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Golden Retriever
Sporting breed from Scotland
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a large, athletic sporting dog with a dense, lustrous, flowing golden coat and a friendly disposition. Known for their versatility as family companions and working dogs, they are often described as friendly, intelligent, devoted, confident, loyal, and eager to please. However, individual temperaments can vary. Their energy level is rated 4 out of 5, and they are highly trainable (5/5). Grooming and shedding are both rated 4/5, indicating moderate to high maintenance. They are well-suited to children (5/5), other dogs (5/5), and apartment living (5/5), though individual needs may differ. Adult males and females both weigh an estimated 29–34 kg and stand 58–61 cm tall. Their estimated lifespan is 10–12 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Golden Retriever at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginScotland
Lifespan10–12 years
Male weight29–34 kilogram
Female weight29–34 kilogram
Male height58–61 centimetre
Female height58–61 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands during the mid-to-late 19th century by Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth). According to historical accounts, he crossed a yellow retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with later additions of Irish Setter and Bloodhound. The breed was created for hunting and retrieving in rugged terrain and cold water. The exact timeline and details of these crosses are based on historical records, but some uncertainty remains about the precise lineage. The breed's origins are firmly in Scotland, and it is classified in the Sporting group. Recognition status varies by registry, meaning not all kennel clubs may recognize the breed in the same way or at the same time.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
29–34 kilogramAdult weight58–61 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesMedium, Dense, WavyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyintelligentdevotedconfidentloyaleager to please
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Higher shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Golden Retriever-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 5
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 5
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
- Higher shedding can require frequent coat and home maintenance.Supported by sheddingScore: 4
Similar breeds
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Growth chart
Golden Retriever puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight29–34 kilogramAdult female weight29–34 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Golden Retriever?
Golden Retrievers are large dogs. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 29–34 kg, and height is 58–61 cm. Their estimated lifespan is 10–12 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Golden Retriever?
Commonly described temperaments include friendly, intelligent, devoted, confident, loyal, and eager to please. However, not every individual will display all these traits, and behavior can vary.
How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
Their energy level is rated 4 out of 5, indicating they are quite energetic and likely need regular exercise. Specific exercise requirements are not provided, but as a sporting breed, they generally benefit from daily activity.
What are the grooming requirements for a Golden Retriever?
Grooming is rated 4 out of 5, suggesting moderate to high maintenance. They have a medium, dense, wavy coat that sheds heavily (shedding score 4/5). Regular brushing is typically needed to manage shedding.
Is a Golden Retriever good for families with children or other dogs?
Child suitability and dog compatibility are both rated 5 out of 5, indicating they are generally well-suited to homes with children and other dogs. However, individual temperaments can vary, so supervision and proper introductions are always recommended.
Can a Golden Retriever live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 5 out of 5, suggesting they can adapt to apartment living. However, their energy level (4/5) means they still need sufficient exercise, and space may be a consideration.
Where did the Golden Retriever originate?
The breed originated in Scotland, developed in the Scottish Highlands during the mid-to-late 19th century by Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth). It was created by crossing a yellow retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with later additions of Irish Setter and Bloodhound.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.