"The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular and versatile of all breeds. The breed performs as a pet, show dog, performance competition dog, service dog, search and rescue dog, detector dog, and dog guide, but was developed primarily as a hunting companion. It is a dog of normal canine structure with sufficient size, strength, and stamina to function as a retriever on both land and in the water, but small enough to be pulled from the water and fit in a blind or duck boat. Retrievers are dogs of moderation, with a muscular, athletic appearance; strong, medium long, muscular necks; weather-proof, water-resistant and protective coats; strong, well-arched, webbed feet with useful nails and a well-set-on tail, useful in balance for movement and as a swimming aid."

- Golden Retriever Club of America