Golden Retriever

Temperament and Personality

The Golden Retriever's personality is like sunshine on a cloudy day. They’re happy-go-lucky, kind, gentle dogs who get along with pretty much everyone – even the postman! This has made them one of the most popular pets for families, especially those with children. 

Also called ‘Goldens’ for short, they’re energetic, sociable, playful pooches who absolutely adore human companionship and love being part of all their family’s activities. Whether it’s lying down in the kitchen to watch them cook, or assisting with hanging the washing on the line, future owners should be prepared for a Golden-shaped shadow to follow them around everywhere.

This friendly nature and sunny disposition means Golden Retrievers greet everyone they meet with a wagging tail and big friendly smile. However, being so welcoming doesn’t make them great watch or guard dogs. Intruders are more likely to be licked to death than anything else!

While they can be silly goofballs, often displaying puppyish behaviour well into adulthood, Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent and eager to please – they’re the 4th most intelligent dog breed!

Bred to retrieve ducks and other fowl for hunters, Goldens love to chew and carry things about in their mouths, including your socks and slippers. To prevent excessive chewing, and to protect your sofa from an early demise, it’s vital Golden Retrievers get enough physical exercise and mental stimulation each day. They’re an athletic breed with lots of energy to burn, so engage them in long games of fetch, hikes through the fields, and walks to the nearest dog-friendly pub! 

Although Golden Retrievers can be exuberant, they know how to chill out and channel their energy, making them amazing therapy dogs and guide dogs for the hearing and vision impaired. 

This sensitive, sweet nature is one of the most charming Golden Retriever characteristics, but it can mean they suffer from separation anxiety. If left on their own for too long, they can become distressed and resort to chewing, digging, and scratching.

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for true canine companionship, the Golden Retriever could be the breed for you.

Types of Golden Retriever

There are three types of Golden Retriever: the English, the Canadian, and the American Golden Retriever. There are subtle differences between them in their build and coat, but they all have the same lovable Golden Retriever temperament.

Golden Retriever paw-sonality traits

• Happy and friendly

• Loving to everyone

• Sweet-tempered and gentle

• Loyal and eager to please owners

• Very people-oriented

• Social and extroverted

• Thrives on human companionship

• Energetic and playful

• Upbeat and enthusiastic

• Always down for activities

• Keen and quick to learn

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Great with children and animals

• Very attached to its humans

• Can be sensitive to harsh tones of voice

• Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise

Golden Retriever Pros and Cons

Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs?

Absolutely! The Golden Retriever is one of the best family dogs out there. They love everyone and enjoy being involved in all their family’s activities, whether that’s riding in the car, visiting friends, or simply playing in the living room. They’re people pleasers down to the bone and thrive off constant human connection. Always wanting to do right by their owner, the Golden is a breed that rarely ends up in the doghouse! Their gentle disposition and friendly nature make them a wholesome family pet, but their high energy levels need to be met.

Are Golden Retrievers good with children?

Yes, Golden Retrievers are known to be gentle and patient with children of all ages, making them a great buddy for teens and toddlers alike. They’re big, enthusiastic dogs though, and might knock a small child over by mistake. 

Are Golden Retrievers good with other pets?

Yes, the easy-going Golden Retriever is known to get on well with other dogs, cats, and other animals like cows and horses. They can make feathery friends too with birds and ducks, but just be mindful this breed was bred to retrieve fowl, so early training and socialisation is key.

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Golden Retriever properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?

A lot! When fully grown, these active guys and gals need up to 2 hours of physical and mental exercise a day. They’re lively, playful pooches who retain their puppy energy well into adulthood and their golden years.

Golden Retrievers need daily walks, but they’re built for action, so enjoy hiking, jogging, swimming, and of course, retrieving. Long games of fetch either in the park or back garden will keep these doggos golden.

But you also need to provide plenty of mental stimulation to fulfil the Golden Retriever’s exercise needs. These are smart cookies who love having a job to do, such as fetching the morning paper or getting laundry out of the basket! Make sure their brains get a good workout each day with interactive puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games in the house, and trick training. 

Goldens also do well at canine sports such as dock diving, agility, tracking, and obedience training, which are great outlets for their energy. 

However, if they’re understimulated, you might see some unwanted behavioural issues, such as destroying furniture, digging up the garden, or scratching at doors. That’s why it’s essential to keep these dogs busy with plenty of activities. 

How do you train a Golden Retriever?

Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent, eager to please pups, making them super easy to train and ideal breed for both novice and experienced owners. A strong work ethic combined with a sweet, even temper, has made the Golden Retriever a successful therapy dog, assistance dog for the disabled, and guide dog for those with hearing and vision impairments.

There are a few behaviours you need to work on from an early age though, which will ensure you raise a well-mannered pooch that’s a joy to be around.

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Golden Retriever training tips.

1. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats. Goldens are very food motivated, so be mindful of how many treats you give them during training sessions. 

2. Avoid harsh tones. Golden Retrievers are very sensitive dogs and won’t respond well to harsh tones or corrections. Use a cheerful, upbeat voice of voice, and a reward-based approach to training. 

3. Puppy proof your home. Their love of food, combined with the need to have something in their mouth, can land them in all sorts of trouble if they eat something they shouldn’t. Make sure cables, medications, and cleaning supplies are out of sight, and teach them the ‘leave it’ command so they know what’s off the menu.

4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the gregarious Golden Retriever. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Redirect their mouthing. Channel their chewing and mouthiness with plenty of ‘indestructible toys’, soft plushies to carry around, and long-lasting dog chews. Not only will this save your sofa from potential harm, but it’s a great way to keep them engaged and stimulated.

6. Teach them the ‘drop’ command. Goldens were bred to retrieve prey, so they love carrying things around in their mouths. Make sure they learn this command so you’re able to get back your socks or slippers without any fuss! Offer them a tempting treat, such as these Duck & Rosemary Probiotic Meaty Treats, in exchange for their ‘prized possession’, reinforcing the command at the same time. 

7. Be consistent. Golden Retrievers are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential.

8. Engage in canine sports. Let them shine in field trials, obedience classes, agility, and heelwork to music. 

9. Teach bite inhibition. Goldens are known for their soft mouths, but they can get mouthy during play. When they’re a pup, teach them bite inhibition early on by redirecting playful nips onto a toy instead. 

10. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Golden be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Golden Retrievers need?

The Golden Retriever coat is thick, water-repellent, and simply gorgeous, but these good looks come at a cost – lots of grooming. They have an extremely dense undercoat that needs regular brushing to stop it from matting. Golden Retrievers are also high shedding dogs, especially during spring and autumn, so you shouldn’t be precious about dog hair on your clothes, furniture, or even on your plate!

While we usually think of long-haired Golden Retrievers as the standard, coat length can vary based on genetics, the dog’s intended purpose (field work or show ring), and inherited traits. This means you can get short-haired Golden Retrievers too, but they’re not a separate type or variation of the breed.

Here are some Golden Retriever grooming tips to keep them looking their best all year round. 

• Use a slicker brush daily (or a few times a week minimum) to remove dead hairs and prevent matting. 

• Use a deshedding tool to thin out the undercoat and stay on top of loose hairs.

• Their legs, belly, chest, and tail have feathering, which protects them from scratches when running through fields. Make sure to brush these areas after a walk to remove any debris and prevent tangling.

• Check their skin when grooming for signs of inflammation that could indicate allergies. 

• Golden Retrievers love water and mud, so bathe regularly using a dog-friendly shampoo (just not too regularly though, as this could disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.)

• Clean their ears regularly, especially after swimming or bathing, to reduce the risk of infection.

• Trim around the ears, hind legs, tail, and feet using rounded scissors.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Consider taking them to a professional groomer in the summer to remove longer feathering. This groom will also include a nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Golden Retriever lifespan is between 10 and 12 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a number of health issues.

Common Golden Retriever health problems

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Golden puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.

• Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets.

• Atopy. Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis, canine atopy) is a hereditary condition affecting the skin. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy. Skin allergies in dogs tend to make themselves known between the ages of 1 and 3.

• Acute Moist Dermatitis (or Hot Spots). This skin condition is caused by a bacterial infection, and causes the skin to become red and inflamed. Treatment includes medicated dog-shampoo, frequent grooming, and antibiotics.

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD). This is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot, often causing spontaneous or prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Blood transfusions or special IV medications can treat VWD.

• Hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the thyroid gland to stop producing thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, lack of energy, skin and ear infections, dry skin, and thinning of the fur. Goldens usually develop symptoms when they’re middle aged, but it can be managed successfully with lifelong medication. 

• Portosystemic Shunt. This is a liver disorder that deprives the liver of blood, preventing it from growing and functioning properly. Signs usually appear before 2 years old, and include neurological abnormalities, decreased appetite, hypoglycaemia, and gastrointestinal issues.

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this typically affects deep chested breeds. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines. Signs include retching without vomiting, drooling, a distended stomach, and general abdominal pain. Urgent veterinary care is needed.

• Epilepsy. Epileptic seizures last between one to three minutes, and can cause your dog to collapse, leg paddle, vocalise and urinate. Epilepsy usually makes itself known before the age of 5 and dogs are typically managed on daily anti-seizure medicine.

• Subaortic Stenosis (SAS). This is a genetic heart condition Golden pups inherit from their parents, and develops during the first year of life. It occurs when blood can’t flow properly to the heart, resulting in heart damage and even sudden death. Puppies will usually have a heart murmur that can be detected during routine examinations, but some may not show symptoms until it’s too late. Responsible breeding is necessary to prevent this condition. 

• Cancer. Golden Retrievers are predisposed to a few types of cancer:

• Lymphoma originates in the lymph nodes and usually spreads to other organs. 

• Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer often seen in large and giant breeds.

• Hemangiosarcoma is a very dangerous type of cancer that develops in the liver, heart, or spleen. The blood-filled tumour can rupture at any time and cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Food and Nutrition

Feeding your Golden Retriever a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Golden Retriever eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Golden will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

As these dogs are prone to bloating, it’s best to feed them twice a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly. 

The best food for a Golden Retriever is one that’s been developed with their health needs in mind. Due to their high energy levels, you might want to consider high protein dog food, which is good for optimal muscle growth, immune strength, and a glossy coat.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Golden Retriever's nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Regular exercise

These athletic doggos need lots of daily physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. 

Protect their joints

Being an active breed, you might want to consider feeding your Golden our Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing. Golden Retrievers are fully grown at the age of two, however they have a rapid growth spurt between four and seven months, so don’t let them play on hard surfaces like concrete, as this could cause bone disorders to develop. 

Monitor weight

A healthy Golden Retriever weight is anywhere between 25kg and 34kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though. These pooches can easily pack on the pounds, which puts extra pressure on their joints and internal organs and reduces their quality of life. For greedy Golden Retrievers, try this Slim & Slender Dry Food that’s good for weight management.

Prevent bloat

These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated. 

Protect their skin & coat

For dogs suffering from itchy skin, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or feed them hypoallergenic dog food. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Golden Retriever’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Golden Retriever is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much does a Golden Retriever puppy cost?

The price of a Golden Retriever can cost anywhere between £1,200 and £2,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Golden Retriever is around £100–£150.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, the monthly cost of feeding a Golden Retriever is between £50 and £120. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a few health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Golden Retriever should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Golden Retriever Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Golden Retriever even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most beloved family dogs!

• Ever wondered the difference between a Golden Retriever vs Labrador? Labs are generally bigger and stockier than Goldens, with shorter coats that can be black, brown, and yellow. They’re both intelligent, energetic breeds, with Labradors excelling in police work and Goldens thriving in therapy work. 

• The Miniature Golden Retriever is a designer breed that’s been developed to get the same lovable Golden Retriever characteristics at half the size. Also called the Comfort Retriever, they’re a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, with Cocker Spaniel in the mix too. 

• Golden Retrievers have ‘soft mouths’, which basically means they’re incredibly gentle when carrying something. It goes back to their hunting and working days where they were trained to retrieve fowl without causing damage. As such, they can carry an egg for miles without cracking it!

• The bite force of a Golden Retriever is around 190 pounds per inch (PSI). To put this in perspective, the Rottweiler’s bite force is 328 PSI, while the Kangal, a Turkish breed, has the strongest dog bite in the world, coming in at 743 PSI. 

• Ever wondered what Golden Retriever energy means? People who are happy-go-lucky, enthusiastic, and love life are often said to have Golden Retriever energy, because that’s exactly how Goldens are!

• National Golden Retriever Day is celebrated on 3rd February every year, so make sure to wave the golden flag for these gorgeous canines!

• A Golden Retriever called Bear was the first dog on the scene after the World Trade Centre disaster, where he worked with his handler for three months locating people buried in the rubble. What a good boy!

• Although they’re not known for being barkers, a Golden Retriever called Charlie was recorded to have the loudest bark, measuring in at 113.1 decibels. The previous record holder was a German Shepherd called Daz, with a bark of 108 decibels. A Golden called Finley broke the record for carrying 6 tennis balls in his mouth, the highest number recorded in 2020. 

• Golden Retrievers are Hollywood stars. The movies Air Bud and Homeward Bound both featured Golden Retrievers as the main characters.

• They’re the 4th most intelligent breed in the world, with the ability to learn up to 200 commands. 

• You can get Golden Retriever cross breeds! The Bernese Mountain Golden Retriever cross is called a Golden Mountain Dog, the Golden Retriever Poodle cross is called a Goldendoodle, the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is called a Golden Dox, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is called a Golden Shepherd, and the Siberian Husky Golden Retriever mix is called a Goberian.

History and Origin

The Golden Retriever’s story begins in the Scottish Highlands in the mid-19th century, thanks to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks – an avid waterfowl hunter later known as Lord Tweedmouth.

Records from 1835-1890 tell us he wanted to develop the perfect gundog that could retrieve fowl from both water and land, and would be more attentive than the Setters and Spaniels used at the time. As the use of firearms became more prevalent, he needed dogs that could retrieve game from longer distances.

He began his mission in 1868 with a yellow retriever called Nous, who he acquired from a cobbler in Brighton. Nous was taken back to Scotland where he was bred with Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel – a now extinct breed that loved water, was exceptional at retrieving, and possessed calm and loyal characteristics. The litter of yellow pups were called Cowslip, Primrose, Ada, and Crocus. 

Through selective breeding and the introduction of other breeds, including Bloodhounds, Irish Setters, and more Tweed Water Spaniels, Lord Tweedmouth successfully developed the Golden Retriever; a skilled hunter that was also friendly, gentle, and an excellent family companion. 

By the early 20th century, the breed had caught the eye of dog lovers beyond Scotland, and the Golden Retriever as we know it today began to gain popularity worldwide—beloved for their intelligence, beauty, and heart of pure gold.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Golden Retriever. 

1. Research the breed. Golden Retrievers are gentle and loving but they’re high energy, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Golden Retriever puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Golden Retrievers and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Golden Retriever, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Golden Retrievers in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.