The loudest bark by a dog measured 113.1 decibels and was produced by a Golden Retriever named Charlie during the Purina Bark in the Park event in Rymill Park, Adelaide, Australia, on 20 October 2012. Fortunately for Charlie's owner, Belinda Freebairn, he doesn't use his bark often. "He doesn't bark at home at all really, he's really quiet."

Cancer is the breed's biggest killer, causing 61.4% of Golden deaths according to a 1998 health study conducted by the Golden Retriever Club of America. The most common is hemangiosarcoma, followed by lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and osteosarcoma.

Typically, Golden Retrievers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but Augie the rescue dog passed away on March 31, 2021, at the age of 20 years and 11 months, making her the oldest Golden on record.