Herbstreit May Add Fifth Golden Retriever

ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit said a fifth golden retriever could join his household, with Joey Galloway requesting the dog be named Joey.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Dogs

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a collar and leash by a door above a row of empty dog beds on a sunlit wooden floor, suggesting a growing household. — Broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit said Tuesday that a fifth golden retriever, dubbed no. 5, may join his household of four dogs, with Joey Galloway requesting the name Joey. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Kirk Herbstreit announced on his podcast that a fifth golden retriever, dubbed no. 5, may be coming to his household, which already includes four dogs. He posted an Instagram video on November 4 captioned 'The Herbstreit Crew might be getting a little bigger,' and said he and his wife Alison are not expecting a baby.

Why it matters

The announcement draws attention to Herbstreit's dog-centered public profile, which includes a paid endorsement deal for one of his dogs with Hertz. For U.S. dog owners, it offers a visible example of how a household's pet count and public presence can grow over time.

Herbstreit currently has four dogs, and his possible fifth would follow the death of his first golden retriever, Ben, in November 2024. The Hertz Gold Squad campaign uses 30 golden retrievers, but whether the new dog would join that group has not been stated.

The players

Kirk Herbstreit

Kirk Herbstreit is a prominent American sports broadcaster known for his college football commentary and his public profile centered on his golden retrievers.

Joey Galloway

Joey Galloway is a former NFL wide receiver who now works as a football analyst and requested the upcoming dog be named after him.

The details

Herbstreit made the announcement while petting his golden retriever during a podcast episode, and Galloway asked that the upcoming dog be named Joey. The four current dogs are Peter, Theo, Mitch, and Beau, and Peter has a paid endorsement deal with Hertz.

November 2024: Ben, Herbstreit's first golden retriever, died, and Peter made his debut at a game.
September 1: Peter received his own segment, 'Peter's Golden Picks.'
November 4: Herbstreit posted the Instagram video and the podcast exchange occurred.

Pet Culture

Peter's paid Hertz endorsement places one of Herbstreit's dogs within the Gold Squad campaign of 30 golden retrievers, a corporate use of the breed. The possible fifth dog extends that public visibility into his personal household.

For dog owners, the story shows how a growing household of golden retrievers can involve planning around care, naming, and public attention. Readers considering adding a second or fifth dog can weigh the day-to-day responsibilities before making the decision.

The takeaway

Adding pets to a household is a decision that affects daily routines, budgets, and time, regardless of public profile. Readers should consider those practical demands before expanding their own pet family.