General Information

Dog NameGolden Retriever
Other NamesGolden Flat-Coated
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeRetriever
GroupSporting
Breed ForRetrieving waterfowl and upland game
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited Kingdom (UK)

Physical And Size

SizeLarge
Min Life Span10
Max Life Span12
Min Ideal Weight for male29
Max Ideal Weight for male29
Min Ideal Weight for female24
Max Ideal Weight for male29

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentLoyal, Gentle, Highly-intelligent
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyHigh
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Dog FriendlyHigh
Office FriendlyHigh
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginScotland
United Kingdom
Nicknames and Other NamesGolden Flat-Coated
Yellow Retriever
Goldie
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupSporting Group
Retrievers
Bred Forretrieving waterfowl such as duck
and upland game
SizeMedium to large-sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, UKC, ANKC, CKC, KC, NZKC
Life Span10-12 years
Ideal WeightMale: 65-75 pounds
Female: 55-65 pounds
Ideal HeightMale: 23-24 inches
Female: 21.5-22.5 inches
Fur TypeMedium or long, straight or
slightly wavy
Common ColorsGolden, Light Golden, Dark Golden
MarkingsNone
AvailabilityWidely available
AchievementsFeatured in many movies and tv shows
Rank 3rd among AKC registered breeds
Suitable for ApartmentsModerately suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToLabrador Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most beloved and loving breeds which was originated in Scotland. They are well known for their loyal and outgoing personality.

Golden Retriever’s tolerant and friendly attitude makes them a wonderful family dog. If you are about to own a Golden Retriever, here are all the details about this breed.

Origin & History

Originated in the Scottish Highlands, the Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth by crossing a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever with a breed that has been extinct now; the Tweed Water Spaniel.

Tweedmouth again crossed in the Bloodhound, Irish Setter and more Tweed Water Spaniel whose litters were called the Golden Flat-Coat. They were only later given the name Golden Retriever.

The Golden Retriever has been one of the most popular breeds as family companions and for obedience competitions, tracking and hunting, bird dog on land and water and a guide for the blind people.

AKC recognized the Golden Retriever in 1925 A.D. and the breed is currently ranking 3rd according to the club.

Are they child-friendly?

Yes, the Golden Retrievers are very child-friendly dogs that thrive on affection and love from others. They have a good reputation for being gentle and friendly with kids. They love being around with kids playing along all day.

A Golden Retriever with a little girl. Image Source: Instagram@polentagoldenretriever

Though they are not aggressive, their large-sized body is sufficient to knock down small children. So, kids shouldn’t be left unsupervised.

Behavior, Temperament & Personality

The Golden Retrievers are very calm and patient dogs that are very loyal to its owner. They are always playful and lively with the eagerness to please everyone around them.

The Golden Retrievers have a very loving and sweet temperament. They are very even-tempered that are very less likely to be aggressive. They are wary of strangers and act protectively in front of them.

The Golden Retrievers have a very lovable and genuine personality. They are suited to be the perfect companion for a man because of its friendly and reliable nature.

Trainability

The Golden Retrievers are extremely easy to train as they are very intelligent and are ranked fourth in the Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren.

Obedience training of a Golden Retriever.

Their intelligence makes it easier for them to learn and memorize things very easily. Even the first time owners will not have to face many difficulties while training the Goldens.

Facts

Here are some facts about the Golden Retriever breed that you would want to know:

  • The Golden Retrievers were originally bred as gun dogs.
  • They are the third most popular dog breed in the USA.
  • They have a two-layer coat.
  • They are incredible swimmers.
  • They have a powerful scenting ability.
A Golden Retriever with a doll on its head. Image Source: Instagram@yoko_naga2

Health issues in Golden Retrievers

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesBloat, Hip Dysplasia, Osteosarcoma,
Subvalvular AorticStenosis, Hemangiosarcoma,
Cataracts, Allergies
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis
SheddingModerate Shedder
DroolingHigh Drooler
GroomingAverage Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialHigh
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein for Puppy: 26%
Protein for Adult: 22%
Fat for Puppy: 15%
Fat for Adult: 10%
Glucosamine
Multivitamins
Antioxidant
Probiotics

Living an average life of 10-12 years, the Golden Retrievers suffer from various diseases. Some of them are as follows:

Epilepsy

Epilepsy refers to a severe brain disorder that causes unprovoked seizures.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that is usually common in dogs of large breeds.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is an inherited disease in which malformation of the hip joints occurs.

Size

An adult female Golden Retriever dog is 51-56 cm tall with a weight of 25-32 kg. Whereas, an adult male Golden Retriever dog is 56-61 cm tall weighing around 30-34 kg.

Color Patterns

The Golden Retrievers are found in four different colors which are as follows:

  • Dark Golden
  • Light Golden
  • Cream
  • Golden

Price of Golden Retriever puppy

A mother Golden Retriever gives birth to 4-12 puppies at a time. A healthy puppy will cost you an amount of $500-$2000 approximately.

Two cute Golden Retriever puppies. Image Source: Instagram@puppiesempire

Which dogs are they similar to?

Here are some dog breeds that are similar to the Golden Retrievers in terms of breed category:

Visit Doglime for more dog breed information.

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