Golden Retriever — Junior Care
Care recommendations — Junior stage
As a Golden Retriever moves into the junior stage, keep exercise controlled rather than high-impact until growth plates close, since large breeds are still developing well past a year old. Most individuals can transition toward a quality adult-maintenance diet around now, and this is also a common point to ask a vet about spay or neuter timing if it hasn't happened already. Provide plenty of vigorous exercise, structured training, and puzzle toys to match its naturally energetic nature, since dogs at this age typically have energy and enthusiasm to spare, and keep up the training and grooming habits introduced as a puppy so they stay a normal, low-stress part of handling.
⚠️ Watch for
It's still uncommon at this age to see clear signs of the conditions Golden Retrievers are predisposed to, but it doesn't hurt to ask a vet whether early baseline screening makes sense. Keep an eye out for a bunny-hop gait, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or stiffness after resting, or front-leg lameness, a shortened stride, or reluctance to fully extend the elbow, and mention anything unusual at routine visits.
Related large breeds
Curious how a different size category ages?
Compare other sizes →