Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a friendly, loyal, and highly trainable family dog loved across the US for its gentle nature, intelligence, and active lifestyle needs.
Origin
Scotland
Size
Large
Popularity
United States
Low
Medium
High
The Golden Retriever is known for its gentle temperament, intelligence, and eagerness to please. Highly popular in the United States, Goldens make excellent family pets, therapy dogs, and outdoor companions. Their friendly disposition, trainability, and energetic nature suit both suburban living and active American lifestyles. They thrive on daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation.
21.5–24 in
55–61 cm
Light golden, golden, dark golden
55–75 lbs
25–34 kg
Families, active owners, beginners
10–12 years
Friendly, loyal, intelligent, gentle
History
Developed in Scotland during the 1800s, the Golden Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. Known for their soft mouths and excellent swimming ability, Goldens quickly gained popularity in the United States for their gentle nature, intelligence, and versatility. Today, they are beloved as family pets, service dogs, and therapy dogs thanks to their warm temperament and strong work ethic.
Temperament
Warm, gentle, and people-oriented. Goldens are highly social, affectionate with families, and excellent with kids and pets.
Training
Highly trainable; responds well to praise, structure, and positive reinforcement.
Care & Grooming
Brush often to manage shedding; regular baths and coat maintenance required.
Coat Looks
Long, dense, water-repellent double coat with feathering on legs and tail.
Health & Nutriton
Balanced diet with joint, heart, and coat support; monitor weight and activity.
House
Very friendly
Very good
Before Buying
Golden Retrievers require regular grooming, daily exercise, and mental stimulation. They shed heavily and are prone to joint and heart issues, so vet care and pet insurance are recommended. Not ideal for low-activity households or small apartments without outdoor access.
Activity Level
5 – Very Active