Breed guide
Meet the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is an active Scottish gundog with a feathered coat and an engaging character. Good family life depends on training, supervision and sufficient time, not on breed reputation alone.
- Size
- Medium to large
- Build
- Athletic retriever build
- Coat
- Dense coat with feathering
- Character
- Friendly and enthusiastic
Size and character describe general tendencies. Individuals vary with age, health and background.
Daily life & exercise
Offer daily walks, scent games and controlled retrieving. Provide suitable outlets for carrying and chewing and teach the dog to relax between activities.
Coat, grooming & everyday care
Brush the coat through to the skin, especially feathering behind the ears, legs and tail. Check for burrs after walks and dry thoroughly after water play.
Training & living together
Use rewards for recall, loose-lead walking and calm greetings. Supervise children and give the dog a quiet retreat from busy family activity.
Your lifestyle matters
Could this breed be right for you?
Use these six points as a starting checklist. The individual dog’s age, health, history and temperament matter as much as its breed.
You can provide daily walks and games
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide regular coat maintenance
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide enthusiastic training
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide supervised family interaction
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide safe retrieving outlets
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide company and a predictable routine
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
A good match also needs realistic costs, suitable housing and a plan for holidays or changes in routine. Meet adult dogs and speak with a responsible breeder or rescue before deciding.
Explore & check the details
Official breed reference · More dogs in this group · Browse all other breeds
This guide describes tendencies, not promises. Ask your veterinarian about care and screening suited to the individual dog.
