Have you ever asked yourself, “How much does a golden retriever cost?”
To be honest, preparing for a golden retriever may be compared to having a kid.
Golden retrievers are not inexpensive, but the joy and love they offer are well worth it.
Adoption fees for Golden Retrievers range between $200 and $500.
A fresh golden retriever puppy from a good breeder will typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
The first year will cost between $2,000 and $3,000, with subsequent years costing roughly $2,000 annually.
These annual fees include vet costs, food, toys, and grooming.
To be honest, I grossly overestimated the cost of keeping a golden retriever.
So I wrote this essay to answer the question, “How much for a golden retriever?”
This article will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of golden retrievers’ costs, covering their purchase price as well as any other products that you will require on an annual basis.
Price of a Golden Retriever
Purebred golden retriever pups often cost between $500 and $3,000.
When it comes to golden retriever puppies, as with many other things in life, you get what you pay for.
Dog owners that charge a higher price for their puppies are likely to be more concerned about the health and temperament of the dogs they produce.
They will be diligent in how they nurture their golden retrievers and will ensure correct socialization.
If you buy a golden retriever puppy from an untrustworthy breeder, you may potentially face behavioral and health issues.
For example, one of our friends just purchased a golden retriever puppy from a neighbor for a low price.
When the golden retrievers were around five years old, I first met them. But I’m quite sure the golden retriever was much older.
Because of elbow issues, the golden retriever had to walk with a limp. His skin was irritated, making him irritable and difficult to care for.
All of the money saved by the dog owners by purchasing a cheap golden puppy burned up in smoke at the vet while trying to remedy its health concerns.
If you want a puppy you’ll adore for a long time, it’s worth investing a little extra upfront.
I am aware of golden retrievers that were produced by respectable breeders but had behavioral or health difficulties.
Although purchasing a golden retriever from an experienced breeder is a good option, it does not guarantee you a fantastic golden retriever puppy.
How Much Does Adopting a Golden Retriever Cost?
Adopting a golden retriever is substantially less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder.
Instead of a few thousand dollars, they usually cost between $200 and $500.
You are doing an awesome thing if you choose to adopt.
Owners may have surrendered their dogs because they were unable to adequately care for or provide for them.
These canines might possibly be golden retriever crosses or stray dogs. Regardless, these canines are typically less expensive than other breeds.
A low cost does not diminish the love and devotion that a senior or adult golden retriever may provide a household.
All golden retrievers need to be loved, and if you treat them properly, you will end up with an excellent dog.
A second factor to consider when adopting a golden retriever is that if you adopt an adult golden retriever, you will save a lot of money on items that new owners will need to buy for their new golden retriever pup.
Costs of a Golden Retriever Puppy vs. an Adult Golden Retriever
When it comes to the price of a golden, age surely plays a role.
Adult golden retrievers do not require you to perform all of their training.
Though once taught, they may find it challenging to alter their old behaviors and learn new ones.
In terms of attitude and behavior, older golden retrievers are more prone to be “set in their ways.” After all, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Even though it requires more time and responsibility to properly rear golden retriever puppies, the rewards are unparalleled.
You and your family may shape their attitude and conduct to make your golden retriever puppy the perfect companion for you.
The Problem With Buying a Golden Retriever From Puppy Mills
With so many choices for buying your dog, there is a growing problem that you should be aware of: puppy mills.
These mills are depressing, dark warehouses in which dogs are “grown” without exercise or love.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (ASPCA) has compiled a list of the negatives that golden retrievers tend to face in these horrific places.
- Tiny Cages – These cruel breeders maximize space by keeping animals in cramped conditions. They often keep them in small, dirty cages or outdoor pens that are not protected from the elements. Standing on wire flooring can cause them to develop sores and lesions. It’s all they know, as they are forced to eat, rest, relieve themselves, and give birth to golden retriever puppies in these cages.
- Poor Healthcare – These horrible breeding facilities don’t offer veterinarian care. Instead, they leave their puppies to deal with injuries and other health issues on their own. Even worse, their filthy, cramped conditions can lead to diseases spreading like wildfire, particularly among puppies with weak immune systems.
- Constant Breeding – It is unhealthy to force female dogs into breeding frequently, but these breeders are so keen on making a profit that they breed these dogs whenever they can. This can lead to genetic problems and more severe health issues for the litter.
Choosing a Golden Retriever Breeder
Some breeders do not put much care and attention into producing golden retriever pups.
Breeders can spend up to $24,000 on a litter of American Kennel Club-registered show puppies to whelp and mature. On average, a pedigree litter costs $7,500.
Reputable breeder charges include breeding fees (if the breeding male and female are not owned), a breeding license, veterinarian treatment for mom and her puppies, health testing and certificates and warranties, registration, insurance, feeding, and whelping.
A Golden Retriever litter usually has eight puppies. Breeders may pay $3,000 to wean and rear a purebred golden retriever puppy from a $24,000 litter.
A litter of eight pups from a puppy factory may be purchased for as little as $1,500.
These commercial breeding facilities adopt a “factory farming” methodology to maximize profits. Puppies from commercial breeding facilities that specialize in large-scale dog breeding can be sold in pet stores.
Please refrain from supporting commercial dog breeding operations.
These factories are inhumane and can result in major health difficulties for the puppies, including as matted fur, eye, ear, and throat infections, dental problems, and severe genetic flaws.
How can you be certain that you only adopt a golden retriever from a reputable breeder?
You might begin by looking into the status of a breeder.
Only breeders who have received Kennel Club approval should be considered.
The American Kennel Club offers a registry of recognized breeders in the United States, as well as a Breeder’s of Merit Program.
All pups sold on this site are purebred, health-certified, and pedigreed.
First-Year Puppy Golden Retriever Cost
Here are the main things you need to purchase for your golden retriever puppy:
- Puppy toys
- Dog food
- New products for puppies (crates, leashes, collars, food bowls, and water bowls)
- Puppy training and socialization classes
- Regular vet visits and vaccinations
- Neutering or spaying your puppy
Here is a breakdown of the costs for each item.
Golden Retriever Puppy Products
What are the essential things to purchase for a golden retriever puppy’s first year?
Basics
- $5 for a collar
- $14 for food and water bowls
- $10 for a leash
- $70 for a harness
Toys
- $4 for an interactive toy
- $9 for chew toys
- $10 for dental toys
- $8 for plush toys
Supplies for training golden retriever puppies
- $4 for treats
- $17 for a treat pouch
- $9 for a long leash
- $6 for a clicker (optional)
Housing
- $100 for a dog crate (Check out our guide on choosing the best crate for a golden retriever puppy in 2022)
- $17 for a bed
- $46 for an exercise pen
- $90 for a baby gate
Grooming
- $16 for a brush
- $9 for puppy shampoo
- $8 for toothbrush and toothpaste
- $15 for nail clippers
Miscellaneous puppy items
- $10 for poop bags
- $20 for pee cleaner
- $50 for a pet cot
- $35 for a car harness
- $33 for food storage containers
All of these items total approximately 600 dollars.
These items will cover most of your needs, as well as some things you don’t, but they will make your life easier.
Golden Retriever Puppy Toys & Treats
Your puppy will benefit from the puppy toys and goodies described above. You may need to supply more than simply toys and treats, though.
Toys are classified into four types: interactive toys, chew toys, soft toys, and dental toys.
Because interactive toys are designed to be used while playing with your dog, they are likely to last a lifetime. Chew toys, dental toys, and plush toys, on the other hand, may need to be changed on a regular basis.
You will most likely receive two to three toys and one bag of snacks each month. This indicates that golden retrievers cost between $20 and $30 each month, with an annual cost of $240-360 for toys and snacks.
Visits to the Puppy Vet
Your vet fees may differ depending on where you reside. However, between immunizations, frequent checks, and odd illnesses, you may expect to pay $500-1,000 for a golden retriever.
Initially, golden retriever vet visits would be scheduled every two to four weeks. Your trips will be significantly less frequent after that.
Remember that golden retrievers, like toddlers, can become ill far more frequently than adults.
Their immune systems are still developing, and they have no idea how to quit eating crap.
Spaying or Neutering your Golden Retriever
It is a must to spay/neuter your dog.
People will sometimes think that they should hold off in case they want golden retriever puppies. However, it is best to leave the breeding to the professionals.
Discuss with your vet the best time for your puppy to be spayed or neutered.
Spaying or neutering golden retrievers can cost between $50 and $300 depending on where you live, as well as who you choose to do the procedure.
Puppy Training & Socialization Class
A training and socialization class is one of the best ways to prepare your golden retriever for success.
Proper training and socialization of your golden retriever at the beginning can help to prevent many behavioral problems that adult golden retriever owners have to deal with.
The majority of puppy training and socialization classes cost around $100.
Puppy Food
Because puppies are always growing, their food requirements are constantly changing.
However, it is safe to assume that your puppy eats less than an adult, so you’ll spend approximately $60 per month on food for your puppy.
Annual Costs for Adult Golden Retrievers
Here are the top things that you will spend money on when it comes to an adult golden retriever.
- Vet bills
- Food
- Treats and toys
What is the food cost of a golden retriever?
Golden retrievers are big dogs and they eat lots of food.
There are many options for dog food for a golden retriever. I prefer to feed my golden retriever Royal Canin’s adult golden retriever food, which was recommended by multiple vets.
The cost for a 30 lb bag is approximately $80, and he consumes five cups per day (1.25 lbs).
Food is one of the most expensive things you can buy and you don’t want to go cheap.
Good food is like choosing a great breeder. It will save you money later in life.
What amount will I have to pay in vet bills?
The annual vet bills can vary widely.
Although it is difficult to predict the annual vet cost, you can expect to spend between $300 and $1,000 annually on vet bills.
According to PetMD, here are some common health problems for golden retrievers:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Problems with the skin
- Sub-aortic Stenosis (SAS).
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Eye disorders
- Canine hip dysplasia (CHD)
- Mast cell tumors
- Lymphoma
- Seizures
- Osteosarcoma
These three steps can be taken to help prevent health problems from occurring:
- Select a reputable breeder
- Select high-quality foods
- Maintain control of your golden retriever’s weight
Toys & Treats
Because they are larger, adult dog toys tend to be more expensive than puppy toys.
Although the price difference may vary, let’s assume they are 50% more expensive.
If you assume that you get a bag of treats each month and a few toys each year, it’s likely you will spend between $20-40 per month on toys and treats or $240-480 annually.
Check out our article on the best toys for golden retrievers in 2022.
Annual Adult Golden Retriever Price
Here’s a rough estimate of the annual cost to buy an adult golden retriever.
- Food: $1,200
- Vet bills: $300-1,000
- Treats and toys: $240-480
Estimated adult golden retrievers cost: $1,700 to $3,000
Random Golden Retriever Price Facts
The cost of a golden retriever varies greatly.
Golden retrievers are smart, easy to teach, and eager to assist. Professional training for Golden Retrievers to become service dogs can cost up to $25,000.
This price covers the hundreds of hours of training required for these pups to become service dogs.
Puppies must be taught since they are not born as assistance dogs.
Golden Retrievers with unusual coloring can also be more costly.
White, cream or red goldens are typically more expensive than standard yellow and gold hues.
An English Cream Golden Retriever, for example, costs between $1,800 and $3,000 on average.
English Cream pups were sold for over $10,000 apiece in a few situations.
In Conclusion
While there are several elements to consider when figuring the cost of a golden retriever, here are some ballpark figures:
- Adopting golden retriever costs between $200 and $500.
- Purebred golden retrievers are available from breeders with prices ranging from $500 to $3,000.
- Expect to spend between $2,000 and $3,500 in the first year.
- Adults should budget between $1,700 and $3,000.
Remember that these figures exclude boarding, daycare, pet insurance, and dog walking.
According to the AKC, golden retrievers are America’s third most common breed.
A golden retriever is a companion who provides you joy, happiness, and lots of hugs.