5720 Menchaca Road, Austin TX 78745

Opening Hours : Mon-Fri - 7am to 6pm, 1st & 3rd Sat 8am to 2pm
  Contact : (512) 442-6744

Golden Retriever

Breed Highlight: Golden Retriever

For several decades, the Golden Retriever has been one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. Originating in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s, a man named Lord Tweedmouth was in search for a superior retrieving dog that would be well suited to the Scottish climate and rough terrain.

In 1865, he bred “Nous”, the only yellow puppy in a litter of all black Wavy-Coated Retrievers, to “Belle”, a Tweed Water Spaniel (breed now extinct).  Later integrations of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced the yellow-colored retriever we know today.  The Golden Retriever breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 and the Golden Retriever Club of America was formed in 1938.

What I love most about this breed is its versatility. Originally bred for hunting, the Golden Retriever is an ideal guide, assistance, and search-and-rescue dog.  In addition, because they are extremely friendly and have kind, eager-to-please dispositions, they are easily trained, patient, and gentle with children.  Golden Retrievers are also extremely intelligent, ranked as the 4th most intelligent dog breed, behind the German Shephard (3rd), Standard Poodle (2nd), and Border Collie (1st).  With such great intelligence, it is no wonder that Golden Retrievers excel at obedience competitions and at performing tricks.

Here at Manchaca Road Animal Hospital, we have several families with Golden Retrievers that come to see us.  They are such a pleasure to work with and we are proud to be a part of their lives.  We would like to dedicate this Breed Highlight in loving memory of “Callie”, a beautiful and wonderfully sweet Golden who will remain in our hearts forever.