British Breed Standard (UK)
Correct Structure & Temperament

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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct color of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential!!
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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. The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, and with an exceptional eagerness to please.

Head and Skull:  Balanced and well-chiseled. 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, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set to the jaws.

Neck:  Good length, clean and muscular.

Forequarters:  Forelegs straight with good bone. Shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting.

Body:  Balanced, short coupled, deep through heart. Ribs deep and well sprung. Level topline.

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. Cow-hocks highly undesirable.

Feet:  Round and cat-like.

Tail:  Set on and carried level with back, reaching the hocks, without curl at tip.

Gait/Movement:  Powerful with good drive. Straight and true in front and rear. Stride long and free with no sign of hackney action in front.

Coat:  Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense water-resisting undercoat.

Color:  Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. A few white hairs on chest only, permissible.

Size:  Height at withers: Dogs 56-61 cm (22-24"). Bitches 51-56 cm (20-22").

Faults:  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree.


* Note:  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Please Note:  Regardless of the terminology used today (English / British / European) and the transformations that have occurred in the breed over generations, and throughout geographical locations since its origins in the Scottish Highlands, we are promoting only pure-bred golden retrievers that are of a particular type or style. They are not rare and they are not white. Thank you.  
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Scottish Breed / British Style
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  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • History of the Breed
    • British Breed Standard
    • What exactly is an "ENGLISH" Golden Retriever?
  • Breeders
    • Breeder List
    • Litter Information
    • Stud Dogs
  • Resources
    • Health Reports
    • Reputable Breeders
    • Information Links
    • Grooming
  • Forms
  • Gallery
  • Contact