How to Identify a Golden Retriever

Smart, loyal and friendly, the golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. The breed is so popular, in fact, that many mixed breed dogs have a little bit of golden in them. Telling whether you're looking at a purebred golden retriever or a mutt requires a trained eye. Here's what to look for.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.