Golden Retriever Boyfriend: Meaning, Traits, & Examples

If you’ve been on TikTok over the last few years, you’ve probably heard the term “Golden Retriever boyfriend.” Golden Retriever boyfriends are partners who are extremely loyal, excitable, and devoted to their partner—traits they share with Golden Retrievers. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about Golden Retriever boyfriends, their traits and origins, and how to use the phrase online. Plus, find out who the most popular pop culture Golden Retriever boyfriends are and learn the other “dog” types of boyfriends.

Golden Retriever Boyfriend Meaning

A Golden Retriever boyfriend is a partner who is particularly affectionate, supportive, and excited. The term gained popularity on TikTok after women began comparing their boyfriend’s personality to that of a Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever boyfriends are loving, kind, and often considered to be the “ideal” partner.

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What is a Golden Retriever boyfriend?

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A Golden Retriever boyfriend is loyal, supportive, and energetic. The term “Golden Retriever boyfriend” is a trendy internet slang term (popularized by TikTok) used to describe boyfriends who are upbeat, goofy, and wholly devoted to their partner. They’re called such because they share many of their personality traits with actual Golden Retrievers, which are known to be trustworthy and eager-to-please.^{[1]
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- Many describe the Golden Retriever boyfriend as the “ideal” boyfriend.
- Golden Retriever girlfriends also exist, though the phrase isn’t as popular as Golden Retriever boyfriend. The personality traits are the same.
- While the Golden Retriever boyfriend trend is mostly used by heterosexual couples, the term can be used by couples of all genders and in LGBTQ+ relationships.
- For example, if your boyfriend always brings you flowers when you have a bad day, you might say he’s a Golden Retriever boyfriend.

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Golden Retriever Boyfriend Traits

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They’re endlessly loyal and supportive. The most common personality trait of a Golden Retriever boyfriend is that he truly admires his partner. If you have a Golden Retriever boyfriend, he’ll constantly hype you up and talk about you and your accomplishments to his friends. Even when you feel like you’re at your worst, you know he’ll always be in your corner.^{[2]
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- For example, if you get a promotion at work, he’ll brag about it to everyone he knows.
- Or, if you play a sport, he’ll be at every game cheering you on.
- While your partner should always be supportive of your accomplishments, make sure your boyfriend feels comfortable talking to you about any negative or toxic behaviors you might display. He shouldn’t support or encourage any behaviors that could hurt either of you.
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They’re affectionate and sweet. Your Golden Retriever boyfriend will be excited just to be a part of your life. He loves spending time with you, even if you’re just doing mundane tasks. He likely loves cuddling, and you can expect lots of hugs and kisses whenever you’re together.^{[3]
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- Make sure you’re both comfortable spending time apart, however. While it can be nice to have a partner who always wants to be around you, this can sometimes lead to codependent behavior. Neither of you should feel smothered in the relationship, so try to arrange time to be with friends or family away from each other.
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They love doing things for you. If you have a Golden Retriever boyfriend, his love language might be acts of service. He loves doing whatever he can to make your life easier and he constantly surprises you with gifts just because he loves you. There’s nothing he wants more than to see you happy.^{[4]
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- For example, a Golden Retriever boyfriend might eagerly put furniture together for you, carry your bags, or help you run errands.
- He may also bring you your favorite coffee on your work break or send you flowers just to make you smile.
- Make sure your boyfriend isn’t just doing these things as a form of people pleasing, however. He should be able to say no when he doesn’t want to do something. If not, this can lead to resentment in the relationship.
Most Golden Retriever boyfriends are extroverted and love making new friends. They have a ton of energy and usually aren’t too serious unless the situation calls for them to be. Your Golden Retriever boyfriend will probably love to make you laugh and isn’t afraid to embarrass himself to do so.^{[5]
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They don’t cause unnecessary drama or conflict. When you do have an argument, a Golden Retriever boyfriend will likely be calm and rational as he works with you to solve the problem. He won’t make the situation more dramatic than it has to be, and he won’t start an argument just for the sake of starting one. Expect a chill, loving relationship.^{[6]
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- That being said, your boyfriend shouldn’t run from your problems, either. Arguments can be difficult to deal with, but in order to have a healthy relationship, it’s important to be able to communicate and work together to fix the problem.

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Golden Retriever Boyfriend TikTok Origins

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While the exact origin of the phrase can’t be pinned down, the “Golden Retriever boyfriend meaning” tag on TikTok has earned 129M views. Tons of TikToks and Instagram reels about Golden Retriever boyfriends have received millions of views as creators discuss their boyfriends’ positive traits.^{[7]
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When pop star Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce began dating in 2023, fans immediately realized how excited Kelce was about their relationship and how supportive he was of her and her career. People jumped at the chance to call him a Golden Retriever boyfriend, which caused the phrase to trend even more than it already was.^{[8]
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How to Use the Phrase Golden Retriever Boyfriend

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Use the phrase to brag about your boyfriend’s behavior. Many creators on TikTok and Instagram post videos of their boyfriends surprising them with something romantic or getting distracted by something silly and caption them with “Golden Retriever boyfriend” or “Golden Retriever energy.” Make a post discussing something particularly kind or thoughtful your boyfriend did for you or make a video of him hugging or kissing you to proudly share with the world. Here are some examples of what you might say:^{[9]
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- “My boyfriend is definitely a Golden Retriever boyfriend because he wakes me up with kisses every morning.”
- “I took this video of my boyfriend looking for me in a crowd. He’s such a Golden Retriever boyfriend.”
- “My Golden Retriever boyfriend loves to make me laugh by doing silly dances every night before bed.”
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Gush about your favorite male characters’ personalities. If you don’t have a boyfriend or he doesn’t want to be posted online, no worries. You can still participate in the trend by talking about some of your favorite male celebrities or fictional characters. Post fan edits, scenes, or interview clips to show off their best Golden Retriever energy. Here are some examples:
- “Did you see how Tom Holland looked at Zendaya in that interview? He’s such a Golden Retriever boyfriend.”
- “Nick Miller from New Girl is my favorite Golden Retriever boyfriend because you can always see how much he adores Jess.”
- “Everyone always talks about Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice but what about Mr. Bingley? He’s definitely a Golden Retriever boyfriend.”

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Golden Retriever Boyfriends in Pop Culture

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Kansas City Chiefs tight-end Travis Kelce is not afraid of making grand romantic gestures for Taylor Swift. He’s always there to cheer her on for performances and gushes about her accomplishments in interviews. Additionally, he’s known to have an outgoing, goofy personality, which only adds to his status as a Golden Retriever boyfriend.^{[10]
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Tom Holland and Zendaya became one of Hollywood’s favorite “it” couples after starring in Spider-Man together. He proudly displays his affection for his girlfriend, and while he’s always supportive and lets Zendaya shine on her own, he’s not afraid to be protective when he needs to be, making him another perfect example of a Golden Retriever boyfriend.^{[11]
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Actor Ryan Gosling gained Golden Retriever boyfriend status after starring as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. While Ken may have ended up as an antagonist, the character was originally fiercely loyal and dedicated to her, and Ryan Gosling adopted many of his more positive goofy traits while promoting the movie and highlighting the accomplishments of the women who worked on it.
Best known for his role as Jacob in Twilight, Taylor Lautner has since gained Golden Retriever boyfriend status by always supporting and showing off his wife, also named Taylor Lautner. Additionally, he’s willing to support his exes, as shown by his appearance in Taylor Swift’s “I Can See You” music video and his joining her on stage at the Eras Tour.
Chandler Bing may have initially been afraid of commitment, but his goofy personality eventually charmed Monica, and they became a beloved sitcom couple. He supported her wholeheartedly and loved her despite of (and because of) all of her quirks, making him one of television’s most popular Golden Retriever boyfriends.^{[12]
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In season one of Gilmore Girls, Dean doted on main character Rory and even built a car for her. While his character may have become too possessive in later seasons, early Dean perfectly embodies Golden Retriever energy.

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Golden Retriever Boyfriends and Black Cat Girlfriends

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Golden Retriever boyfriends often date black cat girlfriends. Black cat girlfriends are described as aloof and antisocial unless they’re around their loved ones. They tend to be reserved, introverted, and do things on their own terms, and many view them as the opposite of Golden Retriever boyfriends. This type of relationship works because the couple’s personalities balance each other out.^{[13]
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- For example, if you prefer to stay in and watch Netflix or read a book on the weekend and your boyfriend usually wants to go out with friends, you might be in a black cat and Golden Retriever relationship.

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Other Types of “Dog” Boyfriends

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Rottweiler boyfriends have a tough exterior and often seem to hate everyone except their partner. They tend to be standoffish in social situations, but when they’re alone with their partner, they drop their macho facade and show their sweet, sensitive side.^{[14]
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Doberman boyfriends are protectors. They’re the strong and silent type, and whenever they’re with their partner, they’re constantly on the lookout for potential threats. They’re not fond of social events but they often tag along to act as a bodyguard for their partner. Their protectiveness often stems from the pride they have about their partner.^{[15]
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German Shepherd boyfriends are protective like Dobermans but are friendly and social until someone makes the wrong move. They’re aggressive when needed and aren’t afraid to call their partner out on any negative behaviors. Otherwise, they’re sweet and loyal.^{[16]
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Borzoi boyfriends are often lanky and aloof, and their awkward behavior can sometimes make people wonder what their partner sees in them. However, their partner can see them for what’s underneath and knows they’re kind, respectful, and intelligent.

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Remember, your boyfriend shouldn’t expect praise just for being a good partner. If he does, that isn’t Golden Retriever energy and is a red flag.

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