About Golden Retrievers:
This is an enormously affectionate breed. It is friendly, willing, and devoted. It is an ideal dog in a household with other animals and children. This butterscotch-colored dog is one of the most beloved companion breeds of our time, as it well deserves. During the early 19th century, when game hunting became and extremely popular sport in England and Scotland, the pursuit of game birds—on water as well as land—created a demand for a new, specialized sporting dog that could retrieve game from icy waters. Setter and water spaniels were crossed with the St. John’s Newfoundland to create the Golden, Curly-coated, Flat-Coated, and the Labrador retrievers. At first lumped together with the Flat-Coated Retriever, the Golden was registered as a separated breed in 1913. An outstanding hunting dog, the Golden is equally superb in the field, in obedience trials, and as a guide dog for the blind. The first 3 dogs of any kind to win the AKC Obedience Champion title, available as of July 1977, were all Golden Retrievers. Valued for its keen intelligence and gentleness, the Golden is one of the most popular family pets.
Care and Exercise:
Thick coat requires weekly brushings and bathing is needed to keep it clean and smelling nice. Do not allow thick double coat to remain damp or wet; this can cause hop spots or other skin reactions. Exercise at least two hours per day. Allow it frequent swims, regardless of weather, and give it the opportunity to fetch and carry.
Recommended Households:
An all-around dog, ideal in homes with children and other pets. This affectionate, intelligent breed belongs with owners that are willing to give it the attention it deserves and, in fact, requires. The Golden seems to crave a sense of helping or participating. It adjusts easily to city life as long as it gets plenty of exercise. It is used as a guide dog for the blind with great success.
About Labrador Retrievers:
An even-tempered and hardworking breed. It's considered one of the very best all-around dogs in the world. This is a steadfast, affectionate, and adaptable dog, useful as a field dog, a house pet, or a guide for the blind. Outstanding in all categories. First imported to England from Newfoundland in the early 19th century, the Labrador earned its popularity from the Early of Malmesbury, who give it the name Labrador and was once of the first to praise the breed. Not only did it excel in the field and in the water, but the Lab proved valuable in wartime, when its strong nose was used to detect mines buried at considerable depths. The Lab has long been popular in the show ring, and is one of the most frequently used guide dogs for the blind. Slightly more dour than the Golden Retriever, the Labrador makes a faithful guard and companion. It is loving and always ear to work.
Care and Exercise:
Coat care is minimal, though light daily brushing enhances sheen and helps cement bond between dog and owner. Needs vigorous exercise on a regular basis. Occasional swims should be included, for, like all Retrievers, the Lab was made for the water.
Recommended Households:
An adaptable animal, this steady breed will fit into almost any setting as long as it gets generous amounts of exercise. It is unfair to keep suck a fine animal locked up. Ideal with other pets and children, the Lab is attached to its family and devoted to the task of pleasing them in every way possible. It is not a fighter by nature, but early training and socializing with other animals and people brings out the best in a Labrador.
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