Golden Retriever dogs

Thinking about Golden Retriever dogs as a companion?
Get to know this popular medium sized dog breed before you buy!

Size
Exercise
Grooming

Height: Females: 51-56cm (20-22 inches) at the shoulder; Males: 56-61cm (22-24 inches)
Weight: Females: 27-32kg (60-70 pounds); Males: 32-37kg (70-80 pounds)

Group
American Kennel Club: Sporting
The Kennel Club (UK): Gundog
Australian National Kennel Council: Gundog

Lifespan: 10-13 years

Who is the Golden Retriever?

An intelligent, loyal, affectionate dog, Golden Retriever dogs make excellent family pets. Their versatility means they can also be a guide dog, therapy dog, obedience dog and hunting companion.

Breed history

The 'Goldie', as it is sometimes called, was first developed in the 1860s in Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth as a retrieving dog for game and waterfowl.

The Goldie has become one of the world's most popular puppy breeds, due to its friendly, affectionate and trainable nature.

Personality

• Intelligent
• Affectionate
• Active
• Dependable
• Eager to please
• Highly trainable

Good with children?

Yes. Golden Retriever dogs make excellent family pets and will get along very well with other pets too.

Exercise needs

Goldies are an active medium sized dog and need a daily walk and involvement in family activities.

Health

Generally, they are a strong, healthy breed.

Possible health problems

Hip and elbow dysplasia (a disease that can cause lameness and arthritis in the hips or elbows)

Eye problems

If you're planning to buy a Golden Retriever puppy,
make sure that the breeder has x-rayed both parents for hip and elbow dysplasia.

Good breeders should x-ray or test their dogs for as many of these conditions as possible before breeding, or should avoid breeding from dogs that display the conditions.

Grooming

Goldies have a long, double coat that sheds seasonally. It requires a weekly grooming but is easy to brush.

When grooming, remember to check the paws, ears and coat for grass seeds. Also check for any minor injuries and check the teeth to see if they need cleaning.

Ideal owner

The ideal Golden Retriever owner will recognise that their dog is highly sociable and doesn't like to be left on its own for too long. Like many sociable breeds, Goldies can become destructive if left without companionship for long periods.

Golden Retriever dogs thrive in a family environment, love to play with children and respond well to the mental stimulation good obedience training will provide.