Fetch Finder
At a glance
| Energy level | |
|---|---|
| Shedding | |
| Grooming needs | |
| Apartment-friendly | |
| Handles cold | |
| Affectionate / cuddly | |
| Good with kids | |
| Good for first-time owners | |
| Easy to train | |
| Good with other dogs | |
| Good with cats | |
| OK being left alone | |
| Reliable off-leash | |
| Protective / watchdog | |
| Barking | |
| Drooling |
Great for
- First-time owners
- Families with kids
- Homes with a yard
Watch out for
- Heavy shedding year-round
- Needs daily exercise and attention
- Higher cancer risk than many breeds; buy from health-tested lines or adopt
Daily care
Exercise: About an hour a day of walks and play.
Grooming: Brush 2–3 times a week; daily during shedding season.
Cold weather: Thick double coat makes Goldens comfortable in the cold. Trim paw fur to prevent ice balls.
*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.
Gear for a Golden Retriever
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- FoodLarge breed dog food
Formulas made for large breeds match their energy needs and kibble size. Look for "complete and balanced" (AAFCO) on the bag, and ask your vet what's right for your dog.
See options on Amazon - Crate42-inch dog crate
A 42" crate fits most adult Golden Retrievers (up to about 75 lb). Choose one with a divider so it grows with a puppy.
See options on Amazon - Leash and harnessNo-pull harness and 6-foot leash
A front-clip harness helps with pulling while your dog learns leash manners.
See options on Amazon - ToysDurable chew and fetch toys
Golden Retrievers have a lot of energy; tough rubber toys and balls hold up to hard play.
See options on Amazon - GroomingDeshedding brush
Golden Retrievers shed a lot; an undercoat rake or deshedding tool cuts down on loose hair.
See options on Amazon - WinterPaw balm
Protects paws from road salt and ice, even on cold-tolerant breeds.
See options on Amazon - BedOrthopedic dog bed
Big dogs are prone to joint problems; a supportive foam bed helps.
See options on Amazon
Find a Golden Retriever near you
We're building a list of trusted Golden Retriever rescues, breeders and trainers. Rescues are listed first.
Listings coming soon. In the meantime:
- Search adoptable dogs near you on Petfinder
- AKC's Golden Retriever page, which links to breed club rescue networks
Run a Golden Retriever rescue, training or grooming business? Get listed free.
Not sure a Golden Retriever is right for you? Take the 3-minute quiz to see which breeds fit your home and lifestyle.
Take the breed quizSimilar breeds
Compare: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
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Large · 50–90 lb👪 Good family dogGerman ShepherdSmart, loyal and protective. German Shepherds thrive with an experienced owner who gives them a job, training and lots of exercise.
Large · 40–70 lb👪 Good family dogStandard PoodleHighly intelligent, athletic and low-shedding. A good pick for people who want a bigger dog without the hair, if they budget for grooming.