Golden Retriever Dog Breed Information
The Golden Retriever dog breed is one of the world's most recognizable and popular breeds. With silky, radiant golden fur and a love for everyone, Goldens offer smiles and cheer to all. As one of the most trainable and friendly dogs, Goldens can make excellent working dogs. They’re often used as service dogs, for hunting, in search and rescue, and for therapy work.
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Golden Retriever Dog Breed Rundown
Height: 22 to 24 inches (males), 21.5 to 22.5 inches (females)
Weight: 65 to 75 lbs. (males), 55 to 65 lbs. (females)
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Origin: Scotland
Personality: Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., consistently ranking among the top 10 dog breeds in the country. Goldens have friendly, loyal, and outgoing personalities. The Golden Retriever dog breed is known for its welcoming temperament and is a popular family pet. These silky-haired pups also make exceptional working dogs and do well in search and rescue, and as service and therapy dogs. They were originally bred as gun dogs and love to retrieve and play in the water.
Golden Retriever Appearance
One of the distinct trademarks of the Golden Retriever dog breed is their rich golden coat. Goldens have beautiful coats that range from light wheat colored to rich mahogany hues. Due to their history as hunting dogs in Scotland, Goldens have dense and water-repellent fur. Their double coats include a firm outer coat that can be straight or wavy and a thick, furry undercoat.
The American Kennel Club Breed Standard states that Golden Retrievers should have moderate feathering on the back of their forelegs and underbody and heavier feathering on the front of the neck, back of thighs, and underside of tail.
“Feet may be trimmed and stray hairs neatened, but the natural appearance of coat or outline should not be altered by cutting or clipping,” according to the AKC standard.
Golden Retrievers are medium to large hunting dogs with an athletic, powerful build. They have an intelligent, alert expression. Goldens have silky, V-shaped ears that come forward at the base when alert. They have a confident, cheerful demeanor.
Golden Retriever History
The Golden Retriever was developed as a hunting dog in Scotland in the nineteenth century. They were bred to help hunters by finding and retrieving game birds. To this day, Goldens love to retrieve and are natural water lovers, with a water-resistant coat.
The Golden Retriever dog breed was developed by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (later Baron Tweedmouth), who bred Flat-coated Retrievers, Tweed Water Spaniels, and other British dog breeds. The intelligent, eager-to-please gun dog became a popular hunting companion in Europe and the U.S.
Golden Retrievers were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925. Since then, they have grown in popularity, making gentle family pets and companions.
Goldens are also often used for service work for people with disabilities, tracking, search and rescue, therapy work, and dog sports such as obedience and agility. Their calm, dependable personalities and intelligence make Goldens one of the best multi-purpose working dogs and companions.
Golden Retriever Personality
Golden Retrievers are the poster children of friendly family dogs. These lovable pups are affectionate, sociable, happy, and energetic. They are naturally great with kids, people, and other dogs. Goldens have a puppy-like, playful nature that endears them to many.
The Golden Retriever dog breed is also world-renowned for its work in many fields, from search and rescue to support services. Goldens are trainable, smart, and learn quickly, ideal for obedience training, agility, dog sports, and support jobs. Their loving, gentle demeanor allows them to excel as therapy and assistance dogs.
Goldens also love to stay active and are bred for hunting expeditions in wet conditions. These retrievers love playing fetch, hiking, running, swimming, and any activities with their humans.
Training Golden Retrievers
Goldens make excellent pupils as they’re eager to please, intelligent, and learn quickly. However, this doesn’t mean they just naturally know what to do without guidance. As with all pups, Golden Retrievers need early socialization and consistent, positive obedience training to thrive.
As a sporting dog, Goldens have lots of energy, and healthy adults require at least 90 minutes of exercise each day. Exercise will help prevent problem behaviors and encourage your dog to focus when it comes time for training.
Golden Retrievers can also go through a rebellious teenager stage between 6 and 18 months of age, where they may test the limits (and your patience). Remain consistent and positive in your training, and seek out a professional trainer if you need help. Signing up for a puppy class or beginner’s obedience class is a great way to bond with your pup and learn together.
Once you pass basic obedience together, there are many options for fun ways to continue your pup’s training, including agility, dock diving, obedience trials, and therapy work.
Famous Goldens
As one of the most popular dog breeds, the Golden Retriever has many fans. Here are just a few of the celebrities with Goldens:
Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family have a Golden Retriever named Elle.
Actress Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield are proud pup parents of Ren.
Actor Ryan Reynolds and his family have a Golden named Baxter.
Musician Adam Levine has a Golden named Charlie.
Comedian Conan O’Brien has a Golden named Coco.
Actress Denise Richards has a Golden named Tucker.
Golden Retriever Health
Golden Retrievers are usually healthy but can be prone to certain health conditions. Overbreeding due to their popularity can cause more health issues in dogs from unethical breeders. Some common health issues that may affect Goldens include:
Hot spots, which cause irritation on the skin.
Hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder that requires medication and monitoring.
Hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause pain and stiffness in the joints and limit mobility.
Cancer, including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma (HSA).
Eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which eventually leads to blindness.
Take your dog for regular vet check-ups and be vigilant of any changes in behavior that pop up. This will allow you to get an early diagnosis of any health conditions that may arise and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Where to Get a Golden Retriever
If you’re ready to bring a golden bundle of joy into your life, there are many Golden Retriever rescue groups and general rescues with adoptable puppies and adults. Here are some resources to help you in your search to adopt a Golden Retriever:
Petfinder is an extensive dog rescue resource with thousands of rescue dogs around the country, including many adoptable Golden Retrievers. You can search for Goldens in your area and find puppies and dogs at rescues near you.
The Golden Retriever Club of America is the official American Kennel Club national breed club. The group offers a host of resources on Golden Retriever care, adoption, and more.
Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue (GRCGLA) is a Golden Retriever rescue in LA with adoptable Golden Retriever puppies and dogs in Southern California.
Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue is a Golden rescue on the East Coast that serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Eastern New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue is a Golden Retriever rescue based in Northern California. The non-profit has adoptable Goldens and Golden mixes and serves the Northern California area.
GRRAND - Golden Retriever Rescue and Adoption of Needy Dogs - is a Golden rescue based in Lexington, Kentucky. The rescue has purebred Golden Retriever dogs, puppies, and Goldendoodles for adoption.
Once you find your perfect pup, make sure you’re prepared with our 10 Tips to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog.
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