Friendly, reliable and trustworthy; renowned for their congenial temperament, Golden Retrievers make great hunters, family pets or show dogs. They were first shown in England at the Crystal Palace show in 1908 and were listed as Flat Coats. They are used successfully in field trials, hunting and as guide dogs for the blind.

The first three dogs of any breed to achieve the American Kennel Club Obedience Champion title, first awarded in 1977, were all Golden Retrievers.