Golden Retriever Dog Breed

Posted by Jeanne on November 12, 2008

Golden Retrievers are bred for their soft mouths that make them especially useful for retrieving game that might be easily injured. They are easily broken, are most tractable, and are fine workers and useful in retrieving either upland game or waterfowl.

• General Appearance – Should be of a symmetrical, active powerful dog, a good level mover, sound and well put together, with a kindly expression, not clumsy or long in the leg.
• Head – Broad in skull, well set on a clean and muscular neck, muzzle powerful and wide, not weak jawed, good stop.
• Eyes – Dark and set well apart, very kindly in expression with dark rims.
• Teeth – Even, neither under nor overshot.
• Color – Rich golden, must not be as dark as an Irish Red Setter or cream color. The presence of a few white hairs on chest permissible, but white collar, feet, toes or blaze to be penalized.
• Coat – Must be flat or wavy, good undercoat, dense and water resisting.
• Ears – Small and well set on.
• Feet – Round and cat-like, must not open or splay.
• Forelegs – Straight, with good bone.
• Hindlegs – Strong and muscular, well-bent stifle.
• Hocks – Well let down, not cow hocked.
• Nose – Should be black, but a light-colored nose should not debar a dog from honors who is good in all other respects.
• Tail – Should be straight, not curled at tip or carried over the back.
• Body – Well balanced, short coupled, and deep through the heart. Loins must be strong, back ribs must be deep and strong with good second thighs; shoulders must be well laid back and long in the blade.