Golden Retrievers are the second most commonly registered breed with the American Kennel Club. Only Labrador Retrievers outrank the Golden in popularity.
Because of their beauty and trainability, Golden Retrievers have been used extensively in television and movies. Buddy, the star of the movie "Air Bud" and its sequels was a Golden Retriever, as was the dog Comet in the television show "Full House" and Speedy from the "Drew Carey Show". The spokes dog for Bush's Baked Beans is a Golden Retriever named Duke. The movie "Homeward Bound" also featured a Golden Retriever.
President Gerald Ford had a Golden Retriever named Liberty who was often photographed at his side in the oval office.
Golden Retrievers are particularly prone to cancer. In fact, a study done by the Golden Retriever Club of America in 1998 showed that 61% of Golden Retrievers die from some form of cancer, making it the breed's most deadly disease.
Though Golden Retrievers are physically fully mature by 2 years of age, they display puppy like behaviors until they are around 3 years of age.
Golden Retrievers have been around since the early 1800's when a Scotsman named Lord Tweedmouth first introduced them on his estate.
The first three dogs of any breed to win the AKC Obedience Champion title, begun in 1977, were Golden Retrievers.
Golden Retrievers are ranked as the third most intelligent breed of dog, after Border Collies and Poodles.
Golden Retrievers are considered to be the best breed for service dogs.
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be hunting dogs, but today, they are most often used as family pets and service dogs. Hunting is one of the least common uses of Golden Retrievers today.
Golden Retrievers are what is known as "crepuscular" dogs. This means that they are more active in the morning and evening, and often sleep during a good part of the middle of the day.
Golden Retrievers love to swim and are some of the best swimmers among all dog breeds. Swimming is a great way for your Golden Retriever to get the exercise he needs.
The Golden Retriever was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1925.
One legend has it that the Golden Retriever actually originates from 8 Russian Sheepdogs who performed in a Circus Troupe.
English Golden Retrievers differ from American Golden Retrievers primarily in the color of their coats. English Golden Retrievers are typically much lighter in color - normally in shades of cream. American Golden Retrievers are much darker in color, and often come in shades of red and mahogany. These dark colors are not acceptable by kennel clubs in the UK. However, the lighter colors of the English Golden Retriever are uncommon in the US, but are acceptable.
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