The American Kennel Club has identified the Golden Retriever as a certain breed that fits within the sporting group of dog breeds. A mid-size dog, they tend to be eager to please and very friendly with people and other dogs. The American Kennel Club has specific qualifications for the standard of the Golden Retriever. These items include many aspects of the physical appearance of the dog including the head, neck, topline, body; forequarters, hindquarters color, coat, gait, temperament, size, proportion, substance and, of course, general appearance. Each of these categories is measured against very specifically definitions of the Golden Retriever standard, which is the model of the perfect Golden Retriever. Defined within each category are also things that are considered faults. Beyond these faults, there are a couple of things that will automatically disqualify the dog from being a Golden Retriever standard. These things are a deviation in height of more than one inch from the standard, either too high or too small, and also if there is an undershot or overshot bite. These are the only two automatic disqualifiers.
For specifics of the Golden Retriever Standard, one should consult the American Kennel Club. Some of the things that the AKC considers are the size (males, 23-24 inches at withers, females 21 ½ - 22 ½), weight (males 65-75 pounds, females 65-75 pounds), and body shape (“neck medium long, merging gradually into well laid back shoulders, giving sturdy, muscular appearance. No throatiness.”). Golden Retrievers are also expected to have a tail that is thick and muscular at the base, and to be carried happy, wagging and level or curving upward. It should never be curved over the back or between the legs.

The coat should be water-repellent and dense with a good undercoat. It should lie close to the body, and can be either straight or wavy. It is good to have an untrimmed natural ruff, with some feathering on the back of the forelegs and underbody. Cutting or clipping the hair should not change the natural appearance of the coat or outline of the dog, though stray hairs can be neatened and feet can be trimmed. Golden Retrievers can be golden of various shades, though having white hairs is not good. Mid-range of golden color is best.
To find the specifics of the American Kennel Club standards for theGolden Retriever, one can consult the American Kennel Club’s website. It will cover the details of all aspects of the dog, both physical appearance and personality. The standards help maintain the integrity of the breed, and need to be upheld. Breeders should not sell dogs as Golden Retrievers that don’t meet the AKC qualifications, and these qualifications are available for anyone to see, so that all are clear on whether or not a particular dog meets the Golden Retriever standards. If the Golden Retriever meets the standards it will be a beautiful, symmetrical, powerful dog, very active and smooth as it runs, and eager and playful as it interacts with people. The tail will be well carried and show that it is a happy dog. As the Golden Retriever is a hunting dog, it will be a hard working dog that loves to be kept active and engaged in the world around it. It will have alert eyes with a friendly expression. It will be a dog that any owner can be proud of.

The standard forGolden Retriever is laid out in specifics by the American Kennel Club, and can be found at the AKC website. The criteria include things such as how muscular the body is and how well the trot is coordinated. There isGolden Retriever information throughout this article, for those who want to learn more about the standard for Golden Retrievers.