Golden Retriever
Also known as Cobrador Dorado
Great Britain, Retrievers
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 yrs
- Friendly
- Gentle
- Trainable
- Eager to please
- Sociable
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland in the nineteenth century to retrieve game birds from land and water. It is a medium-to-large, well-balanced dog with a dense, water-repellent coat in shades of gold and cream, with feathering on the legs, chest and tail. It is now a popular family dog and is also widely used as a guide, assistance and therapy dog.
Temperament
Friendly, patient and eager to please, usually good with children and other animals. Highly trainable and sociable. Exuberant when young and happiest when involved with family. Not suited to being left alone for long periods.
Exercise
Needs at least an hour or more of daily exercise, including retrieving and swimming. Mental work such as training games is also valued.
Grooming
Dense double coat sheds throughout the year and heavily at seasonal changes. Brush several times a week.
Care & wellbeing
Prone to weight gain, so measure food and keep active. Check ears, particularly after swimming.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 29.5 kg adult- Water
- 1.2 L–1.8 L
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 1,420 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 90–120 min
- a day
- Grooming
- Brushing most days
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a Golden Retriever
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
Developed in Scotland in the nineteenth century as a retriever to collect shot game on land and water. Its soft mouth, friendly nature and eagerness to please made it one of the best-loved family dogs, and it is widely used as a guide, assistance and therapy dog.
Health
The breed can be prone to
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cancers
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Ichthyosis and skin allergies
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip and elbow scores
- Eye tests
- DNA tests for PRA and ichthyosis
Not every Golden Retriever is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Regular professional grooming adds up
- A 10–12 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a Golden Retriever right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You don't have time for frequent brushing or the cost of professional grooming
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a Golden Retriever get?
Adult Golden Retrievers typically stand about 51–61 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 25–34 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
Typically 10–12 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Golden Retriever need?
Brushing most days. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Golden Retrievers easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Golden Retrievers shed?
Quite a lot. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control — expect more around spring and autumn.
Are Golden Retrievers good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Golden Retriever live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Golden Retrievers have?
The breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, cancers, progressive retinal atrophy (pra). Not every Golden Retriever is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- Great Britain
- Type
- Retrievers
- Internationally recognised
- 1954