We have compiled a Golden Retriever FAQ’s page for our visitors to read as there are many questions to be answered concerning the Golden Retriever, hopefully throughout our extensive website you will discover the answers you are searching for.

What sort of personality does a Golden Retriever have?

Golden Retrievers possess a very friendly nature & they adore people. They love to live life to the full, so be warned if you are looking for a dog that likes to ‘put his paws up’ you are looking at the wrong breed.

How big do they grow?

Approximately 51-61 cm’s high (20 –24 in) & their weight is approximately 25-36kg (55-80lb)

Where do they originate? 

Golden Retrievers originate from the United Kingdom.

I’ve heard that they shed their hair a lot is this true?

Yes & yes again! Golden Retrievers shed their hair continuously with twice-yearly moults. If you stroke a Golden you will generally end up with hair on your hand. If you like a pristine home then I would not recommend a Golden.

Do they require a lot of exercise?

Yes they do as Golden Retrievers are a sporting dog, they adore playing & running with other dogs & people. Their daily walk needs to be at least an hour to two hours with the main part of this being off lead.

Is it true they love the water?

Water & mud are like magnets to this breed! They love jumping in both so be warned your Golden won’t remain golden for very long!

How are they with other animals?

As Golden Retrievers are such a friendly breed this normally means they are wonderful with other animals, however each dog is an individual so this is only a general rule.

Should I purchase a puppy or an adult dog?

This is really down to personal choice. A puppy is a lot of work initially but the advantage is that you can ‘mould’ a pup to your ways fairly easily. An adult dog may have already collected some bad points along the way & could prove hard to train. However, that said, you may adopt an adult Golden that’s very easy to train.

How long do they live?

Life expectancy is ten to twelve years.

Are they good with children?

Yes but please be mindful that Golden Retrievers are a very bouncy breed of dog & smaller children could easily be knocked over. Never leave your child & dog together unattended as children will be children & could easily upset the dog without intending to.

What age should I neuter my Golden Retriever?

There are conflicting opinions on this. A vet will probably advise six months where a dog trainer will probably advise nine or above months. Both views have valid reasons.

The vet’s argument is as soon as the dog’s old enough they should be neutered to avoid the risk of testicular tumours & prostate cancer.

The dog trainer’s argument is you should allow the dog chance to become an adult & a chance to gain confidence. Their opinion is if you do not wait until nine months then you have not given your dog a chance to mature & he will always behave in a puppyish manner.

What age should I spay my Golden Retriever? 

There do not appear to be so many conflicting opinions regarding spaying as there are for neutering.

The advice is if you have your female dog spayed before her first heat cycle then you will reduce the risks of mammary tumours & also uterine & ovarian cancers.

Six months is the advised age for spaying.

Are they known to be aggressive?