The FCI/Kennel Club standard gives no weight. AKC and UKC standards: males 65-75 lb (about 29.5-34 kg), females 55-65 lb (about 25-29.5 kg). Hill's gives a broader pet range of about 50-80 lb.
Friendly, kind and dependable with people and other dogs
Eager to learn and very trainable
Loves to fetch, carry and swim, with a naturally soft mouth
Medium-length double coat: flat or wavy water-resistant outer coat with feathering over a dense undercoat
A well-balanced, athletic gundog built for a full day in the field, moving with a smooth, level stride. The head is broad with a kind, gentle expression, dark eyes and medium ears set about level with the eyes. The outer coat lies close and may be straight or wavy, with a soft, thick undercoat underneath that helps shed water. Untrimmed, it shows a natural ruff at the neck, light feathering on the legs and fuller feathering on the thighs and the tail.856
Coloursany shade of goldcream (accepted by FCI/Kennel Club; AKC and UKC call for rich lustrous golden and treat near-white as undesirable)lighter feathering alloweda few white hairs on the chest allowed8564
Personality what they are like
A sunny, sociable dog that takes to almost everyone it meets. Goldens are self-assured without being pushy, keen to please and quick to pick up new things, which makes them a favourite for training, dog sports and assistance work. They are known for being calm and easygoing in the home, get on well with other dogs and are especially good with children. Underneath the family charm there is still a working retriever that loves a job to do.8567
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; Hill's suggests one to two hours. Mix walks with retrieving games, swimming and training or dog sports that use the breed's natural urge to fetch and carry.273
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush two or three times a week, and daily during seasonal shedding, using a comb that reaches through to the undercoat. The coat does shed. An occasional bath and light tidying of the feathering keep it neat.72
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to a larger home with a good-sized garden and easy access to walks, fields and water. Goldens want to live indoors as part of the family rather than be kennelled away from people.27
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced food made for large breeds, with portions matched to age and activity. Working or very active dogs may need more energy and protein than a relaxed family pet.7
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and generally easy with other dogs and children. Goldens do best with plenty of company, shared activities and regular training rather than long hours alone.67
The story where it all began
The breed began in the Scottish Highlands, where Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (later the first Lord Tweedmouth) kept careful breeding records at his Guisachan estate. His starting point was Nous, the only yellow puppy in a litter of black wavy-coated retrievers. In 1868 Nous was paired with Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel, and their four yellow puppies became the base of the new breed. Later crosses brought in more wavy- and flat-coated retrievers, Tweed Water Spaniels, red setter and some other lines, all aimed at a keen, gentle retriever for shooting over land and water. The dogs were shown from 1908, the English breed club followed in 1911, and the Kennel Club gave them a register of their own as the 'yellow or golden' retriever in 1913, settling on Golden Retriever around 1920. The first Golden was registered by the AKC in 1925, and the imported Speedwell Pluto (born 1929) became a key foundation sire in North America. Today the breed works in the field, in guide and assistance roles and in search and rescue, and is one of the best-loved family dogs in the world.32649
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The whole breed traces back to one yellow puppy, Nous, the only non-black pup in his litter.4
2
The very first Golden litter, born in 1868, had four puppies named Primrose, Ada, Cowslip and Crocus.4
3
The breed was originally called the 'Yellow Retriever'; the name 'golden retriever' is credited to Lord Harcourt.9
4
A Golden named Finley Molloy holds the Guinness World Record for most tennis balls held in a dog's mouth: six, set in Canandaigua, New York, on 23 February 2020.10
5
For the breed's 150th anniversary in July 2018, 361 Golden Retrievers gathered at the ruins of Guisachan in Scotland, a record for the gathering.11
6
Moreland's Golden Tonka became the breed's first AKC Obedience Trial Champion on 23 July 1977.12
7
A 'soft mouth', carrying game without marking it, is still considered essential to what a Golden is.3
I woke up gently, stretched, and padded to the kitchen where my human was making tea. After a cuddle, we headed out for a morning walk, I carried my favourite stick part of the way. Later, the kids tossed a tennis ball in the garden; I caught it every time! At lunch, I rested my head on someone's lap. In the afternoon, we practised a new trick. Now I'm snoozing by the fire, tail still wagging in my sleep.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard no. 111, Group 8 Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs, Section 1 Retrievers; definitive acceptance 2 Dec 1954; current standard published 28 Jul 2009; working trial breed.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog group (listed as Retriever (Golden)); recognised as the 'yellow or golden' Retriever in 1913, with the name Golden Retriever settled when the breed club formed in 1920. GRCA gives 1911 as the year the English breed club was founded and the breed was first recognised as 'Yellow or Golden'.2
AKC
Sporting Group; first Golden registered by the AKC in 1925; current standard approved 13 Oct 1981 (reformatted 18 Aug 1990).5
Popularity 3rd most registered breed with the AKC in 202513
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Golden Retriever. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Golden Retriever tip
For Golden Retrievers, choose low-calorie treats like carrots, green beans, or apple slices, and keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories to help manage their weight. Always introduce new treats gradually to avoid digestive upsets, and if you notice any allergy symptoms, ask your vet.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Golden Retriever, and at what times?
Feed your Golden Retriever at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. The exact times can be consistent with your daily routine, but avoid free feeding. For portion sizes, check the food label and ask your vet.714
What should a Golden Retriever eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced food made for large breeds is best, with portions matched to age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as well as alcohol and caffeine. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a full list.715
How often should I bathe a Golden Retriever?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, or as needed if your dog gets dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, but more often if they are outdoors a lot. Use a gentle dog shampoo.16Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Golden Retriever need brushing?
Brush your Golden Retriever two or three times a week, and daily during seasonal shedding, using a comb that reaches the undercoat. This helps manage their double coat and keeps it healthy.72Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Golden Retriever's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.16Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
Golden Retrievers need high exercise, with Furry Diary's plan suggesting about 90 minutes a day. Mix walks with retrieving games, swimming, and training to satisfy their natural urge to fetch and carry.273Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Golden Retriever's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. For ears, check weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.16Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Golden Retriever live?
Golden Retrievers typically live between 10 and 13 years. Senior years usually start around age 7, so regular vet check-ups become even more important then.724Pet Wiki plan
Is a Golden Retriever good with children and other pets?
Yes, Golden Retrievers are known for being especially good with children and get on well with other dogs. They are sunny, sociable, and easygoing, making them a wonderful family companion.8567
Can a Golden Retriever be left alone?
Golden Retrievers are very people-oriented and do best with plenty of company. They can be left alone for short periods, but long hours alone may lead to boredom. It varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific advice.67
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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