Coach Max
The Golden Retriever ranks No. 3 in the AKC’s 2025 most popular breed list, and it’s easy to see why: Goldens are gentle, patient, playful and famously good with children. They are also active sporting dogs with a heavy coat and some serious breed health concerns. Here’s what to know before you bring one home.
Golden Retriever at a glance
- Size: about 21.5–24 inches tall; roughly 55–75 lbs
- Life expectancy: about 10–12 years
- Energy: medium-high
- Good with kids: excellent
- Shedding: heavy
- Watch-outs: cancer risk, joint problems, skin and ear issues
Alt text: Golden Retriever lying in autumn leaves
Golden Retriever Temperament
Goldens are affectionate, social and eager to please. They usually love everyone they meet, including strangers, children and other pets.
They are bred to work with people, so they thrive on activity and attention. Goldens stay puppy-like for years and can become mouthy, jumpy or destructive without enough exercise and training.
Common Golden Retriever Health Problems
Knowing a breed’s typical health risks helps you choose a responsible breeder, budget for care and spot problems early. Always ask for health-test results for both parents.
Cancer
Golden Retrievers have a higher cancer rate than many breeds, including hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Regular vet checkups help catch problems early.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Look for breeders who screen both parents, and keep your Golden lean.
Heart disease
Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) occurs in the breed; responsible breeders have hearts checked by a cardiologist.
Skin allergies and ear infections
Itchy skin, hot spots and ear infections are common. Dry ears after swimming and talk to your vet about persistent itching.
Daily Care
Exercise
Plan on about an hour of daily exercise. Goldens love fetch, swimming, long walks and dog sports like obedience and dock diving.
Grooming
The water-resistant double coat sheds heavily. Brush several times a week, bathe as needed, trim the feathering and keep nails short.
Food
Choose a complete large-breed diet, measure meals and limit treats — Goldens gain weight easily. Before sharing snacks, check our list of safe and toxic human foods for dogs.
Training a Golden Retriever
Goldens are intelligent and highly food- and praise-motivated, so reward-based training works beautifully. Start socialization and manners on day one.
- Reward four paws on the floor to prevent jumping on guests
- Give a toy to carry at greetings — retrievers love to hold something
- Teach a reliable recall before off-leash adventures
- Use mental games like scent work on rainy days
Struggling with the basics? See our guides on stopping leash pulling, puppy biting and excessive barking — the methods work for every breed.
Is a Golden Retriever Right for You?
A great match if you want a friendly, trainable family dog and can handle shedding and daily exercise.
Think twice if you want a tidy, low-shedding dog, have limited time, or want a guard dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Golden Retrievers good with kids?
Yes, they are known for being gentle and patient, though all dog-child interactions should be supervised.
How much do Golden Retrievers shed?
A lot — year-round, with heavier seasonal sheds.
What is the difference between a Golden and a Lab?
Both are friendly sporting breeds; Goldens have a longer, feathered coat that needs more grooming.
The Bottom Line
Golden Retrievers are loving, loyal and wonderfully trainable. Plan for exercise, grooming and regular vet checkups, and you will have a devoted companion. See where the Golden Retriever ranks among America’s 10 most popular dog breeds.
