What It Means If She Calls You a Golden Retriever Boyfriend

The term “Golden retriever boyfriend” first took off in 2021—so there’s a good chance you’ve seen a TikTok or two about it by now. While some social media trends are short-lived, this one is still going strong, thanks in large part to Travis Kelce. The happy-go-lucky quarterback—who's more than fine with being Taylor Swift’s arm candy—is considered the embodiment of a sweet and loyal “golden retriever boyfriend.”

Doesn’t quite sound like you? Maybe you’re actually a Doberman boyfriend or more of a Rottweiler. Thanks to TikTok, there are plenty of other offshoots that might best fit your personality or tendencies in a relationship. Read on to figure out where you fit into this frivolous-but-fun boyfriend trope.

What Is a Golden Retriever Boyfriend?

TikTok defines a golden retriever boyfriend as friendly, playful, kind, trusting, sociable, and easygoing, just like the dogs they’re named after. They're affectionate, loyal, and supportive of their partner, always looking to gas them up and never afraid to show PDA. Picture Tom Holland lighting up when girlfriend Zendaya walks onto a red carpet or openly fawning over her talent. Or Kelce sharing on a Barstool Sports' podcast, “That’s my girl. You know what I mean? That’s my lady. So it’s like, I’m proud of that.” 

While they may not be known for being the most intelligent, they’re still a smart and trainable breed. In short, the golden retriever boyfriend is a stepping stone to becoming a devoted "wife guy."

According to TikTok, if you’re a golden retriever boyfriend, you might attract your opposite—the more introverted or unbothered “black cat girlfriend.” For example, Zendaya has shared that Holland’s “rizz” and natural ease talking to people is a nice balance to her more shy and quiet nature.

The most popular of the dog boyfriend types, being a golden retriever boyfriend is generally considered a good thing, as long as you know how to be serious and aren’t veering into clingy territory. While not currently tied to anyone romantically, Glen Powell is another golden boy. Energetic, affable, adaptable—what's not to love?

What Is a Doberman Boyfriend?

Doberman boyfriends are also known for their loyalty and affection, but unlike the golden retriever boyfriend, they aren’t as social. They’re protectors who are on high alert in case they need to swoop in and come to their partner’s defense—and as a result they can be pretty serious and intense. As one TikTok user put it, Doberman boyfriends are intelligent, driven, focused, structured, and ready to pounce—they can “go from 0 to 100 real quick.”

Doberman boyfriends on TikTok tend to be the super jacked guy at the gym or more of a Travis Barker type covered in tattoos. On the outside they're tough and intimidating, but gentle and loving beneath the surface.

And hey, sometimes, even a golden retriever boyfriend like Holland might need to take on Doberman energy, like he did recently when paparazzi hounded Zendaya on a red carpet.

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What Is a Rottweiler Boyfriend?

Similar to the Doberman boyfriend, a Rottweiler boyfriend is ready to pounce if you so much as look at their partner the wrong way. They also tend to be way less sociable and outgoing than a golden retriever boyfriend—so they’ll definitely attract someone who's looking for a more reserved and serious guy. Like a Doberman boyfriend, they exude tough and aggressive bad boy energy (imagine Jason Mamoa or The Rock) but behind it is usually a secret loving and sweet side, especially with their partner.

While being a Rottweiler boyfriend isn’t inherently a bad thing, just be careful you don’t take your protectiveness too far and veer into controlling or possessive territory.

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What Is a German Shepherd Boyfriend?

Like other boyfriend dog breeds on this list, the German shepherd boyfriend is definitely protective—but sweeter and way easier of a hang than a Rottweiler. You aren’t brooding in a corner, but unlike the Golden Retriever, you aren’t too friendly to everyone either. Instead, you tend to give all of your affection and love to your partner so they never have to share your attention.

Overall, being a German Shepherd boyfriend means you’re probably smart, dedicated, hardworking, but more guarded than goofy and down-for-anything Kelce. In Gossip Girl terms (don’t pretend you haven’t seen it) think more tall, dark, and handsome like Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley) versus golden boy Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford).

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What Is a Borzoi Boyfriend?

Borzois are a large, graceful, and elegant dog breed that’s even-tempered, calm, gentle, and attentive. As a dog boyfriend type, they’re best described on TikTok as lanky and aloof. They’re the kind of boyfriend who just doesn’t crave being the center of attention. Still, like a golden retriever boyfriend, a borzoi boyfriend is excited and affectionate when their partner comes home—just without the tendency to jump and slobber all over anyone who walks through the door.

If you’re a borzoi boyfriend, you might be more of a stylish, artistic type like Timothée Chalamet in a relationship that people don’t really “get”—but you’re with Kylie Jenner so you really don’t care what people think. 

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