# Golden Retriever Care Guide
Caring for a Golden Retriever means daily exercise, breed-appropriate feeding, routine grooming, and proactive health checks. This guide walks through what a normal week of Golden Retriever care looks like.
## Daily Routine
A healthy Golden Retriever routine includes two structured walks, one feeding in the morning and one in the evening, dental brushing 2–3 times per week, and at least 15 minutes of focused training or play. Skipping the mental work — not the physical — is what causes most behavior problems.
## Feeding
Adult Golden Retrievers typically eat 2.5–3.5 cups daily of high-quality dog food, split across two meals. Choose a formula matched to your dog’s age (puppy / adult / senior) and life-stage activity level. Avoid table scraps; the Golden Retriever tends to put on weight quickly when overfed.
## Grooming
Coat type: Heavy — double coat sheds year-round and very heavily in spring/autumn. Plan brushing accordingly. Bath every 6–8 weeks unless your dog rolls in something offensive. Trim nails every 3–4 weeks and check ears weekly for redness or odor.
## Exercise
Daily exercise target: 1–2 hours. This breed needs both physical activity and mental challenges — puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience drills count toward the total.
## Health Monitoring
Watch for cancer (affects ~60% of the breed), hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, which are the most common issues in the Golden Retriever. Annual vet exams, up-to-date vaccinations, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention are non-negotiable.
## Living Environment
Possible with 1–2 hours daily exercise, but better with a garden. Wherever you live, provide a designated quiet sleeping area, weather-appropriate outdoor access, and clear household rules that everyone in the family enforces consistently.