Activities: Conformation, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Tracking, Narcotics Detection, Agility, Therapy, Service Dog
Barking Level: Moderate
Shedding Level: Heavily one or two times a year, and moderately on a continuous basis
Litter Size: 5 to 10 puppies
Group: Sporting Group
Other Names: Goldens
Breed’s Original Pastime: Hunting
Different Types of Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever is one of the most loved dog breeds worldwide. Goldens do come in three different types. They are all the same breed but have some subtle differences. Those are:
One of the most iconic Retrievers, the American Golden Retriever, stands out against its counterparts as a gentle, family-friendly dog. This type of Golden Retriever family has quite a few physical features that make it recognizable. These aspects are:
Overall Size – The American Golden Retriever is usually more delicate than its counterparts. They are categorized as having thinner and less muscular bodies.
Darker Coat Color – Generally, the American Golden Retriever has a darker coat color, even in the “light golden” shade. This darker coat is highlighted when compared directly to English and Canadian cousins.
Trotting Gait – Strangely, the American Golden Retriever has a unique way of walking. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), their gait is free, smooth, powerful, and well-shaped.
Eye Shape – The easiest differentiating factor for an American Golden Retriever is the triangular or slanted shape of their eyes.
Physical Requirements of American Golden Retriever:
This subcategory also has precise physical requirements that must be met before a dog can be officially deemed an American Golden Retriever. The American Kennel Club defines the specific measurements of the national standards for American Goldens.
The requirements for the size and proportion of the Golden Retriever’s body are as follows:
Body – The body should be well-adjusted and shouldn’t have barrel-shaped ribs.
Head and skull – It should flow smoothly from the nose tip to the back of the skull. Nothing should be super prominent, especially the forehead or any lowered eyes.
Neck – Should be stable with no apparent obtrusions and smoothly transition into the shoulders.
Topline – The topline should be soft and even with no bumps or not in a proper position.
Forequarters– Forequarters are a bit higher on the muscular side, with everything still sitting relaxed.
Hindquarters– These should be the most muscular part of the body, with a pelvic bone that lies at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizon.
English Golden Retriever
Initially bred in Scotland, English Golden Retrievers, also known as British Golden Retrievers or English Cream Golden Retrievers, have found their route across Europe and Australia. Almost like their American Golden Retriever equivalents, there are still a few physical differences that set them unique.
According to the Australian National Kennel Council, here are the three main physical features of an English Golden Retriever:
Skull Shape: The skull is usually broader with a steady and chiseled muzzle. These are most likely portions of the original breeding process with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel.
Coat Color: The British Golden Retriever coat color is usually lighter than the American or Canadian equivalents. Even the light golden is brighter for the English Golden Retriever compared to the other nationalities!
Eyes: British Golden Retriever has a rounder eye shape, as well as darker eye color. This can be emphasized when matched to the American standard for Golden Retrievers.
Canadian Golden Retriever
Canadian Golden Retrievers are the third type of Golden Retrievers that attained a breeding hot spot in Canada. There are three main noticeable differences between a Canadian Golden and an American or English Golden that will make them easier to differentiate, says Golden Rescue. These differences are:
Coat Hair: The Canadian Golden Retriever hair is usually shorter in length. It is also slimmer than its equivalents.
Denser Fur: Canadian Golden Retriever coats are shorter and thinner, but their fur is usually thicker.
Taller: Typically, a Canadian Golden Retriever is taller compared to the other two types by as much as two full inches!
Although their coat pattern and hair curl may differ, there is no variation in the Golden Retriever’s temperament! Despite the type of Golden Retriever you have, they will all share the same gentle mouth, high intelligence, and pleasing tendency.
Golden Retriever History
The Golden Retrievers’ origin began in Scotland when the first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Marjoribanks, started breeding this gundog in the 1840s. These dogs were familiar as Yellow Retrievers, a cross between a yellow wavy-coated retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel. Over time, the Bloodhounds and Irish Setters were thrown down to the bloodline.
The first Golden Retriever shown in a dog ring was a British dog in 1908. Soon after, dogs from the breed started appearing in the U.S. and Canada regions. Hunters recognized their stamina, strength, energy, and smartness. Regular folks appreciated the sweet Golden Retriever nature, and the breed soon became a beloved pet. In the 1970s, President Gerald Ford had a Golden Retriever named Liberty when he was in the White House, and Goldens have starred in TV shows “Full House,” movies “Air Bud,” and countless advertisements.
British, American, and Canadian Golden Retrievers have a few differing characteristics, though the regional differences do not affect this popular breed’s most recognizable features or temperament. The Golden Retriever breed isn’t just prized for its excellent impressions and kind nature. Still, they’re intelligent and obeyable. They are used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs, most notably after 9/11, when several Goldens came to find the survivors after the twin towers’ fall.
Golden Retriever Breed Overview
The Golden Retriever stands as one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S with their soft nature, shining coats, and charming smiles. Golden Retrievers are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with great attraction. They are easily trained, always patient, and gentle with children. Charming, devoted, and self-assured, they are a famous family dog. They excel in competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs. Goldens make good watchdogs as loudly indicating a stranger’s approach even though they are unlikely to attack. The Golden Retriever may become destructive and high-strung, over-exuberant, and distractible if he lacks daily physical and mental exercise. Be sure to remain this dog’s firm but calm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid behavioral issues. Some of the Golden’s talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim. Goldens love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. A high-quality dog food suitable for the dog’s age will have all the required nutrients for the breed. Some Goldens become overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Like many breeds, the Golden has diverged into several types – primarily the fluffy, teddy-bear Goldens of the show ring and the slimmer, darker, smaller, and less-coated athletes popular as dog-sports competitors and hunting companions.
Golden Retriever Breed Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Sweet, lovable, and incredibly good-natured
Sheds regularly and needs daily brushing
Intelligent and easy to train
Food-obsessed and can easily gain weight
Loves being around its family and is good with kids
Needs significant amount of exercise and training
Golden Retriever Highlights
Goldens shed heavily, especially in the spring and fall. Brush them daily to remove the loose hair out of the coat and from settling on your clothing. Being with goldens means you should get used to dog hair.
Goldens are family dogs and like to live indoors. They should not be left alone for a longer time.
Goldens are active dogs. They need both physical and mental exercise like obedience training, canine activities, and agility classes.
Goldens are friendly and trustworthy with kids. They are large dogs and can be boisterous, so it is better to be careful with kids.
Goldens are prone to obesity; feed them measured, regular nutritious meals.
Goldens are unethically bred for commercial purposes, so never buy puppies from pet stores, puppy mills, or irresponsible breeders.
Golden Retriever Personality
Golden Retrievers are well-formed, robust, active dogs, sound and well put together, not clumsy or extended in the leg, display a kindly expression and possess an eager, sharp, and self-confident personality. Primarily a hunting dog, the Golden Retrievers should be exposed to challenging working conditions. Overall appearance, gait, balance, and purpose are given more importance than any of his parts. Golden Retriever males stand 23-24 inches in height at withers, and females stand 21 1/2-22 1/2 inches. Goldens up to one inch above or below standard size is a proportionately unfair disadvantage. Deviation in the height of more than one inch from the standard shall disqualify. Length from breastbone to the point of buttocks is slightly more significant than the height at withers in a ratio of 12:11. The males weigh about 65-75 pounds and the females about 55-65 pounds.
Friendliness Overview
Affection Level
High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
High
Pet-Friendly
High
Strangers-Friendly
High
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Medium
Good for Apartment Living
Low to Medium
Sensitivity Level
High
Tolerates Being Alone
Low
Heat Tolerance
Medium
Cold Tolerance
Medium
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
High
Intelligence
High
Prey Drive
Medium
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite
High
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Medium
Wanderlust Ability
Low to Medium
Tendency to Dig
Low
Tendency to Snore
Low
Attention/Social Needs
High
Golden Retriever Physical Features
Head A Golden’s head is broad in the skull, slightly arched laterally and longitudinally without prominence of frontal bones (forehead) or occipital bones. The head finish is well defined but not abrupt. The foreface is deep and wide, nearly as long as the skull. Golden’s muzzle is straight in profile, blending smoothly and powerfully into the head; when viewed in profile or above, it is slightly deeper and wider at stop than at tip. Removal of whiskers is allowed but not preferred. A Golden Retrievers’ eyes portray a friendly and intelligent expression, medium large with dark, close-fitting rims, set well apart and relatively deep in sockets. The most preferred color is dark brown, and medium brown is also acceptable. Golden Retrievers have slant eyes, while narrow, triangular eyes divert from correct expression and are considered a fault. When a Golden is looking straight ahead, there shouldn’t be white or haw visibility. Dogs showing proof of functional abnormalities of eyelids or eyelashes (such as but not limited to trichiasis, ectropion, entropion, or distichiasis) are to be exempted from the ring. Golden Retrievers have relatively short ears with a front edge connected well behind and just above the eye, falling close to the cheek. When the Golden’s ear is pulled in the forward direction, the tip of the ear should only cover the eye. Goldens with a low, hound-like ear are set to be at fault. The nose is black or brownish-black, though fading to a lighter shade in cold weather, not severe. A Golden Retriever with a pink nose or the one seriously lacking in pigmentation is a fault. Goldie has a scissors bite, in which the lower incisors’ outer side touches the inner side of upper incisors. An undershot or overshot bite is considered a fault. Misalignment of teeth (irregular placement of incisors) or a level bite (incisors meet each other edge to edge) is undesirable but not confused with undershot or overshot. Full dentition. Obvious gaps are serious faults.
Neck The neck is medium-long, merging gradually into well-laid-back shoulders, giving a sturdy, muscular appearance. Untrimmed natural ruff. No throatiness.
Topline Firm and level from withers to slightly sloping croup, whether constant or moving. Sloping backline, roach or sway back, flat or steep croup to be faulted.
Body Golden Retriever’s body is well-balanced, short coupled, deep through the chest. Chest between forelegs at least as broad as a man’s closed hand including thumb, with well-developed fore-chest. The brisket extends to the elbow. Ribs are long and sprung well but not barrel-shaped, extending well towards the hindquarters. The Loin is short, muscular, deep, and wide, with very little tuck-up. Slab Sidedness, narrow chest, excessive tuck-up, lack of depth in brisket, flat or steep croup to be faulted.
Tail The tail is well set on. Thick and muscular at the base, following the croup’s natural line. Tail bones grow to the point of the hock but not below it. Carried with merry action, level or with some mild upward curve; never curled over the back nor between legs.
Forequarters The Golden Retriever’s forequarter is muscular, well-formed with hindquarters, and capable of free movement. Shoulder blades are lengthy and well laid back, with upper tips reasonably close together at withers. Upper arms resemble the same length as the blades, setting the elbows back below the blades’ upper end, close to the ribs without looseness. When viewed from the front, Golden’s legs are straight with good bone but not to the point of stiffness. Pasterns are short and intense, slightly sloping with no indication of weakness. Dewclaws on forelegs may be eliminated but are generally left on.
Feet The feet are of medium size, compact, round, and well knuckled, with thick pads. The Golden Retriever’s excess hair may be trimmed to show natural size and shape. Any splayed or hare feet are considered to be faulted.
Hindquarters The Goldens possess broad and strongly muscled hindquarters. Profile of croup slants slightly; the pelvic bone inclines at a slightly greater angle (approximately 30 degrees from horizontal). The femur joins the pelvis at about a 90-degree angle; stifles well bent; hocks well let down with short, strong rear pasterns. Feet as in front. Legs straight when viewed from the rear. Cow-hocks spread hocks, and sickle hocks are some faults for the breed.
Coat The coat is dense and water repellent with a good undercoat. The outer coat is firm and flexible, neither coarse nor silky, lying close to the body; it may be straight or wavy. An untrimmed natural ruff, moderate fur on the back of forelegs and under-body; heavier fur on the front of the collar, back of thighs, and tail underside. The coat on the head, paws, and front of the legs is low and even. Any excessive length, open coats, and limp, soft coats are awkward. You may trim the Golden’s feet and neaten the stray hairs, but their coat or outline’s natural appearance should not be spayed by cutting or clipping.
Color A Golden Retriever is a rich and shiny golden of various shades. The feathering may be lighter than the rest of the coat. Besides graying or whitening of the body or face due to aging, any white marking, except some white hairs on the chest, should be a severe fault according to its extent. Proper light shadings are not to be compared with white markings. Predominant body color, which is either remarkably pale or too dark, is unacceptable. Some freedom should be given to the light Golden puppy whose coloring shows the promise of deepening with maturity. Any notable area of black or other off-color hair is a severe fault.
Gait The gait is free, soft, powerful, and well-coordinated. Goldens show good reach while trotting. Observed from any position, the legs set neither in nor out nor do feet cross or conflict with each other. As they increase speed, feet tend to converge toward the centerline of balance. It is suggested that dogs be shown on a loose lead to reflect proper gait.
Any deviation from the specified ideal qualities shall be considered faulty to the degree to which it interferes with the breed’s purpose or is against breed character.
Golden Retriever Temperament
Golden Retrievers are friendly, loyal, and trustworthy. They are also intelligent and devoted. Early in their lives, they are ideal for playing with kids in the backyard. As they age, most golden retrievers grow humble and calm. Bred to be working dogs, Goldens have a lot of strength and require a lot of activity. They are best fit for pet-parents with an active lifestyle, and they thrive in a home where someone is around to spend time with them. They don’t do well when left home alone as they love their humans too much.
As Goldens were bred to work with people, they are eager to please their parents and enjoy having a task to do, like retrieving everything they like. Their happy attitude often attracts attention from other people when you are out and about. Goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guardian dogs, Golden Retrievers are excellent service dogs due to their dedication, intelligence, and stable temperament. Quarrelsomeness or enmity towards other dogs or people in everyday situations, or an unfair show of timidity or nervousness, isn’t keeping with the Golden Retriever character. Such actions are considered faulty according to their significance.
Golden Retriever Exercise Needs
Like most Sporting breeds, Golden Retrievers need plenty of daily exercises. This smart and active breed requires daily activity, both physical and mental. Adult Goldens require at least 45 minutes of exercise a day, whether running, walking, playing fetch with a toy, or training. Goldens make exceptional companions on long runs and bike rides. Many Goldens successfully get their exercise on hunting trips or at field trials and participate in canine games such as agility, tracking, and obedience.
Many Golden Retrievers enjoy the water, and swimming is a great low-impact exercise. Exercises such as hiking, agility, dock diving, or hunting provide physical and mental stimulation for Golden Retrievers. For average growth, Golden Retriever puppies need less vigorous exercise than adult Goldens. However, consulting a vet is recommended before starting active or high-impact activities that might stress the dog’s bones and joints.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
High
Exercise Needs
High
Playfulness
High
Intensity
Low to Medium
Golden Retriever Grooming
Golden Retrievers have a solid, water-repellent outer coat with a thick undercoat. Golden Retrievers are available in all shades of gold, from light to dark. Some breeders have started selling “rare white Goldens,” but the American Kennel Club does not recognize white as a breed’s coat color. Golden Retrievers occasionally shed in the summer and winter and heavily in the spring and fall. If you have a Golden, you’ll need to accommodate a certain amount of dog hair in your house and on your things. The Golden’s thick coat involves lots of grooming. Daily brushing prevents tangling, and once a week is a bare minimum. Your Golden needs a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling fair.
Brush your Golden’s teeth two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that sneak inside them. Daily brushing your Golden is better if you want to control gum disease and bad breath. Neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in excellent condition, so trim your Golden’s nails once or twice a month if your Golden doesn’t wear them down naturally. Dog toenails have blood vessels, and if you cut too far, you can cause bleeding, and your dog may not support the next time he sees the nail clippers out. So, if you don’t have any experience trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.
Fold-over ears create a warm, shaded environment for bacteria or fungus to develop in, and breeds with them, such as the Goldens, are prone to ear diseases. Goldens should check his ears weekly for foul odor or redness, which indicates an infection. Wipe your Golden’s ears with a cotton ball moistened with a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent infections. Don’t insert anything into the ear canal; clean the outer ear. Begin accustoming your Golden to being brushed and examined when he’s a puppy. Handle his paws frequently; dogs are touchy about their feet, and check his mouth often. A positive experience of grooming filled with praise and rewards is necessary for your dog. As you groom, check for injuries, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, inflammation, or tenderness on the skin, in the nose, eyes, mouth, and feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness. Your careful weekly exam on your pet will help you identify potential health problems early.
Grooming Overview
Amount of Shedding
High
Tendency to Drool
Medium to High
Easy to Groom
Low to Medium
Golden Retriever Health
Generally, Goldens are healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to specific health conditions. Not all Golden Retrievers will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s essential to know about them if you’re considering this breed.
If you plan for a Golden Retriever pup, find a suitable stock breeder who will provide you with health clearances for both your pup’s parents. Health clearances validate that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a specific condition.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Low to Medium
Weight Gain Possibilities
High
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia, a genetic condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit comfortably into the hip joint. Some Goldens exhibit pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any indications of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog gets older, arthritis can develop. The Orthopedic Foundation performs x-ray screening for hip dysplasia for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia aren’t involved in breeding. If you’re getting a Golden puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the dog’s parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are problem free.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition commonly seen in large-breed dogs. The disease’s causes are due to different growth rates of the three bones that form the dog’s elbow, causing joint laxity leading to painful lameness. Your vet recommends surgery to fix the problem or medication to restrict pain.
Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow gradually. Cataracts may develop at any age and often don’t damage vision, although some cases cause vision loss. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist certifies the breeding dogs after testing them free of hereditary eye disease before breeding. Usually, cataracts can be removed surgically with good results.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of eye diseases involving the retina’s slow deterioration. In the initial stages of this disease, dogs become night-blind. As it advances, they lose their vision during the daytime as well. Most dogs adapt to their limited or complete vision loss gradually, as long as their home surroundings remain the same.
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis is a narrow connection between the left ventricle (out-flow) and the aorta that causes Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis, a heart problem. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis can cause fainting or even sudden death. Your vet can identify it and prescribe the proper medication.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): This orthopedic condition causes abnormal growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but also observed in the shoulders, causing a painful stiffening of the joint to the point that the Golden cannot bend his elbow. It is identified in dogs as early as four to nine months of their age. Overfeeding your Golden Retriever with “growth formula” puppy foods or high-protein foods may add to this condition’s development.
Allergies: Golden Retriever dogs can be allergic to various substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your dog is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, get him checked by your veterinarian.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: This disease is an inherited blood disorder that interferes with its clot ability. The main symptom is extreme bleeding after surgery or injury. Other symptoms include bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. Currently, there is no proper cure for this disease, and a blood transfusion from normal dogs’ blood is the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments and medication. A veterinarian can test your dog for this condition.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus is a life-threatening disease that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Golden Retrievers, especially if you are feeding one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink water excessively, or exercise vigorously after a meal. Bloat occurs when the stomach swells due to gas or air pressure and then twists. The dog cannot belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and the blood flow to the heart gets blocked. Blood pressure drops gradually, and the dog goes into shock. The dog can die if you do not pay immediate medical attention. Suspect bloat if your dog is drooling excessively, has a distended abdomen, and retching without throwing up. Golden may also be restless, lethargic, depressed, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your Golden to the vet as soon as possible.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a brain disorder causing periodic seizures and convulsions. Your veterinarian will need to know how severe the attacks are and how often they occur to conclude what medication to prescribe, if any.
Hypothyroidism: A disorder of the thyroid gland that’s believed to cause conditions such as epilepsy, obesity, hair loss, lethargy, dark skin patches, and other skin conditions. Treatment is medication and proper diet.
Hemangiosarcoma: This is a hazardous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and the spleen. It most commonly happens in middle-aged and elderly dogs.
Cancer: The Golden Retriever has a higher life expectancy than the other breed, so they are prone to cancer as they grow older. Cancer can be cured by surgical removal of tumors and chemotherapy. It is essential not to ignore the symptoms and diagnose them earlier.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer that’s common in large and giant breeds.
Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease among dogs. In diabetes, the dogs cannot metabolize the blood sugar, causing increased drinking, eating, and urination along with weight loss. Treatment includes medication and insulin injection.
Heart Disease: It causes abnormal heart murmurs and heart rhythm. The best way to diagnose is through an X-ray, an ECG, or an echocardiogram. Treatment includes medication, dental care, and weight control.
Portosystemic shunt: It is a condition in which the liver is deprived of blood flow, due to which it does not grow and function properly. The toxin gets accumulated and cannot be removed from the bloodstream effectively. Symptoms include stunted growth or seizures.
Dental disease: It affects 80% of pets by the age of two. It causes tartar build-up on the teeth, infection of the gums and roots, and in extreme cases, loss of teeth and damage to the kidneys.
Infections: The Golden Retriever is prone to certain bacterial and viral infections such as rabies, parvo, and distemper. The viral infection can be prevented by giving a vaccination based on the dog’s age.
Parasites: The Golden Retriever can be infested with worms, bugs, fleas, and ticks that can get into their systems through unclean water, contaminated soil, or bitten by an infected mosquito. It can also be transmitted to you and your family. Symptoms include discomfort, pain, and even death.
Obesity: It is a significant health condition in Golden Retrievers. Excess weight can cause joint problems, back pain, digestive disorders, and heart disease. The best way to prevent this lifestyle disease is a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Spay or Neuter: In spay, the ovaries or uterus in females is removed, and in the neuter, the testicles of the male dogs are removed. It is done to eliminate the possibility of pregnancy or fathering unwanted puppies and also decrease the likelihood of certain types of cancer.
National Breed Club Recommended Health Tests for Golden Retriever
Elbow Evaluation
Hip Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Cardiac Exam
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 10 (NCL10)
Golden Retriever Diet and Nutrition
The Golden Retriever is a foodie breed that is prone to overeating. The general recommendation for how much high-quality dry dog food (based on its average weight and activity level) to feed your Golden Retriever is two to two-and-a-half cups of food per day. This amount of food should be split between two meals or offered in a food-dispensing puzzle toy.
Golden Retrievers aren’t prone to guard their food, but children should be restricted to touch or remove food while any dog is eating as that might excite them.
Golden Retriever Required Living Condition
This breed will do okay in an urban or apartment life if properly exercised. Goldens are moderately active indoors and will do great with at least a medium to large yard.
Did You Know?
The American Kennel Club recognized Golden Retriever in 1925 as its 78th breed.
The Golden Retrievers were first shown in England at the crystal palace in 1908 and were listed as flat coats.
The Golden Retriever was awarded for Canine Excellence in 2018, Kol for a therapy dog, and Sampson for a service dog.
In 1977, the Golden Retriever received the Obedience Champion title.
Golden Retriever Club Recognition
ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
AKC = American Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
Adding a Golden Retriever to Your Family
Golden Retriever Rescue Groups
There are countless Golden Retrievers in need of adoption and/or nursing, and there are several breed-specific rescue associations across the country that are listed below:
