I may be biased because I've grown up with golden retrievers all of my life, but they are one of the best dog breeds out there. They are known for their loving, compassionate, and loyal personality, as well as their luscious coat. They also are great at hunting and fieldwork and make a fantastic guide dog. Here are some fun history and facts on them.
It all started in 1850 by Scotsman Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, the Lord of Tweedmouth. The golden retriever breed was developed in Scotland by crossing a Retriever with a Water Spaniel, then crossing their offspring with Bloodhounds, Irish Setters, the St. John's Water Dog, and other Retrievers. The original purpose of wanting to breed was for them to hunt for animals, such as duck and birds. They were first shown in 1908, at the U.K.'s Crystal Palace. In 1925, the breed gained recognition from the American Kennel Club. It never fails to interest me how golden retrievers basically were "invented."
Two American presidents have had golden retrievers as pets, President Ford, and Reagan. Ford's dog was named Victory, He also owned 6 other dogs! Reagan's had two dogs, named Misty and Liberty. I'd say Victory and Liberty are some pretty fitting names for a president's pet!
Golden retrievers are also featured in all of everyone's favorite childhood movies; Airbud, Homeward Bound, A Dog's Purpose, and Napolean, and more. They are basically celebrities. They are in so many movies because of their mellow nature and trainability. They are also very reliable and are known for being consistent. They are also known for their appearances in commercials such as Chevy, Subaru, Stroh's Beer, and Bush's Beans. Unfortunately, in 2018, the famous dog in the reoccurring Bush's Beans commercials, Duke, passed away from battling brain cancer.
This breed is also a great hunting companion. The physical and mental traits golden retrievers acquire make them a very useful helper. That's the whole reason they were bred in the first place, was to hunt. Golden retrievers are willing to do almost anything their owners want to do. They have a great drive and passion as well as a fantastic bird sense. Fun fact, when my golden retriever was younger, she caught a flying bird out of mid-air. Pretty cool, but also a little terrifying. Goldens are super smart, and have good noses, making them one of the top five dog breeds for hunting! What can they not do?
I really want to emphasize the golden retriever's personality. They have such an intense desire to please their owners. It's amazing what they would do for you. They basically "retrieve" for their owners for their own enjoyment and are incredibly loyal. They are also very playful and friendly, especially around children, which is why they make great family dogs. Goldens are also very friendly around strangers. They are the perfect companions and friends for almost everyone. Their personality isn't quite like most other dogs. You won't find this much loyalty and kindness in another dog.
I would recommend golden retrievers to anyone in need of a friend who will never leave their side and pick them up when they're down. I mean, I would just recommend them in general. They are amazing animals.