The Golden Retriever is known for being one of the most popular family dog breeds, but what puts this breed in such high demand? These pups just never seem to grow out of puppyhood, remaining happy, playful, and mischievous right through to their senior years. Goldens love kids, other dogs, and even the family cat. I look at what distinguishes this breed from others, including their intelligence level and trainability. Learn more about this lovable dog and what it takes to have one in your home.
Weight55-75 Pounds
Height21-24 Inches
Lifespan10-12 Years
ColorsGolden, Red, Cream
Similar to the Labrador, Goldens are gundogs that are bred to work in the hunting field, retrieving shot water and game birds. However, the breed also makes a great family pet. The trustworthy Golden is always eager-to-please and is also highly trainable.
Golden Retriever Breed History
The Golden Retriever breed was created during the Victorian era. Today’s Golden is thought to be a mixture of several breeds, including a Yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, a Red Setter, and a Tweed Water Spaniel.
Dogs that closely resemble Golden Retrievers can be seen in old paintings and studbooks from the era. These dogs were bred on the Guisachan Estate by Lord Tweedmouth, a Scottish landowner.
The breed was finally classified in 1911 by the English Kennel Club as “Retrievers.” The name yellow or Golden retriever was first recognized in 1920. The American Kennel Club first registered the Golden Retriever in 1932. The modern Golden Retriever is a member of the Sporting Group.
Goldens have established themselves as hunting dogs, working dogs, service dogs, much-loved companions, and family pets. Golden Retrievers work in many different fields, including:
- Search and rescue
- Therapy
- Arson detection
- Drug detection
- Assistance work for disabled people
Goldens also enjoy action sports, including agility, dock diving, and flyball. The main reason for the Golden Retriever’s enduring popularity is the breed’s wonderful temperament and personality.
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden’s character is gentle and kind, and he’s always eager to please his owner. Golden Retrievers are affection seekers and are very much people-oriented. A well-bred Golden will have all these character traits.
Such is the enthusiasm of the Golden Retriever that jumping up at people can be a problem. That’s a real issue if you have small kids in your household, so early obedience training and socialization are essential if you want to have a mannerly dog in your home.
Goldens are highly trainable and intelligent, adapting well to essential obedience work. In fact, they rank high on the list of the top ten most intelligent breeds according to obedience trial judges. With proper training and enough exercise, this is a devoted and gentle dog that is patient with family members, children, and other animals. This breed is self-assured when raised by a healthy household and provided with consistent leadership, socialization, and obedience training.
Some Golden Retrievers can become unruly if they’re left unattended for long periods. Barking, digging, chewing, and stealing food are all behaviors that can be exhibited by an isolated Golden who has not had enough exercise or mental stimulation.
Size & Appearance
Golden Retrievers are big dogs. Male Goldens can stand from 23 to 24 inches in height at the shoulder, weighing in at between 65 and 75 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall and weighing 55 to 65 pounds. Learn more about how big your Golden might get in our Golden Retriever growth chart article. Keep in mind that most Goldens won’t stop growing until they reach about two years old.
These large frames are sturdy, confident, and powerful. They are symmetrical in stature, displaying balance and poise. Their heads are broad with a slight lateral arch and rounded stop. Gentle, playful, kind eyes offer a sincere and genuine expression. Folded ears complete the look of this handsome pooch.
Are There Different Golden Retriever Varieties?
There are many Golden Retriever varieties distinguished by physical appearance alone: golden, light golden, and dark golden. There are also three different varieties based on origin: English, American, and Canadian.
English Golden Retriever
The English Golden Retriever is more prevalent in Australia and Europe. Their muzzle is shorter and wider, and they have a blockier build. The legs and tail of the English are shorter, and the chest is deeper than the American. English are generally heavier dogs and have rounder eyes as opposed to triangular-shaped eyes.
American Golden Retriever
The American Golden Retriever isn’t as blocky in build as the English and often appears lankier. The skull is slimmer than the English’s broad skull, and the legs and tail are longer.
Canadian Golden Retriever
Some people also distinguish between the American and Canadian Golden Retrievers; however, most combine Canadians with the Americans as one group. The Canadian Golden Retrievers, when distinguished separately, are done so by the different density of their coat and their darker color. Canadian Goldens are also thinner than the Americans.
Coat & Colors
The Golden Retriever comes in various shades of rich and lustrous gold, ranging from deep red to almost white. Goldens have a thick, water-repellent double coat, and they’re very heavy shedders. You’ll need to work hard to stay on top of the fur, so invest in the right grooming products to keep hair shedding down.
These golden coats are medium in length and grow a little longer around their tail, ears, and neck. This longer hair is commonly known as feathering fur because it is slightly wavier than the rest of its fur. This feathered fur may be lighter than the rest of the coat. They are silky and soft to the touch.
Do Golden Retrievers Shed A Lot?
The Golden Retriever’s coat tends to shed a lot, and they shed year-round, but most notably in the spring. If you have this breed in your home, you’ll need to get used to dealing with hair. You may want to check out our article on the best dog vacuums to help you keep your house as clean as possible.
Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic?
If you’re looking for an allergy or asthma-friendly dog, then the golden retriever is not your best choice. While no dogs are genuinely hypoallergenic, some breeds are less likely to cause allergic reactions in family members.
Exercise & Living Conditions
Golden Retrievers need plenty of exercise, ideally two one-hour walks per day. Goldens are water dogs, and they love swimming, so you might want to take your dog to your local beach or lake for a fun playdate.
This Retriever is a gun dog recognized as a sporting breed. However, they also excel in other activities, including tracking, hunting, dock diving, competitive obedience, agility work, and any activity that involves swimming.
Physical activity like this is a great way of burning off your dog’s excess energy. Your kids will enjoy hours of fun throwing tennis balls for your Golden Retriever to fetch. Also, you can entertain your dog by teaching him tricks.
A strong work ethic comes naturally to the Golden Retriever. So much so that it will work until it collapses. It’s essential to monitor this dog’s activity and any signs of fatigue, as this breed is not one to stop in the middle of a job, even when they get tired. Overheating may also become a concern for the Golden Retriever who overexerts itself on the job.
It’s important not to overdo the exercise during the first two years of your puppy’s life. Golden’s growth plates are still forming during that period, and too much exercise can damage them. So, avoid activities that involve jumping for the first couple of years of your dog’s life.
Goldens are very much people-oriented. If you want a dog that will happily live outside in your yard, a Golden Retriever is not the right choice for you.
A lonely, frustrated Golden Retriever will quickly begin barking, digging up your yard, and generally becoming destructive. In short, a Golden needs to live indoors with his human family.
Because they can be destructive, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of Golden Retriever-approved dog toys lying around to keep them entertained when they aren’t engaged in vigorous training sessions. Also, make sure you have the right bed for your pup.
Training Your Golden Retriever
One of the things owners love most about their Golden is his intelligence and willingness to learn and to please. They can be leash-trained easily and do very well adapting to walking with a harness. We recommend training with a Golden Retriever-sized dog harness that discourages pulling.
Capitalize on your Golden’s smart nature by introducing him to many different situations and people during his puppyhood. When your puppy is old enough and has received all his vaccinations, take him to puppy classes.
Also, you might want to check out the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. Goldens are also fast learners when it comes to crate training as a puppy.
Training a Golden Retriever is often reasonably easy because of their intelligence level; however, it is crucial to begin training early. The sooner training begins for any dog, the more solid a foundation you can build for more advanced training in the future.
If you need a little guidance on training, our experts can help you with tips for finding the right trainer or by reviewing online options like Doggy Dan.
Golden Retriever Health Issues
Although Goldens are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of between ten and 13 years, the breed is prone to a few genetic health conditions of which potential owners should be aware, including:
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Lymphosarcoma
- Mast cell tumors
- Bone cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Subaortic stenosis
Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma (H.A.S.) is a form of cancer that develops in the endothelial cells that usually create blood vessels. The cause of the disease is unknown. However, sunlight can cause the condition to develop on the inner thighs, belly skin, eyelid membranes, and eyelids of pale-skinned dogs such as Golden Retrievers.
Lymphosarcoma
Lymphosarcoma is the third most common canine cancer. The condition affects the lymphoid tissue and lymphocytes (a specific type of blood cell). Areas of the body that can be affected include the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition that develops when the thigh bone head does not sit properly in the hip socket joint. Eventually, hip dysplasia leads to chronic, painful arthritis, which requires expensive surgical treatment to correct.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is another genetic condition where the elbow joint is deformed or doesn’t develop properly. The disease ultimately causes osteoarthritis.
Subaortic Stenosis
Subaortic stenosis is a condition that causes a narrowing of the aortic heart valve. The aortic valve is the valve that allows blood to leave the dog’s heart en route to the rest of the body. Aortic stenosis causes the valve to narrow, forcing the heart to work much harder than it usually does to push blood out through the valve. The condition ultimately leads to failure of the heart muscle and other associated problems.
Other Conditions
Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are vulnerable to several other non-inherited conditions, including:
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
- Allergies
- Skin conditions, including skin allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand’s disease
Health Certifications
Many of the health conditions that affect Golden Retrievers are genetic. For that reason, you should ask your puppy’s breeder to show you written certification that proves the pup’s parents are free from the conditions listed above.
You can check the health screening records of your puppy’s relatives by searching the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database. Also, the Golden Retriever Club of America insists that every dog registered on CHIC has hip and elbow evaluations carried out by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (PennHP). In addition, an O.F.A. cardiology examination and an eye clearance check from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation are required.
All test results must be included in the CHIC database. So, you can check the scores received by your puppy’s parents and grandparents. If you don’t understand what the scoring system means for your puppy, your vet will be able to explain everything to you.
Best Pet Insurance For Golden Retrievers
Fortunately for you, if you sign up for pet insurance before your Golden Retriever is diagnosed with a health condition or suffers from an accident (post-waiting periods), it can help you cover the expenses.
| Best Overall | Best Value | Fastest Claim Processing | Best Multiple Pet Discount | Best Newcomer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | Figo | Healthy Paws | Embrace | Lemonade |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Choosing the best pet insurance for your Golden Retriever is a personal decision, but we recommend selecting a company based on coverage, customer service and reputation, claim repayment timeline, price, and available plan customizations.
We’ve evaluated and selected the best pet insurance companies. Our article includes our top three picks and the most popular pet insurance companies in the marketplace.
Pet Insurance Testimonial
I was very skeptical about purchasing insurance, but after what I spent on my first dog I thought I’d give it a try. A couple of weeks ago my two-year-old Golden Retriever was not feeling well. I took him to the vet and after subsequent testing and X-rays, it was determined that he had swallowed a rock, was obstructed and needed emergency surgery. I downloaded the Fetch app on my phone, took pictures of the receipts, hit send, and less than two weeks later I had full reimbursement per my policy. I was beyond impressed. In the future, all my dogs will be covered by Fetch.
– Julie Fritz, Brittany Spaniel Owner, Canine Journal Writer & Canine Dental Expert
Nutrition For Your Golden Pup
Goldens require a healthy diet to keep them strong and fuel their energetic nature. It’s important to check with your vet when you’re considering the right food for your pet. There are many options. read our reviews of the best fresh food, raw food, or dog food delivery service to meet your dog’s needs.
The first thing to note about feeding your Golden Retriever puppy is that puppies need to eat more often than adult dogs. So, an adult Golden Retriever should be fed once or twice per day, but a puppy may need three or more small meals per day.
It’s a good idea to ask your puppy’s breeder what kind of food the puppy is used to having. Keep the pup on that brand for his first six months, and then change to high-quality, adult food formulated for Golden Retrievers.
Treats will be appreciated by your Golden Retriever, and they can also be very useful training aids. However, be careful not to overfeed your dog, as Golden Retrievers can quickly become overweight if they get too much food and too little exercise.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how much to feed your dog, and if you are in any doubt, consult your vet.
Grooming Your Golden Retriever
Grooming will be an essential part of your life with a Golden Retriever. Brushing and bathing are the main grooming concerns.
You’ll need to brush a Golden Retriever daily using a brush with firm bristles to keep his coat in good condition and prevent excess shedding. You also want to ensure that your home doesn’t become upholstered in dog hair.
Our experts have recommendations for the best shedding brush for your Golden. Minimize bathing to when your pup is visibly dirty or has an odor to avoid stripping the coat of oils necessary to maintain skin health. Dry shampoo can be used on your dog’s coat as needed.
Goldens will require nail trimming every three to four weeks. Also, brush their teeth at least several times a week but daily if possible.
Golden Retrievers are water-loving dogs. When your Golden has enjoyed a dip, you’ll need to give him a rinse with clean, fresh water to get rid of all lake muck, sea salt, and chlorine from his coat. That’s because Goldens can be prone to skin problems, so you’ll need to keep your dog’s skin as clean as possible.
Golden Retriever Breeders & Puppy Costs
Golden Retrievers usually have litters of up to eight puppies. Most Golden breeders keep their puppies until they’re at least eight weeks of age. That allows the pups time to begin the socialization process and gives the breeder a chance to get to know each puppy’s personality, enabling the breeder to place each puppy in the perfect home.
A good place to begin your search for a Golden Retriever puppy is on the Golden Retriever Club of America’s website. Find a breeder who has signed up to the Club’s code of ethics, which forbids the sale of puppies through outside agencies, auctions, and pet stores.
Essentially, you need to find a breeder who can provide you with written proof that he has had his breeding dogs health-screened by the appropriate canine health organizations. Also, your puppy’s breeder should give you a written assurance that he will take the Golden back at any point in his life if you’re unable to keep the dog.
Another good place to look for Golden Retriever breeders is on the American Kennel Club’s breed page on their website.
A well-bred purebred Golden Retriever bought from a reputable dealer can cost from $500 to $3,000. The price can vary, depending on where you live and the achievements of the puppy’s parents. The lighter-coated English variant will definitely cost more. These are often marketed as English Cream Retrievers but are just Golden Retrievers that originated in England with a lighter coat.
If a Golden Retriever puppy is offered for a very bargain-basement price, beware! The likelihood is that the puppy has come from a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. It’s essential to find a reputable breeder to protect yourself from a scam and make sure the puppy has been cared for properly.
Rescue & Shelters
Unfortunately, many Golden Retrievers are languishing in shelters and rescue centers across the U.S. If you’re happy to give a forever home to an adult Golden Retriever, you might want to consider searching one of these for your perfect pup.
A word of caution: many dogs in shelters do not come with a history, so it’s a potluck as to what you’re getting. You may discover that the Golden Retriever you decide to take home turns out to have lots of health problems or could even have an unsound temperament. In some cases, you can do a breed DNA test to help learn more about your pup’s genetics and ancestry. Learn more in our review of Know Your Pet DNA By Ancestry with personal experience.
There are many different types of Golden Retriever mixes that are popular. Some of the most popular include:
- Corgis Mixed with Goldens
- Goberians – Husky Retriever Mix
- Golden Irish – Golden Retriever-Irish Setter Mix
- Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix
- Golden Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
- Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel Mix
- Miniature Goldendoodle
- The Golden Chow
As Family Pets
If you’re looking for a social, energetic, loving companion to make your family complete, a Golden Retriever might be just the right pup for you. If your family struggles with allergies and can’t provide an active lifestyle, then you may want to reconsider. To learn even more about this special breed before committing, check out The Complete Guide To Golden Retriever Handbook.
Our Personal Experience With Golden Retrievers As Family Pets
My Golden, Indiana, was a very sweet and loyal dog. He lived a very good life and was happy to accompany us wherever we went. My family adopted Indiana as a puppy to help a family member with a long-term medical condition who needed companionship. Indiana was very loyal and remained a calm source of reassurance even in stressful situations. He picked up on signs and clues that things were not ok and would move quickly to this person’s side to be there as a support for them, without fail.
Indiana was also a very active dog and loved to take long walks in the mountains. We trained him to walk off-leash, and he made friends with any dog or human he encountered due to his friendly spirit. I’d recommend a Golden Retriever for just about anyone, providing you don’t mind living under a constant blanket of dog hair.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Research & Writing
Have you had a Golden Retriever for a companion? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.
5 Things You’ll Learn About Your Golden Retriever
This adorable three-minute video from The Dodo shows you five things you will learn when you make a Golden Retriever a part of your family.
Golden Retriever vs Lab vs Goldendoodle
Many people who are considering a Golden Retriever as their furry companion may also look at Labrador Retrievers or Goldendoodles (Golden-Poodle mix) as well. Here are some of the main differences when comparing Goldens to these other breeds.
Golden Retriever vs Lab
These purebred breeds are alike and different in several ways. Labs and Goldens are very similar in size. However, Labs are slightly larger. Their coats are also similar, and both shed more than an average dog, but Goldens require a bit more grooming than labs. Goldens are golden in color, but Labs come in three coat shades: yellow, black, and chocolate. While both are energetic, intelligent, and loyal, Goldens tend to be more gentle and sensitive than Labs. Learn more about the differences in our Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever guide.
Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle
There are lots of similarities and differences when it comes to Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles. The purebred Golden is very standard in size. In contrast, with the designer breed Goldendoodle, you’ll notice various size options, as there can be Miniature Goldendoodles. Since the breed is part Poodle, the Goldendoodle’s coat has a curl to it and requires more maintenance. However, they shed less than Golden Retrievers and are more hypoallergenic. Their temperaments are generally similar, and both need companionship, socialization, and daily exercise.
Get Ready For Your New Pup
Regardless of the breed you bring home, it is important to be sure you are ready to take on a new dog. Before making the initial decision, be sure to ask everyone who lives in the home how they feel and if they are willing to share the caretaking responsibilities. If you are a first-time dog owner, read more about common puppy mistakes and what to expect in your puppy’s first year. If you adopt a senior dog, we share some tips on how to care for your senior pup as well.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Michelle has been a dog owner her entire life and is one of the founders of this website. Michelle is also a licensed insurance agent who specializes in pet insurance. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
