National Golden Retriever Day
These friendly dogs are a popular breed for families and service work, known for their loyalty, love of people, and enthusiasm for life.
Celebrate Golden Retriever owners' devotion with breed-specific products, treats, and community events that drive pet retail and adoption partnerships.
- Golden Retriever owners share their pup's favorite toys and treats—feature user-generated content from local celebrations
- Partner with dog parks and rescue organizations to host adoption drives and special discounts on pet supplies
- Create a 'Golden Love Stories' campaign highlighting rescue transformations and family bonds with the breed
- Promote premium dog treats, toys, and grooming services with February bundle deals targeting loyal pet parents
Native to Scotland, this highly-adored doggy breed was created in the 1800s by landowner Lord Tweedmouth in an effort to produce a dog that could swim long distances. His brilliant mix of two of his dogs, a Retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel resulted in what we know today as the Golden Retriever.
But the breed was actually around for over 100 years before it was given an official day to celebrate it!
Created by Kristen Shroyer in 2012, this date was chosen as National Golden Retriever Day because it was the birthday of her own Golden, Quincey. Although he’s no longer alive, the day serves as a reminder of how amazing the love of a pet can be, particularly if it is a Golden Retriever.
Join an Organized Event
Wherever people live, they may find a Gold Retriever gathering in their local area. But the best place to celebrate National Golden Retriever Day? Well, Golden, Colorado, of course! Organized by the City of Golden as well as Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies, hundreds of these beautiful dogs and their owners love to gather outside the city’s visitor center which is near a stream where dogs can romp and play.
Host a Golden Retriever Event
For those who have a dog of this breed but don’t have a National Golden Retriever Day event in their area, why not start one? Just choose a space (dog parks work great!), get some Golden-owner friends together, do a little advertising in niche social media groups, organize some activities, and have a lot of fun!
Take a Walk or a Drive
Most loyal Goldens love to spend time with their humans. In honor of this special day, take your dog for a ride in the car to a favorite dog park, or head out on a long walk for just the two of you.
Provide a Special Treat
Although a Golden may not really know why, he’ll still love getting a special treat for this special day. Choose a new chew toy, his favorite kind of bone, a KONG filled with peanut butter, or something from a local dog bakery. He’ll love you for it!
Adopt a Golden Retriever
For those who don’t already have a Golden Retriever, maybe this day would be a perfect time to adopt one! It’s easy to contact a local dog shelter to find out if they have a Golden available, or ask to be contacted if/when they do.
Golden Retriever World Record
How many Golden Retrievers gathered in one place does it take to set a world record? Well, at least a few hundred! These records, although unofficial, were set in just the past few years by proud Golden Retriever owners worldwide: Back in July of 2018, 361 of the precious pups gathered in Tomich, Scotland to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the breed. People traveled all over the world to attend the event that took place at the Guisachan Estate, which is the original place where Tweedmouth bred the first Golden. However, in October of that same year, the record was almost doubled when 681 Goldens gathered with their owners at Goldie-Palooza in Huntington Beach, California. Activities included a kissing booth (Smooch the Pooch), a costume contest, and a collection of raffles and vendors supporting their favorite breed. The record was completely busted when more than 1000 dogs and owners gathered in Golden, Colorado on February 3, 2019, in honor of National Golden Retriever Day. As a special treat, “pupaccinos” (doggie cappuccinos) were available, and the group took a walk through town–which is extremely friendly to dogs, no matter what their breed!