Temperament: Goldies are active and fun-loving but also exceptionally patient. Other characteristics include a love for cool water, retrieving, and pleasing their owners. They are very tolerant of children, making them excellent family pets.

Care: The smooth, medium-haired coat is fairly easy to groom. Use a firm bristle brush to comb and brush, paying close attention to the breed's dense undercoat. Don't overbathe, but dry shampoo often. Exercise daily. Life expectancy for the Golden Retriever is about 10-12 years.

Training: The Golden Retriever does well in obedience trials and makes an excellent guide dog. While Labrador Retrievers might do better in a field trial, Goldens are excellent hunters and famous for their outstanding scenting abilities.