Golden Retriever: Breed Profile, Temperament and Care

Group

Sporting

Height

Males 23-24 in, females 21.5-22.5 in

Weight

Males 65-75 lb, females 55-65 lb

Typical lifespan

10-12 years (AKC)

Temperament

Warm, dependable, trustworthy and eager to please

At a glance

• A Sporting Group retriever, described as warm, dependable and trustworthy ¹.
• AKC advice calls it adaptable and trainable, and eager to please its owners ².
• Needs regular exercise, grooming and company.

Overview

The Golden Retriever is a member of the AKC’s Sporting Group ¹. It was bred in nineteenth-century Scotland as a working gun dog. Read more in our Golden Retriever fun facts, including the debunked circus-dog legend.

Size

The breed standard calls for males at 23 to 24 inches and 65 to 75 pounds, and females at 21.5 to 22.5 inches and 55 to 65 pounds ¹. AKC advice puts a typical lifespan at 10 to 12 years ².

Temperament

The standard describes a warm, dependable and trustworthy dog, and treats hostility or unwarranted timidity as out of keeping with the breed ¹. AKC advice adds that Goldens love to please their owners, which makes them a highly adaptable and trainable breed ².

Exercise and training

A friendly, eager retriever thrives on training and regular activity. See our guides to exercise and mental stimulation and reward-based training.

Health considerations

Goldens are the subject of the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, one of the largest dog health studies ever launched. Ask any breeder about health testing, and read our guide to inherited diseases in popular dog breeds to understand the results you are shown.

Is this breed right for you?

A Golden may suit you if you want a friendly, trainable family dog and can provide daily exercise and companionship. It may not suit you if you are rarely home or want a low-activity dog.