Golden Retriever
Gentle, patient and famously good with children, the Golden Retriever is a working gundog at heart. The long coat needs regular grooming and the breed carries a well-documented cancer risk.
Key facts
Lifespan
10–12 years
Height
51–61 cm
Weight
25–34 kg
Exercise
~90 mins/day
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Training
Easy to train
First-time owners
Suitable
About the Golden Retriever
Developed in the Scottish Highlands in the 19th century, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve game across water and rough ground. They are softer and slightly more sensitive than Labradors, responding poorly to harsh handling. Expect a dog that wants to be with you constantly and carries something in its mouth most of the day.
Living with a Golden Retriever
House with a garden; the coat brings mud indoors year-round.
- Good with children
- Good with other pets
- Suitable for first-time owners
Health
Conditions this breed is commonly predisposed to. This is general information, not veterinary advice — speak to a vet about any specific animal.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Higher-than-average incidence of certain cancers
- Progressive retinal atrophy and hereditary cataract
- Ear infections from the drop ears
Ask the breeder for
- BVA/KC hip and elbow scores
- Annual eye testing
- DNA tests for PRA (GR-PRA1/GR-PRA2) and ichthyosis
Golden Retrievers for sale
No Golden Retriever adverts are live right now. New adverts are posted daily — or set your sights a little wider.
All dogs for saleGolden Retriever FAQs
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
A Golden Retriever typically lives 10–12 years.
How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
Around 90 minutes of daily exercise for a healthy adult, plus mental stimulation. Puppies need considerably less until their joints have matured.
Are Golden Retrievers good for first-time owners?
Yes — Golden Retrievers are generally suitable for sensible first-time owners who will train and exercise them consistently.
What health tests should a Golden Retriever breeder have done?
BVA/KC hip and elbow scores. Annual eye testing. DNA tests for PRA (GR-PRA1/GR-PRA2) and ichthyosis.
Breed information is general guidance compiled by the PetHome team. Every animal is an individual — meet it, and its mother, before you commit. This is not veterinary advice.