If you have ever owned a Golden Retriever, you already know how special this breed is. Golden Retrievers are some of the best companions a dog owner can ask for.
While Golden Retrievers do come in a wide range of sizes and fur colors, some people wonder why their dog, in particular, is way larger than others of the same breed.
The giant breed Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. Not only do they possess the temperament of the Golden breed that people love so much, but they are also easy to train and great at athletic activities!
If you are interested to learn more about the giant Golden Retriever breed, keep reading to find out more!
What Is a Giant Breed Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever breed is known for its loving, loyal, and fun personality. These dogs are also known for coming in a variety of sizes and colors.
The giant Breed Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever that develops a height and weight above the average size for the breed.
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Many factors can influence a Golden Retrievers’ size. Sometimes they are just born that way! Their limbs may become longer, and their bones bigger than other dogs of the same breed.
If you are able, take a look at your dogs’ parents, are they significantly larger Golden Retrievers? The chances of your Golden being giant in size is even greater if both parents are giant too!
However, if your dogs’ parents are small, the puppies still have a chance of becoming giant Goldens. One Golden Retriever owner shared that their dog weighs 126 lbs. while his father weighs 88 lbs.
Another owner shared that their two Golden female siblings weigh 90 and 95 lbs. while their parents were only 55 lbs. (female) and 65 lbs. (male)! Proof that pups can be bigger than their parents!
There are also several reasons not related to genetics that can cause Golden Retrievers to become giant.
One common reason your Golden Retriever may be significantly larger than another Golden’s is simply that they are overweight. This can be caused by many different factors including overeating, thyroid issues, not getting enough exercise, etc.
How Much Does a Giant Golden Retriever Weigh?
Giant breed Golden Retrievers are known to be significantly taller and weigh more than the standard Golden breed.
Giant Golden Retrievers typically range between 25–34 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 70–120 lbs.
This large-sized breed’s weight and height can vary based on whether or not they are male or female, their health condition, their diet and exercise, genetics, etc.
Multiple Golden Retriever owners pointed out that their dog(s) had significantly long legs and long bodies, this is a key feature for giant breed Goldens!
One owner stated that their giant Golden Retriever was nearly the size of an Irish Wolfhound — which typically weighs between 115–180 lbs. and reaches between 32–35 inches in height!
It is easy to see how a giant Golden Retrievers differ significantly from the standard breed when it comes to height and weight.
Typically, a standard breed male Golden will range between 23–24 inches in height and weigh between 65–75 lbs.
Female standard breed Goldens are typically slightly smaller, ranging between 21–23 inches in height and weighing between 55–65 lbs.
NOTE: If you do have a giant breed Golden but are concerned about their weight, it is best to have them visit a vet to get them checked out to ensure they aren’t having weight issues or any other health problems.
You may also be wondering about the size of a giant breed Golden Retriever puppy. Standard size Golden pups are known to weigh around 14–16 ounces; however, all puppies are different.
If your puppy is part of the giant breed group, they will most definitely weigh more than this at a young age!
You can also usually tell the difference between a giant breed Golden puppy and a standard breed one, the giant breed pup will appear bigger than the others even at a very young age.
Around 8 weeks of age, a standard Golden will weigh around 10 lbs. you can expect a giant breed Golden to weigh the same or probably even more than this and also be longer and taller.
NOTE: Keep in mind that it takes giant breed Golden’s a little longer to reach their full height and weight. Expect your dog to be fully grown by 2 years of age.
It is also important to note that just because one puppy in a litter is significantly bigger and is going to be a giant-sized Golden, this does not mean that every single pup in the litter will be big.
Several Golden Retriever owners also pointed out that one of their Goldens is huge, while the other one is way smaller, even though they are both from the same litter!
History of Giant Golden Retrievers
While giant Golden Retrievers may look different in size than standard Goldens, they happen to come from the same history as each other.
Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs starting in the 1800s in Scotland and the United Kingdom, this is why the breed is so athletic! They were made to swim, run, catch, hunt, etc.
Giant breed Goldens possess the same characteristics, temperament, etc. that standard Goldens do, they are just bigger!
Although they are a large breed, they are big babies! Giant Golden Retrievers are some of the most loving, sweet, calm, and amazing pets to have, especially around families!
What Type of Golden Retriever is the Largest?
While there aren’t actual different “types” of Golden Retrievers, there are Goldens from different parts of the world that tend to have slight differences between them.
The three types of Golden Retrievers are the Canadian, American, and British Golden Retriever. The Canadian Golden is typically the largest among the three.
You may be able to tell the difference between these three types of Goldens by taking a look at their fur color and texture as well as their body type.
One of the main differences between these three types of Golden Retrievers is that the Canadian Golden has a shorter coat and is usually taller and skinnier than both the American and British Goldens.
NOTE: The Canadian Golden Retriever also tends to be larger than other Goldens because of its genetics!
Temperament of Giant Golden Retrievers
A lot of Golden Retriever owners assume that a giant breed Golden may have a different temperament than a standard Golden; however, this is not the case.
Giant Golden Retrievers have extremely easygoing, playful, and friendly personalities. They are highly intelligent and obedient, making them some of the best dogs to have!
While Golden Retrievers are known to naturally have a very calm, intelligent, kind, and trusting personality, they must still be exposed to socialization early.
Like a lot of other dog breeds, it is important to expose giant Golden Retrievers to socialization early because it helps them to become comfortable in all kinds of social settings and prepares them for interaction with both humans and other dogs.
It is important to remember that since this breed does come from a history of athletics, they require consistent exercise, this is also helpful in maintaining their weight and keeping their health in check!
It is also important to consider whether or not it is a good idea for you and your family to own a giant breed Golden Retriever. This breed requires certain living arrangements to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
It is important to consider several things when thinking of getting a giant breed Golden, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Is your living space large enough? – It may not be the best idea to keep a giant-sized Golden in a small apartment, they will not have enough room and are likely to become very uncomfortable.
- Are you able to exercise them regularly? – Since this breed requires a lot of exercise, it is important that their owner be able to take them outside for regular walks, playtime, and other forms of exercise.
- Will you be able to spend enough time with your Golden? – This breed requires companionship to maintain their health and happiness, if you are unable to spend time with your dog and have to leave them alone for long periods of time, this giant breed may not be the best option for you.
NOTE: Keep in mind that Golden Retrievers are known for acting like puppies for a longer time than some other breeds, this may also be something to consider when thinking of getting a giant breed Golden Retriever!
Life Expectancy of a Giant Golden Retriever
It is commonly known that dogs that are smaller in size will live longer than large breed dogs simply because there is not as much strain happening to their bodies.
The Standard Golden Retriever breed is known to live between 10–12 years. Giant Golden Retrievers may live shorter lives because their bodies are strained more due to their large size.
Life expectancy can not only be cut short for giant breed Golden Retrievers because of their size in general, but also because of the health issues that are caused by their size.
Several health conditions can happen because of a Golden’s large size, some of these conditions include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Thyroid problems
- Cancer (which is common in the Golden breed)
- Arthritis
- Cataracts
- Obesity
Since giant Golden Retrievers are so big, it is necessary to keep them on a healthy diet. Sometimes this breed does require more food than smaller Goldens, but it is important not to overfeed them.
NOTE: Because giant breed Golden Retrievers have bones that are so big, they will sometimes require more vitamins to keep their bodies healthy and strong.
It is important to realize that the better a giant-sized Golden Retriever’s health, exercise, and diet are, the more likely they are to live longer lives!
Read these next: (All about Golden Retriever weight and behavior!)
8 Reasons Why Your Golden Retriever Follows You Everywhere!
Is my Golden Retriever too Skinny? (How to Tell & What to Do)
