Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs?

Yes, they are one of the classic family breeds: the AKC rates them 5 of 5 with young children, other dogs and strangers. They still need training, exercise and supervision with small kids, mostly because of their size and enthusiasm.

Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot?

Yes. The AKC rates shedding 4 of 5: moderate shedding year-round and heavy sheds once or twice a year. Brushing once or twice a week, daily during heavy sheds, keeps it manageable.

How much exercise does a Golden need?

Plenty every day, says the AKC: long walks, play, retrieving and swimming are ideal. Check with your vet before starting high-impact exercise like running, especially with a young dog.

How long do Golden Retrievers live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10–12 years. Regular vet checks, a healthy weight and the health screenings breeders do all help.

Breed guide

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a large, friendly sporting dog rated 5 of 5 by the AKC with children, with other dogs, with strangers and for trainability. The AKC lists males at 23–24 inches and 65–75 pounds and a life expectancy of 10–12 years. Goldens are eager to please and easy to love, but they need daily exercise and shed a lot.

At a glance

Height: 23–24 in (male), 21.5–22.5 in (female)
Weight: 65–75 lb (male), 55–65 lb (female)
Life expectancy: 10–12 years
AKC group: Sporting Group

AKC trait ratings (1 to 5)

Energy
Trainability
Need for mental work
Good with young children
Good with other dogs
Openness to strangers
Shedding
Coat grooming
Barking

Personality

Goldens are outgoing, loyal and eager to please, the AKC says, and they want nothing more than to be part of the family. They are rarely barkers (1 of 5) and usually welcoming to everyone, which makes them wonderful companions and poor guard dogs.

Exercise

Like most sporting breeds, Goldens need plenty of daily exercise, and the AKC warns that under-exercised Goldens find their own outlets. They make great partners for long walks, runs and bike rides, but the AKC suggests checking with your vet before strenuous, high-impact activity, especially in young dogs. Retrieving, swimming and dog sports are favorites.

Grooming

The thick, water-repellent double coat sheds moderately all the time and heavily once or twice a year (AKC shedding: 4 of 5). A good brushing once or twice a week removes much of the loose hair; during heavy sheds, it becomes a daily job. Dry the dog completely before brushing after a bath. Check ears weekly and brush teeth often.

Health: what to know

Hip and elbow dysplasia. The AKC lists these among the conditions responsible breeders screen for.
Eye conditions. Juvenile cataracts, pigmentary uveitis and progressive retinal atrophy are on the AKC’s screening list. Regular eye checks matter.
Heart disease. Including subvalvular aortic stenosis, which breeders screen for. Ask for the parents’ cardiac results.
Ears. Weekly checks for signs of infection, especially after swimming.

Training

Goldens are among the easiest breeds to train because they want to please. The AKC recommends gentle socialization between about 7 weeks and 4 months, puppy classes and ongoing obedience work, which strengthens the bond with the owner.

Is this breed right for you?

Usually a good fit for

Families with children or other pets
Active owners who enjoy walks, swimming and fetch
First-time owners ready for daily exercise and brushing

Can be a tough fit for

Homes that want a guard dog
Owners who can’t tolerate dog hair
People away from home most of the day

Frequently asked questions

Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs?: Yes, they are one of the classic family breeds: the AKC rates them 5 of 5 with young children, other dogs and strangers. They still need training, exercise and supervision with small kids, mostly because of their size and enthusiasm.
Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot?: Yes. The AKC rates shedding 4 of 5: moderate shedding year-round and heavy sheds once or twice a year. Brushing once or twice a week, daily during heavy sheds, keeps it manageable.
How much exercise does a Golden need?: Plenty every day, says the AKC: long walks, play, retrieving and swimming are ideal. Check with your vet before starting high-impact exercise like running, especially with a young dog.
How long do Golden Retrievers live?: The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10–12 years. Regular vet checks, a healthy weight and the health screenings breeders do all help.

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