Go For Gold: Champion Golden Retriever Breeders

The history of the Golden Retriever dog breed is brief. A Scottish Lord living on the Tweed River developed the breed in 19th century Scotland. Lord Tweedmouth wished to breed a yellow water spaniel. He mated the Tweed Water Spaniel, Irish Setter and several other dog breeds to create a breed similar to the Golden Retriever of today. Perhaps due to their Irish Setter ancestry, many of the first Golden Retriever had much darker gold to copper-colored coats than those seen today. Golden Retriever Breeders prefer dogs with cream to light gold coats. Though the American Kennel Club, which sets the desired breed characteristics, does not prohibit darker coats, copper or rust colored coats are not allowed. Classified as a breed in England in 1913, America in 1925 and Canada in 1927, the Golden Retriever has consistently been in the top ten most popular dog breeds. It cannot be overstated that the Golden Retriever has excellent traits for both sporting and family living. The breed is mild-mannered, extremely intelligent, loyal, eager to please, easily trainable, and beautiful. All of these traits make the Golden Retriever a beloved pet and a champion competitor. Some of the most desired characteristics of Golden Retrievers are intelligence, trainability, beauty, gentleness and hunting and tracking ability. The first dog to win an American Kennel Club obedience championship was a Golden Retriever. The breed has the lowest rate of behavior school dropouts due to the breed's eagerness to please as well as inherent intelligence. Though Golden Retriever breeders may have champion ancestry in their bloodlines, Golden Retrievers are still prone to health problems like many other pure breeds. The average life span for a Golden Retriever is only ten to thirteen years with many not making it to the minimum age at death. Golden Retrievers are highly focused. This can be a good trait but it can also be something owners must watch out for. Golden Retrievers will focus on work so much that they wear themselves out or focus on food so much that they become obese. Owners must be aware of the activities of Golden Retrievers and monitor their food intake and activity level closely. Golden Retriever breeders you should avoid have the opposite characteristics from the traits listed below. All of the following are signs of reputable Golden Retriever breeders: -Breeders maintain their own kennels and allow buyers to visit -Puppies have been socialized and are allowed in the breeder's home. -Puppies and parents have been screened for common genetic defects. -Breeders provide documentation of ancestry, pedigree, etc. -Medical records and immunizations are available upon request. -Breeders will inform buyers of any known physical or behavioral problems in a line. -Breeders do NOT sell to pet stores. -Breeders provide warranties and may accept returns. -Breeders either run or are affiliated with Golden Retriever rescue centers. -Breeders answer all of buyers' questions thoroughly and are knowledgeable on the breed. -Breeders interview buyers to make sure buyers and puppies are a good match. -Breeders educate buyers on how to train, groom, and care for puppies. -Breeders have references available upon request. Look for breeders with these traits and avoid those that cannot meet these requirements or even cannot answers questions about the Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and loyal dog breeds. Golden Retriever breeders look for breed specific traits such as friendliness and loyalty. If you are looking for Golden Retriever information and information about breeders, you will be find answers in this article.