Breed characteristics carousel
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Need to Know
- Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Need to be aware of potential health issues
- Enjoys active walks
- Large dog
- Some drool
- Requires frequent grooming
- Quiet dog
- Welcomes everyone happily
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- Gets along with other pets with training
- Great family dog
- Needs a large yard and does well in suburban and rural areas
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
Golden Retrievers have never met a stranger, making friends with everyone they encounter. Sunshine embodied, they are known for their devoted and obedient nature as a family companion. Ignoring a Golden’s active nature and powerful physique can lead to behavior problems, though, so they need to have their physical and mental needs met every day. Some Goldens may be overly exuberant and boisterous, but most are eager to please and enjoy learning.
Well-trained and exercised Goldens are calm and mannerly at home, and enthusiastic when invited to play. The Golden Retriever breed’s achievements in competitive obedience are remarkable. This dog especially enjoys games that involve retrieving and loves to carry items in his mouth—it’s preferable that it’s a toy, though, and not a gift from outside.
Dudley Majoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, developed the breed in Scotland during Victorian times. He wanted a breed that was suited to the rainy Scottish climate and could handle the rough terrain of the area. He crossed a Yellow Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel to achieve it. Later, Irish Setter and Bloodhound were mixed in to create the exceptional working retriever we know today. The breed has always been popular but it really took off nationally in the 1970s when President Gerald Ford had a Golden Retriever at the White House named Liberty.
A Golden will become your best friend if trained, exercised, and socialized well. They can be goofy and loveable as puppies while they find their footing in the world, but once they’ve settled down a bit they’ll turn into living teddy bears. They love the outdoors—including in wet and rainy conditions—so be prepared for your Golden to want to romp outside no matter the weather. Prepare yourself for muddy paw prints and lots of shedding—it’s part of the charm of life with a Golden Retriever.
Golden Retrievers love being outdoors and burning off energy. They can easily become overweight if not given enough exercise—especially since they love their food!
Goldens were originally bred to be country dogs and maintain that spirit. They do best when they have ample access to the outdoors, but they can adapt to smaller spaces so long as they have plenty of daily exercise.
Golden Retrievers need regular grooming to prevent matting on their lustrous, beautiful coats. Their coats can attract mud and debris on walks, so it’s important to clean them once dry.
Eager to please, enthusiastic, and as happy as they come, Golden Retrievers are great dogs to train. They are smart and respond well to reward-based training, which can help them gain confidence. They love games, especially fetch, where they can show off their natural retriever abilities.
The Golden Retriever is an ideal dog for families. They love everyone, are gentle, and enjoy being involved in all activities, especially anything outdoors. They’ll happily come along for car rides, visits, and more.
The cost of a Golden Retriever from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Adopting a Golden Retriever
Interested in adopting a Golden Retriever? Here are answers to some common questions about bringing one of these charming dogs home.
They are very active dogs. If they are acting lethargic, you should contact your vet.
No, but if they do bark it’s usually a friendly one, not an aggressive one.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Golden Retriever on Purina.
Did You Know
- The Golden Retriever has many job opportunities such as disability assistance, guide dog work, search and rescue missions, and more.
- The first dog on the scene after 9/11 was a Golden Retriever dog named Bear. He worked for three months searching for people.
- The first dog on the scene after 9/11 was a Golden Retriever dog named Bear. He worked for three months searching for people.
Dog Grooming Tips – Bathing, Brushing, & More
Did you know that grooming can improve your dog’s long-term health? It’s true! Regular grooming sessions not only help your dog feel more comfortable, but they allow you to ensure your dog is in good condition and help you detect early signs of issues that may require a trip to the veterinarian. An
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What are the best dogs for kids? It all depends on your household’s activity level, family energy, and living situation. But, in general, you can’t go wrong with a dog that has a gentle demeanor, friendly attitude, trainable nature, and an ability to keep up with your family. Those characteristics