Signs That Someone Has "Golden Retriever Energy"

Top traits to look for in someone who exudes “golden retriever energy”

Co-authored by Ali Garbacz

Last Updated: March 7, 2023 References

Golden Retriever Energy Definition

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Golden Retriever Energy Traits

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Golden Retriever Boyfriend (or Girlfriend) Traits

Wait, so “golden retriever energy” isn't a term that just applies to the lovable dog breed? Apparently not! This slang caught on through social media and is now a very endearing term for someone with lots of energy and a lovable personality, much like our furry friends. We'll teach you just exactly what it means to have “golden retriever energy” and give you a list of traits to look out for to determine if someone you know fits this title.

Things You Should Know

Someone with golden retriever energy is extroverted, easily excitable, and overall just super happy about life.
Those with golden retriever energy are perceived as being the gentle and innocent type.
The term “golden retriever boyfriend/girlfriend” has been coined for partners who are all about making their significant other happy.

Section 1 of 3:

Golden Retriever Energy Definition

People with golden retriever energy have sweet, excitable personalities. Much like the lovely dog breed itself, people with golden retriever energy are the happy-go-lucky type who are simply out there loving life and having a good time. It's a term more often used to describe young men, but can also be applied to women as well.^{[1]
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- Like many new phrases, “golden retriever energy” gained popularity via social media.

Section 2 of 3:

Golden Retriever Energy Traits

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They're super extroverted. Much like how an actual golden retriever will go up and say hello to everyone it meets, people with “golden retriever energy” are all about meeting new people and making friends. They're the perfect person to have around with you when meeting new faces, since they'll likely jump right into the conversation and come out with a new friend at the end of it all.^{[2]
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They're happy and excited to just be living their life. It might seem like people with golden retriever energy just don't have a single pessimistic bone in their body. They're the happy-go-lucky type who will try to find the positives in difficult situations. They're also the type to be excited by even the most trivial things, like seeing a rainbow or finding a penny on the street.^{[3]
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They don't fake being nice and are genuinely kind. Sometimes it's hard to tell if someone is being genuine with their niceties or if they're just trying to get something out of you. Not golden retriever energy people. They're just genuinely kind people who are nice for the sake of being nice. They don't have any ulterior motives and just want to see you and others around them be happy.^{[4]
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They're bursting with energy. You’ll never be bored when you’re with someone who’s just filled to the brim with golden retriever energy. They're always up for playing a game, going outside, or just hanging out with their friends, and sometimes it feels like they’ll just never run out of energy.^{[5]
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They're a friend who will always be there for you. Golden retrievers, and all dogs for that matter, are man's best friend, so someone who exudes golden retriever energy can be expected to be one of the most loyal and caring people in your life. They'll stick by your side and will always be there to listen to whatever hardships you might be facing. They're the kind of person you know you can always count on.^{[6]
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- You can trust them to actually listen when you want to talk about something that’s troubling you. They may offer you some advice, but they’re there to comfort before anything else.

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Golden Retriever Boyfriend (or Girlfriend) Traits

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They've been dubbed “the ideal boyfriend.” They're not the toxic “bad boy” your parents warned you to stay away from, and they're not the “nice guy” who often only acts nice to get your attention. The “golden retriever” boyfriend/girlfriend is someone who genuinely cares for you and is someone who makes things easy and pleasurable in a relationship. They're a welcome break from the ambiguity of situationships and the hurt that comes from ghosting.^{[7]
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- While the term can also apply to women, the golden retriever boyfriend specifically has been a huge trend on social media.
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They're eager to please their partner. They're going to be the type to stumble over their own feet to hold the door open for their partner or help carry in the groceries. And they don't expect anything in return. They just really want to see their partner happy and make their life easier. ^{[8]
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- Expect lots of random acts of kindness, like getting flowers just because, having your favorite food cooked for you, and being showered with compliments.
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They love to show physical affection. Just like your furry friend will be demanding all of the pets, so too will a golden retriever boyfriend be vying for some quality cuddling time. They're the type to welcome you home with a warm hug and hold your hand whenever you go out. While you don't need to rub their belly like you would with an actual dog, making sure they get their daily dose of physical affection is a must.^{[9]
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They're appreciative of everything their partner does. They're going to be quick to shower you in praise even for the smallest of successes. Being the excitable and naturally happy type of person, they're not difficult to please, and they'll be happy with whatever you do so long as you have their best interests at heart.^{[10]
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They're the gentle and innocent type. While they may be hyper and super playful at times, they're also a very laid-back person, treating their partner and others around them with care and respect. Their positive attitude and easy-to-please nature gives them an aura of innocence, and they're basically what the word “soft” would look like if it were a person.^{[11]
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- A video of one such golden retriever boyfriend catching snowflakes on his tongue went viral on TikTok, showing off this gentle and sweet side.^{[12]
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