Golden Retriever Origin and History

Golden Retriever Breed Origin

The Golden Retriever dog breed has its origin in the British Isles,
specifically at the estate of Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland in the
middle half of the 19th century. Lord Tweedmouth, also known as
Sir Dudley Majoribanks, was able to develop the first members of
what would become the Golden Retriever breed through crossing a
host of other dog breeds. These would include the now extinct
Tweed Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Bloodhound, Springer Spaniel,
Newfoundland, St. John's Water Dog and other various retrievers and spaniels.

His start came when he was able to acquire a yellow-colored pup from an otherwise dark-
haired retriever. With some methodical breeding, including some selective in-breeding in the
beginning, Majoribanks was able to produce the light, yellow-colored retriever that he
desired. That is, the origin of the Golden Retriever dog breed indicates bringing together
disparate breeds to produce the ideal hunting dog, hardy, intelligent, vigorous, keen smelling,
with a wonderful temperament and trainability.

Golden Retriever Breed History

By the end of the 19th century, Majoribanks had created the Golden Retriever dog breed that
we more or less know today. The Golden Retriever breed history really takes shape by the
beginning of the 20th century and in 1903 the Kennel Club of England first recognized the
breed though they were then called Golden Flat-Coats. By 1911 the breed was designated as
the Golden Retriever and in 1913 the Golden Retriever Club in England was formed.

The breed became very popular throughout England as both a hunting dog and a companion
pet. The Golden Retriever made its way to America in the 1920s and the breed was
recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925. The Golden Retriver Club of America
was formed in 1938 and by the 1940s the breed gained widespread popularity throughout the
country. The Golden Retriever has changed some through time as initially the preferred color
was a darker gold rather than the lighter, blond color found today.

Throughout it history, the Golden Retriever breed has exhibited the traits that make it such a
popular dog today, and it has excelled in the field, the show ring, at obedience competitions
and as a friendly companion pet. In fact, the Golden Retriever breed won the first three AKC
Obedience competitions in the 1970s. In addition to its ability in competition the Golden
Retriever proves to be a useful breed. The Golden Retriever breed's intelligence and ease of
training has made it an ideal guide dog for the blind and its keen sense of smell allows the
breed to be used as a search and rescue dog.

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