The breed almanac
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever brings its own warmth to an outfit. Explore its Scottish history and feathered outline before comparing two gold shades and the colours that could sit beside them.
Traits and identification
A broad head, hanging ears and a balanced, powerful body distinguish the outline. Longer feathering appears on the chest, legs and tail. Coat shade alone cannot identify a breed. 1
Origin and history
Dudley Marjoribanks, later Lord Tweedmouth, developed the breed at Guisachan in the Scottish Highlands. His nineteenth-century breeding records include the yellow retriever Nous and Tweed Water Spaniel Belle, rather than the circus-dog origin once repeated about Goldens. 2
Coats and sizes
The AKC standard describes a dense, water-resistant coat that can be straight or wavy, in varying shades of gold. Our light golden and golden examples are shades within one breed, not separate breed types. 1
A note on size
AKC shoulder heights are 23–24 inches for males and 21½–22½ inches for females. Feathering can disguise the body's outline: use actual chest, neck and back measurements rather than judging size from a photograph. 1
Colour and couture
Start with how warm the individual coat looks, then decide whether the outfit should echo it or contrast with it. These garments illustrate colour directions only; suitability for a Golden Retriever must be confirmed before ordering.
A colour pairing is not a fit recommendation. Check the individual garment's measurements and available options before choosing a size.