The Golden Retriever is a very popular Gundog breed and is employed today for its compatibility in companionship, showmanship, obedience and field trials.
The breed performs as well in water, due to its dense undercoat, and over land because of its long, powerful strides. These dogs are also used as guide dogs and for therapy. Because of the density of the coat, Golden Retrievers must be regularly groomed and trimmed. The undercoat, because of its water repellant nature, is extremely thick and must therefore not be allowed to matt, causing unnecessary suffering to the animal.