The Golden Retriever Facts and Information

13 min readMar 30, 2019

One of the most widely recognized and loved dogs in the world, the Golden Retriever is a wonderful canine that astounds, both in the field and in the home.

Possessing both superior hunting skills as well as the ability to take on the role of favorite family pet, he is as adaptable as he is beautiful and intelligent to boot.

Few who have had the luck of knowing a Golden Retriever, can walk away without singing the praises of this wonderful canine companion.

Origin: Scotland

Height: 21.5–24 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 55–75 pounds

Exercise Needs: High

Grooming Needs: High

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Good With Kids: Yes

Trainability: Easy

Yappiness: Moderate

Breed Group: Working

Golden Retriever Dog Breed History

Unlike many breeds of dog, the origins of the Golden Retriever Puppy can accurately be traced back, not only to the dogs responsible for first imprinting their type upon their offspring, but also to the very first person to ever own a Golden Retriever.

This person would be Sir Dudley Majoribanks of Scotland, who would later go on to be known as Lord Tweedmouth.

In 1865, Majoribanks would purchase a young dog from local cobbler; supposedly the only yellow pup out of a litter containing wavy-haired black retriever pups, the young dog would be named “Nous,” and was taken with Majoribanks to join his kennel of sporting dogs in Guisachan, Scotland.

Seeking to breed and develop a dog that was better-suited to the Scottish climate and terrain, Majoribanks finally crossed Nous with another dog on his property, a Tweed Water Spaniel by the name of Belle.

While the Tweed Water Spaniel eventually became extinct, the breeding of Nous and Belle would produce several yellow puppies in 1868 and 1871, that would become the foundation stock to create this distinctive breed of yellow-coated retrievers.

Golden Retriever Appearance

The Golden Retriever is a beautiful member of the dog world. Well-balanced and symmetrical, he is a dog that is built for endurance, power, and strength.

Eager to work and possessing a high amount of energy, the Golden Retriever carries a look of ready alertness and curiosity at all times.

Just from a glance, one should know that this dog is no couch potato, but a hard-working get-up-and-go type of dog.

With males standing 23–24 inches tall at the top of the shoulder, and the females 21.5–22.5 inches in height, they are not the tallest breed of hunting dog, but perfect for moving through the tall grass virtually undetected.

The Golden Retriever is not the heaviest of hunting dogs, either, though his frame is stout and compact. A full-grown Golden Retriever can weigh anywhere from 55–75 pounds, though they rarely seem to weigh that much when one gazes upon a Golden.

And then there is the Golden Retriever’s crowning glory — his luxurious coat. Repellant of water, the Golden’s coat may be either straight or wavy, and is well-recognized for its various rich golden hues.

These can range from a white gold to red-gold in color, though he is faulted for possessing any white markings or being too pale a shade. Prospective buyers should especially be wary of scam artists, trying to sell “rare white golden retriever puppies.”

White Goldens are, in fact, merely Golden Retrievers of poor color, and should be avoided. While one may make an excellent pet, prospective buyers should veer away from anyone not practicing ethical breeding practices and misleading people with false claims.

Golden Retriever Temperament

The Golden Retriever is of a very kind and gentle nature. Keenly intelligent and eager to please, they make excellent companions, as well as the superb hunting dogs that they were designed to be.

The Golden Retriever is a sweet dog and generally very good, both with children and with other animals alike, though he is definitely not cut out to be a guard dog.

Quite often, Golden owners will joke that their beloved pet would greet a burglar at the door with wagging tail and a happy bark, begging for attention.

Golden Retriever Exercise Needs

The Golden is an active dog, bred for hunting and working out in the field. Because of this, he’s very much a get-up-and-go dog that loves his exercise and time to run.

While they can live in apartments, time must certainly be made down at the local dog park, just to give him time to run and work the kinks out. Golden Retrievers tend to love to play fetch or Frisbee, both of which are high energy and can help him burn off some steam.

Just be careful — once your Golden Retriever gets started, he may not want to quit chasing that ball and go home.

Important to note, however, is that a Golden should never be force-exercised before 2 years of age. Slow-growing, a regimental exercise program can injure young dogs, so it is best to stick to more relaxed sports.

Some good examples of light exercise for a Golden Retriever include taking walks on soft surfaces or swimming. Build up to the big stuff, both for you and for your dog’s health.

Golden Retriever Grooming Requirements

While the Golden Retriever may not require weekly trips to the groomers, he falls under the high maintenance category, simply due to the fact that he requires frequent and diligent brushing.

While the Golden Retriever coat rarely gets mats and needs no trimming, in order to keep it in good condition, Goldens shed. In fact, Golden Retrievers shed a lot, all year round.

If you’re interested in one of these wonderful dogs, it’s best to keep in mind that you will spend a lot of time vacuuming the floor and the furniture with this hairy bundle of joy.

Training Your Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a very intelligent dog that is eager to please. Very open-minded, they love to learn and approach each new opportunity with a quick and willing desire.

Obedience classes are an excellent choice, not only for your young dog to learn, but also for you to learn to get along with your dog and how to properly handle him.

Golden Retrievers are very smart and so care should be taken to curb any bad habits in a gentle but firm tone — chances are, he will be happy to stop, just as soon as he sees this displeases you.

Golden Retriever Health Concerns

The Golden Retriever is a fairly robust and healthy breed though, like many other purebred dogs, can often fall victim to a variety of genetic health issues.

Fortunately, with Goldens, the number of defects is much less than in other breeds. Some examples of problems to look out for include:

Elbow dysplasia
Hip dysplasia
Hereditary cataracts
Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Eyelid and eyelash problems
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Is the Golden Retriever the Right Breed For You?

The Golden Retriever is a wonderful dog for the right family. Careful consideration must be made, however, prior to buying.

While most Goldens are excellent with small children, parents should know that a small child should constantly be supervised with any animal, not only for the safety of the child, but also for that of the pet.

Additionally, one should keep in mind that the Golden Retriever can sometimes be a high maintenance pet, between the brushing and exercise.

If these things are not a problem for you, then perhaps you may be the right family for a bundle of Golden Retriever joy.

Buying a Golden Retriever Puppy

Now that you have decided that the Golden Retriever is the right breed for you, it’s time to start the process of finding a responsible Golden Retriever breeder from which to buy a healthy, well-socialized puppy.

Not all breeders are alike; there are good breeders — and bad breeders. Don’t be in a hurry to buy the first Golden Retriever puppy you find at the cheapest price available!

To buy a puppy from a responsible Golden Retriever breeder, you may need to pay more and wait longer.

The additional money and waiting time will be well worth it. Buy a puppy in haste from a newspaper ad, pet store or “backyard breeder”, and you’ll likely also purchase a great deal of additional expense and heartache, since you will likely end up falling in love with a puppy with health and behavioral problems that will likely need special care, plenty of veterinary visits, regular medication — or even euthanasia.

But do your homework and find a responsible, caring Golden Retriever breeder who home-raises their puppies with love, screens their breeding dogs for health problems, offers a health guarantee and post sale support, and who genuinely loves the Golden Retriever breed and is in it for the love of the breed, rather than profit, and you can be fairly well assured of getting a healthy, happy, long lived and affectionate family companion that will provide you and your family with many years of joy, laughter and companionship.

Golden Retriever Rescue

Golden Retriever clubs and rescues web sites can help you learn even more about the Golden Retriever dog breed, help you locate a responsible Golden Retriever breeder, or help you find a Golden Retriever dog or puppy in need of a second chance for a loving, forever home.

We’ve compiled the following list of Golden Retriever clubs and Golden Retriever rescues web sites for your convenience:

Adopt a Golden Atlanta — Adoption application, volunteer opportunities, newsletter, and pictures of available dogs. Georgia.
Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary — Rescues dogs including seniors and those with special needs. Happy ending stories, photographs of available dogs, volunteer and foster applications, and how to adopt a dog. Delray, West Virginia.
Arizona Golden Retriever Connection — Focuses on adoption, educating the public on responsible ownership, and pet therapy. Pictures and descriptions of available dogs, frequently asked questions, and how to help out. Phoenix.
Benevolent Animal Rescue Committee — Helps goldens and labradors find families. Photographs of available dogs, adoption application, and success stories. Based in Temecula, California.
Canadian Golden Retriever Adoption Service — Newsletter, adoption application, upcoming events, retriever bill of rights, photographs of dogs in their new homes, membership form, and a discussion forum.
Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc. — Information on adoptable dogs and upcoming events. Serving the southeastern counties of North Carolina adjacent to the Wilmington area.
Companion Golden Retriever Rescue — Accepting and placing dogs in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. Newsletter, photographs of available dogs, and how to donate to their special medical fund.
Dallas/Fort Worth Metro Golden Retriever Rescue — Non-profit, all-volunteer organization that exists to rescue and place adoptable Golden Retrievers in North Texas.
Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue — New beginnings for displaced dogs of this breed. Calendar of events, a hotline for dogs in need of homes, informational articles on health and behavior, and a volunteer application. Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania.
Dirks Fund Golden Retriever Rescue — News, adoption form, events calendar, pictures of available dogs, and newsletter. St. Louis, Missouri.
Everglades Golden Retriever Rescue — Shelter, care, and evaluation of the homeless dogs. Serves Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties in Florida. Frequently asked questions, adoption application, newsletter, and how to decide what age of dog to adopt.
FootHills Golden Retriever Rescue — Serving the South Carolina upstate area. Photographs, how to help, and information about upcoming events and fundraisers.
Gateway Golden Retriever Rescue — Finds homes in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Information about adoption, events, success stories, volunteering, and related resources.
Gold Ribbon Rescue — Breed rescue organization providing a network for sheltering, rehabilitation and placing dogs in permanent homes. Information and pictures of available dogs, adoption information, and an explanation of their procedures. Austin, Texas.
Golden Beginnings of Texas — General assistance and veterinary care for homeless and displaced dogs. Includes events, available dogs and memorial page. Houston.
Golden Bond — A volunteer and non-profit organization in Beaverton, Oregon. Provides information on adoption and placement.
Golden Endings — Placement for lost, abandoned, abused, and surrendered dogs in central Ohio. Membership opportunities, description of the adoption process, foster needs, and a rescue story.
Golden Opportunities — Organization in Woolridge, Illinois that specializes in relocation of this breed to loving homes. Success stories, sponsorship opportunities, photographs of available dogs, and information on upcoming events.
Golden Recovery — Assists with re-placement. Education about the benefits of spay/neuter and responsible pet ownership. Photographs of dogs in need of homes, foster needs, and an adoption application. Based in Blue Springs, Missouri.
Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue — Pictures and profiles of available dogs, events calendar, volunteer needs, and breed information. Denver, Colorado.
Golden Re-Triever Rescue — Nonprofit organization dedicated to finding permanent loving homes in New Jersey and the tri-state area. Success stories, list of volunteer jobs, and pictures of dogs in need of homes.
Golden Retriever Rescue and Adoption of Needy Dogs — Serving the Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky area. Photographs of dogs awaiting new homes, news, success stories, and memorials.
Golden Retriever Rescue and Community Education — Not-for-profit organization in central Indiana. Accepts surrendering by owners or from situations which endanger their welfare.
Golden Retriever Rescue Club of Charlotte — Non-profit organization assisting in placing dogs for adoption in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Photographs and descriptions of adoptable dogs, a puppy checklist, and information on upcoming events.
Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training, Inc. — Information on providing help, foster care, and placement of this breed in Maryland and surrounding states.
Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska — Dedicated to the rehabilitation and adoption of needy canines. Happy ending stories, calendar of events, photographs of dogs in need, and news articles.
Golden Retriever Rescue Inc of New Jersey — Newsletter archive, volunteer needs, and how to adopt.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta — Saving dogs that have been left in animal shelters located in Georgia. Adoption application form, the do’s and don’ts of adopting a dog, rescue stories, and a form for making a donation.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Central New York — Helps find homes for dogs in New York State. Information on education and training, events calendar, volunteer needs, and pictures of available dogs.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Central Pennsylvania — Helps find new and loving homes for these purebreds in need. Volunteer and adoption applications along with photographs of dogs looking for new homes.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Fairbanks — Places dogs that need new homes. Maintains a list of possible adoptive families. Located in Alaska.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Michigan — Adoptive homes for displaced canines. Shelter and medical care; as well as information on educating the public on ownership.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida — Locates permanent homes for unwanted, abused, or abandoned dogs. Explanation of how to adopt, volunteer needs, photograph gallery of available dogs, and breed information.
Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas — Rescue located in Dallas. Ways to help raise funds, volunteer opportunities, photos of available dogs, information on how to adopt, calendar of events, and contact information.
Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies — Placement of homeless dogs and education for the public about the breed. Contains frequently asked questions, volunteer needs, and photographs of adoptable dogs. Golden, Colorado.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin — Encourages and promotes responsible dog ownership and helps reduce abuse and neglect through rehabilitation and adoption. Volunteer application, breed information, photographs of adoptable dogs, and success stories. Located in Appleton.
GoldHeart Golden Retriever Rescue — Serving Delaware, south-central Pennsylvania, and north-central Maryland region. Newsletter, happy ending stories, a guide for those buying a puppy, and photographs of dogs in need of homes.
Grateful Goldens Rescue of the Low Country — Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Mission statement, available dogs, adoption and fostering information, and stories of successful adoptions.
GRROWLS-NY, Inc. — Instructions on how to adopt a lifelong friend, adoption application, reasons to consider a senior dog, and volunteer needs. Syracuse, New York.
Heartland Golden Retriever Rescue — Homeless and displaced canines from Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Southeast Kentucky, and Northeast Alabama.
Inland Empire Golden Retriever Rescue — Veterinary care, evaluations, and new adoptive homes found throughout eastern Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana.
Irish Retriever Rescue UK — History of the organization, pictures of adoptable dogs, success stories, how to help, and tips for new owners.
Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue — Volunteers improving the quality of life for dogs who were neglected, abused, or abandoned. News, photographs of adoptable dogs, and adoption guidelines.
Love A Golden Rescue — Finds permanent homes for dogs in eastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and southeast Iowa. Photographs of available dogs, newsletter, volunteer and foster needs, wishlist, and a memorial page.
Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue — News and information on their abused, abandoned, and unwanted dogs. Provides new homes. Located in Southeastern South Carolina.
Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue — Places unwanted Goldens in new homes and saving abandoned Goldens in Western Tennessee, North Mississippi and Eastern Arkansas.
Midlands Golden Retriever Rescue — Foster organization. Images and descriptions of dogs available for adoption, news, events, and wish list. Columbia, South Carolina.
Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue — Information about their adoptable dogs and their success stories. Located in North Carolina.
NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue — Exists to save and place adoptable Goldens in Northern California, from Fresno to the Oregon border.
Peppertree Rescue — Specializes in Goldens, but helps all dogs of good temperament. Assists other clubs, shelters, and animal control. Albany, New York.
RagTag Golden Retriever Rescue of Vermont — Frequently asked questions about their rescue, articles on the breed, and adoption application.
Rescue A Golden — Information on the issues, benefits, and joy of rescue; with links to related subjects.
Rescue a Golden of Arizona — Helps canines in need and finds new homes. Includes photos and information about available dogs ready for adoption.
Retrieve A Golden Of Minnesota — Serving Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Mission statement , events, and dogs available for adoption.
Secours Golden Retrievers Rescue — Breed information, photos of available dogs, what to expect when adopting a dog, and links to related sites. Montreal and Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. [English and French]
Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue — Volunteer nonprofit organization that rescues and places unwanted, abused, neglected, or abandoned Golden Retrievers.
Tennessee Valley Golden Retriever Rescue — Providing new starts and homes for these purebred dogs.
Triad Golden Retriever Rescue — Rehabilitation, humane treatment and placement. Education of the public about the breed. Located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina.
Wisconsin Adopt A Golden Retriever — Adoption and membership applications plus pictures of displaced dogs and an events calendar. Serving the southeast part of the state.
With A Golden Spirit Golden Retriever Rescue — Pictures of dogs in need of homes, adoption applications, memorials, and links. Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue — Adoption procedures, upcoming events, photographs, articles, and calendar of events. Services the New England states.