Goldens

Goldens is a common plural form used to refer to Golden Retrievers, a popular breed of domestic dog. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs known for their friendly, intelligent, and versatile nature. They were developed in Scotland in the late 19th century by breeder Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth) through selective breeding of retriever-type dogs, including the Tweed Water Spaniel. The breed’s coat is dense and water-repellent, with colors ranging from light cream to deep gold. They typically require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and grooming. Golden Retrievers are widely used as family pets and in working roles such as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs. Their average lifespan is about 10 to 12 years. Health considerations for the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, certain eye disorders, and some cancers.

Beyond the breed shorthand, Goldens can also function as a surname and may appear in branding or fictional contexts as a label intended to evoke brightness, value, or warmth. In encyclopedic use, the term is generally tied to the color or to the dog breed, with other uses being comparatively rare and context-dependent.

See also: Golden Retriever; Golden (disambiguation).