A possible best friend

Golden Retriever

Bred to retrieve game, Goldens are usually friendly, responsive companions. Their working ability and affectionate nature make learning and shared outdoor activity rewarding parts of life.

Puppy

Grown up

Illustrated puppy and adult examples.

Personality at a glance

Affection with family: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Playfulness: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Child-friendly tendency: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Comfort with other dogs: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency
Welcoming new people: 3 out of 3; Higher tendency

Breed tendencies vary between dogs. Supervise children and dogs together. Cats and small pets need an individual compatibility assessment.

About these ratings

Our three levels group the AKC’s published five-point ratings: 1–2 becomes lower, 3 moderate, and 4–5 higher. The child rating describes young-child tendencies. These are general tendencies, not safety or compatibility guarantees.

AKC Golden Retriever breed traits · Reviewed 8 October 2026

Meet connected mixes

Family connections

Goldador

Goldendoodle

Shared backgrounds, individual dogs. A mix name does not predict traits.

The beginning

Puppy days

Build polite greetings and lead habits with rewards; introduce brushing gently. Provide frequent toilet trips, safe play and quiet naps between new experiences.

Your everyday

Adult life

Keep retrieving games, walks and training in the routine. A familiar adult may be easier to read, but friendliness does not remove its activity needs.

Everyday care

Brush the feathered coat several times weekly, reaching the dense undercoat. Combine daily walks with retrieving, sniffing and learning, followed by time to settle.

Worth planning for: A willing learner still needs your time; substantial activity and shed hair are everyday commitments.

Sources & reading

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Breed tendencies and mixed-background possibilities describe a starting point, not a promise about an individual dog.