Golden Retriever portrait

Dog breed guide

Golden Retriever

Soft gold coat, gentle face, endlessly friendly

A medium-large family dog with a feathered golden coat, drop ears and a famously warm expression.

Lifespan

10–13 years

Size

Medium–large

Coat

Double, feathered

Origin

Scotland

Shedding

Moderate to high

Match my pet’s photo

What to look for in a photo

Feathered gold coatSoft drop earsBroad muzzleWarm dark eyesFeathered tail

Care at a glance

Energy4/5
Grooming4/5
Friendliness5/5
Trainability5/5

Suits

  • Families with children
  • Homes with a garden or daily walks
  • First-time dog owners

Keep in mind

  • Sheds year round
  • Needs real daily exercise
  • Loves company and dislikes long hours alone

Looks like

Breeds that often appear next to Golden Retriever in a photo match.

Quick answers

How do I tell a Golden Retriever from a Labrador in a photo?

Goldens have longer feathered hair on the ears, chest, legs and tail. Labradors have a short, dense, smooth coat and a slightly blockier head.

Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot?

Yes. Expect brushing two to three times a week, and more during seasonal coat changes.

Are Golden Retriever mixes common?

Very. Many photo matches show a mix of Golden and Labrador or Poodle features, which is why several breeds can appear in one result.

Disclaimer: Every match is an estimate based only on what is visible in a photo. It is not a DNA test, proof of breed, or veterinary diagnosis.