This is a very gentle breed with an exceptionally affectionate personality. Although it is one of the larger breeds, the Golden Retriever does not have a strong guarding instinct, so don’t expect it to protect your home from burglars. In fact, it might eagerly befriend them and even show them where you keep treats and other interesting things. They are quite cheerful, easy to train, and always eager to please. That’s why, if you search for something like “the perfect family dog,” the Golden Retriever is always among the top choices.
Golden Retrievers love people, especially children, and get along well with strangers and other pets. They adore being admired, so be prepared for lots of cuddling. Golden Retrievers are active dogs. They can fetch a tennis ball until your arm gives out. Their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament have made them favorites in the world of service and therapy dogs. Their smiling faces and golden fur have also earned them movie fame, including leading roles in two films from the “Homeward Bound” series.
This breed was developed as a working retriever, meaning they require a high level of activity. They fit best into homes with active individuals, couples, or families where someone is home during the day and enjoys spending time and exercising with the dog. Golden Retrievers love their humans and do not tolerate being alone well. If left alone, they will find their own (destructive) entertainment. That’s why they need daily physical and mental engagement, including walks, jogging, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, and brain games that challenge them mentally.
Like many breeds developed for hunting, Golden Retrievers have been divided into different types over the years. Each group claims that their type is the best. Dogs bred solely for appearance—especially those in the currently trendy almost white color—often have poorer health, and cases of atypical temperament, including aggression, have been observed. On the other hand, dogs from working and sporting lines can be too energetic for the average family, but their stable temperament has been preserved, and they are often healthier.
Regardless of the type, Golden Retrievers are full of energy and love to move. If you weren’t active before getting a Golden Retriever, you will be afterward—or you’ll face problems. These dogs wake up every morning with the same question in their heads: “What are we doing today?”
Breed overview of Golden Retriver
The Golden Retriever has a dense, waterproof double coat that comes in various shades of gold. These dogs shed a lot and require frequent brushing to control hair loss.
Golden Retrievers typically have litters of six to eight puppies. Most breeders prefer to keep the puppies until they are at least eight weeks old. This allows them time to learn proper social behavior with other dogs and gives the breeder a chance to assess their personalities to ensure each puppy is placed in the right home. An additional advantage is that puppies of this age are more mature and easier to house-train.
| Height | 21.5 – 24 inches at the shoulder | Weight | 55 – 75 pounds |
| Adaptability | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Child Friendly | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
| Apartment Friendly | 🟠🟠 | Exercise Needs | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
| Dog Friendly | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Health Issues | 🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
| Barking Tendencies | 🟡🟡🟡 | Intelligence | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
| Energy Level | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Grooming | 🟡🟡🟡 |
| Trainability | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Territorial | 🟡🟡🟡 |
| Social Needs | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Stranger Friendly | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
History of Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever is one of the breeds developed during the Victorian era when dogs were extremely popular. Their genetic foundation includes the Yellow Retriever, Tweed Water Spaniel, Wavy-coated and Flat-coated Retrievers, and the Red Setter. Dudley Marjoribanks, Lord Tweedmouth, is generally considered the founder of the breed that later became known as the Golden Retriever. However, recent research into old studbooks, paintings, and other sources suggests that dogs similar to Golden Retrievers—possibly a specific type of Setter—existed even before Lord Tweedmouth began breeding them on his Guisachan estate in Scotland.
The Kennel Club of England classified these dogs as “Retriever – Yellow or Golden” in 1911, changing the name to “Retriever – Golden” in 1920.
Golden Retrievers were first registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1925 and were officially recognized as a breed in 1932. Since then, they have established themselves as versatile companions, hunting and working dogs. Today, Golden Retrievers are used in search and rescue, therapy assistance, fire and drug detection, and as service dogs for people with disabilities. Their energy, enthusiasm, and intelligence make them highly adaptable for learning and performing nearly any task.
Today, Golden Retrievers are among the most beloved breeds, ranking fifth among breeds registered with the AKC.
Temperament and Personality of the Golden Retriever
If you ask anyone what the main characteristic of a Golden Retriever is, you will always get the same answer – temperament. The hallmark of this breed is kindness, gentleness, and a constant desire to please. A Golden Retriever craves love and attention and will seek it not only from its family but also from strangers.
Golden Retrievers are adaptable and people-oriented, which are the main reasons why they are so beloved. Unfortunately, their popularity has led to irresponsible or inexperienced breeders producing dogs without concern for preserving their gentle and friendly nature. As a result, some Golden Retrievers may exhibit shyness or aggression, which can lead to fear-based biting or hostility toward people and other dogs.
Properly bred Golden Retrievers love all people, but they often express this affection by jumping up to greet them. Basic obedience training from an early age is essential for these large and playful dogs. Fortunately, Golden Retrievers are very easy to train, and a little effort while they are young will pay off immensely later on. With early training, they will quickly learn to sit on command, walk on a leash without pulling, and come when called.
If not properly trained, socialized, and given daily physical activity, their cheerful and energetic nature can become overwhelming, even intimidating to small children, despite their best intentions to be friendly. Puppies often nip and chase during play, so they need to be taught how to behave around children, and children need to learn how to interact with the dog properly.
The perfect Golden Retriever is the result of both good breeding and a positive environment. Whether you want a Golden Retriever as a pet, a show dog, a competition dog, or all of the above, choose a puppy whose parents have a good temperament and who has been properly socialized from an early age.
Training and Socialization
You can keep your Golden Retriever happy and satisfied with long walks or hikes lasting at least an hour a day (or split into two to three shorter walks), running, biking, or swimming. They excel in all dog sports, including agility, obedience, frisbee, flyball, dock diving, and tracking. They also make excellent therapy dogs, as they love people and enjoy being active. If you don’t have children, ask neighborhood kids to throw a ball for your dog—it will keep both of them entertained for hours. Teach your dog tricks and provide various interactive toys to engage its mind. Mental stimulation can be just as exhausting as physical activity, but it cannot fully replace it.
It is important to note that during the first two years of life, a Golden Retriever puppy should not be overexerted physically. Its bones and joints are still developing, and intense activity can cause permanent damage. During this period, puppies can swim, take gentle walks on grass or soft surfaces, and explore mild forest trails, but running, steep climbs and descents, and jumping should be avoided until they reach full physical maturity at two years old.
Golden Retrievers are dogs that live for their people. If you plan for your dog to live outside in the yard, do not get a Golden Retriever. Loneliness and boredom can lead to barking, digging, and other destructive behaviors. This breed must live indoors, as part of the family.
Health Issues of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, but like all animals, they can be prone to certain health problems. Understanding these issues is crucial for maintaining their health and quality of life.
Common Health Issues
1.Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
These are orthopedic diseases that result from abnormal joint development, leading to instability and arthritis. Symptoms include difficulty walking, stiffness, and limping. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk.
2.Cancer
Golden Retrievers are prone to various types of cancer, which is one of the leading causes of mortality in this breed.
3.Skin Problems
– Atopy (Atopic Dermatitis): This is an inflammatory and itchy skin and ear disease caused by allergies to environmental allergens such as pollen, grass, dust, dander, and mold. Symptoms usually develop between the ages of 2 and 6.
– Hyperkeratosis: Sometimes, Golden Retrievers develop hyperkeratosis, which is characterized by thickened skin on the paws.
4.Heart Problems
– Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS): The most common congenital heart disease in Golden Retrievers. It can cause sudden collapse without any visible reason, often at a young age.
– Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): The heart becomes enlarged and struggles to pump blood efficiently. Some evidence suggests a link between DCM and a diet high in legumes and potatoes, but further research is needed.
5.Hormonal Disorders
– Hypothyroidism: An endocrine disease that occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Symptoms include unexpected weight gain, reduced energy, and recurring ear and skin infections.
6.Ear Infections
Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Regular ear cleaning is essential for prevention.
7.Eye Problems
– Cataracts: Hereditary cataracts can develop at an early age and may lead to vision loss.
8.Obesity
Excess weight can lead to various health issues, including joint problems and diabetes.
Prevention and Management
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups:Essential for early detection of health issues.
- Balanced Diet:Providing proper nutrition and supplements as recommended by a veterinarian.
- Regular Exercise:Ensuring adequate physical activity to maintain overall health and fitness.
- Genetic Testing:Recommended for breeding to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases.
Managing the health issues of Golden Retrievers requires an active role from owners in maintaining their well-being and quality of life.
Basic Care for Golden Retrievers
Living with a Golden Retriever requires dedication. Their thick coat needs regular brushing and bathing to remove dirt and prevent matting. While all dogs shed, Golden Retrievers do so with the same enthusiasm they have for swimming and fetching. You can manage shedding with daily brushing to remove dead undercoat, but if excessive shedding is a major issue in your home, this may not be the right breed for you.
Like most retrievers, Golden Retrievers love water. When your dog gets wet—and this will happen often—rinse them with clean water to remove chlorine, salt, or lake debris, as these can dry out and damage their coat. It is also important to keep their ears dry to prevent infections and to use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner after swimming.
Other grooming aspects are basic. Trim their nails as needed, usually every few weeks, and brush their teeth regularly to keep their breath fresh and maintain overall dental health.
Adopting a Golden Retriever
Breed clubs often have rescue organizations dedicated to caring for abandoned dogs. The Golden Retriever Club of America’s Rescue Network can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Golden Retriever rescue centers in your area.
A great thing about rescue organizations is that they are usually very transparent about any health issues a dog may have and can provide valuable advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities, allowing you to bring a Golden Retriever home for a trial period to see how they fit into your life.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers are wonderful pets that provide immense love and support to their owners. Their intelligence, sociability, and energy make them ideal for families and individuals with an active lifestyle. With proper care and attention, Golden Retrievers can live a long and happy life as an essential part of the family.