The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland in the 19th century to retrieve waterfowl and game birds. Bred for intelligence, obedience, and soft-mouth retrieving, the breed quickly gained popularity for both hunting and companionship.

Today, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide — and for good reason. They are gentle, loyal, and highly sociable, making them ideal for families with children, first-time dog owners, and even therapy or assistance work.

They are easy to train, love to play, and are rarely aggressive. While they do require consistent grooming and exercise, their adaptable nature makes them fit well into most households — from suburban homes to countryside properties.

• Origin: Scotland

• Breed Group: Sporting / Gundog

• Lifespan: 10–12 years

• Size: 21–24 inches tall, 55–75 pounds

• Coat Type: Medium-long, water-resistant double coat

• Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, trainable, patient

• Exercise Needs: Moderate to high – daily play and walks

• Training Needs: Very intelligent – eager to please

• Grooming Needs: Moderate to high – regular brushing needed

• Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, heart conditions, allergies

Golden Retrievers are the ultimate people-dogs — outgoing, loyal, and emotionally intuitive. They thrive in loving homes where they can be involved in everyday life, whether that means joining outdoor adventures, playing fetch in the yard, or simply lounging at your feet.

They get along well with kids, strangers, and other pets, and are rarely reactive. Because of their intelligence and social nature, they excel in obedience training, therapy work, and even search-and-rescue tasks.

However, they are heavy shedders and do need regular grooming. And like many large breeds, they require responsible care to manage genetic health concerns — especially hip and joint issues.