ABOUT THE DOGS

GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years

Weight: Female: 55-71 lbs (25-32 kg), Male: 65-75 lbs (30-34 kg)

Height: Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Male: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)

The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described in the standard as "kindly, friendly and confident". Golden Retrievers make good family pets, particularly as they are patient with children. They are not "one-man dogs" and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them. Their trusting, gentle disposition makes them a poor guard dog. The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, and with an exceptional eagerness to please.

Life expectancy: 10 - 11 years

Weight: Females: 90-115 pounds (41-52 kg), Males: grow to 110-130 pounds (50-59 kg) 

Height: Females: 26-31 inches (66-79 cm), Males: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm),

The weather-resistant double coat consists of a long, flat, thick, outer coat of coarse hair, straight or slightly undulating, and lying over a dense, fine, woolly undercoat. The coat is more profuse about the neck and shoulders where it forms a ruff or mane, which is more pronounced in males so that it may fend off wolf attacks. One singular characteristic of the Great Pyrenees is the unique double dewclaws on each hind leg.

The temperament of the Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle (especially with children) and affectionate. While territorial and protective of its flock or family when necessary, its general demeanor is of composure and patience and loyalty. It is a strong-willed, independent and reserved breed. It is also attentive, quite fearless and loyal to its duties. The Great Pyrenees' size makes it an imposing guardian. A dog of this breed will patrol its perimeter and may wander away if left off its leash in an unenclosed space. The Great Pyrenees protects its flock by barking and, being nocturnal, tends to bark at night unless trained against such behavior.