A Golden Retriever sitting down

Golden Retriever

Everything you need to know about Golden Retrievers

Size
Large
Life Expectancy
typically 10+ years
Shedding
Medium length with heavy shedding

Golden Retrievers are large dogs. They can have straight or wavy coats. Standard Golden Retriever colours include gold and cream.

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Golden Retrievers, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.

Thinking about giving a Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever mix a forever home? Here are some Golden Retriever facts that might help you decide.

Golden Retriever crossbreeds

One popular Golden Retriever crossbreed is the Goldendoodle: a Poodle and Golden Retriever mix.
 

Caring for Golden Retrievers

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Golden Retriever.

Health issues

Before you give any Golden Retriever dog a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.

To find out more about potential health issues f...

How much food does a Golden Retriever need?

The amount of food a Golden Retriever needs depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide,...

An infographic showing the key indicators of healthy body condition for a dog

How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?

Golden Retrievers are typically high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play....

How much grooming does a Golden Retriever need?

Golden Retrievers do shed so you'll generally need brush them a few times a week. When they’re changing their coat, daily brushing is a good idea. Golden Retrievers are also likely to need professional grooming.

What size crate do you need for a Golden Retriever?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:

  • sit and stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down fully stretched out
  • comfortabl...

Golden Retriever behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about Golden Retrievers, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

What’s the temperament of a Golden Retriever?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So every Golden Retriever temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop t...

Are Golden Retrievers easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of praise, training with ...

Are Golden Retrievers good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

Related dog advice

Buying a puppy safely and responsibly
Choosing your dog
Buying a puppy safely and responsibly
Should I get a dog? 10 questions to ask yourself
Are you ready for a dog
Should I get a dog? 10 questions to ask yourse...
Top 10 benefits of adopting from us
Are you ready for a dog
Top 10 benefits of adopting fr...