The combination created a hardy, strong swimming dog that could withstand cold water, track wounded game and deal with crippled birds. The golden retriever was bred to be a bird dog, particularly for hunting water fowl, and the breed resulted from crossing a number of other breeds thought to include spaniels, setters, and the Newfoundland (but not the Newfoundland we know today), and perhaps even a bloodhound. The golden retriever's roots are in the fields and waterways of Great Britain, however. This ranking is no surprise, because the dog has many qualities that make for a perfect family pet. In 1999, the golden retriever was the second most popular AKC breed. Brushing about once weekly will keep the coat looking nice. Golden retrievers are considered average shedders. If exercise is provided daily, golden retrievers can adapt to any type of home, even if it is a city apartment. Remember, golden retrievers are bird dogs at heart, so they love a good game of fetch or a swim. However, some golden retrievers will let you know when strangers are approaching.

Golden retrievers are not often barkers, and they lack guard instincts, so do not count on them to make good watchdogs. They also like to work, whether it involves hunting birds or fetching their guardian's slippers. These dogs are eager to please, which probably explains why they respond so well to obedience training and are such popular service dogs. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. The golden retriever is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. Golden retrievers live about 10 to 13 years. The chest is deep, and the body is well balanced. The ears are not very large, but they sit high on the head and hang just below the jaw line. One of the most attractive features of this breed is the feathering on the neck, legs, thighs, underside and tail. The golden retriever has a water-repellent coat that is wavy or flat and gold to cream in color. Females are about 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh about 55 to 65 pounds (25 to 29 kilograms). Golden retriever males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh about 65 to 75 pounds (29 to 32 kilograms).

The Golden Cat by Max Brand