Dog breed · Sporting / gundog
Golden Retriever
Gentle, intelligent, devoted
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg (55–75 lb)
- Height
- 51–61 cm (20–24 in)
- Life span
- 10–12 years
- Origin
- Scotland
The coat
Long
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Golden Retrievers right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
Be ready for
- Happier with space and a garden
- Sheds a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Golden Retrievers weigh 25–34 kg (55–75 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers were developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 19th century to retrieve shot birds. Today they are loved as family dogs and widely used as assistance and therapy dogs because of their calm, kind nature.
Goldens are not guard dogs — they tend to greet strangers as friends. They need plenty of exercise and company; left alone for long days, they can become anxious and destructive.
Health to know about
- Cancer (haemangiosarcoma and lymphoma are common)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Heart disease (subaortic stenosis)
- Eye conditions
- Skin allergies
Care in short
- An hour or more of exercise daily
- Brush several times a week — they shed heavily
- Check ears weekly after swimming
- Keep lean to protect joints
Kit for a Golden Retriever
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Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Similar breeds
| Trait | Golden Retriever |  Labrador RetrieverCompare |
 Bernese Mountain DogCompare |
 German ShepherdCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) | 25–36 kg (55–79 lb) | 35–55 kg (77–121 lb) | 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) |
| Energy | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Golden Retriever get?
Adults usually weigh 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) and stand 51–61 cm (20–24 in) tall.
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
Typically 10–12 years.
Are Golden Retrievers good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Golden Retrievers shed?
Heavily, all year round.
What health problems are Golden Retrievers prone to?
Cancer (haemangiosarcoma and lymphoma are common); Hip and elbow dysplasia; Heart disease (subaortic stenosis); Eye conditions; Skin allergies.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts