GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 51-61cm
Colour: Any shade of gold or cream.
Coat: Outercoat to be flat or wavy with feathering.
Gait: Smoothly co-ordinated with strong propulsion.
These stylish members of the Gundog group must be active and powerful.
The dark eyes are set well apart and midway between the broad skull and the wide deep powerful muzzle. The high set cars hang close to the cheek.
The neck must be long enough for the head to comfortably reach the ground when retrieving on the move and the strong body has a chest that reaches the elbows. The fore and hindquarters are well angulated and the round catlike feet must never be splayed. The thick tail is well feathered and long enough to reach the hock - in movement it should never be carried over the back. 
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
With its amenable and affectionate nature, the Golden Retriever will always be a popular family dog. Unlike many other breeds, these dogs do not continually demand attention from their family - some preferring to sit and watch. However, they do need regular exercise and if possible, free running.
Due to their easy going nature and adaptability, they are often used as guide dogs for the deaf or blind. Regular grooming is required - particularly during the seasonal shedding of the coat.
HISTORY
In the 1860s, Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland purchased the only yellow puppy that was born into a litter of black Flat Coated Retrievers. Aiming to produce retrievers of this lighter colour, he later crossed this yellow dog to a liver Tweed Water spaniel - a strain which was hardy, intelligent and capable of retrieving game in all sorts weather. From 1867 onwards, Lord Tweedmouth’s gamekeepers recorded all matings and conscientiously evaluated the results. With conformity of type being established, these yellow retrievers became a distinct breed in their own right. They were first shown in England in 1908 and recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1913.