Golden Retriever
Also called: Golden
A gentle, biddable retriever with a soft mouth and a love of water, a favorite for family hunters who want a calm, affectionate partner.
- Type
- Retrievers
- Hunts
- Waterfowl, Upland birds
- Weight
- 55 to 75 pounds
- Height
- 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder
- Lifespan
- 10 to 12 years
- Coat
- Medium to long, feathered double coat in shades of gold
- Energy
- High energy
- Cold and water
- Good. The dense coat handles cold water, but it needs drying and brushing after.
What it is best at
- Retrieving waterfowl and upland birds, especially in calmer conditions.
- A soft-mouthed retriever that returns birds undamaged.
- Hunters who want a cooperative dog that is also a family pet.
Temperament
- Gentle, friendly, and eager to please.
- Sensitive to harsh handling and responds best to praise.
- Social, and does poorly when left alone for long periods.
Things to know before you get one
- The coat collects burrs, mud, and ticks and needs regular grooming.
- Some lines are less driven than the best field Labradors.
- Cancer rates are high in the breed.
Training and exercise
Goldens learn quickly and want to work with you. Use positive, steady training and avoid heavy-handed correction. Early water introduction and short marked retrieves build confidence, and many do best when training sessions stay varied and fun.
Common health concerns
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, which breeders screen for.
- Cancers, which are common in the breed, and heart conditions.
- Skin allergies and ear infections.
Ask breeders for health testing records, and talk to a veterinarian about screening, vaccines, and tick and heartworm prevention.
Often compared with
- Labrador Retriever: shorter coat, tougher in harsh weather, and usually more intense in the field.
Field notes
Golden Retrievers were developed in Scotland for retrieving shot game. Field-bred Goldens are generally smaller and more driven than show lines, and they are a good choice for hunters who value temperament as much as raw drive.
Related guides
This is a general breed profile, not veterinary or training advice. Dogs vary individually, so meet the parents and talk to experienced owners before you choose. Rules about hunting with dogs, releasing dogs on public land, and dog training seasons differ by state; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations.