Golden Retriever: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Golden Retriever temperament and personality

The AKC sums up the Golden as intelligent, friendly and devoted, and its breed standard calls the temperament friendly, reliable and trustworthy. VCA describes the breed as outgoing and highly social, forming strong bonds with people. Goldens are rarely good guard dogs, because most greet strangers as new friends.

At home a Golden wants to be included. It will follow you between rooms, carry a toy to everyone who comes through the door and stay puppyish for years. That sociability is the breed's great strength, but it also means a Golden left alone for long days without exercise can turn to chewing, digging or barking, which is where interactive dog toys earn their keep.

Golden Retriever size: height and weight

The AKC lists males at 23 to 24 inches at the shoulder and 65 to 75 pounds, and females at 21.5 to 22.5 inches and 55 to 65 pounds. The breed standard gives the same ranges. VCA's overall figures are 21.5 to 24 inches and 55 to 75 pounds.

Goldens love food, and VCA lists obesity among adult health problems. A Golden at a healthy weight has a visible waist from above and ribs you can feel without pressing. Measure meals, count treats as part of the daily total, and ask your vet to score your dog's body condition at each visit.

Golden Retriever lifespan and common health issues

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, and VCA gives the same, with senior years starting around 8. VCA notes that Goldens have a higher cancer risk than many breeds and lists hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma in seniors, along with hip and elbow dysplasia in puppies and subaortic stenosis, hypothyroidism and skin allergies in adults.

The AKC says the national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, a cardiac exam, an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist, and a DNA test for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Ask a breeder for those results on both parents. Ask your vet about lumps to watch and how often to screen a senior. Pale gums, collapse or a swollen belly need a vet immediately.

Exercise needs

VCA says Goldens need substantial daily exercise such as walking, retrieving, swimming and structured training, and that without it they may develop behavior problems or gain weight. Most adults do well with an hour or more of activity a day, including a chance to run and fetch.

Swimming is a favorite and is easy on the joints. Retrieving games, scent work and dog sports such as dock diving, obedience or field work give the breed a job. Keep puppy exercise short and gentle on soft ground, and build up as your vet confirms the joints are maturing.

Golden Retriever grooming and shedding

The Golden has a water-repellent double coat, and VCA rates shedding as moderate to high with heavier seasonal shedding. The AKC says most Goldens benefit from brushing once or twice a week, more often during spring and fall sheds. Expect hair on clothes and furniture all year.

A slicker brush, an undercoat rake and a metal comb cover the coat, with tidy trims around the feet and ears. VCA also recommends regular bathing, ear cleaning and nail trims. Dry the ears well after swimming, since moisture trapped under the ear flap can lead to infections.

Training a Golden Retriever

VCA calls Goldens typically easy to train because they want to please, and positive reinforcement works well. They pick up house training, basic obedience and tricks quickly, and many go on to guide, therapy and search work.

The common problems are enthusiasm problems: jumping up, pulling on the leash, mouthing and stealing socks. Teach a sit for greetings, loose-leash walking and a solid drop early. Keep sessions short and fun, and give a young Golden a chew or a job before it invents one.

Are Golden Retrievers good with kids and other pets?

VCA says Goldens are typically excellent with children and usually very social and adaptable with other pets. Their patience and gentle mouths are a large part of why they are such popular family dogs.

Size and energy still call for supervision. A bouncy young Golden can knock over a toddler, and children should be taught not to pull ears or bother the dog while it eats. Most Goldens get on well with cats and other dogs, especially when raised with them.

How much does a Golden Retriever cost?

Prices depend on breeder, region and pedigree, so treat any number as a rough guide. The AKC's guide to puppy costs puts a purebred puppy at roughly $500 to $5,000 and a shelter or rescue adoption at about $50 to $300. Price is not proof of health; ask what testing the parents have had.

Ongoing costs matter more. The same AKC guide estimates food at $275 to $800 a year and routine vet care at $150 to $400, plus pet insurance at $200 to $600 a year if you choose it. Given the breed's cancer risk, many owners consider insurance early.

What a Golden Retriever needs at home

A Golden needs company and space to move. A fenced yard helps, along with a crate for training, a washable bed, and plenty of chew and fetch toys. Many owners keep old towels by the door for wet, muddy paws.

For care, keep a slicker brush, undercoat rake, comb, nail clippers, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush. A well-fitted harness or collar, a leash and a long training line for recall work cover walks, and puzzle feeders slow down a fast eater.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.