Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
25–34 kg
Height
51–61 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Golden · Light Golden · Dark Golden
Golden Retriever
About This Breed
The Golden Retriever is a medium to large-sized breed of dog that originated in Scotland during the 19th century. They were bred as gun dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl. Golden Retrievers are known for their long, beautiful golden coat and their gentle, patient temperament. They are excellent family dogs and are widely used as guide dogs, hearing dogs, and therapy dogs. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Golden Retriever
Origin
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Group | Sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 25–34 kg |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Height | 51–61 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Golden · Light Golden · Dark Golden |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Friendly · Reliable · Trustworthy · Kind · Patient |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Can shed a lot. Regular brushing can help manage loose hair.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. for good reason—they are intelligent, loyal, easy to train, and very affectionate. “Goldens,” as they’re often called, make wonderful family dogs because they are great with young children and other pets when socialized from puppyhood. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized sporting dogs that weigh 55–75 pounds. Their height can range from 21–24 inches tall. They have a broad head, short ears, deep chest, and muscular build. Caring for a Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are known for their thick, water-repellent, lustrous golden coats.
Care Guide
Golden Retrievers are known for their thick, water-repellent, lustrous golden coats. But their golden fur can range in color, so you can find white Golden Retrievers to red Golden Retrievers. No matter the color, Golden Retrievers have a double coat. This means that they have a thick undercoat of short hair covered by a layer of longer hair. Due to this double coat, Golden Retrievers shed a lot. They also tend to develop matted hair behind their ears and on their hind limbs. So, Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming—either at home or by a professional groomer—to keep their coat healthy. Goldens have a moderate amount of energy, even in their senior years. They enjoy activities such as running, going on long walks, retrieving, and swimming.