Brief Description
Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and confident dogs with excellent natural working ability. The breed excels as hunting companions, family dogs, and in various working roles including service, therapy, and search-and-rescue work.
Health: Most important health concerns include cancer as well as orthopedic, ophthalmologic, cardiac (subvalvular aortic stenosis), and dermatologic conditions. Other health concerns include hypothyroidism and epilepsy.
Behaviour and Well-being: Golden Retrievers generally have excellent temperaments with few breed-specific behavioral problems. However, potential concerns include:
High exercise requirements - needs substantial daily physical activity and mental stimulation.
Separation anxiety - strong bonding can lead to distress when left alone.
Puppy exuberance - can be overly enthusiastic and boisterous, especially during the first 2-3 years of life.
Inappropriate aggression or fearfulness - considered unacceptable and atypical for the breed.
Get a GRIHP!: Comprehensive information on the breed's health can be found in the Get a GRIHP! on the Golden Retriever article (to be added soon).
Breed Standards
The basis of breed/conformation shows is the judging of pedigree dogs against the 'Breed Standard', which is a picture in words that describes the range of features that are deemed appropriate for the breed.
Three of the major international standards are:
Health Strategies
Research Projects
Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
Parent Breed Club
Other breed clubs: see Connections below
Other Resources
Finnish Kennel Club Breeding Database - Golden Retriever
Swedish Kennel Club Breeding Data (Avelsdata; in Swedish). Find the breed in the link 'Raser' on left.
Information Lacking?
We are constantly adding and updating the breed information - please contact us if you have updates, links, or other information to add!
US
FI
SE
UK
- Updated