Discover Everything About Golden Retriever
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Golden Retriever overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Golden Retriever is a wonderful family dog, but carries an above-average genetic burden. Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) in particular are serious orthopedic concerns that require rigorous breeding selection. Furthermore, eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) must be actively ruled out through genetic testing.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
51–61 cm
Weight
25–34 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,800 €
- Coat: Dense, wavy or smooth, with an undercoat
- Origin: Scotland
Typical coat colors
- Different shades of gold or cream
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Golden Retriever, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Golden Retriever right for you?
The Golden Retriever is a gentle, extremely cooperative Apportierhund (retrieving dog)—bred to retrieve shot waterfowl with a soft mouth. It is precisely this deep 'will to please' that makes them the most popular, yet often the most underestimated, family dog.
Perfect for you if:
- You aren't just looking for a companion to tag along, but want to incorporate daily dummy training or scent work—simple walks are not enough to tire out this Apportierhund.
- You want a highly sociable companion who bonds closely with the family and greets almost every visitor in a friendly manner.
- You don't mind mud, wetness, and dog hair in the house, as almost every puddle is seen as an invitation to go for a swim.
- You lead with positive reinforcement and patience, as this sensitive type reacts quickly with insecurity to harshness or unfairness.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that will guard your home and property—they were bred to cooperate with people, not to keep them at a distance.
- You get annoyed when you are constantly presented with shoes or wet toys—carrying things is firmly anchored in their genetics.
- You have to leave them alone for many hours on weekdays, as separation stress is inevitable for this extremely people-oriented type.
- You are looking for a pure couch potato and find their constant eagerness to work during the first three years of life exhausting.
The real vibes check
A Golden Retriever is not a stuffed animal in a teddy bear costume, but a true worker who would love to bring you things all day long. If you try to satisfy this constant readiness to work with only short walks, their talent will wither into frustration and unwanted chewing. However, if you give them a real job, you will get a colleague who will accompany you through life with a soft mouth and unconditional devotion.
Breed Profile
The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog with a strong and balanced build. His appearance is elegant and harmonious, and he radiates natural beauty and grace. The FCI classifies the Golden Retriever in Group 8, which includes retrieving dogs, searching dogs and water dogs. The Golden Retriever's coat is dense and water-resistant and can be wavy or smooth. It has a good undercoat that protects it from the cold. In the show ring, Golden Retrievers are often slightly heavier and have longer fur than working lines. There is indeed a distinction between show lines and working lines within the breed. Working lines are often slimmer and more agile and have a stronger hunting instinct.
| Height | 51 - 56 cm (Female), 56 - 61 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 25 - 34 kg (Female), 30 - 34 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
| Character | Friendly, Intelligent, Reliable |
| Coat | Dense, wavy or smooth, with an undercoat |
| Coat Color | Different shades of gold or cream |
| Price | 1500 - 2800 € |
History
The Golden Retriever originally comes from Scotland and was developed in the 19th century. The man considered the founder of this breed is Dudley Marjoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. He bred retrievers with a yellow coat color by crossing a yellow retriever named Nous with a female Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. Various breeds were crossed over several generations, including the Irish Setter, the Bloodhound and other Tweed Water Spaniels. The breeding was aimed at creating a reliable retriever for hunting waterfowl. The Golden Retriever was recognized as a separate breed by the Kennel Club in Great Britain in 1913.
The Golden Retriever was originally bred for hunting, particularly for retrieving game from water and rough terrain.
Scotland
1868
Character & Temperament
The Golden Retriever is known for its friendly and even-tempered nature. He is an extremely people-oriented dog and forms a strong bond with his family. His friendly nature makes him one of the most popular family dogs. In working lines, the hunting instinct is often more pronounced, and these dogs are particularly suitable for hunting activities or dog sports such as dummy training or obedience. The show lines are often a little calmer in temperament, but both lines are known for their friendly nature. Golden Retrievers are playful dogs and love spending time outdoors, especially when water is nearby. They are excellent swimmers and love retrieving, which stems from their history as waterfowl retrievers. Although affectionate and sociable, Golden Retrievers can learn to stay alone for short periods of time if trained gradually and positively. However, it is important to remember that as social dogs they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs that love to learn. Their desire to please combined with their intelligence makes them good candidates for various dog sports and activities. They are often successful in areas such as rescue dog work, assistance dog work or therapy dog work. In terms of temperament, Golden Retrievers are generally even-tempered. However, they tend to be somewhat exuberant in their youth and require sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to develop balanced behavior. Golden Retrievers have a natural prey-catching behavior that manifests itself in their desire to retrieve. This should be taken into account when training and it is important to provide them with appropriate opportunities to express this behavior. When it comes to waking behavior, Golden Retrievers are generally not overly vigilant. However, they may bark when someone enters the house. However, their friendly nature means they are generally not suitable as guard dogs.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Loves every new person immediately and without reserve. | Very open |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Golden Retrievers are known for carrying things in their mouths without damaging them. There are reports of Golden Retrievers carrying eggs in their mouths without breaking them!
What Awaits You
Golden Retrievers are popular family dogs. They are motivated to hunt and need activity appropriate to their type. They are used in a variety of ways, including as assistance dogs.
Housing & Care
Golden Retrievers' adaptable nature makes them suitable for both city and country life. However, they are active dogs, so it is important that they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation, regardless of where they live. When it comes to children, Golden Retrievers are often an excellent choice. They tend to be patient and good-natured, making them good companions for children. However, it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and children. Golden Retrievers also tend to be friendly with other pets, including cats, especially if they are used to them from an early age.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Adapts well to city living and urban environments. | Well-suited to city life |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Training a Golden Retriever should be positive and consistent. They are intelligent dogs that learn quickly and are eager to please. This often makes them easy to train, but it is important to start training early and be consistent. Golden Retrievers are often successful in various dog sports such as agility, obedience and retriever tests. Because they were originally bred to be retrieving dogs, they enjoy activities that take advantage of this natural behavior. Due to its easy handling, it is also suitable for tasks in the area of assistance dogs for the disabled or rescue dogs. It is important to note that Golden Retrievers can have a tendency to become overly aroused, especially when they are young. It is important to teach them how to stay calm and develop frustration tolerance. Since they also have a natural predisposition to retrieving, there is a risk that they will become "ball junkies." if this is excessively encouraged. It is therefore important to offer a variety of activities and to ensure that the dog is not over-occupied.
Nutrition & Care
The Golden Retriever's diet should be balanced and nutritious. As an active breed, they require a diet that contains sufficient proteins and fats to maintain their energy. It is also important to pay attention to the dog's weight, as Golden Retrievers tend to become overweight, which can put additional stress on the joints. When it comes to grooming, Golden Retrievers have a thick coat with an undercoat, which makes them adapt relatively well to the climate in Germany. However, they shed quite heavily, especially during transition periods. It is advisable to brush the coat regularly to prevent matting and maintain skin health.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Golden Retriever is a wonderful family dog, but carries an above-average genetic burden. Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) in particular are serious orthopedic concerns that require rigorous breeding selection. Furthermore, eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) must be actively ruled out through genetic testing.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
Without consistent weight management, skin care, and good preventative care—such as regular palpation checks for lumps—health problems and veterinary costs can rise significantly later on.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have joints and eyes checked, use DNA tests for skin health, and know the life history of the ancestors in detail to minimize the risk of cancer and hereditary diseases in the line as much as possible.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Golden Retriever
Stephan B., Halter aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2008)
Ich liebe meinen Rüden über alles, aber man muss ehrlich sein: Die Rasse bringt ein paar ganz typische Herausforderungen mit sich. Unser Goldie ist extrem verfressen. Er würde einen kompletten 15-kg-Futtersack auf einmal leer fressen, wenn er die Chance dazu hätte, und er schlabbert und bettelt ohne Ende, sobald in der Küche gekocht wird. Man muss beim Futter wirklich extrem konsequent sein, um Übergewicht zu vermeiden.
Eine weitere Baustelle ist die Leinenführigkeit. Trotz Besuchen in verschiedenen Hundeschulen zieht er an der Leine wie verrückt – das ist ein echtes Kraftpaket, das man erst einmal halten können muss. Außerdem neigt er in stressigen Situationen zu einer gewissen Ängstlichkeit. Er ist ein toller Begleiter, aber definitiv kein Selbstläufer, der sich von alleine erzieht.
Markus K., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2017)
Als unser Golden-Retriever-Welpe bei uns einzog, waren wir anfangs völlig überfordert. In den ersten Wochen hat er extrem viel gebissen und gezwickt – egal ob in Hände, Füße oder Kleidung. Besonders beim Zahnen wurde er beim Spielen oft völlig wild, hat uns angeknurrt und ließ sich durch kein 'Nein' oder Ignorieren beruhigen. Seine spitzen Welpenzähne haben uns echt wehgetan und mein Sohn hatte zeitweise sogar richtig Angst vor ihm.
Wir mussten erst lernen, dass er durch zu viele Reize und zu wildes Spiel völlig überdreht war und einfach Ruhe brauchte. Erst durch den Besuch einer Welpenspielgruppe und den Kontakt zu Gleichaltrigen hat er gelernt, seine Beißhemmung zu kontrollieren. Heute ist er ein toller Hund, aber die Welpenzeit war ein echter Härtetest für unsere Nerven.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Golden Retriever
Is a Golden Retriever the right dog for me?
The Golden Retriever is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Golden Retriever live?
The average life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Golden Retriever need?
Golden Retriever grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Golden Retriever good for families with children?
The Golden Retriever can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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