Golden Retriever Dog Breed Information

We may receive a commission from some of the products or service recommended on our site, at no cost to you.This form of advertising helps us continue to provide you with free advice.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs breeds worldwide for a reason! They are gentle, intelligent, and friendly dogs that make perfect service or family pets. If you're thinking about adding a Golden Retriever to your family, read up on all the information about this breed so you know what to expect!



Table of Contents

Vital Stats

Dog Breed Group

Sporting Dogs

WEIGHT

65-80 pounds (male)
55-70 pounds (female)

HEIGHT

23-24 inches (male)
21-22 inches (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

10-12 years

Breed Characteristics & Traits

Family life and Friendliness

Affectionate With Family

Some dogs are aloof no matter how long they've been around humans; others are close to a single person, and some shower the whole family with affection. The environment also plays a significant role in dogs' level of affection: Dogs who've been raised indoors with people around feel more comfortable with humans.

Good With Young Children

A dog's level of tolerance and patience with children, and his overall family-friendliness, will vary from breed to breed. Ensure that you supervise your dog when around young children, whether friendly or not.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Some dogs are Stranger-friendly, and others are not, but no matter what their breed, a puppy who is socialized and exposed to lots of different ages and shapes of people will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a solid leash at all times when in public.

Good With Other Dogs

Some breeds are friendly towards other dogs. Dogs must always be supervised for introductions and interactions with other dogs, but some dogs are more likely to get along with other dogs than others.

Health And Grooming Needs

Shedding Level

The amount of fur and hair a breed leaves behind. Some breeds shed more frequently than others, which means you have to brush them more regularly; they're more likely to trigger certain types of allergies and will require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.

General Health

In some cases, a dog of a particular breed can have genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. Although not every dog of that breed will develop those diseases, they are at an increased risk.
If you're adopting a pup, find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. Ask if your rescue or shelter has information about the physical health of your potential pup's parents and other relatives.

Drooling Level

How drool-prone a breed is. If you're a neat freak, you may not want to choose a dog that leaves ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes.

Potential For Weight Gain

Some breeds are known for having a hearty appetite and gaining weight quickly. If you pick a breed that is prone to packing on pounds, you need to make sure they get enough exercise, limit treats, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time. 
Talk to your vet about your dog's diet and what they recommend for feeding your dog to keep them at a healthy weight. Excess weight can lead to other health problems or worsen issues like arthritis.

Coat Type

Double

Rough

Corded

Hairless

Wiry

Wavy

Smooth

Curly

Silky

Dogs have different coat types—which are determined by breed. Each type has unique grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding levels. It can also just be a personal preference for what kind of look or feel you like.

Easy To Groom

Some breeds only need a quick brushing, while others require frequent bathing, clipping, and brushing. Think about whether you have the time or money for a dog that needs expensive grooming.

Coat Length

Short

Medium

Long

Coat length depends on the breed. Some long-haired dogs can be trimmed short, but they require extra grooming to keep the look.

Size

Some breeds are small, and some are large. Some dogs take up more space than others—the Great Dane grows to a towering height! Choosing a dog that fits your living space and lifestyle is vital.

Social And Adaptability

Openness To Strangers

Some breeds are more likely than others to welcome strangers into the home or be friendly toward new people they encounter while on walks.

Adapts Well To Apartment Living

Small Breeds are not always the best fit for an apartment. Plenty of small dogs is too active and yappy to live comfortably in an apartment. Quiet, low-energy dogs that do well indoors and are polite with the other residents are what you're looking for in a great apartment dog. And here's an excellent crate for your dog (give them more personal space in your apartment).

Playfulness Level

How much a breed loves to play can depend on their personalities. Some breeds will play well into their adult years, while others happy to relax and nap with you.

Good For Novice Owners

Some breeds are a better fit for first-time dog owners than others. They tend to be easier to train and more adaptable to the lifestyle of their new owners. Independent-thinking or highly sensitive dogs may be more challenging for a first-time dog parent to manage.
When choosing a new dog, be sure to consider your own experience with dogs before you select your next pet. If you're new to dog parenting, spend some time learning how to train your new puppy!

Watchdog/Protective Nature

Some breeds are more likely to alert you that a stranger is near. These dogs might be less trusting of the mailman or squirrel outside the window. They are likely to warm to a stranger who enters the home and is accepted by the family.

Sensitivity Level

Some dogs are more tolerant than others, so if you have young kids or throw lots of dinner parties, get a dog that can handle the noise, go with a low-sensitivity dog.

Adaptability Level

Some breeds can adapt to various living conditions quickly; others may have difficulty adjusting to changes in their day-to-day lives.

Trainability And Physical Needs

Trainability Level

How well your dog will take to training and how fast he'll learn new things. Some breeds are eager to please their owners; others want to do their own thing.

Intelligence

Dogs who were bred to do jobs that require intelligence, such as herding livestock, need mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. If they don't get the exercise they need, they'll likely misbehave.
Obedience training and interactive dog toys provide good mental stimulation for your canine companion, as are dog sports and careers such as agility and search and rescue.

Energy Level

The amount of mental stimulation and exercise a breed needs. High-energy dogs need lots of exercises and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Low-energy dogs don't need much exercise, but they will enjoy a good walk or two.

Intensity

A vigorous dog will act with great intensity: he strains at his leash until you train them not to, tries to plow through obstacles, and eats and drinks noisily. These breeds of dogs require lots of training to learn good manners and might not be a good fit for households with young kids or someone who is elderly or frail. On the other hand, a low-vigor dog has a calmer approach to life.

Barking Level

How often a dog barks will depend on what breed of dog he is. Some dogs may bark at strangers or hear strange noises; others are more vocal. Some breeds don't bark, but they may make other sounds to express themselves.

Exercise Needs

Some breeds need moderate daily exercise and can get by with a stroll around the block. Others need more training and will quickly become overweight without enough physical activity. Dogs that require a lot of exercises are best for people who like to be outdoors and active or want their dog to compete in an athletic dog sport.

Mental Stimulation Needs

Some breeds need a lot of mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. In contrast, others can be reasonably well-adjusted living in homes where they're not provided with much mental activity. Ensure that your dog gets a good amount of brain exercise, including training and cognitive games. If your dog doesn't get enough mental stimulation, he might develop destructive behavior patterns.

About the Breed

Golden Retrievers are a medium to large-sized breed originally bred in Scotland in the 1800s. They were initially used as hunting dogs, but their gentle nature and easy trainability soon made them popular family pets. Today, Golden Retrievers are still one of the most popular dog breeds in the world!

Golden Retrievers typically weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and stand 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a thick, waterproof coat that can be either golden or cream in color, and they shed moderately throughout the year. Golden Retrievers are known for being very friendly and good with children, making them ideal family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them popular service dogs.

Golden Retriever Breed Appearance

The Golden Retriever is a large breed of dog. Males typically weigh 65-75 pounds, while females usually weigh 55-65. They have a thick coat of fur that is golden in color, hence their name. The skin can be straight or wavy and is water-resistant to help protect the dog from the elements. Golden Retrievers have a solid muscular build and a long tail, often used as a "flag" when the dog is running.

Golden Retriever Breed Personality

This breed is known for being gentle, intelligent, and friendly. They are often used as service dogs because of their sweet nature and how easy they are to train. Golden Retrievers are typically good with children and other animals, making them an excellent choice for families. They need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy, so they are not a good fit for homes where they will be left alone for long periods.

Golden Retriever History

The Golden Retriever was originally bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century. The breed was created by crossing a yellow Wavy-Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel and other water dogs. They were bred for retrieving games such as ducks and birds during hunting expeditions.

The Golden Retriever was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1911 and the American Kennel Club in 1925.

The breed is now one of the most popular dogs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

What To Expect When Caring For a Golden Retriever

  • Health

  • Nutrition

  • Exercise

  • Grooming

  • Training

The Golden Retriever is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they're prone to specific health conditions. Some of the most common health problems seen in Golden Retrievers include:

Hip and elbow dysplasia – a condition that causes the bones to develop abnormally

Cancer – the leading cause of death in Golden Retrievers

Allergies – skin, food, and environmental allergies are common in Golden Retrievers

Ear infections – because of their long ears, Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections

Eye problems – such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy

Golden Retrievers typically live 10-12 years, but some may live as long as 15 years.

Leave a Comment

Home | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Call Me
thegreatpets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Additionally, thegreatpets.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

As a Chewy affiliate, I earn commissions for qualifying purchases.