Recognized by:	AKC - American Kennel Club, ANKC - Australian National Kennel Council , CKC - Canadian Kennel Club, FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale, HRC (UKC) - United Kennel Club Hunting Retriever Club, KC - The Kennel Club (UK), NAHRA - North American Hunting Retriever Asscociation.
Breed organizations:	Golden Retriever Club of America
Web sites of interest:	Goldens Afield - Working Goldens
VersatileDogs listings:	Kennels and Photos
Owner Input: The golden retriever is honestly the best overall dog I have ever owned in my life. I have seen and owned and worked with many dogs, but when I see a Golden, I shutter at their beauty, stature and grace at such a beautiful well defined best friend. - ckelley My Golden Retriever was the best dog that I've ever had. She was obediant, loving and smart. She died about two months ago and I doubt I will ever find another dog as good as her. I was steered to a Golden when I asked for A good dog for a family dog, good with kids and a non-aggressive history. To my total delight my Golden met my expectations 5 times over. He has proven to be the smartest dog Ive ever owned. With little training he bacame house broken at an early age, and has provided 8 plus years of joy. He loves to please and is a good swimmer and loves to retrieve as his name suggest. If I have an occassion I will get the next one professionally trained. Sparky, my current dod continues to bring joy to our family daily. Alex Laing Dallas TX In my opinion these animals are more human than most people. Our beautiful Rusty has saved my husband from snakebites(more than once), our children from being hit by a car, our grandaughter from an attack by a Chow(that was much larger and ill tempered), and with all of that, is the best retrieving dog we've been exposed to in our many years! If only humans had half the qualities of these magnificent animals. I don't worry about anyones safety when Rusty is around! Liz C., Porterville, ca. We have a golden, we got him through rescue, he is 3 years old. We have had goldens before. Rusty is a very gentle, loyal, loving and spoiled dog. He is a wonderful family dog, not aggressive in anyway, to people or other animals. I would recommend a golden to anyone who has kids. I can not imagine having any other breed. Dawn in NC I grew up with many dogs different dog breeds in my life, and also had cats. I got my wonderful Golden Retriever, Emmy when she was one years old as the breeder in Florida got divorced and couldn't keep all her show dogs. Emmy was her prize puppy and pick of the litter who won all kinds of contests for puppies. Emmy is just turned three, and is the most beautiful lady Golden you have ever seen. But the beauty is far more than looks alone. She is an incredible watch dog, extremely loving and obedient, and is the ultimate companion anyone could ever have. Unfortunately, I had to couldn't keep up with the show dog requirements and decided after lot's of research not to breed Emmy as it was just too demanding. You can never get depressed with Emmy around. She will sense your behavior and come over and cheer you up. When I come home from work, she will occasionally greet me with my sock or handkerchief (I accidentally left on the floor), and play hide and go seek, making it difficult to get my sock or handkerchief back which is usually torn. But it's so funny, that I can't even yell at her. She is just adorable and the most human like dog one can get. Golden Retrievers also smile like humans, they understand English or any language they learn and you will eventually also understand all their different types of barks and moans. They will speak to you in their own language and if they could speak English they would. And they also love watching TV, lol. Unless you need a guard dog who will bite a potential robber, this is not the bread for you. However, I can tell you that when I lived in Miami, Emmy actually chased away several potential robbers with her ferocious bark and jumping. The robbers noticed a big dog jumping and barking and had no idea that once they broke into my house, Emmy would give them my keys, jewelry and wallet, plus lick them to death. What a great actress Emmy is. There is no better breed of dog or one that is more versatile. The only negative is that Golden Retrievers live on avg. only 10-12 years, but hopefully Emmy will live a lot longer as I have many more years of joy with this incredible animal that I consider human. Also, while they love the outside and exercise, this is not the dog for you if you are planning to leave it outside all the time. They are the ultimate companion dog and want to become your best friend. You can't leave your best friend outside the house. Steve. I have a 2 year old golden retriever named Buddy. He is by far the best friend I have ever had and could not imagine life without him. Buddy *loves* to swim and when there is water around he has a one track mind. All he can think about is getting in the water. This past weekend I took a day trip with a labrador retriever club to an area just outside Seoul Korea. When we all arrived, all the dogs took off like a bolt of lightening heading for the water. Buddy ran ahead as well but stopped every so often to make sure I was behind him. We had to walk down a rocky cliff to get to the base of the water and while I was *trying* to get down, I lost my footing and started to slip. At this point, all the dogs were in the water already swimming and Buddy was pretty close. He turned around and saw me slipping and he ran quickly back up the cliff and stood firmly infront of me to keep me from slipping any further. When I got my footing I thanked him and told him to go ahead but he woudnt go. I grabbed onto his back and he guided me down the cliff and walked beside me to the water. I honestly have never been more proud of anyone in my entire life and cant describe the feeling I had. I just felt closer to him..more than ever. He is the best dog I have ever had and thank God for everyday he is in my life....thank you Buddy! - Victoria McI.