Golden retriever breed guide

A firm favourite for families, competing in dog shows, and working in a wide range of important roles, the golden retriever is as talented as they are good-natured!

Read our guide to find out more about the wonderful golden retriever breed…

Golden retriever breed history

It’s believed the golden retriever first appeared in 19^th century Scotland, where a politician known as Lord Tweedmouth set out to develop a golden-coated gundog to retrieve game from water. The first litter of yellow-coated puppies recorded was born to Lord Tweedmouth’s yellow wavy coated retriever and dark-coated tweed water spaniel.

Originally, these golden gundogs were referred to as Guisachan retrievers – named after Lord Tweedmouth’s Guisachan estate. To enhance the working qualities of Guisachan retrievers, Lord Tweedmouth added bloodhounds and Irish setters to his breeding stock.

While the Kennel Club first recognised the ‘yellow or golden retriever’ breed in 1913, the Golden Retriever Club was formed in 1920. The formation of this club is what led to the breed’s official name being recognised as the ‘golden retriever’. 

Today, golden retrievers have captured the hearts of pet parents around the world. Yet, the golden retriever breed also transforms lives through their work as guide dogs, assistance dogs, and therapy dogs, along with working as life-saving search and rescue dogs.  

Common characteristics of the golden retriever breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for golden retrievers, and since each dog is a unique individual, your golden retriever’s characteristics may differ. 

Average height for a golden retriever

Most golden retrievers tend to reach a height of 51-61cm (at the shoulder), with females sometimes slightly shorter than males.

Average weight for a golden retriever

A golden retriever usually weighs approximately 25-34kg.

Average lifespan for a golden retriever

On average, golden retrievers live for around 10-12 years.

Typical golden retriever appearance

The golden retriever is instantly recognisable with that lustrous, golden coat.

With those chiselled features, folded ears, and beautiful brown eyes, it’s almost impossible to resist a golden retriever’s requests for extra snacks!

Alongside their ever-cheerful expression, golden retrievers have an athletic frame, and comparatively short legs, hidden beneath a medium-to-long, silky coat. They usually have either a flat or wavy topcoat with a dense, water-resistant undercoat. To keep them in tip top condition, and to prevent their hair from matting, golden retrievers require daily brushing.

Plus, thanks to all that hair, you’ll need to have a decent vacuum cleaner to hand whenever your golden retriever starts moulting!

Golden retrievers can have a coat in any shade of gold or cream, and some may even have a dusting of white hairs on their chest.

Typical golden retriever temperament

As a member of the ‘gundog’ group, golden retrievers are highly active dogs who require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. In fact, it’s recommended that golden retrievers enjoy at least an hour or two of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.

In terms of training, golden retrievers are excellent at learning new skills – especially if food is involved! Though be careful not to feed your golden retriever too much, because the breed can be prone to obesity.

Since they’re so intelligent, golden retrievers can turn their paw to practically any activity you want to embark on together. Whether it’s agility, trick training, or water retrieval games, your golden retriever will relish the chance to have fun with you!

The golden retriever is also well known for being a kind, gentle dog who adores being part of a family. However, it’s important that your golden retriever is socialised from a young age, to make sure they’re confident while out and about on family adventures.

These gorgeous dogs adore water, particularly if that water is muddy! For this reason, if you’re walking near water (e.g. a pond or the sea), it’s worth keeping your golden retriever on a lead, unless it’s safe for them to swim.

Golden retriever health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and, unfortunately, golden retrievers are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the golden retriever:

• Obesity.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Elbow dysplasia.
• Eye problems (like cataracts).
• Ichthyosis (the skin on their footpads becomes thick, greasy, and flaky).

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your golden retriever may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns. If you are considering pet insurance, be sure to read our guide about insuring your golden retriever.

Fun facts about golden retrievers

Fact 1 – Lord Tweedmouth’s Guisachan estate is still used as a location for golden retriever shows!

Fact 2 – The addition of several different breeds to the golden retriever’s ancestry is thought to have influenced the variety of shades seen in their coat colours today.

Fact 3 – Golden retrievers are so gentle and have such soft mouths that they’re said to be able to carry an egg in their mouth without cracking the shell.

Fact 4 – Several golden retrievers have turned their talents to acting and have appeared in famous films, like Shadow from Homeward Bound!

Fact 5 – Along with being one of the most versatile dogs, the golden retriever is considered the fourth most intelligent dog breed in the world.