Field Golden Retriever | The Agile & Modern Dog Breed
The Field Golden Retriever, as the name suggests, is a working variation of the Golden Retriever dog breed. While the show line Golden Retrieers are bred to conform to the breed standard and have a stockier build, the Field Golden Retrievers are bred for work, exercise, and drive. These dogs are comparatively slender, slight built and are best suited for hunting, retrieving and search and rescue operations. Their human behaviors and tremendous energy requirements make them able to suit everyone who wishes to introduce a dog that is best suited to live an active outdoor life.
In this article, the reader will be introduced to the breed known as the Field Golden Retriever, learn about its background and characteristics, as well as useful tips for those thinking of getting this breed. No matter whether you are a hunting professional or just a keen dog sport person, or maybe if you are in search of an intelligent and lively pet, you will most certainly fall for this Field Golden Retriever.
History of the Field Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever breed was developed in the early 19th century by a man called Mr. Dudley Marjoribanks, who was a Lord of England, hence the name ‘Tweedmouth’. His intention was to breed a dog that could perform hunting from both the land and water. In the many years that passed, the breed gained the reputation for being friendly, intelligent, and a good retriever.
When the breed was established, there were two distinct varieties that were bred: the show bred and the hunting bred. Unlike the show lines which are developed with grooming and physical structure in mind, Field Golden Retrievers were selectively bred for work. They are more slender and flexible and possess characteristics that make them suitable to work under the field conditions.
Golden Retrievers raised in the field are bred mainly for hunting, search and rescue and sporting activities. Their high activity level and inherent desire to retrieve make them suitable for the physical jobs which is why they are often used as hunting dogs and dogs for sports activities.
Classification of the Field Golden Retriever
By Purpose
The Field Golden Retriever is developed for various purposes and the following are the main ones;
Hunting Companion: The Field Golden Retriever is one of the best bird dogs that are used in the retrieval of waterfowls and game birds. They are great hunters due to their natural retrieving instincts as well as their high level of energy.
Working, Scent, and Search: That is why Field Golden Retrievers can be used for search-and-rescue work as they are highly motivated and intelligent dogs that can scan vast territories to find the target.
Other activities: The Field Golden Retriever is also suitable for agility, obedience, and field trials because of its active nature and willingness to work.
Service Work: Since they were developed for work in the field, Field Golden Retrievers can be trained to be therapy dogs or assistance dogs for those who have disabilities because of their intelligence and good nature.
By Size
The Field Golden Retriever is usually slighter and more sinewy than the show line Golden Retriever. Below are the details of size of the breed:
Height (Males): 23-24 inches
Height (Females): 21-22 inches
Weight (Males): 60-70 pounds
Weight (Females): 55-65 pounds
Coat: The Field Golden Retriever has a shorter and thicker coat which is suitable for the field work which is usually wavy in texture. It serves to cover them in adverse conditions without compromising on mobility and quickness.
Most Popular Traits of the Field Golden Retriever
This breed of the Field Golden Retriever has special characters that distinguish it from other Golden Retrievers. Below are some of the popular features associated with this breed:
High Energy Levels: Field Golden Retrievers are alert and energetic dogs and in order for them to be healthy and happy they need to be taken for a lot of exercises. They are best suited to homes where they can be taken for runs, be let out to play, and be taken for jogs.
Flexibility and Endurance: Field Golden Retrievers are pretty slim and therefore they are flexible when it comes to certain activities that require flexibility, speed and endurance.
Natural Retrieving Instinct: This breed is ideal for hunters because they like to retrieve games and other objects and bring them to their owners.
Intelligence and Trainability: field Golden Retrievers are well known to be intelligent breeds, with no compromise on training, they also are very swift in training, and follow new instructions given by their trainer on the field. They are very docile and are very receptive to any form of training that is based on the positive reinforcement.
Affectionate: Like all the other dogs, field Golden Retrievers are friendly and loyal dogs that are always affectionate to their families. They are well-suited to families who are very busy and are very friendly with people as well as other dogs.
Factors to Choose a Field Golden Retriever
Some of the things that you should consider when adopting a Field Golden Retriever are as follows:
Activity Requirements: The Field Golden Retriever is quite an energetic breed of dog and this means that it needs to be taken for a jog or a run quite often. This breed needs:
About one to two hours of exercise that can be in form of walks, runs and plays. Also, they are interested in things that challenge their mental and physical abilities.
Playfulness, obedience training or dog sports will keep them busy and active to avoid destructive tendencies due to boredom.
Thus, if you do not have much time for active physical activity or if you live in an apartment, a Field Golden Retrider may not be the best choice, as they are very active.
Grooming Needs: Although, unlike the show line Golden Retrievers, the Field Golden Retriever has a shorter coat, it is still necessary to groom the breed frequently:
Grooming: Bathe your Field Golden Retriever once a week to ensure that you get rid of the loose hair and also keep the coat shiny. Despite this, they will still shed their coat, especially during the change of the seasons.
Bathing: Bathe them every 6-8 weeks or when necessary. This may be required after outdoor activities or hunting when the skin may be dirty and full of debris.
Cleaning: Their ears should be cleaned often because the breed is prone to ear infections because of their floppy ears.
Nail Cutting: It is advisable to cut their nails to a reasonable length so that they do not cause any discomfort or grow abnormally.
Health Considerations: Like any other breed of dogs, the Field Golden Retriever is also likely to be affected by the following diseases:
Hip Dysplasia: A prevalent form of joint problem that results to arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia: A disease where the elbow of the bone does not develop correctly, and the joint is painful.
Cancer: Some Golden Retrievers are prone to cancer and the other diseases are; heart diseases such as subaortic stenosis.
It is advisable for someone to work with a competent breeder who tests for these diseases so as to reduce incidences of health complications.
Training and Socialization: Golden Retrievers from the Field are obedient and can be trained to follow commands from their owners. But it is equally important to train and socialize your puppy in early age so as to be able to have a well behaved and a confident grown up dog. Ensure that they get to interact with other individuals and other animals and be exposed to different conditions within their tender ages.
How to care of a Field Golden Retriever
Below are some guidelines that can help you to care for Field Golden Retrievers in your home:
Physical activity: They should perform exercise activities that will provide the energy requirements such as hiking, running, swimming among others.
Training: The most important thing that one should do for his or her dog is to ensure that the dog is trained well through obedience training and use of positive reinforcements.
Veterinary care: continue to take your dog to the vet’s for checkups and make sure it is taken through the usual vaccinations and other procedures.
Hygiene: To ensure their coat and skin are in good condition, they should be brushed and groomed frequently.
Fun Facts About the Field Golden Retriever
Below are some interesting facts about the Field Golden Retriever:
Adaptable Employment: A Field Golden Retriever is a working dog that is used for hunting, search and rescue and for work as a guide dog.
Loves Water: Similar to the other Golden Retrievers, the Field Golden Retriever is known to enjoy water and is a good swimmer.
Main Rivals: Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs and excel in various activities such as agility, obedience, and the retrieving activities.
Where to Find a Field Golden Retriever
When you are considering to get a Field Golden Retriever, there is a need to ensure that you get one from a breeder who deals with working dogs or visit in AKC. It is also possible to get Field Golden Retrievers from rescue centers or through adoption services.
FAQs about the Field Golden Retriever
Conclusion
The Field Golden Retriever is an active, intelligent dog breed and all-round dog that can be used for hunting, retrieving, sports, and as a service dog. The Field Golden Retriever is muscular, quick and has a natural ability to retrieve; therefore, it is suitable for anyone, especially hunters or families that have an active lifestyle. No matter if you are in need of a companion for hunting or working, a dog for dog sports, or just a companion and playmate for your family, the Field Golden Retriiever will not disappoint you.