Golden Retriever Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Golden Retriever is a gentle, intelligent gundog with a feathered golden coat and a famously kind expression. It is among the most popular family dogs, and it also works as a guide, therapy and search-and-rescue dog.

Origins and appearance

The breed was developed in nineteenth-century Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth, who crossed a yellow retriever with a Tweed water spaniel and other breeds to create a skilled water retriever. Goldens are medium-large and well balanced, with a broad head, a friendly face, a dense, water-repellent double coat in shades of gold with feathering and a thick, feathered tail.

Temperament

Goldens are friendly, gentle and eager to please. They love people, including strangers, and are usually good with children and other pets. They are energetic when young and mouthy, often carrying objects. They are sensitive. They dislike being left alone and may develop separation problems.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily exercise, with walks, fetch and swimming. They enjoy retrieving, agility and scent work. Mental work matters. They tolerate cold and water well.

Training

Goldens are highly trainable and love praise. Use positive methods, treats and variety. Early socialization and manners training help channel enthusiasm. Teach a calm greeting, a reliable recall and a settle. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The feathered double coat sheds heavily, with extra in spring and autumn. Brush several times a week and daily in shedding season. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not shave. Clean ears after swimming, trim nails, tidy the feet and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Cancer, including hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, which are common in the breed. See signs of cancer in dogs
• Hip and elbow dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Heart disease, such as subvalvular aortic stenosis
• Skin allergies and hot spots. See dog skin allergies
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts
• Obesity. See dog obesity risks

Living with a Golden Retriever

Goldens suit active families with a yard or regular outdoor time. They do best with company and tasks. Expect hair on everything and a wagging tail.

A typical day

A Golden wants a morning walk, some training, a rest, a game or swim and an evening outing. Many enjoy lying near family. They carry toys and bring them to visitors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy, mouthy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys and measured meals, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, grooming supplies, training and vet care. Insurance may help. See dog vet cost guide and dog pet insurance guide.

Seasons and travel

Goldens tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping grooming, overfeeding and leaving the dog alone for long periods.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, elbow, eye and heart tests, and cancer history in the lines. Meet the parents. Adult Goldens are often available through breed rescues.

Cancer awareness

Goldens have a high reported incidence of cancer compared with many breeds, and research continues. Discuss screening and regular exams with your vet, learn the signs and choose breeders who track longevity and cancer in their lines.

Gentle, with a mouth

Retrievers carry things. A Golden may greet you with a shoe. Teach drop and trade games, and provide acceptable carry toys.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Golden suits active, affectionate owners who want a friendly, trainable family dog and accept shedding and cancer risk. It may not suit those who are away all day or dislike dog hair. For a similar retriever, see the Labrador Retriever.

The takeaway

Golden Retrievers are gentle, eager and friendly, and they need exercise, grooming and company.