Golden Retriever

Gentle, affectionate, and people-focused. Goldens usually do best with daily exercise, training, and a home that enjoys an interactive, family-oriented dog.

size
Large
energy
Medium to High
shedding
High
grooming
Medium
trainability
Easy
goodWithKids
Usually
barking
Low to Medium
aloneTimeTolerance
Low to Medium
climate
Mild

Best for

  • Families who want a friendly, trainable companion
  • Owners who enjoy daily walks and play
  • Homes that can provide grooming and regular brushing
  • People looking for an easy-to-train dog with a soft temperament

Not ideal for

  • People who want a low-shedding, low-grooming dog
  • Homes that cannot provide daily exercise and attention
  • Owners who prefer a more independent dog

Temperament

  • Affectionate and friendly
  • Eager to please and responsive to training
  • Often gentle with children when supervised
  • Can become mouthy or excitable without training

Daily routine

exercise: Daily walks plus play and enrichment. Many enjoy retrieving games.
training: Consistent, reward-based training. Teach calm greetings and leash manners early.
grooming: Brush several times per week. Expect seasonal shedding and occasional matting.

Living fit

apartment: Possible with enough exercise, but space and access to parks help.
family: Usually a strong fit for families with consistent routines.
firstTimeOwner: Often a good first dog if grooming and exercise are managed.

Health notes

  • Choose reputable sources and ask about health screening and longevity history.
  • Keep weight and activity balanced to support joints.

Cost and time

time: Medium to High. Needs daily interaction and activity.
cost: Moderate. Grooming and quality diet add to ongoing costs.

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