How Much Does a Golden Retriever Cost in 2023?

Golden Retriever Characteristics

The most popular dog breed in the entire world, Golden Retriever is a Scottish breed developed in the late 19^th century. The striking golden coat is probably the most attractive asset that these dogs have. But let’s not limit these beautiful dogs to their looks. They have wonderful personalities which can make anyone fall in love with them. With their friendly, joyous, playful, energetic, and affectionate nature, there would rarely be a person who is not fond of them. Even cat lovers will once re-think if they come across a Golden Retriever.

The breed was developed as an attempt to create an ultimate retriever by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks. And history is evidence that he was very successful. The early dogs were called ‘Flat-coated retrievers’ due to their origin from those dogs.

These dogs make excellent family dogs that are wonderful with all the members of the family, including small children and even relatives. Now, this may be a bad thing as well, as the guardian instincts may be missing as they will probably see strangers also as friends. But the western world seems to not worry about it as it is the most adopted pet in the states, UK, Canada, and Australia.

What is the price of a Golden Retriever? 

Adopting a Golden Retriever is like adopting a child. This means that it will come with responsibility, along with all the love and affection it can give. We will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses.

Adoption: $100 – $300  

If you decide to buy your dog from a breeder and search for ‘Golden Retriever Price,’ you’ll find an average cost of $1500. But a Golden Retriever Puppy can cost a little more at around $2000. The price may vary from breeder to breeder and also due to factors like coat color, age, and gender, to name a few. A reputed breeder will usually ensure proper health care and diet, so when you decide to bring your pup home, you can be confident in its health. Puppy farms may quote a Golden Retriever dog price around $800-$1000, but the quality of the dog’s health should be checked before you decide to bring it home

If you are looking for Golden retriever puppies for under $300, adopting one from a rescue shelter is a great option for you. There, you can expect the adoption cost to be around $100-$300. There are a lot of reputed rescue shelters in the US where dogs are maintained and provided for. Plus, if you go for an adult dog, there are chances you’ll get it at a great price!

Monthly costs for a Golden Retriever

Diets: $60-$80

These energetic and playful dogs do not require a special diet. A good quality, vet-recommended raw dog food would suffice. You can, of course, add some supplements and also a few human foods like meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables at times to the bowl. In its puppy stage, you could spend around $60 per month on food, and then when the food requirements increase, it may go up to $80 per month.

Grooming: $50-$75

Weekly brushing will be needed for these long-haired dogs. Apart from that, monthly baths, regular nail trimming, and teeth, and ear cleaning would be necessary. One-time costs here could include; Dental kit for $4-5, nail clippers for $12-$15, and a brush for $15-$17. The shampoo can probably last a couple of months and may cost around $10. But if you prefer a professional grooming service, then the costs could be $50-$70 per session.

Medical Costs: $700-$1200

During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300, and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests, among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.

Like all breeds, Golden Retrievers are at risk for developing health conditions in their lifetime. Allergies, heart disease, cancer, and hypothyroidism are a few common conditions this breed can experience. These dogs can also sometimes develop bad temperaments. Costs associated with treatments may be:

Allergies - $300-$400

Hypothyroidism - $700-$800 annually

Behavioral issues - $40-$50 per session

One-time costs for a Golden Retriever

Initial Costs: $400-$450

Before bringing any dog home, a proper set-up needs to be established for the daily needs of your dog. These would typically include food and water bowls, collar and leash, harness, toys, clicker, crate, and a dog bed. The initial set-up costs could cost you around $400-$450.

Microchipping: $50-$70

The average cost of microchipping is around $50, but may vary from state to state. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks. Spot pet insurance highly recommends every pet parent get their pets microchipped as it can help increase the chances of finding a lost pet.

Vaccinations: $250-$300

There are certain core vaccinations that a Golden Retriever would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.

There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Golden Retriever. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.

Miscellaneous: $200-$250

Park passes, dog sitters, training, clothes, trips, etc. can be some additional once-in-a-while costs. Annually, they could be costing you around $250.

Lifetime Golden Retriever Cost

The initial buying cost may vary depending on if you are looking for a white golden retriever, red, black or the golden one itself. Taking an average of $1500 there, you can expect to spend around $2500 in the first year and then gradually sliding down to around $1200. Taking the initial, recurring, and one-time costs into consideration, the cost of a Golden Retriever in its lifetime could be around $20,000-$22,000, not including the cost of emergencies or critical surgeries should they happen to your pet.

How can Spot Pet Insurance help?

Spot Pet Insurance accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot dog insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams, and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with us to know more!

Conclusion

With a complete package and a tag of the most popular dog breed in the world, Golden Retrievers are not very cheap to maintain. However, if you ask if these expenses are worth it, you’ll say yes when you fall in love on the first day. Spot plans can help by covering up to 90% of eligible costs for covered conditions!

Happy Parenting to you and Lots of Love to your Pup!

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