Golden Retriever
Apartment-friendly Confident Friendly Great with kids High energy dog Intelligent Kind Loves hot weather Reliable Retrieving Sheds a lot Sporting Trustworthy

Golden Retriever

Height 21.5 - 24 in (55 - 61 cm)
Weight 55 - 75 lbs (25 - 34 kg)
Lifespan 10 - 12 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Golden Retriever Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Do you need a dog that’s comfortable living in an apartment?

Are you looking for a dog suited for urban life?

Will the dog need to stay alone at home for long hours?

Do you live in a hot climate?

Do you want a low-energy dog that suits seniors or calm households?

Breed Characteristics

The majority of sources suggest that Golden Retrievers need at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily, with some recommending up to 2 hours. The consensus leans towards a higher amount of exercise, hence the rating of 4.

How much exercise does Golden Retriever need?

Low High
The majority of sources recommend brushing a Golden Retriever at least 2-3 times per week to manage shedding and prevent matting. Regular bathing every 4-6 weeks, nail trimming, and other grooming tasks are also suggested periodically.

How much grooming does Golden Retriever need?

Low High
Consistent praise across sources highlighting Golden Retrievers as one of the easiest dog breeds to train due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and social nature.

Is Golden Retriever easy to train?

Low High
Golden Retrievers are consistently described as highly intelligent, ranking among the top 5 smartest dog breeds in various sources and studies.

How intelligent is Golden Retriever?

Low High
Golden Retrievers are generally not known to bark excessively, but they may bark for reasons such as alerting or seeking attention. Proper training can help manage and address any barking tendencies.

Does Golden Retriever bark a lot?

Low High
The sources provide mixed opinions on whether Golden Retrievers are stubborn or independent, with some mentioning stubbornness and others mentioning independence. The overall consensus seems to suggest that Golden Retrievers can exhibit both traits to varying degrees.

Is Golden Retriever stubborn or independent?

Low High
The majority of sources suggest that Golden Retrievers need at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily, with some recommending up to 2 hours. The consensus leans towards a higher amount of exercise to meet the breed's activity needs.

How much playtime does a Golden Retriever need daily?

Low High
The majority of sources suggest that a Golden Retriever can stay indoors with limited walks, as long as they receive proper mental and physical stimulation. Some sources mention specific exercise guidelines based on age, while others emphasize the importance of keeping the dog entertained indoors.

Can Golden Retriever stay indoors with limited walks?

Low High
The consensus is mixed, with some sources highlighting the protective instincts of Golden Retrievers in certain situations, while others emphasize their friendly and non-protective nature. This leads to an average rating of 3.

Is Golden Retriever protective or territorial?

Low High
Golden Retrievers are consistently described as affectionate, loving, gentle, and loyal companions for families and children in multiple sources.

Is Golden Retriever affectionate with family?

Low High

Health Wellness

Is Golden Retriever prone to allergies?

Golden Retrievers are prone to allergies, particularly pollen, grass, and dust allergies, which can manifest as itching, inflammation, scratching, lesions, hot spots, and dry, flaky skin around the ears and face. This breed sheds a fair amount and is not considered hypoallergenic due to the presence of dander. While Golden Retrievers can develop any type of allergy that affects dogs, they are more susceptible to certain kinds of allergies. It is recommended to find a responsible breeder if considering a Golden Retriever and to be aware that no dog is truly hypoallergenic.


Is Golden Retriever a hypoallergenic breed?

Key points from the sources include: - Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. - They shed a fair amount due to their double coat. - Allergies related to dogs are often triggered by dander and saliva, not just hair. - Breeds considered hypoallergenic typically shed less, which is not the case for Golden Retrievers. The repeated idea across multiple sources is that Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic due to their shedding nature and double coat. Despite the common myth that people are allergic to dog hair, allergies are often triggered by dander and saliva, which Golden Retrievers can produce. Breeds considered hypoallergenic usually shed less, making Golden Retrievers unsuitable for individuals with allergies.


What are common health issues in Golden Retriever?

Common health issues in Golden Retrievers include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems such as subaortic valvular stenosis (SAS), cancer, epilepsy, allergies, joint issues, ear infections, obesity, skin problems, eye conditions, dental disease, and memory issues. These dogs are at a higher risk for conditions like canine cancer and dysplasia. As they age, Golden Retrievers may also experience arthritis, joint disease, dental issues, and eye problems. Early detection and regular wellness exams are important for managing and treating these health concerns in Golden Retrievers.


How often should a Golden Retriever visit the vet?

Golden Retrievers should visit the vet at least once a year for an annual check-up, even if they appear healthy. Puppies should be seen more frequently, typically every three to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. For adult dogs with no pre-existing health concerns, an annual visit is generally sufficient. However, for dogs with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, epilepsy, or chronic kidney issues, more frequent visits every 3 to 6 months may be recommended. Some sources suggest visiting the vet twice a year as a good practice. Vaccinations, dental health, weight monitoring, and behavior checks are important aspects of these regular vet visits to ensure early detection of any health issues.


What is the average vet bill for a Golden Retriever?

The average vet bill for a Golden Retriever can vary depending on factors such as location, specific veterinary services needed, and the dog's health condition. Routine vet visits for a Golden Retriever typically range from $50 to $250, with additional costs for emergency visits or specific treatments. Monthly expenses for items like food, insurance, flea, tick, and worm medicine, and grooming can amount to around $325 per dog. Annual vet bills for vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, pet insurance, toys, and licensing can total between $210 and $260. Overall, the average annual vet bill for a Golden Retriever may fall within the range of $500 to $1500, with some cases potentially reaching higher costs depending on the specific medical needs of the dog.


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