Golden Retriever — breed guide
A gentle, endlessly patient gundog that wants nothing more than to be part of everything you do.
At a glance
- Group
- sporting
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg (55–75 lb)
- Life span
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Medium-length golden double coat with feathering
Living with a Golden Retriever
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Heavy shedding, especially in season.
- Exceptionally trainable — among the easiest to teach.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Friendly · Intelligent · Devoted · Gentle
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Cancer (hemangiosarcoma)
- Ear infections
- Subaortic stenosis
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
The first three dogs ever to win the AKC Obedience Championship were all Golden Retrievers.
Questions people ask
Is a Golden Retriever good with kids?
Generally yes. Golden Retrievers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Golden Retriever good with cats?
Usually yes. Golden Retrievers typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Golden Retriever handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Golden Retriever's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.