| The golden retriever is a
relatively young breed.
It originated in Scotland during the late 1800s where it was
developed by a British aristocrat, Lord Tweedmouth. Since hunting
provided both sport and sustenance on Scottish estates, Tweedmouth
and other British lords sought to develop effective hunting dogs
for upland game. However, because the original breeders were
gentlemen, they demanded more than just practicality in their
dogs. They also sought to create handsome animals who were
a pleasure to watch work. The result was the
golden retriever, a breed with
both hunting skill and beauty.
The foundation of the
golden retriever was the now-extinct Tweed water spaniel. Over
the years, crosses were made to numerous other breeds, most of
which differ significantly from the dogs we know today by the same
names:
- red setters,
- black wavy-coated retrievers
- Labrador retrievers
- Newfoundland or St. John's dogs,
and
- bloodhounds.
By the early 1900s,
the golden retriever had developed into a
superb hunting retriever.
Its most distinguishing features were its luxurious golden coat
and sweet disposition.
Today's golden retrievers are
descendents of these companion hunters. Specifically, they are
non-slip retrievers,
dogs who walk quietly at heel or sit patiently in a blind until
released on command to retrieve fallen game, on land or in
the water. They are also used to search out game for walking
hunters. This purpose requires a dog of above average
intelligence and trainability with moderate physical attributes.
First and foremost,
non-slip retrievers like goldens need to be
biddable dogs, willing
to take direction from their handlers. They must have natural
intelligence and keen noses
to efficiently find hidden or fallen game. While they must be
strongly driven to find and retrieve game animals, they also need
soft mouths (to carry
and deliver them gently) so the game is fit to eat. Finally,
golden retrievers need to be
confident, friendly dogs that can work well in large
groups of hunters and dogs.
However, coupled with
these exceptional mental characteristics, the golden retriever
also must be a dog of moderate
physical attributes. Hunting small game requires a dog
of medium size, with the strength and athletic ability to pursue
game through rough cover while not being too heavy or large to
work all day or accompany the hunter into blinds and boats. It
needs a moderate energy level--enough to
work all day in the field while remaining within range of the
hunters' guns. Finally, it must have a
wash 'n wear coat that
enables it and the hunter to focus on hunting. This means the coat
cannot attract burrs and briers, and must shed dirt and
water easily. |
