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What is the best type of dog2007-11-25 2:52:00

Appearance

The outercoat is dense, shiny, wavy or flat, and water-repellent; the undercoat is dense and waterproof.

Feathering is heavy on the front of the neck, back of the thighs, and underside of the tail, and moderate on the back of the front legs and the underbody. Color is various shades of rich, lustrous gold.

Grooming & Exercise Needs

Goldens shed a lot and need to be brushed and combed a few times a week.

They are happiest when they are taken on several brisk daily walks and are given the opportunity to play with other dogs. Fetching Frisbees or balls and swimming are favorite activities.

Origins

Developed in England and Scotland in the 19th century, the Golden Retriever resulted from the breeding of a Newfoundland-derived yellow retriever with the Tweed water spaniel and the occasional out-crossing of this new dog with the Irish setter, bloodhound, and other water spaniels.

The advent of the breech-loading shotgun enabled hunters to down enormous quantities of ducks, and a large-bodied dog was needed to both locate and retrieve game. Until the golden retriever's arrival, setters and pointers located the game, and spaniels flushed and retrieved.

Special Alerts

It is especially important to obtain a golden retriever from a reputable breeder. Bad breeders and pet stores often sell aggressive, hyperactive, or timid goldens with serious medical problems.

Breed-related health concerns: hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, hot spots, hypothyroidism, lymphoma, subaortic stenosis."