Known for their infectious smile and kind eyes, Golden Retrievers are energetic, sociable, kid-friendly dogs with lots of love (and fur) to give.
Personality and temperament
With a calm and gentle spirit, Golden Retrievers are even tempered and can be soothing companions for anxious owners. However, don’t let that goofy smile fool you. These athletic dogs need a bucketload of exercise to quiet their busy minds. This hard-working breed is playful and always up for a game of fetch or a cuddle on the couch. Just don’t wear black as you’ll end up covered in soft, silky fur.
Size and appearance
With a golden, water-repellent double coat, these medium-to-large sized dogs have a classic appearance with floppy ears, a large smile and friendly eyes. They generally weigh around 25–34kg and can grow up to 65cm tall, with thick, golden colourings. Stocky and stout as puppies, these adorable dogs grow up fast but tend to keep their puppy silliness longer than other breeds – but that’s part of their appeal, if you ask us.
History
Dating back to a prominent Scottish lord in the mid-19th century, Golden Retrievers were the results of a cross bred between a unique gold-coloured retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel. It’s said that all Golden Retrievers can be traced back to that happy union. Bred to thrive as hunters in the harsh Scottish Highlands, Goldies are hard-working dogs who have a ‘soft mouth’ allowing them to carry objects (originally ducks) without damaging them. These days it’s more likely to be their favourite toy or stick.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are generally healthy, energetic dogs but may be prone to:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (where hip or elbow joints don’t form properly. You can reduce the risk of this by selecting a reputable breeder and through good diet and plenty of exercise.)
- Cancer (especially hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma)
- Hypothyroidism
Regular check-ups and early diagnosis can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Food and exercise
With a skill for overeating, it’s important to make sure these greedy goofballs don’t eat too much or have too many treats. When it comes to mealtimes, in addition to protein-rich foods and healthy fats, Golden Retrievers also needs a good amount of calcium to prevent any bone issues. This insatiable appetite can also increase the risk of them eating something they shouldn’t; socks, toys, foam bedding – you name it. Gut obstructions can be life-threatening in dogs, so if your Goldie starts vomiting or stops eating for more than 48 hours, take them to the vet immediately.
Depending on the age of your Golden Retriever, they’ll need between one and two hours of high-energy exercise a day. Their athletic nature and natural agility make them lovers of adventure – think hiking, running, playdates and retrieval games.
Grooming and maintenance
Golden Retrievers have a thick, water-repellent double coat with feathering on their forelegs, chest and belly. They shed their coat during seasonal changes.
- Bathe: every 6–8 weeks
- Professional groom: can be beneficial during spring and autumn shedding seasons, particularly if fur is matted
How to groom a Golden Retriever
- Fur: weekly (more during shedding seasons) using an undercoat rake to remove any loose fur
- Nails: trim every 4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly to avoid infections
- Eyes: check and clean gently as needed
Training and space requirements
Goldies are people-pleasers and love to learn new skills. To keep their attention, use play-based training and keep lessons light and happy. Making learning a game is the best way to keep their motivation up – think of them like small furry children in terms of their attention spans. Being large, energetic dogs, they are best suited to houses with enough room inside and out for them to play and be comfortable.
Best suited for…
The ultimate family dog, Golden Retrievers are a favourite of kids everywhere. Their big, friendly smiles and big brown eyes add to their soft, empathetic nature. This is a dog that loves being part of the action and part of the family.
