Owning a Golden Retriever puppy is like owning a little furry ball of sunshine. Their wagging tails will knock over all your worries, and their happy personalities will keep you focused on the more important things in life. Their soulful eyes will look right into your innermost thoughts that you’ll want to cuddle with them and pet their soft fur.
And speaking of their fur, while it’s true they might shed enough to create their own Golden Retriever puppy buddy, who needs a clean house when you have a fluffy angel by your side that always has a smile on their face with that cute boopable nose?
Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved and popular dog breeds in the world, and it's not hard to see why. They're known for their friendly and gentle temperament, intelligence, and loyalty. You may be wondering, “What’s it like to own Golden Retriever puppies for sale near me? Here’s what to consider when searching for a Golden Retriever puppy for sale.
Culham Brass in 1904 -- one of the earliest show Goldens and grandfather of the famous Noranby Campfire, the first Golden ever to win a bench title
Golden Retriever Origins
Golden Retriever puppy owners will swear the breed descended down from above on beams of sunshine, but our beloved floofybutts actually hail from Scotland.
The Tweedmouth legacy
The roots of the Golden Retriever breed can be traced back to 1868 when Lord Tweedmouth decided to play matchmaker between his yellow Wavy-Coated Retriever, named "Nous," and a Tweed Water Spaniel named "Belle." These two lovebirds produced a litter of four pups that set the foundation for the breed we know and love today.
The goal was to breed a medium-sized, athletic dog that excelled at swimming and hunting waterfowl while also being an amazing companion dog.
Showing off: Early show dogs
At the turn of the century, a kennel began the famous Culham line of show dogs under the name Yellow Retriever, later designated as Golden Retrievers. From this line, a dog called CH. Noranby Campfire was the first Golden to ever win a title.
The Golden Retriever’s popularity spread as the dogs made their way to Canada and the United States. Goldens enjoyed recognition with the first meeting of the Golden Retriever Club of England in 1911, gained official AKC recognition in the US in 1925, and the Golden Retriever Club of America’s foundation in 1939.
Golden Retriever Popularity
Golden Retrievers are a massively popular choice for individuals and families alike. They rate highly on the best therapy dogs, the best dog breeds for families with kids, the best dogs for first-time puppy owners, and the best canine hiking partners lists. In fact, they have a secured spot on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds list, coming in at #3 in 2022.
Golden Retrievers are a wildly popular choice for movies, TV shows, and certainly all across social media. They are very easy to train and can learn all sorts of fun tricks suitable for the silver screen.
One famous Golden Retriever you may recognize from the late 1990s is named Buddy. He played his namesake Buddy in the original “Air Bud” movie and also Comet in “Full House.” Buddy was a multitalented dog actor and to this day lives on by entertaining children and families through his film work.
Videos and pictures of Golden Retriever puppies dominate the social media landscape, and it’s easy to see why! A quick search of hashtags on any social media platform will feature Golden Retriever social media stars like Tucker Budzyn (11.1 million followers on TikTok) and Teddy (5.8 million followers also on TikTok) where their owners have done a fantastic job of showcasing how funny, adaptable, and good-humored this breed can be.
Types of Golden Retriever Puppies
Did you know that there are technically different types of Golden Retrievers falling underneath the same breed standard? Golden Retrievers can differ in color and in body type, but they’re all classified as Golden Retrievers.
English Cream Golden Retrievers
You may have seen English Golden Retrievers puppies for sale, also called English Cream Golden Retrievers. While they are all the same breed, English Golden Retrievers are bred more in line with Kennel Club of the UK standards aiming for first and foremost a creamy white color, a broad head, round eyes, and a slightly heavier and stockier build than the AKC standards.
Dishonest puppy scammers may advertise English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale by calling them “pure,” “rare,” or “platinum.” These are all techniques to rope you in and sell you a lie. All registered Goldens are pure, none are rare, and none are considered a platinum color according to any kennel club standard! English Golden Retrievers are no different from Golden Retrievers genetically except for their very light coloring.
Field vs. Conformation Golden Retrievers
You may notice that some Golden Retriever puppies have more of a full mane, seem fluffier and sturdier, and are bigger than some goldens, which are darker and slight in build. Are they all Goldens?
Yes! The smaller, darker Golden Retriever is often called a field or field-bred Golden Retriever. These dogs tend to have darker golden to near-red coats with shorter, less dense hair and are closer to the original Scottish-bred Golden Retriever litter.
In addition to English Golden Retrievers and Field Goldens, another type is a Conformation or Show Golden Retriever. They have chest hair so long you can French braid it! These dogs are stockier, have a true golden/yellow color, and have bigger paws and stature than the Field Golden. You will see a Show Golden Retriever in major dog shows because they most closely resemble the breed standards of kennel clubs.
Again, all of these Goldens are still true Golden Retrievers regardless of their coloring and size. They all have equal opportunities to make you laugh, romp around in the sunshine, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Fun Facts Golden Retriever Owners Want You to Know
Golden Retriever puppy ownership opens the door to experience all the wonderful quirks and qualities of this amazing breed. Read on to learn more about what you can expect when you bring home a Golden Retriever puppy for sale.
Be prepared for all that glorious hair
Golden Retriever owners will be the first to tell you that if you are bothered by constant dog hair, then a Golden is not the best breed for you! If you may be wondering why your dog sheds, know that Golden Retrievers are double-coated animals meaning they have not one, but two layers that both shed. They will “blow their coats” usually in the spring and fall to make way for their summer and winter coats, but these pups shed year-round.
To stay on top of their hair, use a dog brush designed for double coats to brush them several times a week. Invest in a pet-friendly vacuum cleaner and a variety of tools to get the hair out. We recommend stashing sticky lint rollers on every floor of your home, the laundry room, the car, and mini ones for your workbag or purse. Upholstery cleaners like rakes and hair-trapping rollers are great to have around, too.
No sock is safe around a Golden Retriever puppy
For whatever reason we have not discovered, Golden Retrievers have a certain love of stinky socks. And even worse, they have a knack for going after your most expensive socks, not the cotton cheapies. If you have socks you cherish, make sure you keep them out of reach of your Golden Retriever puppy!
…nor are tissues
If you see your Golden Retriever puppy walking slowly while giving you the side eye, check their little mouths. They don’t do a very good job of hiding their guilt! Goldens love raiding your trash can and are especially fond of discarded paper products like tissues, napkins, and paper towels.
Will work for cheese & peanut butter
Golden Retrievers do best with a robust, consistent training program with positive reinforcement and praise. One way to show your approval for following basic puppy training commands is to reward your Golden Retriever puppy with cheese or peanut butter. They absolutely love these treats and will work hard to get them!
Golden Retrievers were made for kids
It’s our opinion that every child needs a Golden Retriever puppy as an unofficial nanny and sibling all in one. They have a friendly and gentle temperament that makes them excellent companions for both adults and children. They're patient and tolerant, even with rambunctious kids, and love spending time with their people.
Golden Retrievers make excellent service & therapy dogs
A Golden Retriever is a perfect choice for a dog with a job. These smart, hard-working pups are eager to please, making them a great choice for a service job, therapy dog, or medical assistance dog. That being said…
It’s okay if they’re not the sharpest tool in the shed
While Goldens definitely have a reputation for being smart, don’t feel bad if yours is not quite bringing home A+ grades on that Doggy Report Card. Some Goldens are just, well, sweet and derpy, and we owners wouldn’t have it any other way.
…and they might not actually retrieve instinctually
You may find that despite the word in their name, a Golden “Retriever” may not actually retrieve. Sometimes, your Golden will definitely bound after the toy you throw, but they may think it more fun to run around with it rather than bring it back! When you play fetch, you may have to teach your Golden Retriever puppy to bring back the toy and GIVE it to you. You can do this by teaching the “Come,” “Drop it,” and “Give” commands.
They will show robbers where your jewels are
Golden Retrievers are so friendly that you cannot trust them to defend your property. They will happily make friends with robbers and take them straight to the family vault!
They have their own special holiday
February 3 is National Golden Retriever Day! A woman named Kristen Shroyer started this holiday in 2012 after her beloved Golden Retriever passed away in his honor. Golden Retriever puppy owners everywhere take great joy in celebrating such a fun pawliday with meetups all over the country.
Golden Retrievers set world records
Did you know that Golden Retrievers have a few world records under their paws, including an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records?
In 2020, Finley the Golden Retriever set the world record for the dog that can hold the most tennis balls in its mouth at one time. You’ll find him with a mouth full of tennis balls in the 2022 Guinness Book of World Records. Atta boy, Finley!
In 2021, the oldest Golden Retriever alive, Augie, passed away at 20 years and 11 months old! The regular lifespan of a Golden Retriever is typically 10-12 years.
From California to Melbourne, Australia to Golden, Colorado, Golden Retriever owners and enthusiasts set out to break Golden Retriever world records. As of publication, the largest gathering of Golden Retrievers in the world happened in February 2023 at a gathering called the Melbourne Gold Rush, where over 1,000 Golden Retrievers met for the most epic playdate ever.
Golden, Colorado hosts a giant Golden Retriever gathering every year on Feb. 3, National Golden Retriever Day. One big Golden Retriever meetup in the world, Goldie Palooza, is celebrated every year in California and is a chance for Golden lovers to share in the love of this amazing dog breed.
Golden Retriever owners are serious about the breed
Golden Retriever owners are truly a different breed themselves! Most owners will say a Golden Retriever owns YOU more than you actually own them! In fact, a pop-up cafe in London only catered to Goldens (although other dogs were allowed). It was so popular that lines to get in wrapped around the block, and the organizers had to limit the time each Golden came through to allow them to enjoy puppuccinos while not overstaying their golden space.
They love to show you their “teef”
Goldens will get their lips caught on their teeth sometimes, making for absolutely hilarious expressions. Golden Retriever owners affectionately call them “teef.” Different teef configurations can include sticking out their bottom teef, one side (or the other) up, or front teef with a caught lip right in the middle of the top teef.
Golden Retrievers are prone to some health issues
While Golden Retrievers are considered a healthy, robust breed, they can be susceptible to a few health concerns. Golden Retrievers can be prone to hip & elbow dysplasia, skin infections, and certain cancers.
Choosing the right veterinarian for your Golden Retriever can form a partnership in keeping your Golden Retriever healthy for life.
How Do I Groom My Golden Retriever Puppy?
Golden Retrievers are beautiful and beloved dogs, and keeping their coat looking healthy and well-groomed is important for their overall health and happiness. A well-groomed Golden Retriever is a sight to behold. The luscious, golden locks of fur are a defining characteristic of this breed that sets them apart from other dogs. However, with great beauty comes great responsibility.
Grooming a Golden Retriever puppy involves several steps, including brushing, bathing, and trimming their coat, as well as clipping their nails. Whether you choose a professional groomer or take a DIY dog grooming approach, here are some methods and tips to follow when grooming your Golden Retriever.
Brushing
Golden Retrievers have a thick, double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. You should brush your Golden Retriever at least once a week, but more often during shedding season, which typically occurs in the spring and fall.
Start by using a slicker brush to remove any loose hair and tangles. Then use a comb to work through any remaining knots. Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid causing discomfort to your puppy.
Bathing
Bathing your Golden Retriever should be done every six to eight weeks unless they get particularly dirty or smelly. When bathing your Golden Retriever, use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner that is gentle on their skin. Wet your dog's coat with warm water and lather them up with the shampoo, being careful to avoid getting any in their eyes or ears. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with conditioner if necessary. Towel dry your dog and let them air dry or use a hair dryer on a low setting.
Trimming
When it comes to trimming your Golden Retriever puppy's coat, there are a few different cuts you can choose from, including a puppy cut, a teddy bear cut, or a show cut. A puppy cut involves trimming the hair on your dog's body to an even length, leaving the hair on their legs and tail longer. A teddy bear cut involves leaving the hair on your dog's face longer, creating a rounded, fluffy appearance. A show cut is a more formal, traditional cut that involves leaving the hair on the body longer and trimming it to accentuate the dog's natural shape.
Nail Clipping
Golden Retrievers' nails should be trimmed every four to six weeks. Use a clipper specifically designed for dogs, and be careful not to cut too far down the nail, as this can be painful for your dog and cause bleeding.
If your Golden Retriever puppy has dark nails, it may be difficult to see where the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail) ends. In this case, trim a little bit at a time until you see a small black dot in the center of the nail. This is the indication that you've reached the quick and should stop trimming.
Where Can I Find a Golden Retriever Puppy for Sale Near Me?
Because the Golden Retriever is such a popular breed, backyard breeders, scammers, and puppy mills try to take advantage of people looking for Golden Retriever puppies for sale. If a sale seems too good to be true, it usually is. Dishonest people will find all sorts of ways to participate in puppy scams, from false advertising to stolen puppies to requesting gift cards as payment. We’ve even heard reports of the wrong puppy being sold as a Golden, but it was actually a Labrador Retriever! What a scam!
If you are looking to own a Golden Retriever puppy for sale, it’s best to go through reputable breeders who have a passion for raising these fluffy puppies and breed only for the best qualities from healthy, robust parents. Trustworthy breeders will be obsessed with the Golden Retriever breed and love the puppies they are raising as their own, preparing them to go on and be wonderful canine companions for people like you.
Pawrade Takes the Guesswork Out of Finding a Golden Retriever
Don’t you wish you could wave a magic wand and your Golden Retriever puppy would appear?
What if we told you Pawrade essentially holds this magic wand? That’s right! Adopting a Golden Retriever puppy for sale is an easy and secure way to buy a furry friend. We partner with reputable, pre-screened breeders and offer secure transactions through PetPay, a management system that contains all sales and important paperwork. In addition, each Golden comes with a 3-year health guarantee and 30 days of MetLife pet insurance. We offer a variety of travel options for bringing home your Pawrade puppy.
From a creamy white to golden to a deep red, find the perfect Golden Retriever puppy for sale at Pawrade. And don’t forget to buy that vacuum!
