A golden retriever standing outdoors
Photo: Janneke Vreugdenhil; derivative by Anka Friedrich · Public domain
Mammal

Golden Retriever Facts

Canis lupus familiaris

MammalScotland and worldwideOmnivore

Golden retrievers are friendly sporting dogs developed in Scotland to retrieve game from land and water. Their trainability and gentle temperament also suit assistance and search work.

Habitat
Domestic
Diet
Balanced domestic dog diet
Lifespan
10–12 years

Golden Retriever Facts at a Glance

Golden retrievers are friendly sporting dogs developed in Scotland to retrieve game from land and water. Their trainability and gentle temperament also suit assistance and search work.

It belongs to the family Canidae in the order Carnivora. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

Golden Retriever Origin and Home

Golden Retrievers are associated with Scotland and worldwide and typically live in domestic settings. Their daily needs depend on suitable food, shelter, exercise, and care.

What Do Golden Retrievers Eat?

Golden Retrievers have a omnivore diet that includes Balanced domestic dog diet. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.

Golden Retriever Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Golden Retrievers typically live for 10–12 years. Adults measure about 51–61 cm and weigh around 25–34 kg; these ranges can vary with sex, age, environment, and access to food.

Quick facts

Region
Scotland and worldwide
Habitat
Domestic
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
10–12 years
Size
51–61 cm
Weight
25–34 kg

Fun facts

  • Their water-resistant double coat helped early retrievers work in wet conditions.
  • A soft mouth allows them to carry retrieved objects without crushing them.
  • They are widely trained as guide, assistance, and search-and-rescue dogs.
  • Regular brushing is important because the dense coat sheds throughout the year.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.