The Golden Retriever was originally bred to retrieve ducks, pheasants, and other upland game. When viewing a Golden Retriever as a companion, it is important to consider the dog's structure as it relates to his overall form and function. Though you may purchase a Golden strictly as a family pet and never think of your showing him in the conformation ring, your dog's overall makeup is a crucial element in your enjoyment of him as a family pet. A healthy Golden's general conformation is powerful and solid. He moves smoothly without clumsiness, which is made possible by the fact that he's slightly longer than he is tall. Having the correct conformation is necessary for the endurance and working ability he'll need to carry out any function. The proportion of the dog's body, the length of his back and legs, the levelness of his topline: These are all important factors in how your dog moves. Although you may have no aspirations to breed or show your dog, if he isn't put together well, he is not going to be a healthy, active dog that can enjoy a long life.

The AKC Breed Standard

The breed standard as published by the American Kennel Club states the correct conformation of the Golden Retriever as:

Height: Males 23–24″, females 21½″–22½″

Weight: Males 65–75 lbs., females 55–65 lbs.

Head: Skull should be broad without prominence of the occipital bone and in good proportion to the rest of the body

Ears: The ear should be fairly short and set just above and behind the eye the tip of which just covers the eye when brought forward

Feet: Should be well knuckled and compact

Tail: Should follow the line of the back and the tip should not reach below the hock

Coat: Colors in shades of cream to gold

Topline: The back from the shoulders to the tail should be level

Movement: Steady, smooth, and straight, without bounce

Temperament: Friendly and outgoing toward people and dogs

The Golden Retriever's temperament is by far his greatest quality. Their gentleness and sweetness is what has drawn so many people to the breed. A Golden Retriever should be confident and outgoing, friendly with people, including strangers and children, and should get along well with other dogs and animals (including cats). Any shyness or aggression is not in keeping with Golden Retriever character and should be avoided at all costs when considering a puppy.

Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament

The ideal Golden Retriever is an ambassador for people and other dogs. If properly trained and socialized, the Golden will get along with just about anyone. This is a dog that is even-tempered, easy to train, and willing to do whatever you want. If socialized properly, the Golden gets along with children, strangers, the elderly, other dogs, cats, and pets. A Golden can have a high energy level and may need lots of regular exercise. A walk around the block is not going to do it for this breed (though he will enjoy meeting the neighbors and seeing the sights).

Goldens love to have a job to do and excel at dog sports like agility, obedience, and hunting trials. These dogs also have an amazing ability to perform and interact with people, and quickly become a favorite wherever you go. If you are a shy or reclusive person, don't get a Golden! These dogs make friends wherever they go; strangers will cross the street just to say hello to your beautiful dog.

Golden Retrievers are on the whole extroverts, eternally happy, and ready to accompany you on whatever adventure is next. This is the favorite breed of many therapy dog programs in nursing homes, hospitals, and schools. The Golden is a master at working a crowd and will make his rounds to everyone while making each person feel like he or she is the most important person in the room.

The Perfect Family Pet

The Golden Retriever can be the perfect family dog. With his gentle nature, great adaptability, and unlimited sense of fun, the Golden revels in the chaos of family life. This isn't a situation that develops on its own, however; each family needs to teach their Golden how to live with them, what the rules are, and socialize their puppies to each facet of their lives. With the proper training, your Golden will spend hours playing with the family in the yard, accompanying the family on vacations and outings, and taking part in every holiday. Here is what a Golden Retriever puppy needs to be taught to become a treasured member of the family:

Greet family members and visitors by sitting politely for petting.

Wait at all open doors for the signal to go through.

Lie down under the table or outside the room during meals.

Tolerate children of all ages and sizes and be friendly to strangers.

Be proficient in basic obedience: sit, down, stay, leave it, come, and walk on a loose leash.

Stay alone in the house without getting into trouble.

Get along with other dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Golden Retrievers and Kids

If ever a dog was made for kids, it would have to be the Golden Retriever. Still, both the dog and the kids need to be taught how to treat one another so no one gets hurt or frightened in the process of becoming best friends. Golden Retrievers are large dogs that are capable of knocking over a young child or accidentally scratching him in play. Golden puppies can also be very “mouthy,” nipping and biting young children as though they were littermates.

The best way to ensure that your child and Golden end up being the best of friends is to supervise their contact and to maintain limits with both child and dog. Children are not capable of taking full responsibility for a dog's care, but they can help take care of them with supervision and coaching. Children under four will feel more competitive with the dog than cooperative, and they may act up to make sure they get their full share of the attention at your house. If you have children this young, it is advisable to supervise all interactions. Give your child small jobs, like throwing a ball or giving the dog a cookie on a flat outstretched hand. If your child is older, he or she can help with feeding, walking, and even training.