The Golden Retrievers History
The First Golden Retrievers Were Developed In Scotland
The Golden Retrievers history spans almost One Hundred years. The first Golden Retriever was originally developed in Scotland by a British aristocrat, Lord Tweedmouth.
Hunting provided great sport on the Scottish estates, so Tweedmouth, and other British lords wanted to develop quality hunting dogs for upland game.
They wanted more however than just good hunting dogs. They also wanted dogs that were a thing of beauty to watch work. The result was the Golden Retriever, a breed that had both skill and beauty.
The first Golden Retriever was produced by Lord Tweedmouth, by mating a yellow wavy-coated Retriever named Nous, to his Tweed Water Spaniel, Belle.
The breed was first exhibited in Britain in 1908 and was granted separate breed status in 1913. First classified as the Retriever Golden, and Yellow, in 1920 the name was changed to Golden Retriever
Once developed, early Golden Retrievers were shown in England as Flat-coated Retrievers under the variety Golden. Over time the Golden Retrievers made their way to North America, brought back by people visiting Britain.
By the early 1900s the Golden Retrievers had developed into a superb hunting retriever. Its most distinguishing features were its luxurious golden coat and sweet disposition.
In 1913 The Kennel Club registered Golden Retrievers as a distinct breed. In the same year the Golden Retriever Club was founded. The Golden Retriever was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1956.
In 1932, Golden Retrievers were recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Golden Retriever Club of America was formed in 1938.
In 1974 President Gerald Ford made the First Family dog a Golden Retriever named Liberty.
Today the Golden Retriever is well known for its excellent upland game hunting and retrieving abilities. It is also well know for its abilities as an assistant to the physically challenged.
Golden Retrievers have also become popular with law enforcement, because of their keen nose, and ability to sniff out illegal substances. But one of the things it does best is be a loyal loving friend to your whole family.
