Golden Retriever
Updated December 1, 2025
Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and devoted dogs. They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work.
Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted, Trustworthy, Reliable
55-75 pounds
21.5-24 inches
10-12 years
Light Golden, Golden, Dark Golden
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and devoted dogs. They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work.
What Makes Golden Retrievers Special
A Golden Retriever is like the most popular kid in high school—friendly, funny, and athletic (with great hair). Everyone knows and loves them, and it's easy to see why: They're social butterflies who not only soak up the spotlight, but they also shine it back on the people they love.
These clever, silly pups adore their person just as much as they enjoy a challenging game of fetch, and they'll be your most loyal fan as long as you're theirs, too.
Golden Retriever History & Origin
Golden Retrievers were first bred in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth (an actual real-life person and not a character on "Bridgerton"). Marjoribanks selectively bred dogs to create an energetic pup who could retrieve objects by water or land.
The first three golden retrievers were born in 1868; their parents were a Yellow Retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel (now-extinct breeds).
Goldens arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, and they gained recognition from the AKC in 1925.
Their popularity skyrocketed when President Gerald Ford brought home a Golden Retriever of his own, named Liberty.
So, how much is a Golden Retriever? Expect to pay a breeder anywhere from $1,200 to $3,500 for a Golden Retriever puppy. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder. You'll also need to factor in costs for Golden Retriever puppy essentials like toys, grooming supplies, and medication.
You can also adopt a Golden Retriever, as there are lots of Golden Retriever rescue dogs waiting for homes, and they'd be grateful if you gave them a chance. Reach out to a Golden Retriever rescue or keep an eye out at your local animal shelter. You can find a local shelter through Chewy's database of adoptable dogs.
Golden Retriever Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Golden Retriever Appearance
Golden Retrievers exude a healthy confidence. They carry themselves proudly, with tails happily wagging and noses always sniffing out new adventures.
Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.
Physical Features
Ears
A Golden Retriever's V-shaped floppy ears cover their ear canals.
Eyes
Their eyes are medium or dark brown, and they have a welcoming, intelligent gaze.
Nose
Golden Retriever noses are usually black or brown. Their pigment may fade in cold weather, turning the tip pink—a harmless phenomenon known as "snow nose."
Coat & Build
Coat Length
Golden Retrievers have a medium-length double coat with two layers: a soft, insulating undercoat and a thick, water-resistant outer coat. They typically have feathering on their legs, belly, and tail.
Coat Color
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes dark golden, golden, and light golden as standard Golden Retriever colors, but coats also exist in shades from cream to deep red. For example, English Cream Golden Retrievers are simply Golden Retrievers who have been selectively bred for a light-colored coat.
Tail
Goldens have a long, feathery tail known for its lively, upbeat wags.
Golden Retriever Temperament
Golden Retrievers are naturally outgoing and want to make you happy. Most love humans and outings, so they'll thrive in homes with bustling environments and lots of people.
Born to mingle, your Golden will see everyone as a new best friend—and as a fetch partner. (There's a reason they're obsessed with tennis balls.) That wholesome, friendly personality—coupled with their moderate weight and height—make them excellent family dogs, even with small children.
Nevertheless, use caution when introducing any dog to a new home, and teach your kids how to respectfully play with their newest canine sibling.
You're in luck when it comes to training: Bright, clever Golden Retrievers are quick learners. Originally bred to help hunters retrieve birds, their delicate retrieval allows them to carry items without applying excess pressure (great for when they pluck your favorite sweater from the laundry basket). In fact, they're so smart that they're often guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search-and-rescue dogs.
But one of the best things about your Golden might just be the goofy capers they get into. So, when they go to 'help' unload that laundry basket, lose a sock, and get a wild case of zoomies for absolutely no reason whatsoever, enjoy the show. What's better than a pup who makes you laugh and puts a smile on your face?
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
These pups have a life expectancy of 10–12 years, but the Golden Retriever lifespan can vary depending on weight, fitness level, and general health. Some particularly lucky dogs can live to be 14 with no issues. Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular vet checkups, proper nutrition, exercise, and early screening for genetic conditions
How to Care for a Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are adaptable and easygoing, but they're not necessarily low maintenance. You'll need to consider the nonnegotiables, such as daily exercise, regular brushing, and proper training, to make sure your pup is happy and healthy.
Grooming
If you've ever seen a video of a Golden Retriever who just went for a swim in a muddy river, you know they're not exactly the neatest dogs. A little bit of "mess" is par for the course with these playful pups.
Golden Retrievers will need your help tidying up after a swim—rinse them off with clean, fresh water after a dip in a lake, river, or pool, and clean their ears to keep yeast at bay.
Golden Retrievers also shed a lot, so expect some furry tumbleweeds to pass through your home from time to time. As long as you brush their water-repellent coat every one to three days, you can keep professional haircuts to a minimum.
Focus on grooming the hind legs, behind the elbows, and behind the ears, where mats are likely to develop. Goldens with wavier hair are more prone to tangles.
In addition to everyday shedding, Golden Retrievers have two major sheds a year—one in the spring and one in the fall—so they'll need to be brushed out more frequently then.
Training
Golden Retrievers are super smart dogs that are eager to make you happy, so they're a delight to train. They easily master basic obedience cues like sit and stay, and you can even teach them to retrieve toys by name.
Always use positive reinforcement, which uses treats, toys, and praise as a reward. And let your Golden continue to be their silly, goofy self at times—it's who they are!
Diet
The best dog food for Golden Retrievers is complete and balanced, but your dog's dietary needs will vary based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and health conditions. Choose a diet that's AAFCO-compliant for your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). There are even diets specifically formulated for Goldens, like these adult dog and Golden Retriever puppy food options by Royal Canin.
Goldens can develop food allergies, which may cause itchy skin and excessive licking. If this happens, it's important to talk to your vet.
Exercise
Would an extrovert miss a party? Absolutely not. The same can be said of your Golden Retriever.
In fact, they live for attention, and they need lots of physical and mental exercise. Even if you have a large, fenced yard, don't just leave your Golden Retriever to do their own thing. They want to play with someone—not alone.
If your Golden loves the dog park, make it a regular event. Does he have a best friend in the neighborhood? Invite that dog over for playdates. Is there a popular trail your pup seems to enjoy? Go on adventures together—remember that keeping you happy is one of your Golden's big life goals, so set aside quality time and stick to it.
Other fun ideas include:
• Fetch, chase, and games that incorporate scent, like "find it"
• Interactive dog toys
• Daily walks
• Swimming
Environment
Golden Retrievers need lots of room to run, making them an ideal fit for a home with a large yard. However, they adapt easily and can also thrive in a bustling city, so long as there are opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.
Remember that they have an instinct to retrieve—so stock up on tennis balls and let your bestie live their best life.
Many Goldens, especially young ones, do well in a home with lots of activity (and more people to love them). But if they get enough positive attention, they're a great fit for lots of environments—just ensure they have space to shake off that Golden Retriever energy.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
House with fenced yard preferred, needs room to exercise
Climate Adaptability
Adaptable but prefers cooler climates, struggles in extreme heat
Apartment Living
Not ideal for apartment living due to size and exercise requirements
Best Suited For
Best suited for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Golden Retrievers good with children?
Yes, Golden Retrievers are excellent with children. They are patient, gentle, and protective, making them ideal family pets.
How much do Golden Retrievers shed?
Golden Retrievers shed moderately to heavily year-round, with increased shedding during seasonal changes in spring and fall.
How much exercise do Golden Retrievers need?
Golden Retrievers need 60-90 minutes of exercise daily, including walks, swimming, and active play.
Are Golden Retrievers easy to train?
Yes, Golden Retrievers are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Do Golden Retrievers make good apartment dogs?
No, Golden Retrievers are not ideal for apartment living due to their size and high exercise needs.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early socialization, puppy training classes, proper nutrition for growth
Senior Care
Joint supplements, adjusted exercise routine, regular health monitoring
First-Time Owner Tips
Excellent choice for first-time owners due to their trainability and gentle nature
Looking for a Golden Retriever?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.