The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. The breed's friendly, tolerant attitude makes him a fabulous family pet, and his intelligence makes him a highly capable working dog. Golden Retrievers excel at retrieving game for hunters, tracking, sniffing out drugs, and as therapy and assistance dogs. They're also natural athletes, and do well in dog sports such as agility and competitive obedience.

Expected Adult Weight:
55 - 75 lbs.

Expected Adult Height at the Shoulder:
21 - 24 inches.

Expected Life Span:
10 - 12 years.

It's no surprise that the Golden Retriever is one of the top ten most popular dogs in the U.S. It's all good with the Golden: he's highly intelligent, sociable, beautiful, and loyal.

He's also lively. The Golden is always there to please and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy as a delightful companion!

Golden Retrievers have a dense, water-repellent outer coat with a thick undercoat. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail.

Regular Grooming Frequency:
The Golden's thick coat means brushing is recommended to prevent tangling.

Your Golden will also need a bath once a month to keep him looking and smelling clean!

Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long.

Home Grooming Tools Required:
Metal comb and soft slicker.

Training and giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise will include him in your family activities more and make him feel more united with you! The Golden Retriever is a family dog, and he needs to be with his "pack."

The Golden is intelligent and ready to learn. The more you invest in him the more he will show off his intelligence and his eagerness to please!

Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden enjoys daily exercise: a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake (Goldens love water), or a game of fetch.

Like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden!