Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be bird dogs, particularly for hunting waterfowl. They were developed in Scotland in the late 1800s by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, who later became Baron Tweedmouth, by crossing Flat-coated Retrievers with Tweed Water Spaniels and other British dog breeds. The resulting breed was a hardy, strong swimming dog that could withstand cold water, track wounded game, and deal with crippled birds.

Golden Retrievers are known for their even-tempered, intelligent, and affectionate personalities. They are playful yet gentle with children and tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. They are eager to please, which makes them respond well to obedience training and popular as service dogs.

In summary, Golden Retrievers were bred for hunting waterfowl and were developed to be hardy, strong swimming dogs that could track wounded game and deal with crippled birds. They are also known for their even-tempered, intelligent, and affectionate personalities, which make them popular as family pets and service dogs.