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Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever is a large sporting breed from Scotland.

Golden Retriever

Breed overview

Golden Retriever is a large sporting breed from Scotland.

Developed in Scotland in the late 19th century as a gundog to retrieve waterfowl, combining a yellow retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct).

People looking into Golden Retriever usually prepare for High exercise needs, High grooming needs, 55–75 lbs • 21–24 in.

History and origin

Golden Retriever is tied to originating from Scotland, specifically Scottish Highlands, with sources often placing its development around 1865 CE.

Golden Retriever is described here as placed in the Sporting group and marked as an established breed.

Developed in Scotland in the late 19th century as a gundog to retrieve waterfowl, combining a yellow retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct).

Quick facts

Breed group
Sporting
Size
Large
Origin country
Scotland
Region
Scottish Highlands
Origin year
1865 CE
Weight
55–75 lbs
Height
21–24 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Breed status
Established

Traits and day-to-day fit

Energy level
4 / 5
Trainability
5 / 5
Good with children
5 / 5
Shedding level
4 / 5
Barking tendency
2 / 5
High exercise needsHigh grooming needsChildren score: 5/5Trainability: 5/5

Coat and classification

Golden Retriever is grouped here with these coat and texture descriptors.

LongDenseWater Repellent

Golden Retriever is also listed as recognized by these kennel-club organizations.

Recognized by AKCRecognized by FCIRecognized by CKCRecognized by KCRecognized by KCA

Appearance and build

  • Medium to large-sized retriever
  • Dense water-repellent golden coat
  • Broad head with intelligent expression
  • Feathered tail and legs

What this breed is known for

  • Developed in Scotland in the late 19th century as a gundog to retrieve waterfowl, combining a yellow retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct).
  • They are renowned for their friendly, gentle nature and are highly popular family dogs, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds in the world.
  • Golden Retrievers are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs due to their intelligence, trainability, and calm disposition.

Health and care notes

Golden Retriever is noted here for High exercise needs and High grooming needs.

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Heart Disease
  • Eye Conditions
  • Cancer

Coat details: Long, Dense, Water Repellent

These are informational breed-guide notes, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Golden Retriever come from?

Golden Retriever is closely associated with Scotland, especially Scottish Highlands in the sources used for this page.

How big does a Golden Retriever get?

Typical size details for Golden Retriever on this page are 55–75 lbs, 21–24 in, 10–12 years.

What is the Golden Retriever known for?

Developed in Scotland in the late 19th century as a gundog to retrieve waterfowl, combining a yellow retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct).

Sources and citations

References below include kennel-club profiles, breed standards, and supporting background links for deeper reading.
  1. American Kennel Club breed profile
    American Kennel Club
  2. Golden Retriever reference page
    Wikipedia

Use the linked breed directories and standards for deeper reference. Breed guides are informational and do not replace veterinary or breeder advice.