Featured Breed

Golden Retrievers are amongst the most well-known and beloved breeds of dog due to their intelligence and loyalty.

They were originally bred in Scotland during the mid-1800s to retrieve wildfowl from both land and water. Their delicate mouths allowed them to retrieve birds without causing damage, and their affinity for water made them ideal hunting companions in the marshy wetlands of Scotland and the U.K.

Since they are highly intelligent and easy to train, Golden Retrievers have assumed a host of other responsibilities. They are popular as disability assistance dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and drug detection dogs. Golden Retrievers are just as popular as family companions and get along well with young children, other animals, and even strangers.

A fluffy pup

Golden Retrievers are known for their luscious, golden locks. But all that beautiful fur means lots of shedding.

It’s important to brush a Golden Retriever at least twice a week to encourage coat turnover and prevent matting. Golden Retrievers go through heavy bouts of shedding twice a year. They should be brushed daily during these times to keep the shedding under control. Regular baths are also important to ensure their long fur is clean and odor-free.

Intelligent, playful, and loyal, Golden Retrievers make great family pets and are easy to train. These pups love to spend time playing with their humans! Their water-repellent coat and muscular build means they can withstand the elements, but they are much happier being house dogs. That said, it’s important to make sure Golden Retrievers get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They can become destructive if they are bored and left alone for too long. Walking, swimming, and playing fetch outdoors are great ways to keep these lively pups entertained.

Owning a Golden Retriever

Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers commonly develop a host of breed-specific ailments. Major health problems associated with this breed include lymphoma, hip dysplasia, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancer that appears in the blood vessels that line various tissues including the spleen, lungs, or heart. Less problematic health issues include hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, and mast cell tumors, the most common type of skin tumors in dogs.

At a glance

Covering your Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 13 years.

However, they are prone to various breed-specific ailments. It’s important to have them checked by a veterinarian regularly. Pet insurance for Golden Retrievers is generally slightly more expensive than pet insurance for mixed breed dogs.

Since this breed is likely to have hereditary issues, it’s important to get pet insurance for Golden Retrievers within the first 1-2 years.

Rescue a puppy

Looking to rescue a Golden Retriever? Here are some of the top Golden Retriever rescues in the country: