Dog class - Sporting
Average height - 22 to 24 inches
Average weight - 65 to 90 pounds
Size - Large
Average life span - 10 to 12 years

A strong and muscular dog with an athletic build. Goldens typically stand about 55-60cms high at the shoulders and weigh about 30-40kgs. Their coat is golden of various shades and is long, dense, and feathery.

Developed in either England or Scotland around the mid 1800's for the purpose of hunting. Bred for retrieving small game and birds that were shot by the hunters.

Games that involve retrieving something. Hunting and the hunting type competitions are popular with golden owners who enjoy these type of activities. Golden Retrievers also excel in obedience, utility, flyball, Frisbee, and other types of competitions. Goldens always love to just to be included in family activities.

This breed has a great temperament and a strong desire to please. Usually very friendly, this dog loves to interact with people. Generally gentle in nature, this dog tends to get along with kids and other pets. Goldens tend to enjoy getting attention from anyone. Golden retrievers need an active lifestyle and they love to play games, especially those involving retrieving.

This was once a very healthy breed, but it's increase in popularity has unfortunately allowed for questionable breeding. This has allowed more health and genetic problems to surface. Hip dysplasia is a major concern. Parents and grandparents of your pup should be checked and cleared. Goldens sometimes experience skin and coat problems, they also get "hotspots" easily. Lymphatic and other cancers may be seen in middle-aged and older golden retrievers. Hypothyroidism is another problem this breed may experience.

Goldens are very oral and tend to chew a lot as pups and adolescents. Their puppy hood is often long, sometimes up to three years. This breed can have a high activity level, so obedience training is strongly recommended to maintain basic control. Golden retrievers need and want a lot of attention, they are often demanding to receive this attention. For this reason, they do not make a good pet for those who want a totally outside dog. They are also not a good choice for families that are gone for periods of time longer than 10 hours. Their hair is long and it gets dirty easily, plus they shed a lot.

This breed is so friendly that sometimes they may even wonder off with strangers.

Further Golden Retriever Dog Resources