Golden Retriever breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Golden Retrievers
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Golden Retriever breed
Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved and popular dog breeds worldwide. Originally developed in Scotland, they were bred for retrieving game during hunting expeditions. They are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. In fact, Golden Retrievers are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm and caring nature. These dogs have a beautiful golden coat that is water-repellent and requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition.
Weight, height and life expectancy
On average, male Golden Retrievers stand at a height of about 56-61 cm, while females are slightly smaller at around 51-56 cm.
They typically weigh between 25-32 kg.
The average life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is between 10 and 12 years.
What is the temperament of a Golden Retriever like?
Golden Retrievers have a fantastic temperament and are renowned for their friendly, gentle and affectionate disposition. They are known to be patient, reliable, and trustworthy companions.
Golden Retrievers are wonderful with children, showing a playful yet gentle demeanour, and they typically get along well with other animals, including household pets. Their social and outgoing nature means they thrive on companionship and often form strong bonds with their owners.
Intelligent and eager to please, Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and excel in obedience, agility, and service work. Their natural desire to make their owners happy, combined with their quick learning ability, makes them a favorite for roles such as therapy or assistance dogs.
Known for their love of water, Golden Retrievers often enjoy activities like swimming and retrieving, making them a great match for active owners who can engage them in outdoor adventures. With their loving and adaptable personality, Golden Retrievers are a joy to have as part of any family.
Our Golden Retriever Community
"Benji is just the most chilled dog ever. He loves a little walk but mostly loves to be with people. He is a big softie and everyone loves him! He is hairy though so bear that in mind"
Benji's owner, Julie from Nottingham
"Lolly is a lovely, good natured and gentle youngster. She loves a run around in the park and meeting other dogs. Mostly, she LOVES humans and wants to say hello to everyone - constantly!"
Lolly's owner, Frankie from London
How much exercise do Golden Retrievers need?
Golden Retrievers are energetic and active dogs that require a substantial amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. On average, they need at least 2 hours of exercise per day, which can include long walks, runs, swimming, or playtime in a secure area. Engaging them in activities that cater to their love of retrieving, such as fetch, is especially beneficial - but be careful not to overdo it and take care of their joints.
In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is vital for Golden Retrievers to prevent boredom and unwanted behaviours like chewing or digging. Activities like obedience training, puzzle toys, interactive games, or even agility and tracking exercises are excellent for keeping their minds sharp.
Golden Retriever puppies have different exercise requirements compared to adults. Their growing joints and bones are more vulnerable, so high-impact activities like jumping or prolonged running should be avoided. Short play sessions, gentle walks, and light training exercises should be introduced gradually, starting with just a few minutes per day.
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Do Golden Retrievers need a lot of grooming?
Golden Retrievers have a dense, water-resistant double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy, clean, and tangle-free. They are moderate shedders year-round but experience heavier shedding during seasonal changes in spring and autumn.
To manage their coat and reduce shedding, it’s recommended to brush them at least 2-3 times a week using a slicker brush. During heavy shedding periods, daily brushing is required to keep loose hair under control and prevent matting, especially around areas prone to tangles like the ears, tail, and chest.
In addition to brushing, regular baths every 2-3 months will help maintain their coat’s cleanliness and natural shine. Use a gentle shampoo that is oatmeal based to preserve the coat’s natural oils and avoid skin irritation as they are prone to skin sensitivities. Goldens are mud magnets though and get regularly dirty, try to avoid a full bath every single time and opt for a quick rinse instead.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Golden Retrievers easy to train?
Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent, eager to please, and naturally cooperative, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. Their quick learning ability and strong work ethic allow them to excel not only in basic obedience but also in advanced training, agility, service work, and various dog sports.
Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and rewards, are highly effective for Golden Retrievers. They respond best to consistent, patient, and engaging training sessions that are fun and stimulating.
Starting training early helps establish good habits and ensures they grow into well-behaved companions. Socialisation from a young age is equally important to expose them to different environments, people, and other animals, building confidence and adaptability.
Golden Retrievers thrive when given tasks and mental challenges, so ongoing training, puzzle toys, or providing them with jobs such as retrieving items or participating in canine activities, will keep their minds sharp and their spirits fulfilled. With their eager nature and intelligence, Golden Retrievers are a joy to train and make exceptional companions.
What do Golden Retrievers eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the overall health and well-being of Golden Retrievers. Feed them high-quality dog food formulated for their specific life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
Puppies should be fed puppy-specific food until they reach around 12-18 months of age, depending on brand recommendations, as it contains the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
As puppies they should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, when it can be reduced to twice daily. As they mature into adults, feed them twice a day with portion sizes appropriate for their size, age, and activity level.
Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, as Golden Retrievers can be prone to weight gain. Your vet can advise on the best diet for your Golden.
Are Golden Retrievers healthy?
Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some common health concerns in Golden Retrievers include:
Bones and Joints
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Cancer - Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Glaucoma - the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - over time the back of the eye becomes damaged which can reduce your dog’s vision, eventually leading to blindness
Heart
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a disease of the heart muscle causing the heart ventricles to get larger, which can lead to heart failure
Sub-aortic Stenosis - narrowing of the area below the aortic valve, that affects blood flow through the heart
Skin
Hot Spots - red, inflamed, moist lesions of the skin, usually found on the head, neck, legs and hips
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Golden is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, so it’s crucial to keep their weight in check. Provide a balanced diet, avoid overfeeding, and choose food rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health. Regular, low-impact exercise, like swimming or walking, is ideal to keep their muscles strong without putting undue stress on their joints.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
