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Golden Retriever

Scotland

Friendly, Loyal, Intelligent, Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable

Quick Facts

Weight

25–34 kg

Height

51–61 cm

Lifespan

10–12 years

Group

Sporting

Pros & Cons

  • Extremely friendly and sociable, making them great family pets

  • Loyal and affectionate with a gentle temperament

  • Highly trainable and eager to please

  • Ideal for roles as therapy or service dogs

  • Versatile for activities such as obedience, agility, and outdoor adventures

  • Consistently reliable and patient with children and other pets

  • Prone to obesity if not given sufficient exercise or monitored with diet

  • High grooming demands due to significant shedding

  • Can be predisposed to health issues such as hip dysplasia and certain cancers

  • Overly friendly nature may make them less effective as guard dogs in some situations

History & Purpose

The Golden Retriever’s story begins in 19th-century Scotland, where Lord Tweedmouth, known as Dudley Marjoribanks, set out to develop a dog that could retrieve game gracefully both on land and in water. Bred from a mix of Yellow Retrievers, Tweed Water Spaniels, and other working breeds, the Golden Retriever was designed to have a soft mouth and a keen sense of smell—qualities that made it an excellent hunting companion. Its natural aptitude for retrieving game efficiently laid the foundation for its enduring popularity.


Beyond their origins as sporting dogs, Golden Retrievers have won hearts worldwide as friendly and devoted family companions. Their gentle temperament, high trainability, and unwavering loyalty have led to widespread use as therapy and service dogs. The breed’s balanced nature makes them ideal for a variety of roles, whether in competitive canine sports or simply as a loving, reliable friend at home. Today, Golden Retrievers are celebrated not just for their hunting prowess but also for their ability to enrich family life with warmth and affection.

Common Health Issues

Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Cancer (lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma), Heart disease, Skin allergies, Obesity, Ear infections, Hypothyroidism

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