Golden Retriever
Dog · Sporting group
A large sporting dog bred to retrieve, which is why it wants two things above all: exercise and a job. Patient with children, eager to train, and famously soft-mouthed.
At a glance
The tradeoffs, honestly
An hour of exercise daily, steady shedding, and a breed-wide burden of hip and heart conditions that makes health testing non-negotiable when you buy. If that fits your life, few breeds are easier to love or train.
Common questions
Is a Golden Retriever a good first dog?
Yes, if you can give it an hour of exercise a day. Goldens forgive training mistakes and default to friendly, which is exactly what a first-time owner needs. They are a poor fit for small apartments with long workdays.
What should a Golden Retriever puppy cost?
Well under $1,500 usually means missing health tests or a scam; well over $4,000 should come with championship lines you can verify in the pedigree.
What health problems do Goldens have?
Hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and higher-than-average cancer rates. You can't eliminate the risk, but parents with the four tests at right cut it meaningfully. Every verified Everybarn listing shows them in its Papers.
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