Energetic and loving, when most people think “family dog,” the image that pops into their mind is of a golden retriever. These dogs were originally bred in northern England as hunting dogs to track and retrieve downed waterfowl after they were shot by a hunter. Because of their gentle nature and easy acceptance of training and children, Goldens have since become the quintessential family dog. Did you know that Golden retrievers are often used by police and rescue workers as search and rescue dogs to find lost individuals or by hospitals as therapy dogs for patients?