Gentle, clever, and devoted, with a flowing golden coat that sheds generously.
Origin
Scotland
Size
Large
Weight
25–34 kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Apartment-friendly
Not ideal
Energy
Grooming needs
Trainability
Affection
Golden Retrievers were developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 1800s as gundogs that could retrieve waterfowl gently. Today they are prized family dogs and therapy dogs thanks to their soft temperament.
They are wonderful companions but not low-maintenance: they need plenty of exercise, regular grooming, and lots of human company.
With children: Excellent — gentle and tolerant, though big and bouncy when young.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home — unlocks with a short ad.
💛 Temperament
Friendly, trusting, and eager to please. Goldens usually get on well with other pets and strangers. They can struggle when left alone for long periods.
🎾 Exercise
Around an hour or more of exercise daily, including walks, off-lead play in safe areas, and retrieving games. Many love to swim.
🪮 Grooming
A water-repellent double coat with feathering that sheds year-round. Brush several times a week to prevent mats, particularly behind the ears and on the legs.
🎓 Training
Responds beautifully to positive reinforcement. Early socialisation and teaching calm behaviour around excitement pay off.
🥣 Feeding
A balanced diet appropriate to age and activity. Weight gain is common after neutering, so monitor body condition.
Health watch-list
Cancer
Goldens have high rates of certain cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Regular vet checks help catch lumps early.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Health-tested parents and a healthy weight reduce risk.
Skin allergies
Itching, ear infections, and hot spots are common; your vet can help identify triggers.
Heart disease
Subvalvular aortic stenosis occurs in the breed; breeders can screen for it.
The ideal home
A family with time for exercise, grooming, and companionship — not a dog to leave alone all day.
Fun fact
The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth at his estate in Scotland, where early breeding records were kept from the 1860s.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies — every animal is an individual. Health information here is
general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet,
and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.
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