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The Breed Standard is a guideline which puts into words the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a Golden Retriever and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental to the health, welfare or soundness of the breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect the breed adversely. Judges and breeders should check the Breed Watch below for details of any current issues.
BREED WATCH: Excess length of body, short legs, harsh expression.
BREED STANDARD
In Australia, the Golden Retriever is bred and judged according to the Breed Standard of The Kennel Club (UK).
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Symmetrical, balanced, active, powerful, level mover, sound with kindly expression.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Biddable, intelligent and possessing natural working ability.
TEMPERAMENT:
Kindly, friendly and confident
HEAD AND SKULL:
Balanced and well chiselled, skull broad without coarseness; well set on neck, muzzle powerful, wide and deep. Length of foreface approximately equals length from well defined stop to occiput. Nose preferably black.
EYES:
Dark brown, set well apart, dark rims.
EARS:
Moderate size, set on approximate level with eyes.
MOUTH:
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, ie upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
NECK:
Good length, clean and muscular.
FOREQUARTERS:
Forelegs straight with good bone, shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arms of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting.
BODY:
Balanced, short coupled, deep through heart. Ribs deep, well sprung.
HINDQUARTERS:
Loin and legs strong and muscular, good second thighs, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down, straight when viewed from rear, neither turning in nor out. Cowhocks highly undesirable.
FEET:
Round and cat-like.
TAIL:
Set on and carried level with back, reaching to hocks, without curl at tip.
GAIT/MOVEMENT:
Powerful and good drive. Straight and true in front and rear. Stride long and fee with no sign of hackney action in front.
COAT:
Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense, water-resisting undercoat.
COLOUR:
Any shade of cream or gold but neither red or mahogany.
SIZE:
Height at withers: Dogs: 56-61 cms (22-24 inches)
Bitches 51-56 cms (20-22 inches)
FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
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