When people think of the Golden Retriever, the image that comes to mind is of the Golden’s kind and gentle face, with the lips pulled back into an easygoing doggy smile. Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being friendly, outgoing, and easy to get along with – and most Goldens live up to that reputation. 

These loyal dogs seem to retain the playfulness and silliness of a puppy well into their third year of life, with most Golden Retrievers settling down in the fourth year or even later. While this is widely considered a positive trait among lovers of the breed, those expecting a serious, stoic dog may need to look elsewhere. 

Golden Retrievers are eager to please their human family members, and will wake you up with kisses or bring you the morning, so long as it brings a smile to your face. Well-bred and properly socialized Goldens aren’t aggressive to people or other animals, nor are they timid or nervous. To a Golden, everyone in the world is a friend. 

Golden Retrievers were bred to be out hunting with their owners, so they love the outdoors. They have the stamina and energy to go for long walks or hikes, and their Water Spaniel heritage means that they love to swim as well. Most Golden Retrievers are great go-anywhere, do-anything companions. 

As a result of this, they’ll need significant amounts of exercise to tire them out. They’re active and intelligent dogs, and they do well with dog sports such as obedience, tracking, and agility. Golden Retrievers who are kept as pets will need at least an hour-long walk per day, with additional time for games and training. 

An under-exercised Golden Retriever may tend to jump up at people or be mouthy, especially if they’re under three years old. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from being bored. Dog puzzle toys and slow feeders are popular options to keep them entertained. 

Golden Retrievers were bred to be sporting dogs, and this propensity for outdoor activity is reflected in their coat. They have a thick double coat with a water-repellent top coat and a dense, insulating undercoat. A Golden Retriever’s fur can be either wavy or straight.

Due to this double coat, Golden Retrievers will shed a moderate amount of fur throughout the year, with heavy shedding in the spring and fall. This is known as blowing coat, and is something almost all Golden owners will have to deal with – it’s advisable to keep a vacuum cleaner handy. 

Golden Retrievers generally need brushing three to four times a week to keep their shedding in check. This regular brushing schedule will also help to prevent painful tangles and mats from forming in the Golden’s thick fur. 

While the Golden Retriever has water-repellent fur, it still gets dirty and it traps the fur shed from the undercoat. Most Goldens will need a bath around once a month or so to stay clean and fresh. 

Tooth brushing should be done regularly, if not daily, to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and maintain gum health. Nail trimming can be done monthly if the Golden does not wear them down naturally. 

One particular area of concern is the Golden Retriever’s ears. Their fold-over ears can become the perfect place for bacteria to grow, so a thorough inspection and cleaning of the ears should be part of the grooming routine. 

Due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners, Golden Retrievers take to training very quickly. Starting their obedience training early will help ensure that your Golden Retriever grows up into a well-behaved and gentle adult dog. 

Golden Retrievers tend to be food-oriented, and will happily perform tasks that they know will result in them getting treats. However, all dogs are different and your Golden Retriever may want something else as a reward. The important thing is to use positive reinforcement to train your Golden, as this usually gets the best results.

It’s common for Golden Retrievers to be trained in agility courses, obedience trials, and other dog sports. The mental and physical challenges involved are a good fit for the natural abilities of the Golden, and even non-competitive owners may find that training in these events results in a more well-behaved and obedient dog.

Golden Retrievers have a normal lifespan for their size, having a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Golden Retrievers may be prone to:

• Various cancers – cancer is the most common cause of death for Golden Retrievers, and research is ongoing into the breed’s predisposition to the condition
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus – also known as GDV or “bloat”, this is a life-threatening condition caused by abnormal twisting of the stomach
• Elbow dysplasia – a condition in which the elbow joint of the front legs is malformed, causing pain and instability 
• Hip dysplasia – a condition similar to elbow dysplasia, only for the hip joint of the rear legs

Golden Retrievers are big, boisterous dogs and need a lot of space to feel comfortable. Adult Golden Retrievers can stand from 23 to 24 inches at the shoulder for males, and 21 to 22 inches for females. Male Golden Retrievers will weigh between 60 to 75 pounds, while females will weigh between 50 to 65 pounds. 

Their high energy and love of the outdoors mean they do best in homes with ample space to move and an outdoor space in which to play. A fenced yard is a good option, though dog parks and other shared spaces may also be used. 

Because they bond so strongly to humans, they need to be in close contact with their family members. It’s not uncommon for Goldens to constantly follow their owners around throughout the day. Most Goldens will not enjoy being left outside and away from their humans for very long, so they’re commonly kept as indoor pets.