Are you looking to get a Golden Retriever to add to your family? If so, and you are wondering if one sex is better than the other, you
have come to the right place to find out about Golden Retrievers. Male vs Female Golden Retriever, let’s take a look at how they are the same, and how the two might differ from one another.
Table of Contents
Size Difference Between Male and Female Golden Retriever
According to the Golden Retriever Club of America, a standard sized male Golden Retriever ranges between 65-75 pounds and is 23″ – 24″ tall at the withers. Female Golden Retrievers are slightly smaller, but not by a lot. Their average weight is between 55 – 65 pounds and have a height of 21.5″ – 22.5″ tall at the withers.
Depending on what age you decide to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever will make a difference on how tall your Golden will get and their overall health. Goldens that get spayed or neutered at a young age (6 months), tend to grow taller. Also, make sure that you are feeding your dog large breed puppy food, this will help them grow at the rate that is best for larger dogs.
Structural Differences Between Male And Female
Male Golden Retrievers are going to have broader heads, longer coats, thicker ruffs and increased musculature (more muscles). Male Golden Retrievers will have much more of a mane, with longer coat around the neck area, similar to male lions. Female Golden Retriever heads and noses are much more narrow, and the fur is going to remain slightly shorter than the male counterparts.
Differences In Personality
There is very little difference in temperament between a male Golden Retriever and a female Golden Retriever. According to R. Ann Johnson who has a Master’s in Zoology from Rutgers University and author of “The Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook,” but she does believe that the male Golden Retrievers tend to display the ancestral survival trait of worshiping their pack leaders.
This is exhibited by a dog’s concern for his owner’s moods and feelings. Female Golden Retrievers don’t worship their owners to the same extent as males, but are still devoted and loving.
It has been said “to summarize the temperament differences between male and females, females love you. Males are in love with you,” according to Genuine Goldens.
Neither sex is easier to train than the other. Golden Retrievers respond best to “positive training methods,” as Goldens really like pleasing their owners. You will see that you will find very few differences between a male vs female Golden Retriever especially if your Golden Retrievers are spayed or neutered at a young age.
Neither are easier to house train than the other and they are equally intelligent, affectionate and sweet. Both are great with kids and both are an excellent companion or hunting dog.
Females tend to be more independent, stubborn and territorial than males, but it is very slight, and doesn’t affect having a great family dog. You might see that males are more affectionate, attentive and attached to their owners.
Males are easily motivated by praise and food and eager to please their owners, which might make them just slightly easier to train, but not by much.
Golden Retrievers In General
I am assuming, but may be wrong here, that if you are researching this topic, you are looking to add a dog to your family, and possibly a Golden Retriever. If that is the case, let me share a bit about Golden Retrievers and what you should know about them.
Golden Retrievers are true family dogs, and they will make sure that they are part of the family at all times unless they are napping, which they do frequently. They love people, are friendly, and want to be included in whatever you are doing.
Over the years, I have had 3 Golden Retrievers which a new puppy coming in a few days, and all of them have had completely different personalities, but there are a few things that are very consistent in all Golden Retrievers that I have known or met.
- They will love you beyond belief. You will be very important to them, and you will see that by them wanting to be as close to you as possible. Some think they are lap dogs, even when they weigh over 70 pounds.
- They are great with kids. I had 2 Golden Retrievers that were only 7 months older than my son, and never for a minute was I concerned for my son around my 2 Golden Retrievers. Instead, as he got older, they all became the very best of friends. All of them getting into trouble together.
- They need their exercise and they need mental stimulation. They are very intelligent dogs and active dogs. Whichever sex you
choose, you will need to take them on daily walks and make sure that they get plenty of run time. - They want to be petted. If you don’t want a dog that needs your attention, then this isn’t the dog for you. They want to be close to you, and they will make sure you know that they want to be touched and petted.
- They will get their way. They can have the saddest looking eyes that if you are a softy to dogs, you will give in and allow them on the couch, or bed and before you know it, you will be sleeping with your knees up to your chin, because they are taking up over half of the bed.
These points are going to be the same no matter if you decide on a male vs female Golden Retriever.
Conclusion
In my opinion, male Golden Retrievers that have been neutered tend to be a bit calmer in nature than female Golden Retrievers, but I really don’t think you can go wrong with either one of them. I might be a bit impartial since I have owned 3 male Golden Retrievers.
When comparing male vs female Golden Retrievers, you will find that both are affectionate, loving, want to be part of the family and are very intelligent dogs.
They tend to always want to be by your side and want to be included in everything that you are doing. It can be very hard to leave them behind when you need to leave, since they can have the saddest looking eyes, and I believe they are intelligent enough to know exactly what they are doing when they give you that sad look.
If you are getting a new puppy, take a look at this checklist for a new puppy. It will make sure you have everything you need before you bring your new puppy home.
Please leave any questions or comments below. I would love to hear about your Golden Retrievers or if you have questions about Golden Retrievers, I will be happy to get back to you.
I think I’d like to have a female Golden Retriever in our family.
They are a little bit smaller but there is the chance of getting her pregnant and enjoy the time with the small puppies.
Do you think selling the puppies will be easy?
I know plenty of people that have female Golden Retrievers and when their dog has puppies, they usually will keep one from the litter. It would be very easy to sell the puppies if you have a healthy mother and father with no medical issues. They generally sell for around $800 each.
Hi Marla,
I really enjoyed reading your post about golden retrievers. Golden retrievers are really pretty looking dogs. I used to love dogs of all kinds when I was very young. Growing up we didnt own one but some of my family members had dogs and I always looked forward to seeing the dogs again and playing with them. A relative of mine once owned a Lhasa apso but she died last year and she is thinking of having another dog but not quite sure of the specie. I will definitely recommend this specie to her. Thanks for an interesting post.
Bea, if you ever decide you want a dog at some point, I would truly recommend a Golden Retriever. The love and happiness they provide is unbelievable. I had a Lhasa Apso many years back and I loved her a ton, but she would only have 1 true best friend at a time and there was always a pecking order of her favorites. If the 1st one wasn’t home, she would go to the next one on the list. To me a Golden Retriever really loves its owner, but they seem to love everyone else they meet also. Thanks for reading.
I loved reading your post on Golden Retrievers. They are wonderful dogs! I have never had one personally, but I used to be part of a therapy dog group and there were always several goldens in the group. They make wonderful therapy dogs because, as you said, they do love people!
Kayla I glad you enjoyed the article. Golden Retrievers are used as therapy dogs often since they are so gentle and seem to love just about everyone they are in contact with.
Great article. I actually owned a female golden retriever, and what you said in your article is pretty much spot on. I definitely agree with you. You can’t go wrong with either gender, but to be quite honest I prefer females over males. That’s just a personal preference though.
Jordan, I’m glad you read my article. I am going to have to agree, either of them are just wonderful. I previously had 2 other dogs that weren’t Goldens that were both females, and I thought they were the greatest. I have since had 3 male Golden Retrievers and believe they are also the greatest. I truly believe all dogs are just fantastic, male or female. I am currently leaning on the male right now, since I have one laying by my feet as I type away.
i am a natural dog lover, but i have not kept one for a few years since my last one died of old age. The golden retriever lives up to the name with the beautiful gold long haired coat. To me either male or female, owning one would be a sheer delight and excellent company.
Andrew, I am sorry about you losing your dog, no matter how long ago it was. I have lost several and think I can’t do it again, but then I just end up doing it again and I start the joy all over again. Thank you for reading my article and if you decide in the future to get another dog, enjoy the happiness they give us.
Hi, Marla! I couldn`t agree more. As I was reading your post I could see my Golden Retriever Bella in every sentence of your post. Long ago I had male Golden Retriever and he was awesome also. From my experience, it doesn’t matter if is male or female as long as is a golden retriever. They love you, adore you, watch over you and be by your side wherever you go. They become part of you 🙂
They are great. That is why when you no longer have them, they break your heart. They are so involved in everything that you do all day long and are always watching you or wanting your attention. I’m glad you could see Bella in the article. They can make you smile just thinking of them.
HI Marla! I found this information so fascinating! I was wondering if these male/female characteristics would hold true for Labrador Retrievers? We have a Black Lab./Corgi mix named Dash and he sure is a Mama’s boy! I catch him ever so often just staring at me 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you for reading my article Colleen. I am not sure if these characteristics would hold true for Labrador Retrievers, but the next article I am writing about is comparing Golden Retrievers with Labrador Retrievers, since to two breeds are number 1 & 3 in most popular dogs. I will get back to you after some research, or check back to my site again, and it will probably be posted.
It is very nice having a “Mama’s Boy” I have one too.
All your information about Golden retrievers are great! I will love to owner one ASAP.
Reading about Golden retriever and Labrador,I had a very sad experience and for me I’m scare to have one;I’m here reading before a dog come home like a family member, thanks, great information!
Glad you have enjoyed what you read. I have had 3 Golden Retrievers, and I think they are just the best. To be honest though, they do have many health issues, but they are such great friends and family members, that it still won’t change my mind when I get my next dog. I know it will be a Golden again. Between their wonderful personality, the love they provide, and how funny they are, it is all worth it to me.
This article is spot on. I have owned both male and female Golden Retrievers. It is absolutely true that you can’t go wrong with either a male or female golden. Thanks for the great article!
Thanks for commenting Tom. I am glad that the information was helpful for you. Goldens are one of my favorites of all dogs. It is hard not to love them.
There are no negatives be it male or female when it comes to the Golden Retriever. They give with all of their heart and become part of your soul. Indeed a perfect word, “Golden” to characterize this wonderful, loving and selfless breed. Blessed to share my life for 14 years with my girl, “Angel” who truly lived up to her name.
I would agree that Goldens are wonderful dogs. They love you no matter what with all their hearts. I just have had males, which makes me partial to them, but yes, both male and female Golden Retrievers are great dogs and love with all their heart. I am happy that Angel is 14 years old. Mine have never gotten that old. My current one is 11 years old. The time goes too fast with them. Thanks for commenting Linda.
Our Golden is 9 years old and he absolutely loves everyone that comes to visit. He loves being addressed as the “baby boy”. He is our first large dog, he has always amazes us on how obedient and intelligent he is. I most certainly would get another Golden in my opinion this breed is the best with children.
I will have to agree with you Julia. I have 3 Golden Retriever and my current Golden is 11 years old. I love all dogs, but I really feel a Golden Retriever loves with all his heart, and loves everyone he meets. You might want to take a look at a Golden Retriever personality. You might enjoy reading this since you are a Golden lover.
I had a female Golden that we lost 3 months shy of her 14th birthday. We had a wonderful life together however she always had a reaccuring UTI. I was wondering if the male gender ever encounters this issue ?
How wonderful that you had your past Golden for almost 14 years. I have not been that luck up to this point. I have had 3 male Golden Retrievers up to this point, and none of them have ever had any UTI.
Hi Marla. Thank you for your informative article. My wife and I are thinking about bringing a Golden Retriever into our home. It’s just the two of us as our kids are grown and on their own. I’m wondering how they do with wooden floors. We have a two-story home here in Dallas and all the floors are wooden, including the stairs to the second level. Will these floors and stairs create a problem for this type of dog? Thanks in advance for your response.
They will have a few problems with the wooden floors. It will get worse as they get older, since their pads stop having as good of traction. Take a look at preventing slipping on wooden floors for more information.
There is a bunch of ideas to help any dog from slipping.
It will give you a bunch of ideas to help your dog. I had an older Golden and really struggled on wooden floors
I just got a new Golden Retriever puppy a week ago, and he is also sliding around, but puppies slide on everything.
I am going to use the information from my link and hope that he will have a better time on the floors than my last one.
We just lost our beautiful Sandy after a wonderful 12 years with her. I would consider a male so as not to compare as much to her. Though the only male dogs we have been around tend to ride the legs of someone making them uncomfortable. Yet, I have never seen a golden do this. Is this something that all male dogs do?
I have am on my 4th male Golden Retriever. The first 3 were neutered at a very young age and they never humped anyone. I do have a new puppy now, and he is humping a large stuffed animal, but not us. I will see how this one goes, as we are not going to get him neutered until at least 18 months. I have been told by several breeders that they will stay much more healthy if you wait at least that long before having them neutered.
I am sorry that you have lost Sandy, I know how very painful that can be. Our last male Golden we lost in August and we got our new Golden puppy in November. We do compare them, but it actually brings us joy seeing a bit of the same with them. Our Golden was also 12 when we lost him, but the last several years were a struggle with health issues, so there is a lot of happiness and joy from having a healthy new pup.
It is a big difference from a 12 year old to the puppy, but I know we will get to a place that is peaceful again.
Good Luck to you making a decision.
Thank you. We had a 17 year old dog prior to Sandy. Sandy was a year or 2 when we got her. Even that was a huge difference. She had alot more energy than our previous senior dog.
We do worry about comparing so we are looking at possible other breeds (Border collies and Australian shepherds) as well. It will be hard to beat Sandy though our new dog will be well loved as well.
You will always miss Sandy I am sure. My heart was still really hurting from our last Golden when we got the new puppy, but he has brought happiness to us, since our last dog wasn’t in very good physical condition the last few years. He is our 4th Golden Retriever, and find something from each of the last 3 in his personality that makes us now smile and laugh about the ones we have lost before.
I wish you lots of luck with whatever breed you choose. Dogs can bring such joy to your home. (Unfortunately, with a 5 month puppy, we are still in the challenging stage but will get there.)
Thank you, you’ve described our Scooby to a tee! He got into some burdocks this morning and was very patient letting us remove all the burrs … he actually loved all the combing and pruning. Such a friend he is, we just love him.
I have the same problem with my Golden getting into the burdocks. I glad you enjoyed the article. If you have a Golden Retriever already, you can just picture them when reading this. I am on my 4th Golden Retriever. This one is just a pup at 5 months old. I lost my last one in August and my husband thought we should try a different breed and I just couldn’t bring myself to change. I love the Goldens too much.
Hey dear,i am planning to take one female golden 2.5 yrs age ..will it be ok with respective to their reproductive matyer..means when to make them undergo breed?
I am not sure that I understand your question. Are you wondering if it is ok to get your dog spayed at the age of 2.5 years? If so, yes but the later you wait, the more problems they might have. I have had a dog that went through a false pregnancy after and was messed up for over a month.
Marla,
With your experience with male Goldens, do you recommend neutering.
We had Maggie for 13 years and 3 months and it took us a year to get over her loss. She grew up with our kids. We now have another Golden named Cooper, a spunky 12 month old boy.
We refer to Maggie as Cooper’s grandmother. Thank you.
I have had 3 Golden Retriever males that I got neuter as soon as they were old enough to be neutered and they all turned out to be loving great companions. I currently have a new Golden Retriever that is 10 months old and he hasn’t been neutered. We are trying to wait until he is at least 1 year old. Many of the breeders that I spoke to recommended that they would be healthier later in life if we waited to get them neutered. We have found that he is much more aggressive than the others by not being neutered and not as loving at this point. He also seems to be in a competition with my son, so he hasn’t been as enjoyable. If you have children, you might want to get him neutered, but it is a trade-off for later in life with their health.