The Golden Retriever has been one of the top choices of dog lovers for many years. An amicable, easy going canine, the Golden Retriever was once primarily a waterfowl hunter and retriever developed in Scotland on the estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, First Lord Tweedmouth. An animal lover, he focused on creating a helpmate with a disposition that suited the home, the field and the water. Breeding his dog, Nous, with a Tweed Water Spaniel he was able to achieve his goal. The Golden Retriever was prized for his ability to bring back the waterfowl from a long distance, carrying it softly in his strong jaws. Registered with the American Kennel Club in 1925 as the Golden Retriever, this dog was once classified as the Flat Coat (Golden). The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a keen working dog. Known for his ability to gently and efficiently herd sheep, his other charges once included the pony, the cow, and even the chicken. Brought from the Shetland Islands to Britain in the early 1900s, the breed was first recognized by the American Kennel club in 1909, but was not classified separately from the Collie until 1914. A very clever canine, he aims to please and is one of the top obedience competitors today.
