The Golden Retriever, one of the most popular intelligent dogs around the world, is known for its service in a wide variety of areas including field trials, obedience, hunting and offering companionship and guidance to blind people. During early days of the 1800's, hunting was considered both a practical measure for obtaining food as well as an interesting domain of sports in England and Scotland. The Golden Retriever was developed from the need to have a medium-sized dog that has the flexibility to move through wild fowling, both upland gaming zone and waterfowl.

In the history of the Golden Retriever, Lord Tweedmouth at Guisachan Estate, Scotland listed the first official record of breeding. However, it became known to the public only during 1952 when the great nephew of Lord Tweedmouth published few historical documentation concerning the estate and Lord Tweedmouth. In mid 19th century, the golden puppy, named Nous put his footsteps for the first time in the estate with his master, Lord Tweedmouth. In the estate, Lord Tweedmouth bred golden puppies with the most desired characteristics and mannerisms.

During that time, Tweed Water Spaniel dogs were used for the purpose of hunting and they were recognized for their true intelligence, boldness and vitality. While developing the breed of the Golden Retriever, Tweed Water Spaniel dogs played a significant role. Breeding between Nous and Belle, a female Tweed Water Spaniel dog, gave birth the first fours desired golden puppies. However in time, dogs like Bloodhound, Irish setter along with Tweed Water Spaniel were integrated in order to breed the Golden Retrievers of today.

At the end of 19th century in England, the popularity of the Golden Retriever increased significantly. In the year 1908, the first exhibition of Golden Retrieve was held in the Crystal Palace show, England. A separate status had been established with the formation of the Golden Retriever Club in the year 1913 in England. In 1920, these dogs put their footsteps in North America for the first time in the line of dog-breeding history.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) offered the recognition and listed them in the year 1925. During the time between 1930s and 1940s, the popularity of this breed became significantly increased. The Golden Retriever was the dog that achieved the crown of obedience, The Obedience Champ Title, from the AKC, while competing with many other varieties of dogs in the year 1977.

In early days, the capability of the Golden Retriever dogs was limited to their hunting instinct, but later on down the line they show their utmost talent in the domain of show ring as well.

In the initial days, the dark shade of the coats of the Golden Retriever was predominantly preferred by people, however, the preference has changed dramatically in due course of time.

In today's world, the dog is recognized for its true intelligence, obedience and courage, which sets it apart from many other breeds.