Tinder Data Suggests Women Want 'Golden Retriever' Guys
The Latest Dating Survey Confirms: There's a Particular Personality Type That's More Popular Than Ever
The Story
Guys may spend lots of time wondering what women want, but never feel like they have a clear picture. That’s why huge surveys can be really useful at distilling the mood of a broader section of the population — taking the temperature of their likes and dislikes, as it were.
That’s what happened recently when Tinder did a year-end survey of its users called Year in Swipe, and found something interesting: Women want ‘golden retriever guys.’
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The Snapshot
Of course, before you rush off to the pet store or local shelter, you should know it’s not about what dog you own — it’s about which vibes you give off. In particular, it’s about when your vibes match those of perhaps the most popular dog breed in America: the Golden Retriever, which is loyal, affectionate, and playful but not yappy.
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These traits are great in a boyfriend, too. According to Tinder’s press release, “Nearly 45% of surveyed singles are seeking a ‘Golden Retriever type’ in 2025—someone loyal, friendly, energetic, and brimming with optimism.”
As the app’s statement explains,
“If you’re drawn to the "Golden Retriever" type, you’re probably not looking for a rollercoaster ride. The 2024 Year in Swipe report reveals that the top quality singles are looking for in a connection is trustworthiness (40%), and this is exactly what the Golden Retriever type is all about. You want someone who’s loyal, affectionate, and always there when you need them, like that friend who shows up with snacks and a hug, no questions asked. It’s all about the comfort, the reliability, and, let’s be honest, no drama. You’re craving a relationship built on trust and affection, where you can kick back, relax, and feel emotionally safe without the unpredictability. Basically, you're after a partner who’s as steady and loving as your favourite pup—someone who’s in it for the long haul, no matter what.”
The Lesson
So what can you take away from this recent finding? According to Jess O'Reilly, Ph.D., a relationship expert at Tinder, it means that “daters are increasingly prioritizing trust, reliability, and emotional safety in 2025.”
“After a few chaotic years, young singles are moving away from situationships and leaning into partners who feel like a safe haven, like ‘golden retriever’ types who are loyal, optimistic, and steady,” she says. “It’s a sign that dating is shifting away from the thrill of unpredictability to connections that feel more grounding and genuine.”
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“Interestingly, this trend looks to a broader conversation about reciprocity in relationships,” O’Reilly notes. “As people identify ‘Golden Retriever’ traits in their connections, they’re also reflecting on whether they’re bringing the same energy to the table. This kind of self-awareness and reflection encourages singles to not only seek loyalty and optimism from others, but also embody those characteristics themselves."
So whether you’re a dog person or not, keeping some optimism, groundedness and overall good-naturedness in mind may serve you well on the dating scene going forward.
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