Should I get a male or a female golden?

In Goldens, there is little difference in temperament between the sexes. Both sexes are equally clever and affectionate, and neither is more difficult to housetrain. Both are fantastic with children and make great companions. Aggression issues, which can occur in males of other breeds, are uncommon in the Golden. Some male Goldens may engage in sex-related behavior such as mounting and marking, especially if other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. These usually can be corrected with behavioral and obedience training, but it is something to keep in mind. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between male and female golden retrievers.

Size

This is probably the most obvious difference between male and female goldens. Male golden retrievers are typically larger and taller than females.

Males grow to be around 10 pounds heavier than females, reaching up to 75 pounds. They’re also an inch and a half taller, reaching up to 24 inches tall.

Other differences between male and female golden retrievers are in their appearance. Males have:

• Bigger heads
• Bigger paws
• More muscular
• Bigger barks
• Sometimes longer coats

Personality

They say the female golden retriever will love you, but the male golden retriever is IN love with you. We find this to be true for the most part. Male golden retrievers have evolved to want to be the head of the pack, or in the highest favor of the head of the pack. Our sweet grandpa golden, Opie, is a prime example of this. Male goldens are more in tune with your emotions than females are and tend to be like velcro dogs.

Female golden retrievers, while also very sweet and affectionate, can be a bit more independent than their male counterparts. They are not that independent (c’mon they are goldens… people dogs!) but, a bit more independent than the males. While Opie will follow me from room to room, his daughter Scout, is happy to be outside in the yard hunting for moles (she often catches them too, gross!).

Similarities

While there are physical distinctions between the sexes, the temperaments of male and female golden retrievers are more similar than different. They’re both easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement during training. Praise for their efforts encourages them to learn.

Golden retrievers, both male and female, make excellent family pets. They are great with children, other pets, and visitors to your home. Ultimately, the dogs want to please you above all else. When you express your gratitude or praise them, they reply enthusiastically. Golden retrievers, regardless of their gender, can be competitive when it comes to earning your attention.