When you think of a “happy-go-lucky” dog, it’s hard not to think of a Golden Retriever. As one of the most popular family dogs in the world, the Goldie gets along well with just about anyone. Here are a few facts about Golden Retrievers:

1. Golden Retrievers Are Capable Hunting Dogs

Although the Golden Retriever has a reputation for being a lovable, friendly family dog, they are also capable hunting dogs and are one of the unconventional hunting dogs you shouldn’t overlook.

They originated in Scotland and were developed specifically as a hunting companion for Scottish nobles. They were prized for their determination and discipline as well as their gentle retrieval that allowed them to bring back game as undamaged as possible.

They may have a hunting dog background and still have those skills, but this dog breed tends to be more popular as a beloved family pet rather than a prized hunting companion out in the field. They are also considered one of the best dog breeds for farms.

2. They Are the Epitome of Friendly

Oftentimes, calling a Golden Retriever friendly is an understatement. These dogs tend to get along with just about anyone and everyone. They are good with children, other dogs, and other pets. They even tend to be open and friendly with strangers! These are just some of the many reasons why they are one of the most popular dog breeds year after year.

In addition to being one of the most affectionate dog breeds, the Golden Retriever certainly tends to be the epitome of friendly as a breed overall. There may be some variance among individual dogs based on personality, socialization, and training, but, overall, the Goldie tends to be lovable, open, and friendly. They are even considered one of the best dog breeds for cats!

3. The Golden Retriever is Highly Trainable

In addition to their glowing personality and overall friendliness, the Golden Retriever is also a highly trainable dog breed. This makes them a great fit for dog owners of all experience levels. They are even considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners!

Their intelligence paired with their eagerness to please their owners means they pick up things quickly and respond well to training. Puppy training and obedience classes are always an option for some extra skills, socialization opportunities, and other benefits of puppy training classes.

They may not be a necessity for this dog breed, but a Golden Retriever will likely enjoy the experience and the opportunity to make new friends! In addition to other puppy friends and socialization, puppy training classes can also help you build a bond with your dog and strengthen it.

4. They Are Versatile Working Dogs

Their intelligence and trainability make Golden Retrievers capable and versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that makes the best service dogs for a variety of guiding and assistance tasks, they can also be found working a variety of canine jobs.

Golden Retrievers can commonly be found working in search and rescue, being certified therapy dogs, and also working in military and police forces. They also do well as animal actors in film and have played some of the most beloved famous dogs, like Shadow from Homeward Bound, Comet from Full House, Buddy from Air Bud, and more.

5. Goldens Are High-Energy Dogs

Energetic is a bit of an understatement for the Golden Retriever. They do tend to settle down a little as they move into adulthood, but these dogs are one of the most active dog breeds. They are high-energy and require a lot of activity to stay happy and healthy.

Daily walks plus playtime and extra activity are usually sufficient for this dog breed, but they’ll probably be more than happy to do more if you have the energy for it. With their retrieval background, teaching your dog to play frisbee can be a great activity and one they’re likely to pick up on quickly.

They may also enjoy hiking with you, going for a swim, running with you, and more. You can even train your Golden Retriever to do more advanced tricks and to compete in dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. They might appreciate the new challenge and the change of pace.

6. They Tend to Love to Swim

Golden Retrievers are known for loving to swim. Individual dogs will vary, but you may have trouble keeping your Golden out of the water. This, paired with their retrieval skills and water-repellent double coats, makes them a great candidate for dock diving.

Swimming is also a great low-impact activity. Puppies finish growing at different rates and it’s important to keep activity low-impact until their bones and joints are done developing to avoid damaging them. Even though Goldens are known for loving the water, you still don’t want to rush them into it when you take them swimming for the first time.

Your Golden may rush into it on their own, but you don’t want to push them too far before they’re comfortable. Make sure you have a good life jacket for them, keep an eye out for them, and follow other safety tips for swimming with your dog.

7. Goldens Get Bored Easily

Along with their high energy, Golden Retrievers are also one of the smartest dog breeds. Although this means that they can pick up on things quickly and easily handle advanced tricks and training, it also means they get bored easily.

Not only does this mean you need to keep training interesting to keep them engaged, but it also means they need a lot of mental stimulation. Destructive behavior, getting into things they shouldn’t, barking a lot, and more can all be signs your dog is bored or that they aren’t getting enough exercise.

Make sure your Golden gets enough daily exercise and that they have puzzle toys and other things to keep their minds engaged. Otherwise, they’ll find other ways to entertain themselves, some of which you might not like.

8. English Cream is a Coat Color Variation

Traditionally, Golden Retriever breed standards only allowed for honey, golden-brown, or reddish-gold coat colors. English Cream Golden Retrievers have a coat that is a very light creamy color, almost white in some cases, and this is a rarer coat color variation. It is starting to become more common, and breed standards have been updated to include it.

Although the coat color is recognized as a category, English Cream Golden Retrievers are not considered a separate dog breed – because they aren’t. They are Golden Retrievers and are recognized and registered as such. Golden Retrievers have always been one of the popular show dog breeds, and among the Golden competitors, English Cream Goldens are highly sought after.

Is a Golden Retriever Puppy Right For You?

These are just a few facts about Golden Retrievers. Goldens are a good fit for single owners, families with children, first-time dog owners, and more. They’ll be happy with someone who can keep them active and provide them with plenty of attention and affection.

If you think this dog breed sounds like the right one for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Golden Retriever puppies. Who knows? You could end up finding your new best friend!