If you’re after a companion who’s blonde and beautiful, with kind ways and an in-built desire to please, then look no further than a Golden Retriever! Intelligent and easy to train, Goldies can make good first dogs for newbie owners, as long as you’re prepared for life with a large, active, super furry dog.
5th September 2024
With their luxurious coats, happy demeanour and smiley faces, it’s no surprise that Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being the perfect family pet.
“A naturally intelligent, gentle and fun-loving family friend who’s always full of energy,” is how Pet Plan describes this beautiful breed, “with a friendly, playful temperament and willingness to please.”
With their sumptuously fluffy coats that can be straight or wavy, and comprise a thick undercoat and a water-repellent top coat, Goldies are large dogs that come in gorgeous shades of cream and gold.
Sandra Fryer from Bedford, owner of a Goldie called Heidi and featured on Your Dog, comments: “She’s the kindest, happiest, most loving dog. She’s very friendly with everyone she meets. She’s an absolute joy to be around and I just couldn’t imagine life without her. If you want a fun, loyal, tolerant, intelligent family dog then you’ll never do better than a Goldie!”
However, Sandra has a warning for those that can’t bear fur on their furniture: “If you’re even slightly house proud, this isn’t the dog for you as they are extremely hairy, depositing hair around the house daily.”
Born to play fetch
Although famed for their gentle, happy-go-lucky nature, Pet Plan notes: “This is an active and intelligent breed who needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent behavioural problems. The clue is in the name ‘retriever’ – these dogs love a game of fetch and will happily keep playing for as long as you can throw the ball.”
According to The Kennel Club, this loyal and loving breed was founded by the first Lord Tweedmouth who crossed black Wavy Coated Retrievers with the Tweed Water Spaniel. A little Bloodhound and Irish Setter was added to the mix and the breed was recognised by The Kennel Club as a ‘yellow’ or ‘golden’ Retriever in 1913. When the Golden Retriever Club was established in 1920, the official breed name was changed to the Golden Retriever.
Goldies are part of the Gundog group. PDSA states: “As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth'.” Golden Retrievers also have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. PDSA adds: “Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind.”
Essential tests and health screening
Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may experience some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. These include joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (where hip joint that doesn’t fit together perfectly, which will eventually lead to arthritis), elbow dysplasia, along with eye and ear problems.
PDSA advises: “Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions.”
In addition, because they can have short legs in proportion to their body, Goldies have a tendency to become overweight. Pet Plan says: “During their hunting days, Golden Retrievers needed lots of food to fuel their active work, and their love of eating still endures. Keep your pet's lifestyle and activity level in mind, adding plenty of exercise to their routine to help them stay in shape and maintain healthy weight.”
What’s the best food to help overweight Golden Retrievers slim down? >>
Dogs Trust advises: ““Whatever the breed, all dogs need basic preventative health care like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. You’ll also need insurance to help cover the cost of vet bills.”
Understanding what makes your Golden Retriever tick will help you give them everything they need to love life! Read on to discover more about:
- GOLDEN RETRIEVER PERSONALITY PROFILE
- IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A GOLDEN RETRIEVER?
- HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A GOLDEN RETRIEVER NEED?
- WHAT SHOULD I FEED A GOLDEN RETRIEVER DOG?
- HOW MUCH GROOMING DOES A GOLDEN RETRIEVER NEED?
- WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN A GOLDEN RETRIEVER?
- GETTING A GOLDEN RETRIEVER
GOLDEN RETRIEVER PERSONALITY PROFILE
A popular family dog, Golden Retrievers are described by The Kennel Club as: “Kindly, friendly and confident.”
“Golden Retrievers can be a great family dog for an active family due to their high energy levels, but also calm natures and intelligence,” says PDSA. “They can be easy dogs to train and can make good first dogs for new dog owners, as long as you know what you’re getting into taking on a larger breed dog.”
“Golden Retrievers are typically high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy,” adds Dogs Trust. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they will need training and will benefit from daily enrichment. If you love spending active time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.”
Cath Bevan of Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, who owns a Goldie called Bertie, reveals: “They’re incredibly friendly, laid-back, and relaxed dogs, which suited our lifestyle. They’re also very cat friendly. They can be very sensitive dogs, and they do tend to bond deeply with people.”
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Whatever the breed, every dog is unique
While each breed has certain identifiable traits, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique.
Dogs Trust advises: “There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Golden Retrievers, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving. Every dog is different with their own personality and needs.”
As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to situations in different ways. For example, some dogs might like meeting other dogs, and some may not. Some might like new experiences and others may need to go slowly.
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IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A GOLDEN RETRIEVER?
Adaptable Goldies suit either a town or country setting, preferably with a large house and large garden, advises The Kennel Club.
Which breed of dog is the right fit for you and the place that you live? >>
“Naturally intelligent with a soft side, these dogs are a consistently popular family pet,” says Pet Plan. “They'll offer a warm greeting to whoever they meet, rarely showing aggression, although their exuberance can be a little overwhelming for young children. They are attentive and easily trained, meaning you and the kids can have hours of fun teaching them tricks and games.”
If you’re an active sort who loves spending hours in the great outdoors, then a Golden Retriever could be great match. Pet Plan adds: “Due to their gundog breeding, Golden Retrievers are eager to please and intelligent making them easy to train and ideal for novice owners. These highly active dogs will thrive in busy, active households with lots going on – they love long walks and adventures so suit outdoorsy households.”
Goldies and children
Due to their large size and rather exuberant nature, playful Goldies may a bit much for very young children. Pet Plan advises: “These dogs are naturally good with children and make ideal playmates. However, it’s worth noting that they may be best suited to families with older children due to their larger size and fun-loving, boisterous play style. As with any dog breed, any time your Golden Retriever spends with children should be supervised to make sure everyone stays safe and happy.”
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PDSA adds: “As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. As puppies, it’s normal for Retrievers to be ‘mouthy’, which means they have a tendency to nip and play bite. This is especially true when they’re teething. Although they don’t mean this in an aggressive way, it’s best to use positive training techniques to let them know that biting you can be sore and isn’t a fun game. That way, when they’re adults they’ll know this isn’t a good way to play with humans or other dogs.”
Easy-going Goldies are usually great around other dogs and pets, too. Pet Plan advises: “Because they are sociable and even-tempered, Golden Retrievers are known to get on well with other pets, including cats. It’s always best to introduce your Golden Retriever to your cat carefully and from a young age, if possible, to ensure both animals are happy around each other.”
Can cats and dogs be friends? >>
It's also recommended that someone is home most of the time. PDSA says: “We wouldn’t recommend leaving your Retriever on their own for too long if you can avoid it. Like all dogs, Golden Retrievers like to chew, so it’s better if there is someone around for the majority of the time to keep an eye on them. Remember, it’s recommended that you never leave your dog alone for more than four hours as it can cause them to become stressed and anxious.”
HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A GOLDEN RETRIEVER NEED?
Active and energetic Golden Retrievers need lots of opportunities to exercise and play and so require active and energetic owners.
“Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day,” advises PDSA. “It’s best to spread this out across the day and include walks and lots of running, with extra playtime and training on top.”
Discover how much exercise your dog needs or fun activities you can do together >>
Possessing brains as well as beauty, challenging and fun games are also required. PDSA adds: “Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch!”
Goldies are water babies
Most Goldies also love water. Pet Plan states: “Golden Retrievers are natural born swimmers, and this is a great form of exercise for older dogs or dogs with joint issues. Whether it’s swimming, running, chasing, even playing hide and seek – these dogs just love burning off energy in the great outdoors. Golden Retrievers need plenty of physical exercise and may turn to destructive behaviours, such as chewing and scratching, without other outlets for their energy.”
How much exercise do different dog breeds need? >>
Be aware that exercising young Goldies needs to be managed carefully. Your Dog recommends: “Don't allow too much exercise at a young age or Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a condition that causes lameness, can occur.”
WHAT SHOULD I FEED A GOLDEN RETRIEVER DOG?
“What do Golden Retrievers eat? Most things, given half a chance!” says Pet Plan. And, given their love of food, keeping your Goldie in good shape can be a challenge.
“The amount of food a Golden Retriever needs depends on their age, size, activity levels, fitness and weight,” advises Dogs Trust. “You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, taking your dog’s individual needs into account. Your dog's body condition is helpful for deciding how much food to give your dog. You can find more about body condition scoring from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA). If you’re not sure, ask your vet for advice.”
Portion control is required to avoid a portly pup
Pet Plan advises: “Vets recommend feeding a high-quality, breed-appropriate food twice a day, and keeping an eye on portion sizes by following the guidelines on the back of the pet food packaging. Try to avoid giving too many scraps or they may become overweight. Golden Retrievers can suffer from tummy trouble so ensure you don’t over feed them or feed them too many treats.”
What’s the best food for Golden Retrievers with sensitive stomachs? >>
“You’ll need to be careful with where you keep food and how you secure your bins, as Retrievers are known for eating anything and everything they can get their paws on,” adds PDSA. “Their big appetite also means they can easily get a taste for titbits off the table or scraps after dinnertime, so it’s best not to get in the habit of feeding these as they can be very high in calories for your dog. You’ll need to feed them a complete dog food to keep them slim and healthy. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important.”
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If you give your Goldie occasional treats or use treats for training, take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake as it can unbalance their diet. Try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating.
HOW MUCH GROOMING DOES A GOLDEN RETRIEVER NEED?
If you have a Golden Retriever than grooming will be a regular activity.
“Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering!” states PDSA. “Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. When they’re changing their coat (in spring and autumn), you may need to up this to daily brushing to really help keep on top of excessive shedding.”
“Due to their thick double coat, Golden Retrievers are considered heavy shedders, and will drop their fur throughout the year,” says Pet Plan. “Regular brushing will help to remove loose hairs and keep your dog’s coat in tip-top condition. Using a de-shedding tool to thin out the undercoat and keep on top of the hair loss can help.”
Some Goldies benefit from some summertime styling. Pet Plan adds: “In summer, you could also take your pet for a ‘haircut' at the groomers, which will usually involve trimming the longest feathered fur. Due to the breed's love of water (and mud!) you may need to bathe your Golden Retriever fairly often, using a pet-friendly shampoo to prevent any skin reactions.”
Goldie owner Cath Bevan reveals this about her dog Bertie:“Be prepared for the grooming required and for fur everywhere. I groom him every day for about 20 minutes. This has been our routine since he was a puppy. I find this is very relaxing and a good opportunity to bond. He goes to the groomer’s every three months for a wash and blow dry.”
Check out our top dog grooming guide >>
Dental hygiene is also important. Pet Plan advises: “Brush your Golden Retriever’s teeth regularly to prevent tooth or gum disease. It’s a good idea to introduce this as a part of your puppy’s routine early, as it’ll help familiarise them with the process.”
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN A GOLDEN RETRIEVER?
Because they love to please and are a sucker for treats, Golden Retrievers are easy to train, although it’s a good idea to get some professional help.
Your Dog advises: “For puppies, most vets hold puppy socialisation classes, and as they get older there are many local dog training classes for which you can enrol. Regular exercise is very important, starting off with short walks for puppies. Remember not to over exercise your young pup; build up distance as he grows to full size.”
“Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs,” says PDSA. “They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills.”
Quick learners who are eager to please
“Golden Retrievers are naturally intelligent dogs despite their sometimes goofy nature. As part of the Gundog breed group, Golden Retrievers are quick learners and eager to please, making them highly trainable,” states Pet Plan. “Golden Retrievers relish the chance to learn and are quick to pick up commands. Since life is a game for these big, affable dogs, they respond well to upbeat training methods using your voice and positive reinforcement.”
Goldie owner Cath Bevan says that training her dog was easy: “Bertie is very eager to please and likes nothing more than being told he is a good boy.”
Dogs Trust advises: “Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of praise, training with rewards is the best way for your dog to learn. As dogs are clever animals, they need suitable mental and physical exercise so that they don't get bored. Learning useful life skills such as recall, loose lead walking and settling are just as important. This ensures that you and your dog can spend enjoyable time together, both at home and out and about.”
For expert advice and practical training guidance, visit Dogs Trust Dog School >>
GETTING A GOLDEN RETRIEVER
“Do plenty of research before you get a Golden Retriever,” says PDSA. “Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first.”
“It’s important to get your Golden Retriever puppy from a reputable breeder so you can meet the puppy’s mum and check she has the temperament you’re looking for,” advises Pet Plan. “‘Lucy’s Law’ dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are now illegal.”
The comprehensive puppy checklist >>
Alternatively, there are a number of rescue organisations around the country, including The Kennel Club's Find a Rescue, Dogs Trust and breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers such as The Golden Retriever Club Rescue, Southern Golden Retriever Rescue and Happy Paws Puppy Rescue who would love to hear from you. Staff will seek to match you with the right dog for your home and lifestyle and provide you with support and useful information about the breed. By choosing a rescue Golden Retriever you’ll be giving one of these loyal, loving dogs a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life.
The best breed of dog is rescue >>
Need more advice?
If you’re at all unsure about the best way of feeding your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team, available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on +44 (0)1405 862241 who’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, use our online contact form to get in touch.
CARE MORE Find useful advice on caring for your dog from Burgess, the pet experts >>
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