Top Dog Breeds: The Golden Retriever

Learn all about what makes the Golden Retriever one of the most popular dog breeds.

The Golden Retriever, while originating as field retrievers, is now used for a wide variety of jobs. A Golden Retriever is the perfect family dog for many households with their affectionate nature perfectly suited to be around children of all ages. Their obedient and tireless nature, along with their elegant appearance, make the Golden Retriever a dog breed for all types.

Golden Retriever Breed Story

The first steps to breeding the Golden Retriever were taken in Scotland by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks during the mid 19th century in his quest to find the perfect hunting and retrieval dog. He hoped to develop a hunting dog that would work obediently but independently in water and heavy vegetation, as well as gently retrieving game.

To do this Marjoribanks initially crossed a yellow-coated Retriever he had acquired in 1865 called Nous, with a Tweed Water Spaniel. The resulting pups became the basis of the breeding program, which later saw the introduction of the Red Setter, Springer Spaniel and Bloodhounds. This eventually created the Golden Retriever with the attributes that are familiar to us today.
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Golden Retriever Temperament

The Golden Retriever is a loveable, friendly dog whose affectionate nature and fondness of children make it perfectly matched for families. The Golden Retriever's intelligence is reflected in its ability to learn new things. The obedient, graceful, intelligent nature of the breed contributes to the stable, happy temperament associated with the Golden Retriever.
LEARN MORE > [links to breed's Temperament section in Breedopedia in appropriate country]

For Official Standards:

Official Standards

Dog Photos

Golden Retriever Standards

• Country of origin: Great Britain
• Height approximately (at withers/shoulder): Male 56-61cm/ 22-24in; Female 51-56cm/ 20-22in (standards may vary)
• Weight approximately: Male 32-34kg/ 71-75lbs; Female 27-30kg/ 61-65lbs (standards may vary)
• Coat: Flat or wavy with good feathering and a water resisting undercoat.
• Color: Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. A few white hairs on chest only.
• Markings: No Markings
• Lifespan: Average, 10-12 years

Good to Know - Golden Retriever

+ Capable of all types of roles because of extreme versatility and intelligence
+ Happy in most climates
+ Good dog for novice owners
- Regular grooming is needed
- Can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia and eye defects
- Predisposed to weight gain if not exercised properly