Golden RetrieverCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the breed was created by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks on his Scottish estate, Guisachan, at the end of the 19th century. He crossed Flat-coated Retrievers with the Tweed Water Spaniel, with some Red Setter, Labrador and Bloodhound added.

It all began with a yellow dog called Nous, the only yellow puppy in a black litter, born in June 1864. Many romantic stories circulated about his origin, for example that he had been bought from a Russian circus trainer, but the records show otherwise. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1913, and between the two world wars it spread all over the world.

How the breed developed

• June 1864 – Nous, the yellow dog from which the breed began, is born.
• End of the 19th century – Sir Dudley Marjoribanks creates the breed at Guisachan.
• 1913 – The Kennel Club recognises the breed.
• Interwar period – The breed spreads around the world.
• 2 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 8 September 2026 – the current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The Golden Retriever is a symmetrical, balanced and powerful dog with free movement. The head is well chiselled, with a broad skull and a powerful, wide, deep muzzle. Wikipedia says it matures quite slowly.

General appearance

The nose is preferably black, and the dark eyes have a kindly expression. The flat or wavy coat has fine feathering on the legs, chest and tail, and the dense undercoat repels water.

The standard accepts any shade of gold or cream, but not red or mahogany. Only a few white hairs on the chest are allowed.

The standard describes it as biddable, intelligent and with natural working ability, kindly, friendly and confident. The AKC gives it top marks for trainability and for friendliness with children, other dogs and strangers.

The AKC recommends early socialisation and puppy classes, with gentle exposure to new people, places and situations between 7 weeks and 4 months of age.

Tips for effective training

• Start socialising it early. The period between 7 weeks and 4 months is the most important.
• Use rewards. It learns quickly and wants to please you.
• Give it something to fetch. It is a retriever and loves retrieving.
• Do not count on it as a guard dog. It is friendly with everyone.

The AKC says that, like most gundogs, it needs plenty of daily exercise; without it, it can get into mischief. It is a great companion on long runs and bike rides, but intense exercise should only start on your vet's advice.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits families with children very well.
• Be ready for hair in the house.
• Check the ears weekly.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it sheds heavily once or twice a year and moderately the rest of the time. Usually, a thorough brushing with a slicker brush once or twice a week removes most of the dead hair; during shedding periods, it needs brushing more often.

Common health problems

The AKC says Goldens are generally healthy, and responsible breeders test for:

Other care

• Check the ears weekly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.

The AKC says some Goldens gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched. Give treats in moderation.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It all began with Nous. The only yellow puppy in a black litter, born in 1864.
• A Scottish dog. The breed was developed on the Guisachan estate, in Scotland.
• It barks little. The AKC gives it the lowest score for barking.
• A guide dog. It is often used as a guide dog for blind people and in search and rescue.
• The working trial. Registration with the FCI depends on passing a working trial.

Who created the Golden Retriever?

Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, in Scotland, at the end of the 19th century.

How big does it get?

Males measure 56–61 cm and females 51–56 cm; they weigh about 25–34 kg.

Is it good with children?

Yes, the AKC gives it top marks with children.

Does it shed a lot?

Yes, especially once or twice a year.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years; a 2024 British study found 13.2 years.