Large breed

Golden Retriever

Also known as Golden

Friendly, eager to please and famously people-oriented.

Overview

Goldens are sociable, biddable dogs that thrive on being included in family life. They are one of the easiest breeds to train, but they are also busy, shed heavily and dislike being left alone for long stretches.

Personality and temperament

Optimistic, mouthy as youngsters, and rarely aloof with strangers.

Exercise needs

60–90 minutes a day, ideally including swimming, fetch or scent games.

Grooming and care

Brush 2–3 times a week (daily during coat blows), keep ears dry, and give real daily exercise plus mental work.

Before you commit

Heavy shedding, a long adolescent phase and a strong dislike of isolation are the main realities to plan for.

Climate and environment

Thick double coat handles cold well; needs shade and water in heat.

History

Developed in 19th-century Scotland as a gundog able to retrieve from land and water.

Common questions

DogHQ Picks

Best products for a Golden Retriever

Chosen from the same size, coat, energy and grooming attributes shown on this page — so you can see exactly why each one is here.

Affiliate disclosure: DogHQ Life may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. No affiliate partnerships are live yet, so the products shown here are clearly labelled samples. Read our full disclosure.

Harnesses & LeashesBest harness

Y-front padded harness

A shoulder-free Y shape that leaves the front legs moving naturally, with front and back clips so you can steer a puller without pressure on the throat.

Keeps the shoulders free on the longer walks a Golden Retriever usually needs.

Best for: Everyday walks and dogs learning loose-lead walking

Two attachment points
Padded chest strap
Four adjustment points for a real fit

Measure girth behind the front legs; sizing charts vary a lot between makers.

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Dog BedsBest bed

Elevated cooling cot

A raised mesh cot that lets air move underneath, keeping heavy-coated dogs comfortable in warm rooms and on summer trips.

A heavier coat means airflow matters more than plush padding.

Best for: Double-coated breeds and hot climates

Airflow mesh sleeping surface
Rinses clean outdoors
Folds flat for travel

Some dogs prefer soft bedding — add a thin blanket in cooler months.

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Toys & EnrichmentBest toy

Durable fetch ball

A bouncy, high-visibility ball built for repeated retrieves without splitting after a week of daily fetch.

High-drive dogs need a real physical outlet, not just a chew.

Best for: Retrievers, herding breeds and daily fetch

Natural rubber construction
Floats on water
Bright colour for grass and dusk

Choose a size your dog cannot fit fully behind their back teeth.

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GroomingBest grooming tool

Undercoat rake

Reaches through the topcoat to pull dead undercoat out during a seasonal blow, cutting the hair on your floor dramatically.

Raking the dead undercoat out is what actually reduces shedding.

Best for: Double-coated breeds in shedding season

Rounded tooth tips
Two row depths for topcoat and undercoat
Works dry or after a bath

Never shave a double coat — rake it instead.

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Feeding ProductsBest feeder

Slow feeder bowl

Moulded ridges turn a thirty-second inhale into a several-minute meal, which helps with gulping and post-meal discomfort.

Bigger dogs tend to eat faster, and slowing that down helps.

Best for: Fast eaters

Maze pattern
Non-slip base
Top-rack dishwasher safe

If your dog is a deep-chested breed, talk to your vet about bloat risk and feeding routine.

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Natural TreatsBest natural treat

Freeze-dried single-protein bites

One ingredient, high value and tiny — the reward that keeps a dog working when there are distractions around.

Training needs a high-value reward that holds attention outdoors.

Best for: Recall and distraction training

One named protein on the label
Breaks into smaller pieces easily
No added sugars or dyes

Rich for sensitive stomachs — introduce a few pieces at a time.

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This information is general and educational. It is not veterinary advice and cannot diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Speak to a licensed veterinarian about your dog's health.

Similar-sized breeds

Labrador Retriever

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Energy: High
Grooming: Low

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Energy: Very high
Grooming: Moderate