Breed History

Guisachan Estate, the home of Lord Tweedmouth and birthplace of the Golden Retriever.

The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland and England in the mid-19th century as a hunting dog able to retrieve land and water fowl. Goldens made their debut in North America in the 1920’s, were their handsome appearance, wonderful temperament and excellent working ability established their popularity.

The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, muscular breed. Mature Golden Retriever males measure 23-24″ at the shoulder (withers) and weigh 75-80 lbs. Females are slightly smaller at 21 ½”-22 ½” at the withers and weigh about 60-65 lbs. It is acceptable for their height to vary by 1″ either way. One of the characteristics of Goldens is their multi-length coat, which consists of a good undercoat during the colder months, with a longer, water-repellent outer coat with heavier feathering on the chest, tail, back of thighs and forelegs. The adult coat varies in shades of lustrous gold from cream to dark gold.

While Golden Retrievers are strikingly beautiful dogs, the hallmark of the breed is their wonderful eager-to-please temperament. Well-bred and properly socialized Goldens are extremely trainable and versatile. They are employed as guide dogs for the blind, independence dogs for the disabled, make superb hunting retrievers and excel in the show and obedience rings. Most important however, is that Goldens make unsurpassable family companions.

Guisachan Estate, as it appears today. For more information on Guisachan Estate please visit Friends of Guisachan