Sporting breed Large size 25-34 kg
Golden Retriever
A gentle, biddable family dog that fits almost any household - as long as you accept heavy shedding and one of the higher cancer burdens among popular breeds.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
25-34 kg · 51-61 cm
High
Exercise needs
1-2 hours of active exercise daily
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Half a workday, with preparation
Learns fast
Training
Picks up new cues in a few reps
High
Coat care
Several sessions weekly, heavy shedding
Excellent
Fit with kids
Patient even with chaotic small kids
Excellent
Other pets
Easygoing with other animals
Heavy
Health burden
Cancer risk, hips, skin and ears
The Golden Retriever typically weighs 25-34 kg, stands 51-61 cm, and lives 10-12 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a gentle, trainable dog that fits family life easily,
you can give it 1-2 hours of daily exercise and company,
you are ready for constant shedding and regular grooming,
you understand and can plan for the breed's cancer risk.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a low-shedding or low-grooming dog,
the dog would be alone 8+ hours every day,
you want a natural guard dog - this breed greets everyone,
you cannot budget for the breed's higher lifetime health costs.
A typical day with a Golden Retriever
- 6:30 · Morning45-60 min walk, fetch, or a swim
- 9:00 · MidmorningSettles and naps; happy to be near people
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk and a bit of play or training
- 16:00 · AfternoonTraining or a game of fetch, 15-20 minutes
- 18:30 · EveningLonger walk or family activity outdoors
- 21:00 · NightRelaxes with the family; an easy, calm housemate
Family and environment
Kids Excellent
Patient and gentle, one of the best breeds around children.
Dogs Excellent
Sociable and easygoing with other dogs.
Cats Good
Usually fine with cats, especially raised together.
Apartment Conditional
Manageable with daily exercise, but the size and shedding are a lot.
House with a yard Ideal
Room to play and easy access outdoors suit it well.
City Suitable
Adaptable and social; handles bustle calmly with exercise.
Countryside Ideal
Space to run and swim is a natural fit.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Heavy
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Cancer (hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma) Elevated rates documented in the breed
Hip dysplasia Screened lines lower the risk
Skin and ear conditions Allergies and otitis are common
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Similar family temperament, less grooming
Labrador Retriever
A friendly, forgiving all-rounder that tolerates family chaos - if you keep its weight and exercise honest.
View profile →
Close cousin, more exuberant
Flat Coated Retriever
A joyful, forever-puppy retriever that is superb with family, but a high cancer risk and short lifespan are real drawbacks.
View profile →
Gentle large family dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle, family-loving giant - but a short lifespan and high cancer rate make this one of the heaviest health commitments in dogs.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Golden Retriever cost?
Expect roughly $1,500-$3,000 for a puppy from a health-testing breeder in the US, with show lines higher. The purchase price is the small part: this is a large, food-loving breed with an above-average cancer risk plus common skin and joint issues, so lifelong food, grooming, and the real chance of major vet bills matter. Budget for pet insurance or an emergency fund - over a lifetime the true cost runs well into the thousands.
Are Golden Retrievers good with kids?
Yes - they are one of the best breeds for families with children. Goldens are patient, gentle, and tolerant even of noisy, unpredictable toddlers. As with any dog, supervise young kids and teach them to handle the dog respectfully, and remember a bouncy young Golden can knock a small child over by accident.
Can a Golden Retriever be left alone during the workday?
An adult can handle part of a day if it is well exercised, but Goldens are people-focused and can get bored or anxious when isolated for 8+ hours regularly. Left alone too long without stimulation, they may chew, dig, or bark. A dog walker, company, or a break in the middle of the day makes a big difference.
What is a Golden Retriever's temperament like?
Friendly, eager to please, and highly trainable - the classic easygoing family dog. Goldens are social with people and other animals and rarely aggressive, which also means they make poor guard dogs. They do have real energy and need daily exercise; an under-exercised Golden can become mouthy or destructive.