The Golden Retriever, one of the most popular family dogs of the last 100 years, is a dog breed in the Sporting Group. Known for their friendly, loyal, loving, and outgoing personality, the Golden Retriever is the perfect dog breed for families. The Golden Retriever was recognized by the AKC in 1925 and AKC approved in 1981.
A Golden Retriever's coat is dense and waterproof, and may be straight or moderately wavy. It usually lies flat against the belly. The AKC standard states that the coat is a "rich, lustrous golden of various shades" and disallows coats that are extremely light or extremely dark.
The Golden Retriever has a kind, friendly, and confident temperament. They are not "one man dogs" and are equally friendly with strangers and those familiar to them. Their trusting, gentle disposition therefore makes them a poor guard dog.
As a result of careless breeding for profit, Golden Retrievers are prone to genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is very common in the breed. When buying a puppy its parents should have been examined by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or by The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program for hip disease.
Golden Retrievers are moderately active dogs and require a reasonable amount of exercise each day, although exercise needs may vary depending on the individual dog and its age. They are a dog breed that is prone to obesity, even more so than the Labrador Retrievers, so Golden Retrievers should never be treated like a small dog, or sedentary house pet.