- Home
- Areas We Serve
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Golden Retriever
Large breed · Sporting Group
Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale near Des Moines, IA
Meet our Golden Retriever puppy at Petland Iowa City.
Available now
Our Golden Retriever puppy near Des Moines, IA
At Petland Iowa City — come meet it in person.
Even more puppies to meet at Petland Iowa City
Breed profile
About the Golden Retriever
- Great with kids
- Lap dog
- Sticks by your side
- Active breed
- Alert watchdog
The Golden Retriever derives its ‘retriever’ name from its ability to retrieve shot game without any damage as a result of its soft mouth. It is a large-sized gun dog used in retrieving shot waterfowl during hunting and shooting parties. The Golden retriever tends to mature slowly and maintains its puppy-like personality even after it’s grown. Discover more about our Golden Retriever puppies for sale below!
Read more about the Golden Retriever Show less
The Golden Retriever is a beloved breed known for its friendly and gentle demeanor, making it an ideal companion for families and individuals alike. Originating from the Scottish Highlands in the late 19th century, these dogs were bred for retrieving game during hunting expeditions, and their intelligence and eagerness to please still shine through today. Whether you have young children, other dogs, or even cats, Golden Retrievers are famously sociable and adapt beautifully to various family dynamics.
With their high energy level, they thrive on regular exercise and stimulating playtime, which can make for plenty of joyful moments in the backyard or on walks around the neighborhood. Their affectionate nature means they love to be around people, enjoying time spent with their families. However, don’t let their friendly disposition fool you; they will alert you with a bark when needed, though they are generally not overly vocal.
Grooming is relatively manageable with a weekly brushing routine, ensuring their beautiful coat remains healthy while keeping shedding to a moderate level. Known for their remarkable trainability and intelligence, Golden Retrievers are quick learners and excel in obedience training, making them a joy to work with. If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion in Petland Iowa City, Iowa, a Golden Retriever could be the perfect addition to your family.
- Adult weight
- 55–75 lbs
- Height
- 21–24 in
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- 60 min a day
What a Golden Retriever is like
Typical for the breed — individual puppies vary. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
- Affection Devoted
- Playfulness Always game
- With strangers Never met a stranger
- Territorial Relaxed
- Prey drive Low
Family & other pets
- Young children Excellent
- Older children Excellent
- Other dogs Loves other dogs
- Cats Great with cats
Energy & exercise
- Energy Very high
- Mental stimulation High
Training
- Trainability Eager to please
- Intelligence Exceptional
- Stubbornness Biddable
Show full breed profile Show less
Care & upkeep
- Drooling Some
- Barking Moderate
Home life
- Apartment living Prefers a house
- Time alone Needs company
- Cold weather Comfortable
- Warm weather Comfortable
A good match for
- First-time owners Ideal first dog
- Senior owners Good
- Running partner Excellent
- Hiking Excellent
- Therapy work Excellent
- Guarding Low
Living with a Golden Retriever
Temperament & Family Fit
Golden Retrievers are the quintessential family dog, known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They thrive in environments with young kids and get along fabulously with other pets, making them a perfect fit for multi-pet households. With their gentle demeanor and love for companionship, they often become a cherished member of the family.
Energy & Exercise
This energetic breed has a high energy level, so they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime in the backyard, or fun activities like fetch at the park are essential to satisfy their playful spirit. Golden Retrievers love to be active, ensuring they not only stay fit but also bond with their humans in the process.
Care & Grooming
Golden Retrievers have a beautiful, water-repellent coat that requires regular grooming, ideally once a week, to keep it looking its best. While they do shed moderately, their grooming routine helps manage this and keeps their coat healthy. Their love for water means a good bath every so often is also appreciated, especially after outdoor adventures!
Training Notes
Renowned for their trainability, Golden Retrievers are eager to learn and thrive on positive reinforcement. Their intelligent nature makes them respond well to commands, and they often enjoy the training process itself. With a gentle approach and consistent practice, you'll find that teaching your Golden new tricks is not only fun but rewarding for both of you!
Caring for a Golden Retriever
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Average
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Health topics to ask about
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Heart issues
Ask us what screening and records come with the Golden Retriever puppy you are interested in.
Getting to Petland Iowa City from Des Moines
- Where they are
- Petland Iowa City
Other breeds near Des Moines
Golden Retriever puppies for nearby cities
Golden Retriever FAQs
Common questions from families in Des Moines
What size are Golden Retrievers, and will they fit in my home?
Golden Retrievers are large dogs, typically weighing between 55 to 75 pounds. While they have a friendly disposition, they do need space to move around, so a home with a yard is ideal, but they can adapt to apartment living with proper exercise.
How active are Golden Retrievers?
Golden Retrievers have a moderate to high energy level, usually rating around a 5. They enjoy physical activities and playtime, so daily walks, runs, or play sessions are essential to keep them happy and well-adjusted.
Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot?
Golden Retrievers have a shedding level of 2, meaning they do shed but not excessively. Regular grooming, typically once a week, helps manage their coat and minimize loose hair around the house.
Are Golden Retrievers good with kids and other pets?
Absolutely! Golden Retrievers are fantastic with young kids, other dogs, and even cats. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them a great addition to family homes and they typically get along well with other pets.
Where are the Golden Retriever puppies?
Every Golden Retriever puppy we list is at, or on its way to, Petland Iowa City. Come meet them in person, or contact us and we'll send photos and videos.
How much does a Golden Retriever puppy cost near Des Moines, IA?
The price of a Golden Retriever puppy varies with lineage, coat color and age. Contact Petland Iowa City for current pricing on our available Golden Retrievers. We also offer financing options for those who prefer to pay over time.
Are your Golden Retrievers health tested?
Our Golden Retrievers receive health screenings and come with up-to-date vaccinations and their health records. Ask us about the health guarantee and any testing that applies to the one you are interested in.
Can I meet a Golden Retriever before deciding?
Yes — visit us at Petland Iowa City to meet the Golden Retriever puppies in person before you decide. We also offer video calls if you can't make the trip.
What is included when I take home a Golden Retriever?
Every Golden Retriever goes home with up-to-date vaccinations, deworming and their health records. Contact us for the full list of what is included with the one you are interested in.
Ready to meet your Golden Retriever?
Contact Petland Iowa City and we will send photos and videos of the Golden Retriever puppy we have today — or come meet it in person.