The Clown of the dog world....

The Boys Club- Jasper, Cooper, Milo

We have at least two (and often more!) Golden Retrievers at daycare every day. They are a very popular breed, and for good reason!

They are happy, friendly, and generally easy to train. Raised right Goldens adore people and make great family pets. They are active enough to enjoy hiking, camping and other outdoor activity, but are equally happy playing fetch in the backyard.

Milo

The Goldens at daycare range from the wild and crazy, to calm and easy going. They are great daycare dogs and are often found in the middle of anything that is fun. Fetch is a favorite game (they aren't called Retrievers for nothing!) but they are equally happy wrestling, or playing chase games.

Roscoe- all puppy smiles!

All goldens seem to have that sweet, melt your heart expression and they aren't afraid to use that to their advantage. It's awful hard to stay mad at a sweet golden face! They also seem to all share the clown trait- they do the goofiest things and love to make us laugh. Rolling around on the floor, playing with a toy by themselves, or laying in a puddle....

Dasiy- she LOVES the pool...

Golden Retrievers are VERY smart, and pick up training really fast. They are easily motivated by toys, food, or just a "good boy." They are popular in Obedience Competitions, Agility, and Search and Rescue. Goldens seem to be an all purpose breed that can do just about anything!

Barley is happiest with a toy in his mouth...

Because they are so smart, and active- it is important that you exercise them both physically and mentally. A bored Golden is trouble! Teaching tricks, obedience commands, and general manners are all highly suggested! A golden requires more than a walk around the block and will drive you a little nutty if they don't get a good run or a few long walks a day!

Cooper (often called "Super Duper Cooper" in a sing song voice) :o)

Golden Retriever are very social and love their people. They need to be an important member of your family and are happiest in the house, being spoiled. Nothing is better than the happy wag of their tail and the smile on their face. They really are an all around great dog!

Jake, showing off his serious side

From the CKC site:

ORIGIN
The most glamorous of the retriever family, the Golden was developed in the mid-19th century by a Scotsman, Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later Lord Tweedmouth. The romantic story that first unfolded concerned Sir Dudley visiting a circus and being so taken with a troupe of Russian sheepdogs that he bought them all. But when his breeding records were made public, they revealed the Golden was all sporting blood. It had been created by crossing the wavy-coated Retriever with the yellow Tweed Water Spaniel. The offspring were crossed with the Irish Setter and the sandy-coloured Bloodhound. Linebreeding finally created the Golden. It was first granted breed status in Britain in 1913. Among the most ingratiating of breeds, the Golden’s manners win friends for him wherever he’s seen.
TEMPERAMENT
As a family pet, especially with children, the breed has few equals. The Golden is noted for being friendly, reliable and trustworthy. In addition to being a gentle-mouthed retriever, the breed excels in obedience and shines as a guide dog for the seeing-impaired.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
A powerful and active dog, the Golden does well in suburban or country environments where he gets lots of outdoor exercise, but keep him well-fenced for his own protection.
COAT
The dense and water-repellent coat lies flat against the body and may be straight or wavy. It is firm and resilient. There’s moderate feathering on the back of the forelegs and heavier feathering on the front of the neck, back of thighs and underside of tail.
COLOUR
It’s golden, of course, but in various shades of gold.
GROOMING
Regular brushing is the only grooming required outside of the occasional bath.

For more information about this happy breed, or to find a breeder check out the Golden Retriever Club of Canada website