golden retriever

Known for their happy-go-lucky attitude, Golden Retrievers just want to have fun—and take you along for the ride. Bright and adaptable, these long-haired pups do well with pet parents who prioritize love and attention and don’t mind a Golden’s adorably goofy antics.

Temperament

Smart, silly, social

Weight

Male: 65-75 pounds

Female: 55-65 pounds

Height

Male: 23-24 inches

Female: 21.5-22.5 inches

Life Expectancy

10-12 years

Maintenance Level

Low maintenanceHigh maintenance

Friendliness

More reservedSocial butterfly

Coat Color

Dark Golden, Golden, Light Golden

A Golden Retriever is like the most popular kid in high school—friendly, funny, and athletic (with great hair). Everyone knows and loves them, and it’s easy to see why: They’re social butterflies who not only soak up the spotlight, but they also shine it back on the people they love. These clever, silly pups adore their person just as much as they enjoy a challenging game of fetch, and they’ll be your most loyal fan as long as you’re theirs, too.

Golden Retriever Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care

Personality

Adaptability

Social Life

Exercise Needs

Couch PotatoStar Athlete

Health Issues

Few Known Health IssuesMany Known Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Minimal GroomingExtensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal TrainingRequires a Lot of Training

Shedding Level

Sheds a LittleSheds a Lot

Golden Retriever Appearance

Golden Retrievers exude a healthy confidence. They carry themselves proudly, with tails happily wagging and noses always sniffing out new adventures.

Ears:

A Golden Retriever’s V-shaped floppy ears cover their ear canals.

Eyes:

Their eyes are medium or dark brown, and they have a welcoming, intelligent gaze.

Nose:

Golden Retriever noses are usually black or brown. Their pigment may fade in cold weather, turning the tip pink—a harmless phenomenon known as “snow nose.”

Coat Length:

Golden Retrievers have a medium-length double coat with two layers: a soft, insulating undercoat and a thick, water-resistant outer coat. They typically have feathering on their legs, belly, and tail.

Coat Color:

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes dark golden, golden, and light golden as standard Golden Retriever colors, but coats also exist in shades from cream to deep red. For example, English Cream Golden Retrievers are simply Golden Retrievers who have been selectively bred for a light-colored coat.

Tail:

Goldens have a long, feathery tail known for its lively, upbeat wags.

Golden Retriever Temperament

Golden Retrievers are naturally outgoing and want to make you happy. Most love humans and outings, so they’ll thrive in homes with bustling environments and lots of people. Born to mingle, your Golden will see everyone as a new best friend—and as a fetch partner. (There’s a reason they’re obsessed with tennis balls.) That wholesome, friendly personality—coupled with their moderate weight and height—make them excellent family dogs, even with small children. Nevertheless, use caution when introducing any dog to a new home, and teach your kids how to respectfully play with their newest canine sibling. You’re in luck when it comes to training: Bright, clever Golden Retrievers are quick learners. Originally bred to help hunters retrieve birds, their delicate retrieval allows them to carry items without applying excess pressure (great for when they pluck your favorite sweater from the laundry basket). In fact, they’re so smart that they’re often guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search-and-rescue dogs. But one of the best things about your Golden might just be the goofy capers they get into. So, when they go to “help” unload that laundry basket, lose a sock, and get a wild case of zoomies for absolutely no reason whatsoever, enjoy the show. What’s better than a pup who makes you laugh and puts a smile on your face?

How to Care for a Golden Retriever

Grooming

If you’ve ever seen a video of a Golden Retriever who just went for a swim in a muddy river, you know they’re not exactly the neatest dogs. A lit bit of “mess” is par for the course with these playful pups. Golden Retrievers will need your help tidying up after a swim—rinse them off with clean, fresh water after a dip in a lake, river, or pool, and clean their ears to keep yeast at bay. Golden Retrievers also shed a lot, so expect some furry tumbleweeds to pass through your home from time to time. As long as you brush their water-repellent coat every one to three days, you can keep professional haircuts to a minimum. Focus on grooming the hind legs, behind the elbows, and behind the ears, where mats are likely to develop. Goldens with wavier hair are more prone to tangles. In addition to everyday shedding, Golden Retrievers have two major sheds a year—one in the spring and one in the fall—so they’ll need to be brushed out more frequently then. Close

Training

Golden Retrievers are super smart dogs that are eager to make you happy, so they’re a delight to train. They easily master basic obedience cues like sit and stay, and you can even teach them to retrieve toys by name. Always use positive reinforcement, which uses treats, toys, and praise as a reward. And let your Golden continue to be their silly, goofy self at times—it’s who they are! Close

Diet

The best dog food for Golden Retrievers is complete and balanced, but your dog’s dietary needs will vary based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and health conditions. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). There are even diets specifically formulated for Goldens, like these adult dog and Golden Retriever puppy food options by Royal Canin. Goldens can develop food allergies, which may cause itchy skin and excessive licking. If this happens, it’s important to talk to your vet. Close

Exercise

Would an extrovert miss a party? Absolutely not. The same can be said of your Golden Retriever. In fact, they live for attention, and they need lots of physical and mental exercise. Even if you have a large, fenced yard, don’t just leave your Golden Retriever to do their own thing. They want to play with someone—not alone. If your Golden loves the dog park, make it a regular event. Does he have a best friend in the neighborhood? Invite that dog over for playdates. Is there a popular trail your pup seems to enjoy? Go on adventures together—remember that keeping you happy is one of your Golden’s big life goals, so set aside quality time and stick to it. Other fun ideas include: Fetch, chase, and games that incorporate scent, like “find it” Interactive dog toys Daily walks Swimming Close

Environment

Golden Retrievers need lots of room to run, making them an ideal fit for a home with a large yard. However, they adapt easily and can also thrive in a bustling city, so long as there are opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. Remember that they have an instinct to retrieve—so stock up on tennis balls and let your bestie live their best life. Many Goldens, especially young ones, do well in a home with lots of activity (and more people to love them). But if they get enough positive attention, they’re a great fit for lots of environments—just ensure they have space to shake off that Golden Retriever energy. Close

Golden Retriever Health

These pups have a life expectancy of 10–12 years, but the Golden Retriever lifespan can vary depending on weight, fitness level, and general health. Some particularly lucky dogs can live to be 14 with no issues.

Cancer: Cancer is the biggest health challenge for Golden Retrievers; one study showed that 65% of Goldens are likely to pass from cancer or cancer-related causes. The most common types seen in Goldens are lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
Eye issues: Pigmentary uveitis occurs when cysts develop on the eye; it can lead to cataracts and glaucoma. Progressive retinal atrophy is another genetic eye condition that can cause blindness. Redness, cloudiness, bulging, squinting, or pain can all be signs that something is off with your dog’s eyes.
Heart problems: Goldens are also prone to certain heart conditions, like subaortic stenosis. This can sometimes be detected as an audible heart murmur during a vet exam.
Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia develops when the hip joint doesn’t align well and becomes looser than normal. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are no stranger to this condition, with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals suggesting that as many as 19% develop it.
Hypothyroidism: Common in Golden Retrievers, hypothyroidism includes symptoms like lethargy, hair loss, skin infections and ear infections, and weight gain. Treatment is a daily oral medication.
Skin infections and allergies: The Golden Retriever’s thick undercoat can attract excess skin-irritating bacteria and yeast, resulting in rashes or hot spots, and it can be complicated by underlying seasonal or food allergies. Get any excessive itching or redness and rashes checked by a vet.

Golden Retriever History

Golden Retrievers were first bred in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth (an actual real-life person and not a character on “Bridgerton”). Marjoribanks selectively bred dogs to create an energetic pup who could retrieve objects by water or land.
The first three golden retrievers were born in 1868; their parents were a Yellow Retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel (now-extinct breeds).
Goldens arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, and they gained recognition from the AKC in 1925. Their popularity skyrocketed when President Gerald Ford brought home a Golden Retriever of his own, named Liberty.
So, how much is a Golden Retriever? Expect to pay a breeder anywhere from $1,200 to $3,500 for a Golden Retriever puppy. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder.
You can also adopt a Golden Retriever, as there are lots of Golden Retriever rescue dogs waiting for homes, and they’d be grateful if you gave them a chance. Reach out to a Golden Retriever rescue or keep an eye out at your local animal shelter.

FAQs

Are Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic?

No, Golden Retrievers are not considered to be hypoallergenic dogs, so they’re not a good fit if you have allergies to pet dander.

What’s the difference between a Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever?

Golden Retrievers aren’t Labrador Retrievers, but they share a common ancestor in the St. John’s Water Dog, an extinct ancestor of the Tweed Water Spaniel. Goldens were originally bred in Scotland, while Labradors were bred in Newfoundland, Canada.

What are the different types of Golden Retrievers?

You might come across terms like English Cream, Canadian Goldens, and American Goldens, but there are no true “types.” All Golden Retrievers are simply Golden Retrievers, and variations in color and body composition are the result of breeding for specific traits.

What are the most common Golden Retriever mixes?

There are quite a few Golden Retriever mixes, including:

Do Golden Retrievers shed?

Yes, Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders, so be prepared for regular brushing.

Are Golden Retrievers smart?

Yep! Golden Retrievers happen to be very quick learners, so when you’re teaching them a new trick, they’re probably going to get an A+.

Are there black Golden Retrievers?

No, Black Golden Retrievers don’t actually exist—it’s genetically impossible in purebred Golden Retrievers. If you see one, it’s likely to be a Flat-Coated Retriever, a fluffy black English hunting dog.

**Content sourced from www.chewy.com

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