Goldador
The Goldador is a thoughtfully developed crossbreed that combines the Golden Retriever's sensitivity with the Labrador Retriever's robust reliability.
Originating in the United Kingdom and United States, these dogs were purposefully bred to harness the best qualities of both parent breeds, resulting in a versatile companion suited to family life and working roles alike.
27-36kg
Weight
Large
Size
10-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Goldador
Physically, Goldadors present an athletic build with a medium-length coat that may range from the Labrador's dense texture to the Golden Retriever's slightly wavier appearance. Their colouring reflects both parent breeds, encompassing cream, gold, black, liver, and chocolate shades. Adults typically stand between 56 and 61 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh between 27 and 36 kilograms, firmly placing them in the large breed category. Temperamentally, Goldadors are warm, affectionate, and genuinely eager to please, integrating naturally into family environments and displaying exceptional patience with children. They form strong bonds with their owners and struggle with extended isolation. These intelligent dogs respond enthusiastically to positive reinforcement and require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Without adequate engagement, they may develop destructive habits or excessive barking. Potential owners should be prepared for regular coat maintenance, as Goldadors shed consistently throughout the year.
Goldador at a Glance
- Group
- Hybrid
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 27–36 kg
- Height
- 56–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Coat
- medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Origin
- United Kingdom, United States
- Colours
- Cream, gold, black, liver, chocolate
- Typical price
- £600–£1000
Goldador Temperament
The Goldador combines the Golden Retriever's sensitivity with the Labrador's robustness, producing a dog that is consistently warm, sociable, and eager to please. Affectionate with all members of the family, Goldadors develop strong bonds and thrive on human company, making extended periods of isolation genuinely difficult for them. They are naturally gentle with children and tend to integrate well with other household pets, particularly when socialised from an early age. Highly intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement, they pick up commands quickly and remain enthusiastic throughout training sessions. Their working instinct is strong, and dogs left without adequate mental engagement can develop destructive habits or excessive barking as outlets for unspent energy.
Dog Food for Goldador
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Nutrition & Diet
Goldadors are active, muscular dogs that benefit from a high-quality diet rich in protein and healthy fats to support their energy levels and joint health. As a large breed prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, foods containing glucosamine and chondroitin are particularly beneficial. Adults do well on two measured meals per day to reduce the risk of bloat, a concern for deep-chested dogs of this size. Puppies require more frequent feeding, typically three to four times daily, with a formula designed for large breed pups to support controlled bone and joint development. Monitoring body condition closely helps prevent obesity, which places additional strain on the joints.
Recommended Food for Goldador
Goldador Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Goldador weighing around 32 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.49 - £5.85
Per month
£165 - £175
Per year
£2002 - £2134
Goldador Characteristics
The Goldador thrives with vigorous daily activity and lots of space to burn off energy and is one of the easier breeds to train. They are well known for being gentle and patient with young children, but manage alone time well enough, though they certainly prefer company. The coat isn't too demanding but does need consistent brushing and sheds at a typical rate for the breed type. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Goldador Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly trainable and eager to please, picking up commands quickly with positive reinforcement
- Naturally gentle and patient with children, integrating well into busy family life
- Versatile working ability, excelling as a guide, therapy, and search and rescue dog
- Coat is relatively low maintenance compared to both parent breeds
Cons
- Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay well-balanced
- Sheds seasonally, with shedding increasing noticeably during spring and autumn
- Not recognised by the Kennel Club, so health screening relies entirely on individual breeders
- Can develop destructive habits or separation anxiety if left without adequate stimulation
