A predominant color of either ivory or setter-red, or white markings on the head, feet or chest, are not desirable in the show ring, but have no effect on the dog's usefulness for work or companionship. The lighter colored Golden Retrievers are often called buff or blonde and are very popular in the British Isles and Europe. Golden Retrievers get their name from their beautiful golden color with white feathering and are often referred to as light, medium or dark Golden Retrievers. Goldens are easy to groom and require only a few minutes each week to groom. G olden Retrievers usually range in size from 45 to 90 pounds depending on the sex and physical conditioning of the Golden Retriever.
Males are typically ten to fifteen pounds heavier than females.
Golden Retrievers are sturdy and muscular consisting of large front quarters with deep chests in comparison with their rear quarters. For Golden Retrievers which are spayed and neutered, there is very little difference between the personalities of the male and female Golden Retrievers. However, like people, each dog will develop its own unique personality. G olden Retrievers were developed in the British Isles during the nineteenth century by British Gentry. They descend primarily from Irish Setters, where they get their dark red color, and from other types of retrievers and sporting dogs.