Golden Retriever picture
Golden Retriever

Yellow Retriever, Golden Flat Coat

Overview

The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized, well-balanced dog with a distinctive golden-colored coat; small, drop ears; and a natural tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The correct relationship of length of body to height is 12:11. The Golden Retriever is a dog without exaggeration. The Golden Retriever should be evaluated as a working gun dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.

The breed’s most readily identifiable characteristic is its rich, lustrous golden color. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. A Golden Retriever is friendly, calm, compliant and compatible with people and other dogs. Goldens are particularly good with children. The Golden Retriever’s friendly temperament is reflected in his kindly expression. The Golden Retriever is a powerfully built dog, with a good nose for tracking, a soft mouth, and an eagerness to learn.

Size Medium to Large
Height Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm) Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Weight Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg) Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Lifespan 10-12 years
Colors Golden Dark Golden Light Golden
Origin United Kingdom
Classification Purebred
Good Lapcat
Good In Apartments

This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard.

Good With Children

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Good With Dogs

Good With Cats

Exercise Needs

They like to retrieve balls and other toys. Be sure to exercise this dog well to avoid hyperactivity.

Trainability

Easy Training: The Golden Retriever is particularly easy to train. They are very sensitive to harsh treatment, so excessive strictness is not recommended. They learn very quickly and are extremely adaptable, making them perfect for therapy or service jobs. Golden Retrievers can learn many tricks and will remember what they are taught for the rest of their lives. Obedience classes are recommended.

Affectionate

Playfulness

Grooming Requirements

Moderate Maintenance: Goldens need the occasional bath to keep them clean and looking their best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet. Their strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.

Shedding

Moderate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner.

Vocalization/Barking

Occassional

Golden Retriever Pictures