labrador
This breed can be called traditional; in American culture it is even customary to have a Labrador for each newborn child. Dogs are loyal friends and good workers. For this purpose they were bred in Canada at the end of the 19th century.
There are 3 versions of the origin of the name. The first comes from the name of the black rock – labrodorite. The second is from the possible place of origin (Labrador Island). The third is from the Portuguese word “labrador”, which means worker.
The Labrador standard requires 56 cm of height at the withers and no more than 40 kg of weight. But animals love to eat, quickly gain weight and suffer from obesity. In addition, modern Labradors are divided into European and American types: the first is characterized by light shades of coat and an elegant, light body; for the second – golden dark colors and a weighted body. Previously, only black was considered the standard coat color; now wheat and brown are common.
Some of the kindest family dogs in the world . Labradors are always in the top 3 pets for children. They love people, are affectionate and active. The breed is used less and less for hunting, although Retrievers still have natural qualities. They cope well with training, quickly remember commands, are not stubborn, but require education.
Now the dogs either serve in the border guard, or help the disabled, or lie next to the owner on the carpet and play with the child. They can be safely called nanny animals. The average price for a puppy is 25,000-40,000 rubles.
Character traits
There are only rave reviews about the character of the Golden Retriever. Friendly intellectuals are characterized by gentleness and a phenomenal memory for faces. They will remember everyone who once treated or entertained them.
A non-conflict animal has a calm, balanced disposition. It is impossible to imagine him growling and clinging to his enemy with a death grip.
Pretty girls are recommended for families with children, having become famous as caring and tolerant nannies. It is unacceptable for children to pull the puppy by the paws, try to lift it under the chest, or sit on it; this threatens to damage the back.
The breed is actively used for the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy, people suffering from depressive conditions, who, after receiving a charge of positive energy from the furry “antidepressants,” feel better.
Dogs act in many guises; they are not only hunters, but also rescuers of drowning people and fire victims, their help is used during search operations, they help the blind, serving as guides.
Thanks to their physical strength, kindness and courage, the services of versatile hard workers are in demand in various fields, in particular by law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Sanguine people by temperament do not show caution or suspicion towards strangers, therefore they are not suitable for the role of guards. They are curious about strangers, wanting to interact with them. The obedient, diligent dog gets along with any domestic animal.
Golden or golden
One of the smartest breeds in the world, the record holder for the loudest bark (more than 113 decibels), a popular and fashionable pet in the USA and Europe. Golden Retrievers appeared in the late 19th century in Great Britain. Their close relatives are Irish Setters, Newfoundlands, Labradors and Collies.
The breed was officially recognized only in 1913 and since then has been used for various purposes: service in the army, rescue squads, clinics. Retrievers bark loudly and have a territorial instinct, but are not good as guard dogs because they are kind to people and other animals.
Medium-sized dog: up to 56 cm at the withers and 40 kg in weight. The body is strong, muscular, square in format with a sloping topline. The head is round, with a pronounced stop and a square muzzle. A unique difference is the long, wavy, silky coat of a golden or cream shade. Yellow or white color is considered defective.
This is a cheerful, kind dog with good physical and working qualities. The animals are calm, balanced, but playful and active. They are great with children, but require constant physical activity and proper upbringing.
Dogs have developed intelligence, they respond to any training program, quickly remember commands and love to serve their owner. The average cost of a puppy of this breed is 25,000 rubles.
Training
Curious individuals love to learn, but they need a firm hand. The training course begins with obedience. You can’t pamper kids; their pranks and liberties in childhood will be transferred to a 40-kilogram strong man, who will be much more difficult to cope with. The first command is “Ugh!”, since the little bumpkins put everything in their mouths.
To develop hunting instincts, you need to go into the forest more often and get used to the order “Fetch!” on dummies. At six months they go swimming, which they adore, without missing a single puddle. The dog must also have the endurance required when sitting in ambush.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The most non-standard of the six Retrievers. Firstly, his homeland is the USA, more precisely, the state of Maryland, whose official symbol it is now. Secondly, its body shape differs significantly from the standard: a large, heavy neck for lifting heavy game, a straight top line for fast swimming, high-set ears so that the dog does not catch a cold in icy water.
The dogs have a short, wavy, plush coat with a padded undercoat. This cover provides excellent protection from the cold. Webbed feet allow them to swim long distances. And the color of the cover gives good camouflage. At the withers, the Bay Retriever can reach 66 cm, maximum weight – 36 kg.
This is the most independent Retriever; it may seem that he is cold towards his family and does not like to play. But in fact, the Chesapeake is loyal to its owners, but is not used to showing its emotions in public.
The breed is non-aggressive, treats children and animals well, but does not like large dogs, responds in kind to anger, and knows how to stand up for itself. Such a pet needs a strong leadership hand and serious education with a course of socialization, otherwise the pet will be tense and timid. The average cost of a puppy is 30,000 rubles .
All Labradors are wonderful pets: kind, active, affectionate, efficient. These are smart dogs, easygoing and non-aggressive. But you should not think that such a character does not need tempering and education.
5 / 5 ( 1 voice )
Accommodations
Keeping a golden retriever in an apartment will require regular walks twice a day for at least an hour. He feels good in a fenced country cottage, but not in a kennel and under no circumstances on a chain. His place in society is next to his owners, otherwise despondency is guaranteed.
A sociable character cannot stand loneliness. For careerists who disappear at work, such a pet is contraindicated for travelers.
Curly-Coated (Curly-Coated)
This Retriever is different from his brothers. The breed is the rarest of the group and the most non-contact. It began to be bred at the beginning of the 19th century on the island of Newfoundland. Curley's ancestors: Irish Spaniel, Newfoundland, Setter, Poodle.
At first, dogs served fishermen and helped on ships until aristocrats noticed them. Breeders decided to improve hunting qualities and got a discreet, strong Retriever
Since 1860 the animals have been kept as pets and hunting dogs . Since the 20th century, the breed was brought to Australia and New Zealand, where Curly-Coated Terriers are now popular, unlike Russia and other Eurasian countries.
Retrievers are standard in format: an elongated rectangular body, dry limbs, a square muzzle and a round head. Their fur can be brown or reddish in color, and is curled into tight strands.
This is an intelligent and strong working dog that is ready to train and serve people faithfully. She does not show aggression, but does not like the pranks of children and is wary of strangers. Curleys need the owner's firm hand, leadership, and good upbringing. Otherwise, in a circle of people, the Retriever will be embarrassed, lost, and angry.
The breed is not intended for living in an apartment, living with a small child or elderly people. Curley needs an avid hunter or an active family willing to devote time to frequent walks and exercise the pet. The average cost of a puppy is 15,000 rubles.
Care
The main problem is shedding, which requires brushing twice a day, so allergy sufferers and fans of sterility should abandon the idea of having such a companion. The rest of the time, this is done less often, bathed once a month, slightly trimming the fur, especially between the toes and near the tail.
Eyes and ears are cleaned when they become dirty. To remove plaque, use a brush; special treats will also help.
Diet
Meats include lamb, beef, turkey, and rabbit. Pork and poultry bones are not allowed. It is advisable to add pumpkin, carrots, cabbage, beets with herbs, and buckwheat to the food. By-products are possible in small quantities.
Adult dogs need two meals a day and fermented milk products; puppies are fed more often, always including milk in the menu. Feeding occurs only after walking. You can use premium dry products.
Diseases
From the description of the Golden Retriever, it is clear that he is a cheerful, active, energetic animal, but as a result of hereditary predisposition he may suffer from:
- retinal degeneration;
- hip dysplasia;
- oncology;
- hypothyroidism;
- heart ailments.
In addition, there is a risk of obesity, arthritis and dental inflammation. Annual vaccination is required.
Straight-haired (Flat-Coadet)
Flat retrievers are actively gaining popularity, trying to catch up with Labradors. The dogs were bred in Britain at the end of the 18th century, but the breed was finally formed in the mid-19th century.
Like their brothers, Flats are waterfowl hunters. At first, the animals worked together with the Spaniels, catching birds, but later they only began to bring shot prey.
The first individuals had wavy hair; at exhibitions the breed received the name “Wavy-haired”, but the wool did not have the required density and water-repellent properties. Therefore, other breeds were mixed into the blood to improve the protective properties of the cover.
This is a harmoniously built, strong dog with a rectangular, streamlined body. The average size at the withers is 58 cm, maximum weight is 35 kg . The calling card of these Retrievers is their straight, medium-length coat, soft and silky. Color: liver, red-brown.
This breed is the fastest in the group. Flets have a quick reaction, so in addition to hunting, they show good results in agility, freestyle, and other types of dog sports.
Animals are serious and reserved with others, but in the family they are active and loving. They do not like to be commanded, but are ready to serve people faithfully. Like all Retrievers, they need education, training and training in working qualities. The average cost is 35,000 rubles.
Interesting Facts
The purebred dog holds the world record for the loudest bark and the number of tennis balls it can hold in its mouth (5). She is the third most popular in the world, considered the smartest creature.
Photos of the Golden Retriever breed, demonstrating the beauty and unusualness of the animal, will not leave anyone indifferent. This charming, gentle creature will bring joy to your home.
