Breed Spotlight: Golden Retriever 

Coat Type and Colors

A golden retriever has a thick double coat that is medium length. Some goldens are bred for sporting so their coats may be a bit shorter compared to a show dog.³ Golden retrievers come in various shades of yellow-gold, which fades to a light, almost cream color as they age.³ You may find some mixes of golden retrievers with curly fur but this isn’t a “classic” golden retriever.

Do golden retrievers shed?

Yes, a golden’s beautiful, double coat sheds constantly. Owners of golden retrievers should expect to spend time brushing their dog at least daily or every other day to remove any excess fur. If you have allergies or are overly neat, this breed may not be for you.

Ears

Golden retrievers have medium-length ears that, when pulled forward, cover their eyes only a little bit.³ Because their ears are covered in fur, experts recommend cleaning golden retrievers’ ears weekly to prevent ear infections.

Shedding and Grooming

Golden retrievers need regular baths with high-quality shampoo to keep their skin and coat healthy. Experts don’t advise shaving their coats because it protects them from rain, snow, and other adverse weather.³ Use good grooming shears to keep their coat at a reasonable length to avoid matting. While you are at it, trim their nails! Their nails should be kept low to avoid injury to their legs.

Drooling Level

Golden retrievers are moderate droolers so drooling may vary dog to dog. Most goldens don’t drool unless they get excited or smell something tasty, like chicken. Pet parents should only worry if the drooling is coupled with something else like swollen gums or refusal to eat. This may be a sign of periodontal disease or a broken tooth.

Golden retriever temperament

Golden retrievers are extremely friendly and intelligent, so they quickly pick up on daily routines. This breed is the go-to choice for special needs families, hunting enthusiasts, and dog sports competitors. Golden retrievers keep their “puppy” stage energy into their adult years, meaning the good times will last for a long time.

Exercise Needs

Your golden retriever will need a minimum of 60 minutes of activity per day to remain in good health and avoid behavioral issues. To help maintain your golden retriever’s weight, it’s key to keep them active.

Activity could be a combination of playing a game of fetch or going for a walk. You may need a fenced-in backyard to prevent them from running off. If you live in a townhome or apartment, it’s important to go on long walks or visit a designated dog park to keep your golden happy and fit.

Are golden retrievers Good with Other Pets?

A golden’s love of the pack will include the other pets in your family. This retriever dog has an upbeat attitude, so they shouldn't be bothered by rambunctious kittens or bossy toy dogs.

Trainability

Golden retrievers are easy to train because they are extremely intelligent with an eagerness to please their pet parents. In fact, golden retrievers are effective working dogs used to hunt and track wild game (like water fowl), participate in coursing games, and act as service dogs.

This breed has a lot of energy, so obedience training is not optional. Take the time to socialize your golden early. You may want to invest in training classes to avoid mischievous behavior like pulling on their leash or not coming when their name is called.

Are golden retrievers Good with Kids?

Golden retrievers are great family dogs who love being a part of the action. They want to be with their “pack” at all times, whether that means going for a car ride or snuggling on the couch and watching television.

Barking Level

Most golden retrievers only bark to alert their pet parents of danger (or a passing squirrel). But if barking starts to become an issue, it’s possible to train them when to bark and who to bark at.

Golden Retriever Fun Facts

You’d think golden retrievers were from the United States given how popular they are in this country. They actually aren’t American at all — in fact, they hail from Scotland! Here are some other fun facts about this golden beauty.

• The man credited with developing the breed is Dudley Marjoribanks, Lord of Tweedmouth in the Scottish Highlands. Golden retrievers came to the Americas in the 1900s by hunters in Canada, then eventually made their way into the United States.³
  
• American politicians love goldens! Some notable retrievers are President Gerald Ford’s companion, Liberty, and Senator of Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren’s dog, Bailey.
  
• There are hundreds of golden retriever rescues across the country, so don’t feel compelled to spend money on a purebred dog. Adopt one instead!
• Goldens are water spaniels who are strong swimmers. Love boating or kayaking? This may be the dog for you.