Golden Retriever

also known as Golden Flat Coat, Yellow Retriever

Pros History


The breed's name, Golden Retriever, is a reference to the breed's unique and distinct coat color, which ranges from cream to gold. The breed is known for its thick and wavy coat, which is water-resistant and sheds seasonally.

The Golden Retriever is a large, friendly, and intelligent breed with a rich history dating back to the 19th century in Scotland. The breed was developed by crossing various retrieving breeds, such as the Tweed Water Spaniel, the Wavy-Coated Retriever, and the Irish Setter, in order to create a versatile hunting dog that could retrieve game from both land and water. The Golden Retriever was created by Lord Tweedmouth, a British nobleman and sporting enthusiast, who wanted to develop a breed that could retrieve game from both land and water.

Lord Tweedmouth, also known as Dudley Marjoribanks, was a British nobleman and sporting enthusiast who lived in the late 19th century. He was a member of the British aristocracy and had a passion for hunting and breeding dogs. He was determined to create a versatile hunting dog that could retrieve game from both land and water.

Lord Tweedmouth began his breeding program in the late 1850s at his estate in Scotland, crossing various retrieving breeds such as the Tweed Water Spaniel, the Wavy-Coated Retriever, and the Irish Setter. He carefully recorded his breeding methods and the characteristics of each litter, allowing him to make selective breeding decisions. After many years of breeding and testing, he finally achieved his goal of creating a new breed that would become the modern Golden Retriever.

Lord Tweedmouth's breeding program was a success and the breed quickly gained popularity among hunters and sportsmen. The breed was first registered with the Kennel Club of England in 1903, and later with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1925. Lord Tweedmouth's breeding program was the foundation of the breed and the dogs he created were the ancestors of all Golden Retrievers today.

Golden Retrievers have a long history of working with people with disabilities. Their friendly, loyal and trainable nature, makes them ideal as service dogs for people with disabilities. They have been trained to assist people with a wide range of disabilities such as physical, emotional, and cognitive.

Golden Retrievers have been trained as service dogs to assist people with mobility impairments, helping them with tasks such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items, and providing balance support. They have also been trained as guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired, helping them navigate the environment and avoid obstacles.

They have also been trained as hearing dogs, alerting their deaf or hard-of-hearing handlers to important sounds such as doorbells, alarm clocks, and smoke alarms. They also have been trained to alert their handlers to seizures, or other medical conditions, by providing physical cues such as nudging or barking.

Breed Information


Type

Is Golden Retriever a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Golden Retrievers originally used for?

Retrieving, Gundog

Lifespan

How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Golden Retriever? How long can Golden Retrievers live?

10-12 years

The average Golden Retriever lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Golden Retriever Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Golden Retriever?

What is the average height of a Golden Retriever? How big is a Purebred Golden Retriever height? Golden Retriever dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
Female 20-22 inches (50.8 - 55.9 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm)
What is the average weight of a Golden Retriever? How much should Golden Retrievers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 65-75 pounds (29 - 34 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 60.0 pounds (27 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg)
Female 55-70 pounds (25 - 32 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 62.5 pounds (28 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Golden Retrievers get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the Golden Retriever.

Hypoallergenic

Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Golden Retriever is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Golden Retriever personality? What are Golden Retriever dogs best known for?

Confident
Intelligent
Reliable
Friendly
Kind
Trustworthy

Shedding Level

Are Golden Retrievers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Golden Retriever Shed?

Golden Retriever dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Golden Retriever. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Golden Retriever dog?

The Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Golden Retrievers descended from?

Retriever

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Golden Retriever breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Golden Retrievers first bred? How old is the Golden Retriever breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Golden Retriever?

Sporting (AKC:1925)
Gun Dog (UKC)

Golden Retriever Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Golden Retriever eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Golden Retriever nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Golden Retriever coat be naturally?

Fawn
Cream

Coat Length

How long is a Golden Retrievers coat?

The coat of a Golden Retriever is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Golden Retriever Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Golden Retriever?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Golden Retriever have in a litter? How many puppies can a Golden Retriever have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Golden Retriever can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Golden Retrievers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Golden Retriever Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Golden Retrievers have a lot of health problems?

The Golden Retriever breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Golden Retriever?

Elbow Dysplasia
Cataract
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Golden Retrievers?

Entropion
Trichiasis
Cardiomyopathy
Vwd
Allergies
Pyotraumaticdermatitis
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Bleeding Disorder

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Golden Retriever breed?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood
Dna Test For Vwd
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Golden Retriever Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Golden Retrievers have a lot of energy?

Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Golden Retrievers need socialization? How social are Golden Retrievers?

Golden Retriever have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Golden Retrievers get?

The Golden Retriever needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Golden Retriever have? Do Golden Retrievers sleep a lot?

Golden Retrievers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Golden Retriever drool a lot?

The Golden Retriever is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. Golden Retriever is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Golden Retriever dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Golden Retrievers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Golden Retriever dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Golden Retrievers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Golden Retriever running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Golden Retriever dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Golden Retrievers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Golden Retriever busy?

Hike, Swim, Run, Running, Jumping, Fetch, Sniffing, Walking, Kisses, Being pet, Go to Park, Walk, Play, Bath time, Ball, Playing, Petting, Digging, Chewing, Sticks, Belly rubs, Cuddling, Hugs, Dog Parks, Eating Snacks, Playdate, Tug-of-war, Exploring, Walks, Walkin

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Golden Retriever? How much energy does a Golden Retriever have?

Medium

Golden Retrievers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Golden Retriever walk each week? How many miles should a Golden Retriever walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Golden Retriever, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Golden Retriever should exercise a day? How much activity does a Golden Retriever need?

60 minutes

In general most Golden Retrievers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Golden Retriever?

The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Golden Retriever?

Weekly

Golden Retriever should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Golden Retrievers?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Golden Retriever eat?

3 cups

For an average 65-75 pound (29 - 34 kg) Golden Retriever feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Golden Retriever Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Golden Retriever is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Golden Retriever Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Golden Retriever is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Golden Retriever Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Golden Retriever?

The Golden Retriever breed is considered highly intelligent and very easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Golden Retriever dog?

Golden Retriever dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Golden Retriever dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Golden Retriever do well in apartments? Are Golden Retrievers good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Golden Retrievers living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Golden Retrievers good with kids? Are Golden Retrievers good around children?

A Golden Retrievers typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Golden Retrievers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Golden Retrievers good with cats? How friendly Golden Retrievers are toward cats?

Golden Retrievers are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Golden Retriever dogs get along with other dogs? Are Golden Retrievers OK with other dogs?

Golden Retrievers are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Golden Retriever dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Golden Retrievers friendly with strangers?

Golden Retrievers are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Golden Retrievers like to play? Are Golden Retrievers playful?

Golden Retrievers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Golden Retriever for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Golden Retriever easily trained?

Golden Retriever dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Service Dog
    Service dog tasks are well within this breed's capabilities.
  • Boat Dog
    Boating is often an activity that the Golden Retriever breed enjoys.
  • Affectionate and friendly
    Golden Retrievers are known for being affectionate and friendly, making them great family pets.
  • Therapy Dog
    This breed has the characteristics required for successful therapy dog work.
  • Cat Friendly
    Golden Retriever have a friendly disposition towards cats.
  • Good with children
    Golden Retrievers are good with children and make great family pets.
  • Quiet
    If you're looking for a quieter dog, this breed could be a good option as they are known for being relatively peaceful.
  • Office Friendly
    Golden Retrievers are known to adapt well to office environments.
  • Highly trainable
    Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and excel in various activities such as agility, obedience, and retrieving.
  • Good watchdogs
    Golden Retrievers are good watchdogs and will alert their owners to any strangers or potential dangers.

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    Golden Retrievers are at a high risk of becoming overweight.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Golden Retriever may not be the best choice for indoor pets.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Golden Retrievers may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Shedding
    Golden Retrievers have a thick coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to maintain.
  • Training and socialization
    Training and socialization are important for Golden Retrievers to prevent them from becoming overly shy or aggressive.