Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is originally an English breed and was first called Yellow Retriever. The purpose with the breeding was to create a dog that could help the hunter to retrieve the dead game. This sort of work demands a certain type of mentality. The FCI breed standard (which is the one Sweden uses) mention words like Intelligent, sensitive, self-confident and affectionate. I will not even try to translate the complete breed-standard since it is extremely difficult- let's leave that to the experts. If you want to read the complete FCI breed standard, please contact SKK

  Photo: Ingrid Ringels

The first Golden Retriever came to Sweden 1927, but the first step towards the modern Golden did not start until 1950. KG Zettersten (Kennel Borghälla) and Ulla & Sune Nilsson (Kennel Hedetorpet) imported a bitch in whelp called Barthill Fanny from England. Those pups (the sire was Strelley Starlight) are the foundation for all Swedish Goldens today. The Golden Retriever is the second largest breed in Sweden only beaten by the German Shepherd. 3114 Golden pups where registered in 2003. Note: In Sweden it is not allowed to only register one or two puppies from a litter, you have to register the lot.

If you are interested in the Golden retriever, especially the Swedish ones, please join the Swedish Golden retriever club. The membership is 200 SKr including yearbook. (2006).

Grooming and general care

In most countries except the United states the golden retriever is never showed in full coat. It needs trimming! My opinion is that you should trim your Golden even if you are not interested in showing. It simply makes it look tidy and it is an excellent opportunity to go over your dog to make sure it is healthy.

I find that the easiest way is to put the dog on a table. Start with the tail: Cut the hair in a soft curve. If your dog has not got a lot of coat do not be tempted to save too much hair on the tail - it simply destroys the overall balance. If the dog has got thick trousers it is necessary to make them tidy to accentuate the angulation. A golden should have nice round catlike feet so cut the hair between the pads and around the paw. Do not spoil the appearance with long claws. A lot of dogs tend to grow extensive hair around the neck and down on the chest. Use thinning scissors and cut it all the way from behind the ears down to the breastbone. You may find it difficult to blend it nicely in the beginning but you will learn.

Most dogs enjoy being groomed since they like the attention. It is a good idea to train your puppy already from the start because it makes your life so much easier for both of you.