Information about Golden Retrievers.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds worldwide. With their beautiful coat, loyal personality and family-friendly temperament, these dogs have made their way into our hearts.

Want to know whether a Golden is the right dog for you? Read our breed guide to see if Retrievers are the pet for you.

Golden Retriever breed information.

If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Golden Retriever:

How long do Golden Retrievers live?

Golden Retrievers typically live to be about 10–12 years old.

How big do Golden Retrievers get?

Golden Retrievers are large dogs at maturity. Golden Retriever males stand at around 60cm tall and usually weigh around 30kgs. Females stand at around 55cm tall and usually weigh about 27kgs.

Do Golden Retrievers shed?

Golden Retrievers frequently shed large amounts of fur, so they need routine brushing. Thanks to their ancestry as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving hounds in the Scottish Highlands, their exterior coat is thick and repels water.

They also have a dense undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the rears of their legs, and their tail.

Should I get a Golden Retriever?

Golden Retrievers generally suit owners and families who have an active lifestyle. They are often friendly and have a soft temperament with kids and other pets.

They usually need lots of exercise and attention, thriving while around people. Although large homes with yards are ideal, a Golden Retriever can adapt to smaller homes so long as they have their own space to move around.

Should I get a Golden Retriever?

Set your dog up for success!

Finding the right dog trainer can make all the difference. Learn what to look for to ensure the best fit for your pup!

Read more
PetRescue

Golden Retriever personality.

Golden Retrievers are usually even-tempered, intelligent, and tender. They tend to be gentle with kids and get on well with other pets and strangers.

These canines are eager to please, which likely explains why they respond so well to obedience training and are such popular service dogs. They are often happy to work, whether it involves hunting or fetching items.

Taking care of a Golden Retriever.

Grooming.

Golden Retrievers usually shed moderately in the winter and summer and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is ideal for preventing clumping and tangling in the dog’s fur. Regular brushing removes any dead hair before it gets annoying and ends up on your floors. Monthly baths help keep this dog breed looking neat and clean, but remember to dry their fur before brushing to prevent snags.

Exercise.

Exercise is an essential part of a Golden Retriever's day. They generally enjoy hunting expeditions, field trials, swimming, hiking, and jogs, as well as other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking.

A Golden that does not get enough exercise is likely to display undesirable demeanours like digging and biting. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, appeal to Goldens, but it shouldn't replace physical exercise. Take it easy with exercise in a Golden Retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Long, vigorous runs or hikes are preferred once the canine is completely grown.

Diet.

Goldens tend to be overweight. Help your Golden Retriever avoid becoming overweight by ensuring that you follow the recommended feeding guides on the food appropriate to your pet's size.

A calorie restricted diet could be a good choice if your Golden Retriever is overweight. A joint protecting supplement may make a good addition to their regular feeding schedule as your Golden Retriever ages because they might be susceptible to developing arthritis. 

Commonly claimed health conditions for a Golden Retriever.

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^ that a Golden Retriever can experience.

Conditions.
 Symptoms can include.◇
 Highest cost for a single treatment.>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies).

Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin.

Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping.

Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell.

$8,770.
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies).

Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears.

Head shaking.

Odour or discharge from the ears.

Ears may be red or warm to the touch.

$6,581.
Gastrointestinal tract condition.

Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation.

Blood or mucus in stool/vomit.

Increased frequency/urgency passing stool.

Weight loss.

Loss of appetite and interest in food.

May seem more tired than usual.

$9,863.
Arthritis.

Lameness or limping on affected limb(s).

Stiffness on rising.

Reluctance to jump, use stairs.

Swelling on legs.

$7,959.
Ingestion of foreign item or toxin.

Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite.

Abdominal pain, frequent stretching, vocalising or sensitive to touch.

Lethargy.

Drooling.

$12,002.

The cost of insuring a Golden Retriever.

If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Golden Retriever, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.


Need Pet Insurance for your Golden Retriever?

Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Claim up to $30,000 a year with Comprehensive Plus.#

Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.*

Offer of policy renewal for your pet's life, as long as we continue to provide the product.‡

Lifetime cover‡

Claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly.®=

Related articles.

Labrador dog breed information.

Learn more

Labrador

Border Collie dog breed information.

Learn more

Border Collie

German Shepherd dog breed information.

Learn more

German Shepherd

American Staffy dog breed information.

Learn more

American Staffy

Important Information.

text

^ Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

◇ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text

# Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text

* Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text

‡ As long as we continue to provide the product, we'll offer renewal of your policy every year for your pet's life. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text

= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text

Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths).

Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths and PetRescue Ltd ABN 35 123 057 536, AR 1307442.  Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

text

Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

footer-acknowledgement

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and acknowledge Elders past and present.

Read more about our commitment to reconciliation

Life Insurance is issued by Swiss Re Life & Health Australia Limited ABN 74 000 218 306 AFSL No. 324908 (Swiss Re) and administered by Greenstone Financial Services Pty Ltd, ABN 53 128 692 884; AFSL No. 343079 (Greenstone). Roadside assistance is provided by Digicall Assist Pty Ltd ABN 92 152 605 340. Car, Home, and Landlords Insurance are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 AFSL No. 241436 (Hollard).

Pet Insurance policies are issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183, except for those entered into before 17 July 2023 & subsequent renewals, which are issued by Hollard.

Travel Insurance policies are issued by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193 and administered by nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461. 

Woolworths Group Limited, AR 245476 acts as Hollard, PetSure and nib’s Authorised Representative.

Any general advice provided does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) Target Market Determination (TMD) available on this website, to decide if the product is right for you.

© Woolworths Group Limited 2025. All rights reserved. ABN 88 000 014 675