The Golden Retriever is an intelligent and easily trained sporting breed. The Golden is willing to please at home, in the field or as a service dog.

Physical Characteristics

• Powerful build, pronounced ruff around neck; dark eyes and nose, and medium-sized ears
• Color: Rich, lusterous golden of various shades, generally with lighter colored feathering
• Coat:  Dense and water repellent with good undercoat.  May be straight or wavy.  Tail, chest, legs and stomach are feathered
• Height and Weight: Males 23-24 inches and 65-75 lbs.; Females 21 1/2-22 1/2 inches and 55-65 lbs.
• Average lifespan: 10-12 years

Temperament

• Active, eager, friendly, loveable, trustworthy, smart, charming, alert, eager to please
• Interaction with people: Good family dog
• Interaction with animals: Good with other dogs
• Level of attention needed: Needs significant human companionship and affection; shouldn't be isolated for long periods of time
• Training: Easily trained

At Home

• Needs regular walking and a variety of exercise
• OK for apartments if sufficiently exercised
• Loves to play fetch
• Gains weight easily; do not overfeed
• Loves to swim

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Needs to be brushed regularly and excessive hair on feet and ears needs to be trimmed occasionally 

Brief History

• Originated in Great Britain in the late 1800s
• Ancestors include the Wavy Coated Retriever, Tweed water spaniel, and red setter.
• Brought to the U.S. in the 1920s
• This versatile breed is valued as a companion dog, as a hunting retriever, both on land and in the water, and as service dogs for the blind and disabled. 

Fido's Facts

• Also known as "Goldens"
• A Golden Retriever called "Buddy" was the star of the Disney movie "Air Bud"
• "Comet," the family pet on the hit TV show "Full House," was a Golden Retriever
• President Gerald Ford had a Golden Retriever named "Liberty"
• The first three American Kennel Club Obedience Trial Champions were Golden Retrievers