Origin of the Golden Retriever
This breed originated in Scotland on the estate of Mr. Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. He bred dogs of various kinds, and breeding records date from 1835 to 1890. When he crossed a Wavy-coated Retriever with a water Spaniel named Belle, he got three puppies: Crocus, Cowslip, and Primrose.
His goal was to develop talented, loyal, and spirited hunting dogs with an exceptional sense of smell—dogs that would be helpful to their hunting partner in retrieving game, while being calm and loyal at home (traits Golden Retrievers are known for today). He paid special attention to the yellow puppies, and to continue his breeding program, he gave the others to friends. His litters attracted great attention thanks to their hunting skills, and already in the distant year of 1904, his dog Don of Gerwyn won the International Gundog League trial.
