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Golden Retriever

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Golden Retriever (Golden, Face)
Golden, Face
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Golden Retriever (GoldenDark Golden, Sitting)
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Golden Retriever (Golden, Head)
Golden, Head

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #3

2021: #3

2020: #4

2019: #3

2018: #3

2017: #3

2016: #3

2015: #3

Name Golden Retriever
Other names Yellow Retriever, Golden Flat Coat
Origin United Kingdom
Breed Group

Sporting (AKC:1925)

Gun Dog (UKC)

Size Medium to Large
Type Purebred
Life span 10-12 years
Temperament

Confident

Friendly

Intelligent

Kind

Reliable

Trustworthy

Height

Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm)

Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)

Weight

Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg)

Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)

Colors

Golden

Dark Golden

Light Golden

Litter Size 5-10 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1000 - $2000 USD

Prices are usually determined by the seller based on the parent’s “hunting” performance, and are usually not less than $1000 per puppy. Golden Retriever puppies with normal pedigrees and born in small farms, would typically cost between $1200 and $2000. Golden Retriever Puppies with beautiful pedigrees and bred by famous kennels would cost between $2,500 and $4,000.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

5 stars

Apartment Friendly

3 stars

This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard.

Barking Tendencies

2 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

4 stars

Child Friendly

5 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Dog Friendly

5 stars

Exercise Needs

5 stars

They like to retrieve balls and other toys. Be sure to exercise this dog well to avoid hyperactivity.

Grooming

3 stars

Moderate Maintenance: Goldens need the occasional bath to keep them clean and looking their best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet. Their strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.

Health Issues

4 stars

Hypoallergenic: NoGolden Retrievers are known to have genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is common in the breed; when buying a puppy, the pedigree should be known and be examined by the OFA or by PennHIP for hip disease. Obesity is also common in the breed because Golden Retrievers love to eat. Puppies should eat about three cups of food a day and adults three to five cups, depending on the food and how active the dog is.

Intelligence

5 stars

Ranking: #4 Full Ranking List

Playfulness

5 stars

Shedding Level

3 stars

Moderate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner.

Stranger Friendly

5 stars

Trainability

5 stars

Easy Training: The Golden Retriever is particularly easy to train. They are very sensitive to harsh treatment, so excessive strictness is not recommended. They learn very quickly and are extremely adaptable, making them perfect for therapy or service jobs. Golden Retrievers can learn many tricks and will remember what they are taught for the rest of their lives. Obedience classes are recommended.

Watchdog Ability

3 stars

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Golden Retriever Puppy (Light Golden, Face)
Light Golden, Face
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Golden Retriever Puppy (Side View, Standing)
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Golden Retriever Puppy (Face, Head)
Face, Head

Golden Retriever Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Bailey Bella
02 Charlie Molly
03 Rocky Maggie
04 Jack Sadie
05 Toby Bailey
06 Cody Abby
07 Buster Gracie
08 Cooper Sasha
09 Harley Angel
10 Tucker Annie
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized to large, well-balanced dog with a distinctive golden-colored coat; small, drop ears; and a natural tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The correct relationship of length of body to height is 12:11. The Golden Retriever is a dog without exaggeration. The Golden Retriever should be evaluated as a working gun dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.

The breed’s most readily identifiable characteristic is its rich, lustrous golden color. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. A Golden Retriever is friendly, calm, compliant and compatible with people and other dogs. Goldens are particularly good with children. The Golden Retriever’s friendly temperament is reflected in his kindly expression. The Golden Retriever is a powerfully built dog, with a good nose for tracking, a soft mouth, and an eagerness to learn.

History

Originating in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s, the Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, by crossing the original yellow Flat-coated Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. He later crossed in the Bloodhound, Irish Setter and more Tweed Water Spaniel. The dogs were called the Golden Flat-coat and only later were they given the name Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds known today, not only as family companions but for obedience competitions, hunting and tracking, as a birddog on both land and in the water, narcotics detection, service dog for the disabled, a guide for the blind and as a therapy dog. The Golden Retriever was first recognized by the AKC in 1925.

RELATED: Golden Retriever Trivia Quiz: 20 Questions

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