The Golden Retriever: thinking about getting a Golden Retriever?
First Published: 17/10/2019
Last Updated: 17/10/2023
They’ll outrun you, out-socialise you but rarely out-bark you. With their curious and friendly nature, Golden Retrievers make the perfect companions for families – even those with young children.
Let’s take a closer look at the Golden Retriever.
Place of origin: 19th Century Scotland
How big do Golden Retrievers get? 50 – 61cm
How heavy are Golden Retrievers? 25 – 35kg
Golden Retriever Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Colour: Dark Golden, Cream, Light Golden, Golden
Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.
How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
Golden Retrievers have an inbuilt drive to keep busy – they’re not just bounding, bouncy bundles of joy, they’re bundles of energy too!
If you’re thrilled by the prospect of a long walk every morning and then again in the evening, alongside plenty of play time and mental stimulation, a Golden Retriever may just be the breed for you!
Training: how to train a Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are typically easy to train. Start off when they’re at as young an age as possible, always stick to positive reinforcement/reward-based training and try your best to avoid too much repetition. If the training routine is boring you, chances are it’s boring your Golden Retriever too!
Grooming: do Golden Retrievers shed?
Golden Retrievers rank quite highly on the moulting scale, particularly during moulting season. To keep their coat (and your carpets) in good condition, brush your Golden Retriever thoroughly 1-2 times a week. They may also benefit from professional grooming every few months – particularly when it comes to bath time!
If you’re house-proud or find vacuuming and grooming to be something of a chore, a Golden Retriever may not be the best breed for you. Despite their fun-loving nature, you may prefer a breed with a thinner coat that does not moult quite so much.
Complete your Golden Retriever's grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.
Golden Retriever temperament, socialising and ideal home environment
Golden Retrievers have been popular pets for decades thanks to their even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate nature. They’re spirited, eager to please and highly responsive to training, which is what makes them such good service dogs!
They’re also highly sociable dogs and will get along well with children and other pets like a house on fire. If you’re looking to add a fun-loving companion to an adventurous and action packed household, a Golden Retriever will suit you down to the ground – no amount of fun is too much in the eyes of a Retriever.
Cost of owning a Golden Retriever
When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Golden Retriever, remember to take into account:
- Breed-specific food
- Veterinary care
- Pet insurance
- Kennels or dog sitters
- Grooming costs
- Toys and equipment
- Preventative healthcare
As a rough guide, allow between £100 and £120 a month to cover the ongoing costs of owning a Golden Retriever. Our vets have drawn up this handy guide to save dog owners money.
Need more info?
For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet.
Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.