Golden Retrievers, as their name implies, love to retrieve. Often referred to as Goldens, these dogs will fetch and make every effort to pick up and carry anything they can fit into their mouths. These dogs can be entertained for hours with a simple toss of a ball or the throw of a stick. They were originally developed as sporting dogs and gundogs, prized for their hunting and retrieving abilities. However, with their eagerness to please and their high level of trainability and intelligence, Goldens have since proven themselves worthy of many other tasks. They make excellent guide, therapy, and service dogs for the handicapped; and their keen tracking ability makes them valuable in narcotics detection work. Golden Retrievers also make good show dogs, and perform well in obedience competitions and retriever field trials. Last, but certainly not least, the Golden Retriever makes an outstanding family pet. Golden Retrievers are generally 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 centimeters) in height and weigh from 55 to 75 pounds (25 to 34 kilograms).

Golden Retrievers appear in various shades ranging from gold to cream. They have a double coat that consists of a dense, water-resistant undercoat, and a medium length, dense, lustrous outer coat of straight or wavy hair. Goldens have heavy feathering on the front of their necks, the back of their back legs, and their tails. They sport moderate feathering on the underside of their bodies and the back of their front legs. The hair on the front of their legs, their heads, and their paws is even and short. The feathering may be a lighter shade than the rest of the coat.

Golden Retrievers have many glowing personality characteristics: they’re devoted, even-tempered, eager, alert, gentle, and loving dogs – all qualities of an excellent family dog.
Although Goldens reach physical maturity in about two years, they typically don’t outgrow their puppy-like behavior until about age 3. The exceptionally friendly and sociable nature of the Golden Retriever explains its need to be around people as much as possible.
Goldens are eager to please their owners and this, combined with their high level of intelligence, makes them easy to train. However, they have a sensitive side, so harshness is unnecessary and should be avoided. They love to learn and will enthusiastically attempt new tricks.
Golden Retrievers are not a good choice for those looking for protection. While they will bark at disturbances, the bottom line is that these dogs don’t seem to have an aggressive bone in their bodies. They’re just too friendly to be put to work as guard dogs.
Golden Retrievers are energetic dogs, and need daily outdoor exercise. Long walks and plenty of opportunities to run, retrieve, and play are essential. It’s recommended that they get about an hour and a half of exercise each day.
Families with children are happy to find that Goldens simply adore them, although the dogs’ size and enthusiasm may make them seem a bit overwhelming to fearful or very young children. The breed is also very compatible with other pets.
Due to their size and exuberance, Golden Retrievers are not well suited to apartment living or as companions to the elderly. They need room to run, whether it be in the back yard, at a dog park, or in the country. One other caveat: Care must be taken to keep Goldens safe if there’s any type of water nearby, as these dogs love to swim, but may not be able to climb out of a pool or the like unassisted.

Wherever their families are, Golden Retrievers want to be with them, whether indoors or out. These dogs make a terrific addition to active individuals or families who have plenty of  affection and attention to share.

Golden Retrievers are strong, muscular, well-coordinated dogs. Their bodies should be well-balanced and have a level top line. They are slightly longer than they are tall. Their coats should be in the golden range – reds and mahoganies are generally unacceptable, as are white markings and black hairs. Goldens have medium-large eyes, set well apart, and ranging in color from medium to dark brown. They should have a friendly, intelligent expression. The ears should be set at approximately the same level as the eyes. They should be somewhat short and fall close to the cheek. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The skull should be broad and arched, with a well-defined stop. Goldens have straight muzzles and brownish-black to black noses.

Brushing with a firm wire brush is advised twice-weekly for Golden Retrievers. It’s especially important to prevent matting of the dense undercoat, as this causes discomfort to the dog. The feathering on the front legs and under the tail should be trimmed regularly, as should the hair between the footpads. The tail is usually trimmed in a crescent shape. The golden retriever is considered to be an average to heavy shedder.

The average life span of Golden Retrievers is 10 to 13 years, though they may live as long as 17 years.