Golden Retriever insurance
Is the Golden Retriever the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the UK’s most adored dog breeds—and for good reason. They’re friendly, loyal, and eager to please, making them ideal companions for both experienced or inexperienced dog owners.
Golden Retriever quick facts
- Size: Medium to large (51–61cm)
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Weight: 25–34kg
- Colours: Various shades of gold and cream
- Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, affectionate
- Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, inherited eye issues, skin allergies
- Country of origin: Scotland
Where does the Golden Retriever come from?
Golden Retrievers were developed in 19th-century Scotland by crossing Yellow Retrievers with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, later mixing in Bloodhound and Irish Setter lines. The goal was to create the perfect gundog that could retrieve shot game from both the land and water.
Today, Golden Retrievers are just as well-loved for their family-friendly nature as they are for their working abilities, and they’re often seen as assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and loyal companions worldwide.
Golden Retriever personality
Friendly
Golden Retrievers are famously friendly and easy-going.
Eager to please
They tend to be eager to please, sociable, and get along with everyone including children, strangers, and other animals.
Loves company
They thrive on human interaction and can become anxious if they’re left alone for long periods.
Intelligent
With their intelligence and willingness to learn, they’re typically a dream to train—especially if treats are involved!
Are Golden Retrievers aggressive?
No, Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly nature. Aggression is very uncommon in well-socialised animals of this breed.
Can a Golden Retriever be left alone?
They can tolerate being alone for a few hours, but they’re not so keen on being left for long stretches daily. They thrive on companionship and may develop separation anxiety if they’re left alone too much.
Are Golden Retrievers good pets?
Golden Retrievers make great pets. They tend to be calm, gentle, and highly adaptable. They enjoy long walks just as much as curling up at your feet. They’re best suited to homes where someone is around for most of the day and where they can get daily exercise and mental stimulation. They do need space—both inside and out—so a garden is ideal. As a bonus, their loving, loyal nature makes them a comforting presence for all ages.
Are Golden Retrievers good with kids?
Absolutely. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the best dog breeds for families with children. They’re patient, trustworthy, and enjoy playtime without being too boisterous. As always, supervision is key around children, particularly with younger kids who are still learning how to treat pets with care.
Appearance and size of the Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are strong, attractive dogs with a distinctive flowing coat and a constantly wagging tail. Their friendly faces, dark eyes, and broad heads give them a famously sweet expression. Their dense double coat is water-resistant and feathered along the legs and tail. Regular grooming keeps their fur in check.
Golden Retriever grooming
Golden Retrievers have a thick, medium-length double coat that sheds year-round, with heavier shedding in the spring and autumn. A thorough brush 2–3 times a week (or more during the shedding season) helps keep their coat in good condition and your home relatively fur-free. Don’t forget regular checks and cleaning for their ears, teeth, and nails.
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** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
Golden Retriever training
- 1
Teach them lots
Golden Retrievers are one of the easiest breeds to train making them a good choice for first-time owners in this respect. They’re clever, eager to learn, and love pleasing their humans.
- 2
Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement usually works well, and they tend to pick up commands quickly.
- 3
Be sensitive
Take care not to use harsh tones or punishment, as it can easily discourage or confuse them during training.
- 4
Socialise early
Early socialisation and consistent training from puppyhood will help them grow into calm and confident adults.
- 5
Make time for adventure
Golden Retrievers need quite a lot of exercise to keep them in peak condition (at least 1–2 hours daily). They love long walks, swimming, fetch games, and anything that gets them moving.
- 6
Try mental enrichments
Without proper activity, they can become bored, restless, or overweight. Mental enrichment like scent work or puzzle toys is also a great idea. Golden Retrievers are natural water lovers and love a swim, so it's important to keep an eye on them whenever there’s a pond, lake, or even a large puddle nearby.
Golden Retriever health issues
Golden Retrievers can be prone to several inherited health problems, so it’s important to be aware of the conditions that can affect them:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Joint issues where the bones don’t fit together properly, which can cause pain and lead to arthritis.
Glaucoma
A serious eye condition where pressure builds up inside the eye, causing pain and potentially leading to vision loss.
Multifocal retinal dysplasia
A genetic eye disorder that can affect a dog’s vision by causing the retina to develop abnormally.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
A hereditary condition where the retina gradually deteriorates, often resulting in blindness over time.
Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy (RPED)
This condition causes harmful deposits to build up in the eye, which can lead to night blindness and possibly complete vision loss.
Hereditary cataracts
An inherited problem where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting sight and sometimes leading to blindness.
Ichthyosis
A skin disorder where the pads of the feet become thick, dry, and greasy, which can be uncomfortable for the dog.
Regular vet checkups and health screening from a reputable breeder can help reduce the risk of these issues.
“Golden Retrievers are beautiful, gentle dogs but not without health issues. We see conditions such as drop hip dysplasia that may require long-term treatment. Only a lifetime insurance policy will help with the costs for as long as necessary”
Robin Hargreaves
Agria Vet Panel Lead, Veterinary Surgeon for 30 years and former British Veterinary Association President.
Golden Retriever puppy FAQs
What are Golden Retriever puppies like?
Golden Retriever puppies are playful, a bit clumsy, and very adorable. They’re quick learners but need structure and patience, especially during the teething and chewing stages. Socialisation is vital—expose them to different sights, sounds, people, and other animals early on. Here are some FAQs about Golden Retriever puppies:
How much are Golden Retriever puppies?
In the UK, a Golden Retriever puppy usually costs between £1,000 and £3,000, depending on things like the breeder and bloodline. Always choose a breeder who prioritises health and temperament over appearance or profit.
How to train a Golden Retriever puppy
Golden Retriever puppies are smart and quick to learn, but they also have big personalities. Use lots of praise and rewards, keep things consistent, and start as early as possible. Puppy classes and early socialisation with other dogs and people will help shape a confident, well-behaved adult dog.
How far can a Golden Retriever puppy walk?
For puppy walks, follow the ‘5-minute rule’… that’s 5 minutes of structured walking per month of age. So, a 4-month-old Golden Retriever can walk for about 20 minutes. Do this twice a day, and always watch for signs of tiredness. Avoid over-exercising their growing joints.
How often to worm a Golden Retriever puppy
Worm your puppy every 2 weeks until they’re 12 weeks old, then once a month until 6 months. After that, worm your dog if you know they have worms or strongly suspect it. Speak to your vet about the best worming products and schedule.
How long can you leave a Golden Retriever puppy alone?
Golden Retrievers don’t like being alone for long periods, especially as puppies. Limit alone time to 1–2 hours max. Adult dogs can tolerate longer spells, but they still prefer company and stimulation throughout the day.
Thinking of getting a Golden Retriever puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
What we love most about Golden Retrievers
Loyal companions
Their affectionate, people-loving nature makes them wonderful companions.
Brains and beauty
They’re clever and trainable, and with their shiny, golden coats and friendly faces they’re adorable-looking pets too.
Always up for fun
From puppyhood to old age, they never lose their fun-loving spirit.
Things to consider before getting a Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are amazing, but they’re not the most low-maintenance choice of dog. Here are a few things to consider when deciding if they’re the right breed for you.
- 1
High energy
They need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- 2
Heavy shedders
Be ready for regular grooming and lots of loose hair.
- 3
Sensitive souls
They thrive on love and attention and don’t do well if they’re ignored or left out.
Overall, if you’re looking for a loyal, loving, and playful dog who’ll be a real part of the family, a Golden Retriever could be your perfect match.
Golden Retriever insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Golden Retriever's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Golden Retriever FAQs
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