Golden Retriever
金毛尋回犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Golden Retriever is a medium-to-large Scottish gundog with a dense golden coat and a famously gentle, trustworthy temperament. Goldens are devoted family dogs that excel in obedience and assistance work, need plenty of daily exercise, and shed heavily; regular brushing and a weekly ear check are part of life with the breed.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 55–61cm |
| Weight | 25–34kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12years |
| Breed group | AKC: sporting FCI: 8 |
| Role | Sporting |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 4/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 5/ 5 |
| Barking | 1/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition reported in the breed; DNA tests and eye examinations are available. Ask your vet or breeder about eye screening.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about eye examinations if you notice cloudiness in the eyes.
Subvalvular aortic stenosis
Subvalvular aortic stenosis is reported in the breed; a heart murmur in a puppy should be checked. Ask your vet about cardiac screening.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma or lens luxation is reported in the breed; screening tests exist. Ask your vet urgently if an eye becomes cloudy, red or painful.
Pigmentary uveitis
Pigmentary uveitis is reported in the breed, typically in older dogs. Ask your vet about eye examinations.
Behaviour
Reliable with children
The CKC says that as a family pet, especially with children, the Golden has few equals, and it is noted for being friendly, reliable and trustworthy. Like any dog it still needs supervision around very young children.
Needs daily exercise and a fenced space
The AKC notes a Golden that does not get enough exercise is likely to misbehave; they make good running companions once mature, but the AKC recommends checking with a vet before strenuous or high-impact activity to protect growing joints.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 5/5, barking level 1/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Golden Retriever
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Retriever Golden (Sporting Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Retriever Golden
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Golden Retriever (standard no. 111, group 8)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club reminds prospective owners that Goldens are intensely people-oriented and must live as members of the family, not in a yard; raising a puppy well takes about as much time as caring for a toddler, and someone should be home most of the time during the first month.”
— Golden Retriever Club of America — Is a Golden Retriever Right for You? via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Golden Retriever — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Retriever Golden — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Retriever Golden — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Golden Retriever — FCI standard no. 111 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Is a Golden Retriever Right For You? — Golden Retriever Club of America — Golden Retriever Club of America — Is a Golden Retriever Right for You? (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.