Skip to content
Home
About
Contact

Golden Retriever Temperament & Personality Traits

Dr. Cristina Vulpe
Reviewed by:
Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe
Veterinarian

Sweet, loyal, and loving are just a few characteristics of the Golden Retriever dog breed. They have energetic and playful personalities, are intelligent, eager to please, and are often not aggressive to humans or other animals.

An approved breed of dog recognised by the American Kennel Club, Golden Retrievers, also called Yellow Retriever, are incredible companions.

Golden Retriever photo 8
Golden Retriever photo 7
Golden Retriever photo 6
Golden Retriever photo 5
Golden Retriever photo 4
Golden Retriever photo 3
Golden Retriever photo 2
Golden Retriever photo 1

Golden Retriever Main Personality Traits

Friendly

The Golden Retriever is well-known for its kind and friendly nature. Despite its sweet demeanour, the Golden Retriever is not often a one-person dog. On the other hand, your dog wants to spread its unconditional affection to as many humans and other animals as possible.

Goldens are not considered an aggressive dog breed group. However, if mistreated, they may develop a more guarded nature over time.

The Golden Retriever’s best qualities are friendliness, devotion and loyalty. As a result of their gentle dispositions, Golden Retrievers make excellent therapy and service dogs, and they also make wonderful family dogs.

Intelligent

Regarding obedience and working intelligence, Golden Retrievers are the fourth-smartest canine breed. The Golden Retriever can respond to human directives by barking and perceiving human emotions, making them clever.

Golden Retrievers have great retrieving instincts and are widely employed as hunting dogs and search and rescue dogs. Among the few intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers thrive in adaptive IQ situations because they comprehend and learn from emotions more than other dogs do.

Energetic

People sometimes mistakenly believe that a calm, well-mannered adult Golden Retriever was born with this disposition, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Their high intellect and training ability result in a calm, well-behaved disposition.

Golden Retrievers, particularly puppies, are very active and lively dogs. Their great intellect and vitality need frequent physical activity and mental stimulation. To avoid boredom, a Golden should always be physically and intellectually occupied.
 

Golden Retrievers and Your Family

Can Golden Retrievers live with other dogs?

Your Golden Retriever will enjoy having a playmate. Golden Retrievers get along with most dog breeds. Although golden retrievers get along with other animals, they don’t require one. They need a lot of care from their owners and space to run around.

Can Golden Retrievers live with other pets?

Golden Retrievers are energetic and sociable by nature. They’re not aggressive, but as puppies, they’re pretty active and may benefit from puppy training classes.

As the personality of a Golden Retriever puppy emerges,  it doesn’t know that it shouldn’t chase other dogs around the house. So you might find them getting into trouble from time to time. It’s more likely that they will always lean on playing than ever fighting with other dogs.

Can Golden Retrievers live with kids?

Golden Retrievers are known to be friendly and outgoing with children of all ages, making them an excellent choice for families with young children. They seem to have an innate understanding of limits with youngsters, which is both astonishing and endearing, and this quality makes them ideal family pets.

They are also the perfect dog to teach young kids responsibility. Golden Retrievers shed a lot, so expect to find a lot of dog hair. Grooming Golden Retrievers could strengthen the bond between your kids and dog.
 

Do Golden Retrievers Have Any Behavioural Issues?

Because Goldens are naturally friendly and family-oriented, they may get separation anxiety more often than other dogs. They are also prone to boredom, which may result in destructive behaviour.

Having a dog that sometimes misbehaves is entirely natural; no golden retriever is ever perfect! With that said, there’s good news: Goldens can be trained to be well-behaved with patience and effort. Not to mention giving them a brother or sister could solve their social anxiety.
 

FAQs

Can Golden Retrievers be left alone?

It is safe to leave Golden Retrievers alone at home for up to four to six hours, but not for more than eight. To avoid separation anxiety, do not leave your Golden Retriever home alone for longer than that.

Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot?

Don’t expect a Golden Retriever to be a terrific watchdog since they’re not known for their barking and lack of guarding instincts. On the other hand, some Golden Retrievers will bark if a stranger approaches.

Are Golden Retrievers active dogs?

A Golden Retriever – as a puppy and an adult dog – are energetic and, at their core, are bird dogs, so they appreciate a great game of fetch or swimming. If you allow them to exercise regularly, they can adapt to any residence, even an apartment in the city.
 

Final Thoughts on Golden Retriever Temperament & Personality

It is easy to understand why Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are considering adopting one, consider joining your local Golden Retriever Club, and they can put you in touch with a reputable breeder.

Learn more about: Golden Retriever Dog Breed Information

Other helpful information

  • Dog Breed Guides
  • Cat Breed Guides

Other related Golden Retriever guides

Golden Retriever photo 3

Do Golden Retrievers Shed?

Golden Retriever photo 3

Golden Retriever Prices In Australia

Golden Retriever photo 3

Golden Retriever Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

Golden Retriever photo 3

Golden Retriever Size & Weight Chart

Golden Retriever photo 3

Common Golden Retriever Health Issues

Golden Retriever photo 3

Golden Retriever Grooming Tips & Styles

Golden Retriever photo 3

What to Feed a Golden Retriever? Diet & Feeding Chart

Golden Retriever photo 3

Golden Retriever Colours

Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.

Facebook Instagram Linkedin
Dog Breed Guides
  • Foundation Stock Service
  • Gundogs
  • Herding
  • Hounds
  • Miscellaneous Class
  • Non-sporting
  • Sporting
  • Terriers
  • Toy
  • Unrecognized
  • Utility
  • Working
Cat Breed Guides
  • Exotic
  • Hairless
  • Hybrid
  • Long Haired
  • Natural
  • Oriental
  • Rex
  • Semi-long Haired
  • Short Haired
Adopt A Pet
Dog Adoption
  • ACT
  • NSW
  • NT
  • QLD
  • SA
  • TAS
  • VIC
  • WA
Cat Adoption
  • ACT
  • NSW
  • NT
  • QLD
  • SA
  • TAS
  • VIC
  • WA

© PetsOnline. All Rights Reserved 2025.

Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions