If you’re a Golden Retriever parent, you already know one post is never enough to describe this breed.
Golden Retrievers are full of personality, sweetness, and hilarious little habits that somehow become part of our everyday life. From the cuddles to the chaos, they truly bring nonstop joy into a home.
In Part 1 of this series, I shared some of the classic Golden Retriever traits — like their off-the-charts love, loyalty, goofy smiles, and complete lack of personal space awareness. If you missed it, you can check out Golden Retriever Traits Explained Part 1.
But honestly… there are so many more Golden quirks that deserve their own spotlight.
So here we are with Part 2 — a continuation of this fun “Golden Retriever Trait Facts” idea, inspired by other dog parents and created with fellow Golden lovers in mind.
Let’s dive into even more Golden Retriever traits that every owner will immediately recognize… because if you’re a Golden Retriever parent, you already know these 12 Golden Retriever traits are completely accurate.
12 Golden Retriever Traits Every Golden Retriever Parent Will Recognize
1. Velcro Dog Energy (Attached at All Times)
Golden Retrievers don’t follow you… they become you.
Bathroom trips? Laundry? Walking two feet away?
Your Golden is right there like, “We do everything together.”
2. Emotional Support Skills (Naturally Gifted)
Goldens always know when you need comfort.
They’ll gently rest their head on you, lean into you, or simply stay close — no training required.
3. Zoomies Level: Unpredictable and Explosive
One minute they’re peacefully napping…
The next they’re sprinting through the house like they just got a caffeine boost.
Golden zoomies are a lifestyle.
4. Swimming Obsession: 1000%
Puddles, pools, oceans, sprinklers — it doesn’t matter.
If water exists, your Golden believes it was placed there for them.
5. Friendliness to Strangers: 2000%
Golden Retrievers have never met a stranger.
Every person is a new best friend.
Every walk is a meet-and-greet.
Guard dog? Absolutely not.
6. Always Hungry (Snack Radar Activated)
Goldens act like they haven’t eaten in weeks… even right after dinner.
They are constantly searching for crumbs, treats, or the possibility of a second breakfast.
7. Demanding Attention (Professionally Needy)
Goldens don’t politely ask for love… they require it.
Expect:
– Paw taps
– Dramatic staring
– Full-body leaning
– Interruptions during Zoom calls
8. Will Drool (Especially Around Food)
Some Goldens are tidy… and some are walking waterfalls.
The second food appears, the drool factory turns on.
9. Toy Carrying Habit: Must Hold Something
Golden Retrievers love having something in their mouth:
– Tennis balls
– Stuffed animals
– Socks (again)
– Random household objects
It’s part of their gentle retriever nature.
10. Wiggle Butt Intensity: Off the Charts
A Golden Retriever doesn’t just wag their tail…
Their entire body joins in.
Full-body wiggles are basically their signature greeting.
11. Selective Hearing (Only When Convenient)
“Come!” = maybe
“Dinner!” = immediate sprint
“Treat!” = Olympic-level response
Goldens hear what benefits them most.
12. Heart-Melting Eye Contact: Dangerous Levels
That soft Golden stare should be illegal.
One look and you’re giving them an extra treat, another cuddle, and probably your entire heart.
Before we wrap up, here are a few common questions Golden Retriever parents often ask about Golden Retriever traits.
FAQs About Golden Retriever Traits Every Owner Should Know
1. Why are Golden Retrievers so clingy?
Golden Retrievers are naturally affectionate and people-oriented dogs. Their “Velcro dog” behavior comes from their strong bond with their family and their desire to always be close to their humans. As Golden Retriever parents, we often notice they follow us everywhere simply because they love being part of our daily life.
2. Are Golden Retrievers always hungry?
Yes — most Golden Retrievers are very food-motivated. This is a common and well-known Golden Retriever trait. Even after eating, many Goldens will still act hungry because they love treats, attention, and routine feeding times.
3. Why are Golden Retrievers so friendly to strangers?
Golden Retrievers are bred to be gentle, social, and friendly companions. Unlike guard breeds, they naturally see strangers as potential friends rather than threats. This is why many Golden Retriever owners joke that their dog would happily greet anyone with a wagging tail.
4. Do all Golden Retrievers have zoomies?
Most Golden Retrievers experience zoomies, especially when they are excited, happy, or full of energy. These sudden bursts of running and playful energy are completely normal and are actually a sign of a joyful and healthy dog.
5. What personality traits are Golden Retrievers known for?
Golden Retrievers are best known for their loyalty, friendliness, gentle sweetness, playful energy, and affectionate nature. Many Golden Retriever parents also notice traits like clinginess, toy carrying, wiggle-butt greetings, and heart-melting eye contact as part of everyday life with this breed.
Traits That Make Golden Retrievers Special
Golden Retrievers truly have the biggest hearts — and the biggest personalities.
From Velcro-dog energy to snack obsession, zoomies, wiggle-butts, and that legendary friendliness toward literally everyone… these traits are exactly why we love them so much.
As a Golden Retriever parent, it’s impossible not to smile when you see how perfectly this breed combines gentle sweetness with total goofball behavior.
And just like Part 1, these are only some of the traits that make Golden Retrievers so special. This breed has endless quirks, habits, and lovable “daily values” that could fill up an entire series.
So consider this your official reminder: if you laughed and nodded along while reading, you are definitely among fellow Golden people.
And don’t worry… I already have more ideas brewing, because with Golden Retrievers, there’s always more joy (and more chaos) to share.
Stay tuned for what comes next — and in the meantime, feel free to revisit Part 1 and tell me which Golden trait describes your pup the most.
More Golden Retriever Guides and Resources
Looking for more relatable Golden Retriever content? Visit our Golden Retriever Page to browse all of our blog posts about Golden life, personality traits, and everyday moments with our beloved Goldens.