Typical Expectations Of A Golden Retriever



Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2008

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http://www.goldenretrievernews.com/

The American Kennel Club has identified the Golden Retriever as a certain breed that fits within the sporting group of dog breeds. A mid-size dog, they tend to be eager to please and very friendly with people and other dogs. The American Kennel Club has specific qualifications for the standard of the Golden Retriever. These items include many aspects of the physical appearance of the dog including the head, neck, topline, body; forequarters, hindquarters color, coat, gait, temperament, size, proportion, substance and, of course, general appearance.

Each of these categories is measured against very specifically definitions of the Golden Retriever standard, which is the model of the perfect Golden Retriever. Defined within each category are also things that are considered faults. Beyond these faults, there are a couple of things that will automatically disqualify the dog from being a Golden Retriever standard. These things are a deviation in height of more than one inch from the standard, either too high or too small, and also if there is an undershot or overshot bite. These are the only two automatic disqualifiers.

The American Kennel Club has laid out specifically how the Golden Retriever should look and behave. You can look up the specifics of the standards at the AKC website. They include many specific items. For example, when the Golden Retriever is trotting, it should be free, smooth, powerful and well coordinated, showing good reach and the legs should not cross each other. The eyes of the Golden Retriever should be intelligent and friendly in expression, and medium large. The preferred color for the eyes is dark brown, but medium brown is okay. The nose should be black or brownish black.

The coat should be a lustrous golden color. The mid-gold range is best, though it can range from lighter to darker. There can be feathering on the lack of the forelegs and underbelly, front of the neck, behind the thighs and underside of the tail. The natural appearance of the coat should be maintained, without any clipping or cutting of the fur, but too long a coat is undesirable.

The American Kennel Club has set out the specifics of the Golden Retriever standards. All breeders are aware of the standards and should be selling dogs that meet these standards. All Golden Retrievers that do meet the AKC standards will have some things in common. They will be active, alert dogs that stay involved in the world around them. As typical of a hunting dog, they will be hard workers, and not content to just lie around. They will be muscular, friendly, and love to interact with people.

The coat will be a beautiful mid-gold color, with a firm and resilient outer coat, either straight or wavy. The tail will be held proudly, and the eyes will be intelligent and friendly. A dog that meets the Golden Retriever standard will be a dog that anyone could be proud to own and show. To get the specifics of the American Kennel Club Golden Retriever Standards, one should check the AKC website.

Carol Matthews is a dog-owner, professional breeder and avid-studier, having extensive experience in dog training and breeding. The golden retriever is the perfect combination of action with beauty. It is widely accepted for its intelligence, obedience, golden shade and liveliness.   http://www.goldenretrievernews.com/ 
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