National Golden Retriever Day

Happy golden retriever puppy with a red bow around its neck, surrounded by children playing in a sunny park.. — National golden retriever day illustration

Welcome, fellow dog lovers! This article is all about one of the most popular breeds of man’s best friend - the Golden Retriever. Their day of fame? The third of February. Rejoice, for on this day, the internet leaves no paw unturned, showering this bouncy, fluffy breed with virtual pats and hugs in celebration of National Golden Retriever Day.

When is Golden Retriever Day?

It's national golden retriever day on the 3rd February.

History of National Golden Retriever Day

This delightful day of doggie celebrations started taking the internet by storm in 2012. Las Vegas resident Kristen Sabbione, an avid lover of this golden breed, is the mastermind behind this adorable day. With the charm of her two retrievers, she convinced the Governor of her home state to declare the 3rd of February as National Golden Retriever Day officially!

How People Celebrate

From the second the clock strikes midnight, our four-legged friends bask in the glory of virtual belly rubs and cuddles. From fun costume contests to photo competitions, the online community leaves no stone unturned to show their admiration for these adorable pals.

Furry Stats

On February 3rd, 2021, our data detection sniffed out 3509 mentions of this tail-wagging day online. Clearly, the affectionate Golden Retriever has everyone's tail in a spin!

Golden Facts

Golden Retrievers are marvelous! Their kindness is comparable to none, coupled with their intelligence. They excel as companions and show a remarkable aptitude in search and rescue and guide roles. Their golden personalities shine through, expressing love, happiness, and amusement.

History behind the term 'Golden Retriever'

1865

Breeding for hunting

In 1865, British gamekeepers bred yellow-coated retrievers with the goal of creating a proficient hunting dog. These dogs were prized for their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged, even in wet and icy conditions. The breed was primarily developed by Lord Tweedmouth, who aimed to create a dog that was loyal, trainable, and with a gentle mouth, perfect for retrieving on land and water.

1908

First appearance of Golden Retrievers

In 1908, the term 'Golden Retriever' was first used to describe this distinct breed. Lord Harcourt, a prominent member of the breed club, coined the term due to the breed's beautiful golden-colored coat and outstanding retrieving abilities. The name quickly gained popularity, and it became the official name for the breed.

1925

Recognition by The Kennel Club

In 1925, the Golden Retriever was officially recognized by The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom. This recognition solidified the breed's status and paved the way for the Golden Retriever's worldwide popularity. The breed's intelligence, friendly nature, and adaptability made it highly sought after as both a working dog and a companion.

1938

First Golden Retriever in America

The first Golden Retriever arrived in America in 1938. This marked the introduction of the breed to a new audience and set the stage for its eventual rise in popularity throughout the country. American dog enthusiasts were captivated by the breed's exceptional hunting abilities and gentle temperament.

1977

Official recognition by the American Kennel Club

In 1977, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Golden Retriever as a distinct breed. This recognition further increased the breed's popularity and established it as one of America's most beloved dog breeds. Today, Golden Retrievers are not only valued as hunting companions but are adored as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and beloved family pets.

Did you know?

Did you know? Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog breed in the United States! They also have an instinctive love for water, making them fabulous swimming companions.