History of the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands in the mid-1800s by Lord Tweedmouth, who wanted a skilled gundog that could retrieve game from both water and land. He crossed a yellow retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, and later added Irish Setter and Bloodhound lines.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Golden Retriever in 1925. Today Goldens are among the most popular family dogs in the country and excel as guide, service and therapy dogs.
Golden Retriever Traits
Males 65–75 lb;
Females 55–65 lb
Water-repellent double coat; sheds heavily
~10–12 years
What Golden Retrievers Excel At
Common gotchas
Trainer Notes
Our Golden Retriever Graduates
Since 2008, Neuman K-9 Academy has trained 188 Golden Retrievers in our Dog Boot Camp and Puppy Camp, and 179 of them have a public graduation video on YouTube showing what they learned. Here are our most recent graduates.
Graduation videos of all 179 Golden Retrievers, by year
2026: Calvin, Ekker, Jake, Cooper, Tyler, Stevie, Willow, Olive, Leo, Maple, Ralph, Maisie, Milo, Charlie, Mojo, Emmy
2025: Romy, Murphy, Lizette, Stevie, Stella, Murphy, Scout, Kelpie, Sami, Tucker, Cannoli, Nisse, Marigold, Arty, Brady, Ted, Odie, Callie, Harvey
2024: Sean, Bogey, Penny, Sadie, Madden, Auggie, Stan, Driver, Toonie, Breaker, Chloe
2023: Finn, Beesly, Earl, Freyja, Milo, Macy, Ollie, Mally, Chester, Ruby, Ruby, Daisy, Alice, Leo, Odie, Willow, Rhubarb
2022: Miley, Beesly, Beau, Rupert, Wilson, Daisy, Eddie, Dutton, Wrigley, Mally, Birdie, Enzo, Zemo, Mac
2021: Maddie, Camper, Luna, Winnie, Gus, Rooney, Fritz, Stanley, Goose, Bailey, Fred, Belle, Piper, Rip, River, Millie, Cooper, Kona, Auggie, River, Kobe
2020: Maggie, Starla, Torvi, Aspen, Lady, Clark, Kobe, Hanx, Sedona, Annie
2019: Carly, Rookie, Harley, Luna, Miles, Callie, River, Rose, Marley, Lucy, Polly
2018: Ruby, Maui, Jax, Summit, Cotton, Charley
2017: Finley, Max, Maddie, Hunter, Berkeley, Tucker, Maggie, Cash, Sully
2016: Sam, Bella, Maxie, Packer, Zoe, Max, Kimber, Joey, KC, Oliver, Rusty
2015: Winton, Dakota, Jack, Ringo, Dalton, Milo, Lexie, Charlie, Bella
2014: Stanley, Mabel, Lexie, Rafe, Nina, Buddy, Lulu, Captain
2013: Stella, Isley, Lucky, Nora
2012: Sebastian, Sunny, Dexter, Buddy, Lyla, Barkley, Shadow
What Golden Retriever Owners Say
“Through it all, Maddie behaved extremely well. Car, airport, shuttle train, And lyft with infinite competitions for her attention. … And I was very happy to be able to let her run, knowing she had excellent recall.”
Kathy Stepien · Maddie, Golden Retriever
“I can take her anywhere and everyone falls in love with her, as she has been trained so well by you and listens to my commands, often without any correction. … We take her to soccer games to see a family member and she just lays there and watches.”
Jennifer Wieland · Marley, Golden Retriever
FAQs
Are Golden Retrievers easy to train?
Goldens are very trainable and eager to please, but they are also excitable and slow to mature. Consistent structure early on makes the biggest difference.
At what age should I start training my Golden Retriever?
Puppy Camp takes puppies from 4 months of age, and Dog Boot Camp is for dogs 12 months and older.
How long is boot camp for a Golden Retriever?
Dog Boot Camp runs 8 or 12 weeks. The 12-week camp adds off-leash heeling, long-distance recalls around heavy distractions and field trips into the city.
Do Golden Retrievers shed?
Yes, a lot. Their double coat sheds year-round with heavier seasonal sheds. Brush several times a week.
What health testing should I ask a breeder about?
Ask for documented hip, elbow, eye and heart clearances on both parents.
Train Your Golden Retriever at Neuman K-9 Academy
Our Dog Boot Camp is an 8 or 12-week board-and-train program for dogs 12 months and older, and Puppy Boot Camp is for puppies 4 to 12 months. Every program includes hands-on handler training for you at graduation. Families send their dogs from across the country, too; see dog boot camp for out-of-state families.
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