Golden Retriever

Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.

Retriever sub-group: Retrievers are one of the most globally recognized and loved breeds. They were bred to retrieve (especially birds) for their hunters. This has translated to a natural eagerness to please their owners. Combine that with their friendliness and intelligence and they make an amazing family dog. They can be trained well, and do not necessarily need an alpha type of owner. Because of the retriever's incredible versatility, they excel in a variety of other activities such as drug detection, service dogs for the blind, search and rescue dogs, and more. An owner should take advantage of the dog's eagerness to please by giving them challenges, and letting them feel rewarded for their good actions. The 'retrieving' is so bred into the nature of the dog that typically you do not need to teach them to "fetch" ... they just do. Retrievers aren't perfect though- they have been known to have a variety of health problems, most common being hip problems. Make sure you go through a reputable breeder, and don't be shy to ask about the hips of their dogs.