How to Identify a Golden Retriever

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Take out your measuring tape. The breed standard for a male golden retriever is 23 to 24 inches at the withers; while females should measure 21 1/2 to 22 1/2 inches. Assuming they don't nosh on too many doggie treats, male goldens will weigh 65 to 75 lbs. and females tip the scales at 55 to 65 lbs.
Step 2:
Get a good look at the golden retriever's eyes. They should be deep-set, round and brown. If the eyes don't seem friendly and warm, you might not be looking at a golden.
Step 3:
Check out that smile. Golden retrievers have a scissors bite, where the outer part of the top teeth touches the inner part of the lower teeth when the jaw is set. A purebred's muzzle smoothly blends into its neck when seen in profile.
Step 4:
Notice the proportions of the dog's body. Purebred golden retrievers will have full chests, about the size of a grown man's fist. The tail is thick, muscular, curves up slightly and probably wags in a friendly gesture.
Step 5:
Note the coat. Golden retrievers have thick, resilient hair that can be wavy or straight and comes in all shades of gold, from pale amber to a deep, reddish golden color. If the dog you're looking has white, black, brown or gray fur, she is probably not a true golden retriever. Some white is normal as goldens age, but gold is still their primary color.

Tips & Warnings

Even if you determine that the dog isn't a purebred golden retriever, know that mutts sometimes make the best pets and might escape some of the inherited diseases common to the breed.

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