So, the Golden Retriever is not just one of the most loved dog breeds; It has become a symbol of the energy that people want in their partners. Loving, energetic, playful, loyal and full of optimism are some of the traits that the ‘Golden Retriever type’ typically possesses.

“Blessed to have a golden retriever boyfriend.” “Grateful for this man and his golden retriever energy.” These are just some of the ways people are posting about their partners, making ‘Golden Retriever energy’ a major dating trend.

This trend has caught on so much that, according to a Tinder survey, 45 percent of singles are now looking for a ‘Golden Retriever type’ in 2025. However, is it healthy to pursue this specific trend in your dating life, or is it merely a harmless pursuit that requires some caution?

But first, let’s find out who qualifies as a ‘Golden Retriever’ partner.

Urban Dictionary defines a ‘Golden Retriever’ partner as a significant other who is “easy-going and makes it fairly simple to maintain a happy and fulfilling relationship – therefore, it argues that it is the Golden Retriever’s Is similar”.

Basically, it’s all about qualities.

Who is a ‘Golden Retriever Type’ partner?

Do you have a partner who is mostly cheerful, upbeat and always showers you with affection? Chances are he fits the bill. Affectionate, loyal, playful, optimistic and energetic are the key traits of a ‘Golden Retriever’ partner.

They are consistently supportive, enjoy spending time with their partner and bring a sense of happiness and positivity to the relationship. Like the dog breed they are compared to, these guys are easy-going, trustworthy, and have upbeat demeanors – all of which makes them highly desirable in the dating world.

But why? Well,

“People are naturally attracted to individuals who embody qualities like positivity, loyalty, affection, and unconditional support. A Golden Retriever-type companion makes you feel loved, appreciated, and prioritized, bringing a lightness to life, especially during challenging times. These relationships seem healthy, trusting and optimistic, which are highly desirable qualities,” says Delhi-based relationship expert Ruchi Ruh.

“The energy created by such partners fosters a safe space for real connection and emotional intimacy. Their playful and cheerful demeanor adds the dynamic that people crave in their relationships. The consistency and emotional support they provide are qualities many people look for in a partner, which makes this archetype extremely attractive,” she adds.

A reality check you shouldn’t ignore

Sounds like the partner of your dreams? Catch! Time to take off the rose-colored glasses! Even the most loving and playful companions are not immune to challenges. And when you’re dating a ‘Golden Retriever type’, there are a lot of things to consider.

First, it’s about managing your expectations.

“The ‘Golden Retriever type’ is often considered the gold standard in dating, but as a partner, it’s important to understand that they can’t possibly display this energy 24/7. The dogs to which they are compared In a group of human stakeholders, your partner likely interacts with far more people, unlike them, who have limited capacity. Therefore, it is essential to remember that these individuals need downtime and space to recharge and return. may be required, ”says Radhika Mohta, a matchmaker and relationship coach.

“The rise of this trend shows that we are moving towards valuing emotional warmth, loyalty, positivity, consistency and availability of a partner in relationships. These qualities reflect a healthy view of love as a secure and fulfilling feeling that everyone should aspire to. However, it is important to remember that we should not idealize these traits to such an extent that we overlook the complexities of relationships. People are complex, and relationships inevitably involve negative emotions, complications, and conflict. While it is important to develop these positive qualities, we must also be realistic and be prepared to tackle challenges,” says Ruchi.

Basically, you can’t live in the bubble of your partner’s perfection.

Relationships require a balance of fun and seriousness along with the depth needed to move forward.

“When we focus solely on Golden Retriever traits, we risk overlooking the fact that relationships also require flexibility and emotional intelligence. The inability to work through conflicts and deal with challenges together can be detrimental,” says Ruchi.

She adds, “While these qualities are valued, additional qualities such as emotional intelligence and conflict management are also essential to a successful relationship.”

As a ‘Golden Retriever’ type partner, remember…

There may also be some red flags you may be ignoring in your ‘Golden Energy Partner’. For example, their affection may border on clinginess where they prioritize the relationship and avoid difficult conversations.

According to relationship experts, conflict is necessary for the development of a relationship. “Negative emotions are inevitable, and it’s unrealistic to always maintain a happy, rainbow-like atmosphere,” says Ruchi.

lack of space: Their constant presence and enthusiasm may make their partner feel confined or limited in their social interactions, leading to a lack of personal space.

Avoidance of serious problems: Their light-hearted nature may prevent them from addressing serious or deep issues, which are important for managing emotional challenges within the relationship.

Lack of depth in conversation: Important deep conversations may be ignored, making it difficult to handle emotional challenges effectively.

Every relationship, whether it’s with a laid-back, Golden Retriever-type person or someone with a different personality, requires effort and mutual commitment. To have a successful relationship with your intuitive partner, keep these key points in mind:

Ruchi Ruh suggests:

• Encouraging your partner to nurture their individuality and autonomy by pursuing activities, hobbies, and friendships outside the relationship. This will help them grow as a person and take some of the burden off your shoulders, thereby bringing balance to the relationship.

• Address conflicts and problems openly, making sure your partner takes these discussions seriously.

• Embracing imperfection. No one is perfect, and it’s important to understand your partner’s unique personality. Look beyond the superficial qualities and consider the deeper qualities that contribute to a fulfilling relationship.