How to Identify a Golden Retriever

1. 1
   Look for a dense, water-repellent coat. Golden Retrievers have firm and resilient outer coats and good undercoats. ^[9] Their glossy coats can be either straight or wavy. ^[10]
2. 2
   See if the coat is a golden shade. Golden Retrievers are named for their golden coats. Their coats are a "rich, lustrous golden of various shades", ^[11] which can range from a light cream color to a deep reddish gold.
3. 3
   Identify feathering. Like some other breeds, Golden Retrievers are seen with feathering. Feathering is defined as a "longer fringe of hair on ears, legs, tail, or body". ^[12] This feathering, which appears on a Golden Retriever's legs, tail, neck, and underbody, may be lighter than the rest of the coat. ^[13]
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1. 1
   See how active the dog is. Golden Retrievers have high energy levels and are active and athletic. These retrievers need regular exercise to stay satisfied. ^[14]
2. 2
   Notice loyalty. Golden Retrievers can develop deep bonds with their owners. ^[15] They demonstrate loyalty to those they spend the most time with and may feel anxious when they're alone.

   Did you know? Golden Retrievers are a common breed employed to be therapy dogs. Their kind-hearted, loving, empathetic personalities are known for being able to calm people of all ages. ^[16]
3. 3
   Pay attention to how entertained the dog is. If they're not occupied, Golden Retrievers can easily become bored. It is important that they have things to do to prevent this. ^[17]
4. 4
   Look for a trustworthy personality. Golden Retrievers are reliable dogs. With proper socialization, this trait allows them to make great family pets, and they can be trusted around children with supervision. ^[18]
5. 5
   Check for adaptability. Some breeds don't do well with other pets, but Golden Retrievers are typically adaptable. Many Golden Retrievers can live peacefully with other animals, such as cats. ^[19]
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Golden Retrievers are just one of six retrieving breeds. ^[20] It can be difficult to tell Goldens apart from these other retrievers, but if you familiarize yourself with the differences between them, it can be easier to tell whether or not a dog is a Golden Retriever.

1. 1
   Tell how Golden Retrievers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers differ. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, also referred to as a Chessie, is a retrieving breed from the Mid-Atlantic. ^[21] One noticeable difference between the breeds is that Chessies have wavy fur that is dense, thick, and short. ^[22] A Chessie's coat is brown, resembling nature to blend in, though one may have minimal white markings on the feet or stomach. ^[23] They are brave, love water, and are willing to work.
2. 2
   Recognize the differences between Golden Retrievers and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers . The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also called a Toller, is a retriever of unknown breeding origin, but it was bred to hunt ducks. ^[24] Tollers are smaller than Goldens, being the smallest of the retriever breeds. ^[25] They have mostly straight, red coats that range from golden red to a deep coppery red, with white markings on the tail tip, feet, chest, or blaze. ^[26] Tollers are quick, alert, and determined, and they may even have a slightly worried or sad expression when they aren't working. ^[27]
3. 3
   Understand how Golden Retrievers and Flat-Coated Retrievers differ. Flat-Coated Retrievers are also called Flat-Coats and were bred in the mid-1800s. ^[28] They are fairly similar in size to Goldens but have long, flat muzzles. ^[29] Flat-Coats have straight, flat-lying coats that can be either solid black or solid liver. ^[30] They are sensible, alert, and cheerful.

   Did you know? When Golden Retrievers were first shown at England's Crystal Palace show in 1908, they were listed as "Flat-Coats (Golden)". ^[31]
4. 4
   Distinguish between Golden Retrievers and Curly-Coated Retrievers . Curly-Coated Retrievers, or Curlies, are among the oldest of the retrievers. ^[32] Curlies are larger than Goldens, weighing as much as 60–95 pounds (27–43 kg). ^[33] They have unique wedge-shaped heads, and, as their name suggests, coats consisting of short, tight curls, which come in solid black and solid liver. ^[34] Curlies are gentle, affectionate, and more independent than Goldens.
5. 5
   Spot differences between Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers . The Labrador Retriever, or Lab, is another popular retrieving breed. Labs are roughly the same size as Goldens, though they have a larger scale height- and weight-wise. ^[35] Labs can be seen in colors other than gold - their coats can be solid yellow, brown, or black. ^[36] Golden Retrievers are typically calmer than Labs.
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