Although Golden Retriever dogs are golden, they come in a variety of shades, ranging from a light golden (such as the white Golden Retriever or English cream Golden Retriever) to dark golden colors, with feathering on the backs of their forelegs, the fronts of their necks, backs of their thighs, and tail bottoms. Their long floppy ears combine with their playful personality to create the look of an eternal puppy.

A side note: you may have heard of the mini Golden Retriever, which also keeps a puppy-like look, but did you know that the mini is a mix of other breeds of dogs and not a true Golden Retriever? Now you know.

That gorgeous golden coat is also known as a double coat, which consists of a water-repellent outer coat, and a soft undercoat that keeps their body temperature regulated in both cool and warm weather.

Like other dogs with a double coat, you can expect your golden retriever dog to shed. To prevent heavy blowouts in the fall and spring, it’s important to brush a Golden Retriever weekly, and daily during shedding months. With proper brushing, a Golden Retriever should need only occasional baths.

Like any breed of dog, Golden Retrievers are prone to certain health problems. Up to one-fifth of golden retrievers develop some form of joint disease, such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Golden Retrievers are also more likely than some other breeds to develop a heart disease known as subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), which can be deadly. However, many Golden Retrievers pass away of cancers (such as hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma). Potential health problems aside, most people find that a Golden Retriever is a joy to love and care for, for however long they can be a part of the family. Many pet parents opt for pet health insurance, just in case.

A quick word on ear care: because of their ear shape, golden retrievers need to have their ears cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections. Talk with your veterinarian about proper ear care and safe ear cleaning products to use.

While Golden Retrievers are famously agreeable and easy to train, a bored golden retriever is a naughty golden retriever. These dogs don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time and aren’t happy when you miss the daily walk. Start training off right by taking care of their needs for closeness and physical activity.

That said, Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent and willing to work for rewards, be they treats or praise, and also do well with clicker training. And because golden retrievers excel at obedience training and are often up for something more, they’re well-suited for jobs as service dogs, some working in more demanding fields like search and rescue.

A note on training: Golden Retrievers are so agreeable and hardworking that they’ll sometimes work to the point of collapse. Make sure to incorporate water and rest breaks into heavy play and training, and complement any exhausting training with mental exercise like puzzle toys or hide and seek, or opt for long gentle walks.

Golden Retrievers are kind, trusting, and gentle. These traits make them very poor guard dogs, but excellent family dogs. They’re intelligent, eager to please, playful, active, and highly trainable.

They’re also prone to anxiety if left alone for long periods and do best with a demonstrative, involved owner.

Golden Retrievers have a dense, water-repellent double coat, and shed their undercoat during spring and fall (or year-round in temperate climates). During the seasonal shedding periods, they may require daily brushing to remove dead fur. The rest of the year, brushing once a week as maintenance should be enough. Occasional baths will help keep your Golden Retriever clean, and also help to remove shed fur. Like most dogs, Golden Retrievers’ nails should be trimmed regularly, and their teeth brushed to maintain dental health.

A Golden Retriever is a high energy, active dog who needs daily exercise. The ideal pet parent for this breed of dog is also active and willing to be there for the daily exercise (up to one hour) this dog craves. Golden Retrievers enjoy swimming, running, walking, and (if you want to do less of the running) a good game of fetch.

Since they’re so active and crave time with their families, Golden Retrievers are ideal for similarly energetic owners who have plenty of time for a dog BFF.