A LITTLE WILDLIFE PERSPECTIVE
How tall is a golden retriever?
Compare your height to a golden retriever.
The golden retriever breed standard gives 23–24 in (58.4–61 cm) at the shoulder for males and 21.5–22.5 in (54.6–57.2 cm) for females.
A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE
Golden retriever
next to the average.
Average U.S. adults, side by side.
- Average man (U.S.)5 ft 8.9 in
- Golden retriever2 ft 7.5 in
- Average woman (U.S.)5 ft 3.5 in
How do you measure up?
Enter your height to stand beside a golden retriever.
Side by side
- Golden retriever2 ft 7.5 in
- Your placeAdd your height
The animal is an example adult in the pose shown. Its full outline is scaled to 80 cm. Shoulder height and body length are explained below.
Where do you stand?
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GET TO KNOW THE ANIMAL
Small facts. Big discoveries.
Golden retriever · domestic dog breed
A golden retriever has a sturdy body under its familiar golden coat. Measuring at the shoulder gives a more repeatable height than measuring to moving ears or the top of the head.
The golden retriever standard describes a working hunting dog with balanced proportions and a smooth, coordinated trot. Longer feathering on the neck, legs, and underside of the tail adds volume to its outline, while shorter hair covers the head and the fronts of the legs.
- The coat is dense and water-repellent.
- The breed standard describes a strong, active dog with a broad skull and friendly expression.
How big do adults get?
- Male
- 23–24 in at the shoulder
- Female
- 21.5–22.5 in at the shoulder
These are American breed-standard heights, not a promise that every pet will match. Standard weights are 65–75 lb for males and 55–65 lb for females.
Height, length, or weight?
Standing height runs from the ground to the top of the animal. Shoulder height stops at the top of the shoulders. Length runs along the body; it is not how tall an animal stands. Weight tells us how heavy it is.
Explore the science: Golden Retriever Club of America · breed standard ↗