Mixed Breed Icon
  • Activity Level: high
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  • Shedding Level: moderate
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  • Grooming Level: moderate
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  • Trainability: high
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  • Good for Novice Owners: high
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  • Adaptability: high
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  • Kid/Pet Friendly: often
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  • Prey Drive: moderate
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  • Watchdog: chill
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  • Average Size: Medium
  • Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

Golden Retriever Mix Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

A Golden Retriever Mix is a mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Golden Retriever and another dog breed. As with any mixed breed, they can take on the traits of one of the parent breeds or any combination of both of them.

With a Golden Retriever Mix, the goal is to get the highly-trainable, super-friendly, and sweet nature of the Golden Retriever and the best traits of the other dog in the cross. Because there can be variation in the puppies, you will want to ask the breeder about the other dog in the cross. This will give you an idea of what other traits you could be dealing with in a Golden Retriever Mix puppy.

A Golden Retriever is known as the quintessential friendly dog with a happy-go-lucky personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They also tend to be good with strangers as they are more interested in making friends. The other dog breed in the cross could provide some other traits and variations to this, but your Golden Retriever Mix puppy should have a similar disposition to the Golden Retriever.

Golden Retriever Mixes tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in larger homes with room to run and can adapt well to apartment living. As long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection, they tend to be quite happy wherever they live.

Golden Retrievers do well in most climates and are sensitive to heat, as with most dog breeds. Your Golden Retriever Mix should be about the same. There may be some variation due to the other breed in the cross, so you’ll want to make sure you talk to the breeder about both of the parent breeds.

A mixed breed can take on potential health concerns related to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. Overall, a Golden Retriever Mix should be a relatively healthy dog breed. But, you’ll want to be aware of things like elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and hip dysplasia.

Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic conditions to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds. You’ll need to have this conversation anyway to learn more about the other parent breed in the mix. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results.

Golden Retrievers are famously easy to train, which makes them a great fit for owners of all experience levels. You want to expect the same in your Golden Retriever Mix, but you’ll want to know about the other dog breed in the cross too. Depending on the other parent breed, there may be a chance that your Golden Retriever Mix could have an independent or stubborn streak.

In this case, you will want to be prepared for puppy training and obedience classes in case you want a little help in dealing with stubbornness. Classes are a great idea either way because they help strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and are also a great opportunity to socialize your puppy.

It’s also important to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross because they can cause a lot of variation in your Golden Retriever Mix’s coat and grooming requirements. Golden Retrievers tend to have a medium-length coat that sheds moderately year-round and requires brushing a few times a week. Bathing is usually on an as-needed basis. This may be the same for your Golden Retriever Mix or their coat could require more or less grooming depending on the other parent breed.

Regardless of coat type and care requirements, you will need to care for your Golden Retriever Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. And, proper dental care for dogs, like brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs. Your Golden Retriever Mix will likely be the same. Even if the other parent breed is a low or moderate-energy dog, you will need to be prepared to deal with a high-energy dog. Daily walks, playtime, plus extra activity are a must for dogs with a lot of energy.

Be prepared to try a lot of different activities to find your favorites. Teach your dog to play frisbee, go for a swim, go running together, try taking a few hikes, go on trips to the dog park, and more. You will likely tire out before your Golden Retriever Mix does, but you’ll certainly have a lot of fun being active together.

A Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog breed that stands 20-25 inches tall and weighs 60-80 pounds. Your Golden Retriever Mix could be the same or they could take after the other parent breed. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the other breed in the mix and meet the mother dog. This can give you a good idea of what size to expect as your Golden Retriever Mix puppy grows.

Golden Retrievers generally live 10-12 years. Unless the life span of the other parent breed varies largely from this range, you should be able to expect something similar from your Golden Retriever Mix.