Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, an exuberant Scottish gundog of great beauty, stands among America’s most popular dog breeds. They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work.
Updated October 15, 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Intelligent / Friendly / Devoted [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Scotland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 3 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Like most Sporting breeds, Goldens need plenty of daily exercise. A Golden who doesn't get enough exercise is likely to engage in undesirable behavior. Goldens make great companions on long runs and bike rides, although consultation with a vet is recommended before starting strenuous or high-impact activities that might cause stress to the dog's bones and joints. [1]
Grooming
Goldens heavily shed their thick, water-repellant double coat once or twice a year, and they also shed more moderately on a continuous basis. Most of the time, a good brushing-out with a slicker brush once or twice a week will remove much of the dead hair before it has a chance to fall onto the furniture. During times of heavy shedding, these brushing sessions turn into daily affairs. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Goldens are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for health conditions including elbow and hip dysplasia; eye conditions such as juvenile cataracts, pigmentary uveitis, and progressive retinal atrophy; and certain heart diseases, including subvalvular aortic stenosis. The Golden's ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (Golden Retriever) (NCL, NCL5) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Golden Retriever in 1925. [1]
- It ranked No. 3 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Golden.” [1]
- The AKC lists Scotland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Best Family Dogs, Best Dog Breeds for Kids, Smartest Breeds of Dogs” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
Common questions
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Golden Retriever get?
AKC breed information lists height 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female) and weight 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Golden Retriever?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Golden Retriever, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.