Golden Retriever
Also known as Golden
- Height at the withers
- 51 to 61 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 34 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Scotland
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
Overview
An athletic retriever with a dense, shiny, slightly wavy golden coat and an especially friendly nature. Originally a hunting dog, it is now valued both as a family dog and as an assistance dog.
History and origins
Developed in the Scottish Highlands in the mid to late 19th century by Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth), who crossed a yellow retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with later additions of Irish Setter and Bloodhound blood.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Cancers (hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma), very common in the breed
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis
- Eye diseases (pigmentary uveitis, cataracts, retinal atrophy)
- Subaortic stenosis and hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, straight coat. Very heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Golden Retriever FAQ
How big does the Golden Retriever get?
The Golden Retriever stands 51 to 61 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 34 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Golden Retriever shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Golden Retriever live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Golden Retriever need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Golden Retriever good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Golden Retriever live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are cancers, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia.
