Golden retriever is a medium-sized breed boasting a golden coat—reflective of its name— originating from Scotland. Known for their kind eyes, loyalty, and enthusiasm for life, the golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Though historically bred as hunting dogs in the Scottish Highlands, goldens also make excellent family dogs.
The dogs usually get along well with children and are incredibly affectionate and intelligent. Golden retrievers make wonderful service dogs and are often very successful as guide, assistance, or search and rescue dogs.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting
HEIGHT: 23 to 24 inches (males); 21.5 to 22.5 inches (females)
WEIGHT: 65 to 75 pounds (males); 55 to 65 pounds (females)
COAT: Medium-length double coat
COAT COLOR: Light to dark gold
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years
TEMPERAMENT: Trust worthy, intelligent, playful, energetic.
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: United Kingdom, Scotland
Characteristics of the Golden Retriever
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | High |
Golden Retriever Care
Golden retrievers have medium-length hair with a thick undercoat and a water-repellent outer coat. They shed moderately most of the year and heavily in the spring and fall. They should be brushed daily and will probably need a bath about once a month. You can expect to live with plenty of dog hair if you have a golden retriever.
Grooming
Your dog will need its nails trimmed once or twice a month to keep them from splitting and causing foot problems. You should also help your dog maintain good oral hygiene by brushing its teeth at least a couple of times per week. Because they have droopy ears, they are more likely to have ear infections, so check your dog’s ears regularly.
Exercise
Goldens are active dogs which require daily exercise and thorough training. It is best for a golden retriever to have access to a play yard for romping and to be taken out for a walk a couple of times per day. Golden retrievers get along well with most other dogs and a trip to the free-run dog park is likely to be appreciated.
Golden retrievers are known to be mouthy, carrying things around in their mouths. Have toys and chew bones available to satisfy this oral fixation.
Training
This breed likes to be where the action is with the family rather than relegated to the yard, where they can easily get lonely. They are not suited to be watchdogs, as they are friendly with everyone. Socialization is important for dogs and comes pretty naturally to the golden retriever. They should do well in a multi-pet household with other canines and cats.
Golden retrievers are gentle, patient and enjoy playing with kids, but their size means they can knock over a small child if they are excited. This might scare little kids, especially visiting playmates who are not used to a larger dog. When they learn to play together appropriately, a golden retriever is a good match for families with kids.
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Tom –
Exotic Retrievers made our experience of buying a puppy, easy and safe. I was very concerned about the puppy fraud that I have been reading about online with different breeders or sellers so I chose to use Exotic Retrievers and I’m glad that I did. They made it a wonderful experience. I would recommend them to anyone getting a puppy or interested in adding a furry friend to their life. We did have our puppy arrive with kennel, cough watches not too uncommon due to her having to travel, but they have been wonderful working with us and helping us to get her the best care. We absolutely love and adore a Golden Retriever puppy.