Golden Retriever Female: Best Pet Dog in 2025

Golden Retriever Female is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. They are known for their friendly nature, loyalty, and intelligence. When it comes to choosing between a male or female golden retriever as a pet, you need to keep some considerations. Many owners think female golden retrievers are more loving and affectionate towards their owners than male golden retrievers.

Golden Retriever Female Size and Weight

Female Golden Retrievers are slightly smaller than their male retrievers. They typically stand between 21.5 and 22.5 inches tall at the shoulders. Females weigh between 55 and 65 pounds.

Golden Retriever Female Lifespan

The average lifespan of a female Golden Retriever is around 10 to 12 years. However, recent studies have shown variations, with some findings indicating a life expectancy of up to 13.2 years.

Golden Retriever Female Pictures

Golden Retriever Female Vs. Male

Aspect	Male Golden Retriever	Female Golden Retriever
Size and Weight	Typically larger, weighing 65-75 pounds.	Generally smaller, weighing 55-65 pounds.
Personality	Often more laid-back, friendly, and playful.	Can be more independent and calm, but also affectionate.
Temperament	May be more stubborn and independent.	Often more sensitive and eager to please.
Training	Can be a bit more challenging to train due to stubbornness.	Easier to train, more eager to please their owners.
Exercise Needs	Higher energy, requiring more physical activity.	Generally moderate energy, but still active and playful.
Health Issues	More prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and heart conditions.	Similar health issues, but some females may have reproductive health concerns.
Reproductive Cycle	No reproductive cycle.	It goes through a heat cycle (twice a year) unless spayed.
Spaying/Neutering	Neutering is typically done for health and behavior control.	Spaying is recommended to avoid health risks like pyometra.
Life Expectancy	Typically around 10-12 years.	Typically around 10-12 years.
Aggression	May display more territorial behavior or dominance.	Generally less territorial but may display protective behaviors.
Affection Level	Can be extremely affectionate but also independent.	Often more in tune with human emotions and affectionate.
Cost of Care	It may cost slightly more due to size and medical needs.	The cost of care is similar but can vary with reproductive health.

Golden Retriever Female Care

To ensure that your female golden retriever lives a long, healthy, and happy life, you need to take proper care of your female retrievers.

Diet

A balanced diet for your female golden retriever’s health and energy levels is crucial. On average, a female Golden Retriever needs around 2 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. You should adjust food portions based on her size, activity level, and age.

You should avoid giving your female golden retrievers excessive treats, table scraps, and foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions, as they can be harmful. Female golden retrievers require some essential nutrients, such as:

• Protein: For muscle maintenance and energy.
• Healthy Fats: Support coat health and overall energy.
• Carbohydrates: Provide daily fuel for their active lifestyles.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Promote immune health and prevent diseases like arthritis.

Regular Exercise

Female Golden Retrievers are energetic and need daily exercises to stay healthy. Regular exercise for your retrievers prevents obesity, strengthens muscles, and supports mental well-being. You should take your female golden retriever for 1 to 2 hours of activity per day, including:

• Daily walking and running.
• Playing time with toys and balls.
• Provide and engage them in some mental stimulation activities like puzzle toys or training sessions.

Grooming Requirements of Golden Retriever Female

Female Golden Retrievers have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it shiny and tangle-free.

Brushing

You must brush your female golden retriever coat 3 to 4 times a week using a slicker brush to reduce shedding and avoid matting. During seasonal shedding, like spring and fall, golden retrievers shed too much. It may need daily brushing.

Bathe your Golden Retriever every 6 to 8 weeks or when she gets dirty. Use a dog-friendly shampoo to maintain her skin health.

Ear Cleaning

You should clean her ears weekly with a vet-approved solution to prevent infections. Golden Retrievers are prone to ear issues due to their floppy ears.

Nail Trimming

You need to trim their nails every 3 to 4 weeks or when they start clicking on hard surfaces.

Health Concerns of Golden Retriever Female

Golden Retrievers are susceptible to certain health issues, like all dog breeds. You should be aware of these health concerns of female golden retrievers. Here are some common health issues that can affect your female golden retrievers:

Cancer

Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of cancer compared to other dog breeds. Cancer is one of the main causes of death in female golden retrievers. Studies suggest that reports indicate that approximately 60% of Golden Retrievers may develop some form of cancer in their lifetime.

Some common cancers in female golden retrievers are Hemangiosarcoma, Lymphoma, and Osteosarcoma. If you notice some signs like weight loss, lethargy, swelling, difficulty eating or drinking, and lameness or stiffness in limbs, you need to bring your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that is common in larger dog breeds like Golden Retrievers. It occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing the ball and socket to not fit together properly.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia are difficulty standing or walking, lameness or limping, particularly after doing exercises, decreased range of motion in the hind limbs, and difficulty climbing stairs or jumping.

While hip dysplasia can’t be cured, it can be managed. Therefore, you should maintain a healthy weight and engage them in low-impact exercises like swimming. This can help strengthen the muscles around the hip joint.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism in female golden retrievers occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, dry skin, and fur loss. This can be diagnosed through blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels. It can be easily treated with synthetic thyroid hormone replacements.

Allergies

Female Golden Retrievers can suffer from environmental and food allergies, like other dogs. Environmental allergies can be caused by pollen, dust mites, mold, and even fleas. While food allergies can be caused by common ingredients like wheat, soy, or chicken.

The symptoms of these allergies can be itchy skin, red or inflamed skin, ear infections, excessive licking or chewing, and digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting.

If your lovely female golden retriever is having these allergies, you need to bring them to your vet for some specific tests. Treatment can include antihistamines, a special hypoallergenic diet, or topical treatments to soothe irritated skin.

Skin Conditions (Ichthyosis)

Female Golden Retrievers can be prone to ichthyosis. It is a genetic skin condition that leads to the formation of scales or flakes on the skin. While it doesn’t cause pain, it can lead to excessive shedding and dryness.

To take care of your retriever, you should do regular grooming and bathing. Use dog-specific shampoos and conditioners and keep brushing their fur.

Heart Disease

As female golden retrievers grow, they can develop heart diseases like subaortic stenosis (SAS). It is a condition where the blood flow from the heart is stopped.

Coughing, less exercise fatigue, fainting, and swelling in the abdomen or legs are some symptoms of this. This disease can be controlled by medications. But in severe cases, surgery may be required.

Reproductive Care for Golden Retriever Female

Heat Cycle (Estrus Cycle)

The heat cycle is also known as the estrus cycle. It is the period when a female dog is fertile and capable of becoming pregnant. Female Golden Retrievers have this cycle approximately twice a year.

Stages of the Heat Cycle:

1. 1. Proestrus: This is the first stage of the heat cycle. It typically lasts about 7-10 days. During this time, you may notice changes in your dog’s behavior such as increased restlessness or irritability. Her vulva will become swollen. She will begin to discharge blood. Although she will attract male dogs during this phase, she is not yet fertile.
   2. Estrus: This is the period when your Golden Retriever is actually in heat and can become pregnant. The estrus stage usually lasts 5-9 days. The bleeding may reduce or change in color, and she will become more receptive to male dogs. Her vulva will remain swollen. She may exhibit behaviors like lifting her tail, twitching her tail to the side, or being more affectionate toward male dogs.
   3. Diestrus: If your dog has not mated and become pregnant, she will enter the diestrus phase, which typically lasts around 60-90 days. During this time, her reproductive system will return to normal, and any symptoms of heat will subside. If she has become pregnant, this phase will last for the duration of her pregnancy.
   4. Anestrus: This is the resting phase between cycles. It typically lasts several months, during which your Golden Retriever is not sexually receptive. This is a good time to focus on her health and well-being.

Signs of Heat:

You should monitor these signs during the heat cycle:

• • Swelling of the vulva.
  • Bloody vaginal discharge.
  • Increased urination.
  • Behavioral changes, such as becoming more affectionate or restless.
  • Attraction from male dogs.

Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy)

Spaying refers to the surgical removal of a female dog’s ovaries and uterus. This procedure is typically done before the first heat cycle to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It reduces the risk of certain reproductive health issues, like Pyometra, Ovarian and Uterine Cancer, and Mammary Tumors. It is one of the most common and beneficial procedures for female dogs.

Spaying can also help reduce certain behavioral issues such as roaming, marking, and aggressive behavior. It can also help with anxiety or mood swings related to the hormonal changes of heat.

The best time to spay your female Golden Retriever is before her first heat cycle, typically between 6-12 months of age. After the surgery, your dog will need some time to recover. It’s normal for her to be a bit tired or sore after the procedure, but she should resume normal activity within a few days.

Breeding Considerations

If you’re considering breeding your female Golden Retriever, there are several factors that you need to keep in mind:

• Before breeding, it is essential to have your female Golden Retriever undergo a full health check-up. This includes screening for genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart disease.
• The ideal time for breeding is during the estrus phase when the female is in heat and most receptive to mating.
• During pregnancy, you should ensure that she is on a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet to support her and the developing puppies.
• When it’s time for your Golden Retriever to give birth, you should prepare a quiet, clean, and comfortable space for her to deliver her puppies. You can consult with a veterinarian throughout the pregnancy to ensure everything goes smoothly.
• Once the puppies are born, they will need proper care and attention. Female Golden Retrievers are generally good mothers, but you may need to assist in the first few weeks with the puppies’ care.

Post-Breeding Care

Once your female Golden Retriever has finished her breeding years, you should give her time to recover fully from the pregnancy and whelping. After a few successful litters, it’s a good idea to give a break to your female Golden Retriever from breeding. This allows her to focus on her health and well-being without the physical demands of pregnancy and raising puppies.

Where To Buy

Golden Retriever Females can be owned by reputed breeders and nearby local pet shops.You can also look for female golden retrievers in the adoption shelters.

Pros And Cons Of Keeping Golden Retriever Female

Pros:

These are the benefits of owning a female golden retriever as a pet.

1. A mild disposition
Because of their peaceful, loving, and caring disposition, female Golden Retrievers make wonderful companions, particularly for households with young children.

2. Training Is Easier
Training may be simpler and more effective for them because they are frequently more focused and mature earlier than guys.

3. Tinier Dimensions
Because they are often lighter and smaller than males, females are easier to handle in terms of their needs for food, exercise, and space.

4. Instincts for Protection
Females are excellent watchdogs without being unduly combative since they may exhibit higher protective impulses toward their families.

5. Compatibility with Other Animals
They are an excellent option for households with many pets because they are typically more tolerant and gregarious with other pets.

Cons:

The drawbacks of owning a female golden retriever as a companion

1. Heat Cycles
Female Golden Retrievers will go into heat every six to twelve months if they are not spayed, which can be untidy and draw unwanted attention from male canines.

2. Increased Spaying Expenses
Spaying a dog might be more expensive and take longer to recover from than neutering a male dog.

3. Health Issues
Mammary tumors and uterine infections (pyometra) are among the health problems that females are more likely to experience, particularly if they are not spayed.

4. Slightly Restricted Characteristics
For some owners, bonding may be impacted by the fact that female Golden Retrievers are somewhat more independent and reserved than their male counterparts.

5. The Behavior of Hormones
Some females may have mood swings or behavioral changes during heat cycles, necessitating additional patience and care

Conclusion