Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
56–61 cm (male)
51–56 cm (female)
WEIGHT
29–34 kg (male)
25–29 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
Golden Retriever: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Golden Retriever isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Golden Retriever's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, gentle temperament and strong social instincts, making them well-suited for families and individuals seeking a companionable, reliable pet.
Key Personality Traits
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Strengths
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
Challenges
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
Protect your Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Golden Retrievers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Highly trainable
Overall rating
This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes Golden Retrievers responsive to training and quick to learn new commands and tasks when provided with consistent, positive reinforcement.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Golden Retrievers require daily physical exercise and mental stimulation, such as walks, play sessions, and interactive activities, to maintain their health and prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Golden Retrievers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Golden Retriever would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Apartment Living
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Kids
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Golden Retrievers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Retriever
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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