- Nearly 500 golden retrievers gathered in the Scottish Highlands to celebrate the breed's 155th year.
- Sir Dudley Marjoribanks is credited with breeding the first golden retriever in 1868.
- Since then, the breed has grown in popularity, consistently ranked in the top five breeds worldwide.
The golden retriever is one of the world's most beloved dog breeds and his year, the breed turned 155 — or nearly 800 years old in dog years, according to a dog age calculator from the American Kennel Club.
The celebration was commemorated in the Highlands of Scotland, The New York Times reported, and included nearly 500 golden retrievers gathered for one photograph with their enthusiastic owners.
According to the Times, about every five years since 2001, the owners gather with as many dogs as possible and convene with other owners, breeders, and pet lovers.
"I'm an addict, and this is where I come to get me fix," one attendee told the Times.
Another described the event to the Times as a groupie gathering for the dogs, comparing them to "Deadheads."
The meeting is held in front of the remains of Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks' house in Invernessshire, according to the Clan Marjoribanks Society. Marjoribanks established the breed by breeding a wavy-coated retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel to create the first three golden puppies — Crocus, Cowslip, and Primrose.
The modern meetings draw attendees from across the globe, but many events celebrate the dogs in other countries, too.
February 4 — the day after National Golden Retriever Day — Golden, Colorado, hosted their annual "Goldens in Golden" gathering on Washington Avenue, according to 9News. The event included vendors, treats for the dogs, and, naturally, dozens of photos of dogs and owners. Over 1,000 golden retrievers attended the event's third year.
The dogs are also ranked exceptionally highly by the AKC, which tracks the popularity and traits of purebred dogs across the world. According to the AKC, it's no surprise that so many people want to celebrate their goldens. The dogs are affectionate, good with young children and other dogs, extremely social, and highly trainable.
In 2022, goldens were third worldwide in popularity, ranked only behind the French Bulldog and the Labrador Retriever.
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