Golden Retriever Breed Guide
Also known as: Golden, Goldie
Friendly, intelligent, and devoted companions, Golden Retrievers are perfect for active families who want a loyal dog that's great with children.

Quick facts about this breed
Size
Medium/large
Weight
24-34 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
High
Size
Medium/large
Weight
24-34 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
High
About Golden Retrievers
Bred in Scotland in the late 1800s as a gun dog, the Golden Retriever quickly became famous for its gentle mouth, sunny disposition, and inexhaustible willingness to work alongside people. Today the breed excels as a family pet, service dog, and canine athlete.
Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs with water-repellent double coats in various shades of gold. They're known for their friendly expressions, feathered tails, and gentle, eager-to-please temperaments.
These dogs thrive on human companionship, learn new tasks quickly, and remain puppy-like well into adulthood. Their trademark double coat is water-repellent, but it also sheds year-round and blows seasonally. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, excelling in obedience, agility, and therapy work. While generally healthy, potential concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain cancers. Early socialisation helps ensure they develop into well-adjusted, confident adults.
Complete Care Guide for Golden Retrievers
Expert advice on keeping your Golden Retriever healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Proper nutrition forms the foundation of a Golden Retriever's health and vitality. These beloved dogs require carefully balanced meals that provide essential macronutrients to support their active lifestyle and maintain their distinctive golden coat. A well-planned diet should consist of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in appropriate proportions.
Managing portion sizes proves particularly important for Golden Retrievers, as they often display hearty appetites that can lead to weight gain. Incorporating fiber-rich ingredients such as sweet potatoes, oats, and legumes helps promote healthy digestion while supporting weight management goals. These complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and help your Golden Retriever feel satisfied between meals.
Given their predisposition to joint issues, dietary considerations should include nutrients that support bone and joint health. Adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus play crucial roles in maintaining strong bones, while omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and support joint mobility. These same healthy fats contribute to skin health and coat lustre, helping your Golden Retriever maintain their characteristic shine.
Establishing consistent feeding schedules and measuring portions accurately helps prevent overfeeding while ensuring your dog receives balanced nutrition throughout their life stages. Regular monitoring of weight and body condition, combined with dietary adjustments as needed, supports optimal health outcomes for this food-motivated breed.
How healthy is your Golden Retriever?
A two minute quiz for your personalised results and health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Golden Retrievers from our community of pet parents
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, tolerant and patient temperament. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and are usually very easy to train. Their kind and gentle nature makes them a wonderful family pet and they are known to generally get along well with children and other pets.
Golden Retriever Blog Posts & Guides
Expert advice and tips specifically for Golden Retriever owners
Dog Breeds Similar to Golden Retriever
Explore breeds with comparable temperament, size, and care requirements to the Golden Retriever

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Smallest retrievers with boundless energy, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are intelligent water dogs whose enthusiasm and athleticism suit very active lifestyles.

Flat-Coated Retriever
Forever young in spirit, Flat-Coated Retrievers maintain puppy-like enthusiasm throughout their lives, bringing joy to active sporting households.