Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
Golden Retriever
A soft-natured retriever that stays playful well into adulthood and generally enjoys the company of almost everyone it meets.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Sporting / Gundog
- Origin
- Scotland
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg (55–75 lb)
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Dense water-repellent double coat with feathering
- Temperament
- GentleBiddablePlayfulAffectionate
History
Bred at Guisachan estate in the Scottish Highlands in the 1860s by crossing a yellow retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel.
Appearance
Balanced and powerful with a broad head, friendly expression and cream to rich gold feathered coat.
Exercise and activity
At least an hour daily; retrieving, swimming and scent games suit the breed's original purpose.
Care and grooming
Brush several times weekly to prevent mats behind the ears and on the trousers, and dry the ears after swimming.
Health considerations
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Certain cancers, including haemangiosarcoma and lymphoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Atopic dermatitis
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Golden Retriever
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: At least an hour daily; retrieving, swimming and scent games suit the breed's original purpose. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip and elbow dysplasia, Certain cancers, including haemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, Hypothyroidism, Subvalvular aortic stenosis, Atopic dermatitis), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice