- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Bringing a Golden Retriever into your life can be an immensely rewarding experience. Known for their friendly disposition, loyalty, and boundless energy, these beloved canines are a popular choice for all kinds of families.
However, before adding one of these playful pups to your life, it’s important to understand all the financial considerations involved. Let’s dive in.
At a Glance: Golden Retriever Traits and Temperament
Golden Retrievers are the ultimate family dog, a friendly, affectionate, and happy Scottish breed that dates back to the 19th century. With drop ears, a soft mouth, and a famously bright and shiny coat, an adult Golden typically weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands up to 2 feet tall. A healthy lifespan for a Golden typically falls between 10 and 12 years.
Given their famously energetic and loyal personalities, it’s not surprising that Goldens are one of the most adopted dog breeds in the United States, UK, Australia, and Canada.
Costs of Buying or Adopting a Golden Retriever
If you buy from a breeder, the cost of a Golden Retriever puppy averages around $2,000. Adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet rescue or shelter is a much more affordable option, with costs ranging from $100 to $300, which might even include care like microchipping, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations.
Golden Retriever Costs: First Year to Adolescence
Golden Retrievers do 80 percent of their growing in their first 6 to 18 months. They might be close to their full height by the end of their first year—but many still have some filling out to do.
Below are typical expenses pet parents can expect to spend on their Golden puppy, though costs will vary based on your location and the specific services or products you choose.
| Item | From | To |
| Initial vaccinations and preventive care | $375 | $1,085 |
| Microchipping | $60 | $80 |
| Spaying/neutering | $340 | $1,500 |
| Dog care basics | $120 | $1,460 |
| Food* | $94 | $672 |
| Treats | $91 | $182 |
| Grooming** | $260 | $455 |
| Training | $119 | $300 |
| Annual Exams*** | $280 | $440 |
| Pet Insurance | $336 | $1,080 |
| Annual Cost | $2,075 | $7,254 |
*$69.98 per 34-lb bag, every 38 to 272 days at 1/2 cup to 3 ½ cups of kibble per day
**$50-$70 per session, every 8 to 10 weeks
***$70-$110 per visit, at 4 visits
Ongoing Expenses for Adult Golden Retrievers
By the time they’re two years old, most Golden Retrievers will have reached their full size and be considered an adult dog.
Below are typical costs pet parents can expect to spend on their adult Golden, though prices will vary based on your location and the specific services or products you choose.
| Item | From | To |
| Annual vaccinations and preventive care | $270 | $615 |
| Annual exams | $70 | $110 |
| Food* | $684 | $1,027 |
| Treats | $91 | $182 |
| Grooming | $260 | $455 |
| Dental care | $300 | $2,500 |
| Other supplies | $125 | $410 |
| Pet Insurance | $336 | $1,080 |
| Annual Total | $2,136 | $6,379 |
*$78.98 per 35-lb. bag, every 4-6 weeks at 3 ¼ cup to 4 ½ cups of kibble per day
Possible Expenses for Senior Goldens
Golden Retrievers are usually considered seniors between 7 and 8 years old. Though most costs will stay the same, aging can come with health issues, which means you’re likely to spend more money on veterinary care at this stage.
Bloodwork is a common ongoing expense for senior Golden Retrievers, since regular blood testing ensures medications are working correctly. Bloodwork usually costs between $100 and $200 per vet visit.
Because vet costs are likely to increase over the course of your dog’s life, it can be worth it to buy a pet insurance policy when your dog is young—before you have to deal with pre-existing condition exclusions. For other pet parents, a pet savings account may be a better option.
Golden Retriever Costs: Common Health Conditions
Golden Retrievers are overall healthy dogs, though unethical breeding can raise the risk of illness and infection. Golden Retriever parents should be on the lookout for hip dysplasia, ear infections, and cataracts.
Golden Retriever parents may expect to pay the following:
- Hip dysplasia: Typically between $1,700 and $4,500 for surgery
- Chronic or recurring ear infections: $500-$1,000
- Cataracts: $2,700-$4,000 for cataract surgery
Pet parents should note that vet costs will vary depending on your geographical location and the kind of veterinary practice you choose.
Golden Retriever Costs: Dog Training
Golden Retrievers are typically fast learners and relatively easy to train. But training needs will be different for each dog, and costs depend on the type of training they receive and where you’re located.
Group classes, for example, tend to be more affordable than one-on-one training, but you may find that your dog does better in an individual setting.
Although training costs will vary, here are some typical expenses:
- One-on-one: $89-$400 per hour
- Group classes: $119-$300 for a 6-week training course
- Professional service dog training: $150-250 an hour, total cost dependent on the type of services your dog performs
Saving for Unexpected Costs
Being a pet parent often comes with unexpected costs that are tough to plan for financially. This includes things like:
- Emergency vet costs, due to an accident or illness
- Boarding fees, due to a planned trip or unexpected family emergency
- Dental care, including treatments and preventive care
How dog insurance can help
Surprise vet bills can end up costing hundreds or even thousands in vet bills. A pet insurance plan can help manage the burden of unexpected costs, and signing up when your Golden Retriever is young increases the chances that health conditions will be covered down the road.
Unsure if pet insurance is worth it? Check out our guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet.
