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Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Golden Retriever full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Golden Retriever was completed on 1.18.2012. When I was first selecting the dogs breeds I wanted to illustrate, I spent a lot of time weighing between my favorite breeds as opposed to the dog breeds that are the most popular. In the Golden Retriever, I believe you have both: a wonderful, loving and playful dog that is also simply beautiful with an amazing, flowing golden coat. I had a lot of fun drawing this wonderful dog. The illustration is based on a photo by Thomas Gillen.

Information about the Golden Retriever:

The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog developed mostly as a "gundog" - which means they were bred to retrieve game that had been shot by a hunter, such as ducks, other waterfowl and upland birds. Retrievers have a "soft mouth" which means they will carefully return game undamaged. They also have a natural love of the water. Their dense inner coat provides excellent insulation against cold water. Retrievers come in other colors too, but the Golden variety is by far the most popular and widespread. They are highly intelligent dogs, eager to please with an excellent temperament and are extremely loyal to their owners and families, making them one of the most attractive breed of dogs for pet owners. It is believed the Golden Retriever has it's origins in Scotland. The lifespan of these handsome dogs is about 11.5 years.