Golden Retriever: temperament, size, care and health

About the Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a well-balanced, medium-large dog with a broad skull, a gentle expression and a dense coat in shades of gold, from pale cream to deep rich gold. Feathering on the chest, belly, legs and tail gives the breed its flowing outline. It was bred to find and bring back shot waterfowl and upland birds without damaging them, and a soft mouth is still prized.

Today the Golden is best known as a household companion. It also works as a guide dog, therapy dog, search dog and hunting retriever. People choose it for its warmth, its readiness to please and its general lack of aggression.

Temperament and family life

Goldens are social and attached to their families. They usually welcome strangers rather than guard against them, and they tend to be gentle with children, other dogs and cats. They are also slow to mature: many stay puppyish in behavior until three years old, which means a large, strong dog that still jumps and mouths.

The breed does not like isolation. A Golden left alone for many hours may become destructive or develop anxious habits such as constant licking. They tend to carry items in their mouths and greet family members with an offered toy or shoe, which is endearing but needs boundaries around valuables.

Exercise and training

Plan on an hour or more of activity most days. Walks, swimming, retrieving and hiking all work. Goldens that get exercise but no mental work still tend to invent their own jobs, so short training sessions and puzzle feeders help.

Training is one of the breed's strengths. Goldens respond to praise, treats and consistent routines, and they excel in obedience, agility, tracking, hunt tests and assistance work. Harsh correction is unnecessary and often makes a sensitive dog shut down. The usual challenges are jumping up on greeting, pulling on the leash and mouthing in adolescence.

Grooming and shedding

The Golden sheds year-round and blows its undercoat heavily in spring and fall. Brush several times a week, and daily during heavy shedding, using a slicker brush and an undercoat rake. The feathering behind the legs and on the tail mats if neglected.

Bathe every month or two, and trim the hair around the feet and ears if you wish. Their ears hang down and trap moisture, so dry them after swimming and check for infection. Teeth and nails need regular care. Do not shave the coat for summer, since the double coat helps regulate temperature.

Health

Golden Retrievers have a notable cancer rate, including hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, and cancer is a leading cause of death in the breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions such as subvalvular aortic stenosis, allergic skin disease, hypothyroidism and several inherited eye diseases also occur. Responsible breeders test hips, elbows, hearts and eyes and can show the clearances. Keeping a Golden lean reduces joint strain. What is written here is general; for a specific dog, ask a veterinarian.

History

The breed is generally traced to Scotland in the second half of the 1800s, where a Highland estate owner worked to produce a retriever suited to rough terrain and cold water. Early crosses are said to have used a yellow retriever and the Tweed Water Spaniel, with later additions of setter and other retriever blood. The Kennel Club in Britain recognized the breed in the early 1900s, and the American Kennel Club followed in 1925. Its mild disposition later made it a leading breed for assistance work.

Is the Golden Retriever right for you?

A Golden fits a household that is home often, enjoys outdoor activity and accepts both the grooming schedule and the hair. It is a strong choice for families with children and for people getting their first dog who are ready to train it.

It is a poor fit for someone who wants a protective watchdog, a low-shedding dog or a pet content to be left alone for long periods. If you like the type but want a shorter coat, look at the Labrador Retriever. A smaller, more intense option is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and the Flat-Coated Retriever is a livelier cousin with a shorter life expectancy.