Is The Golden Retriever Really Worth It Experts Weigh In
Are Golden Retrievers worth it? Owners and experts say a resounding YES!
Golden Retrievers are family favorites for a reason. They make excellent companions to a variety of owners and give back more than they ever take financially.
Pros of Owning A Golden Retriever:
- Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent and eager to please
- They get along well with most everyone
- Golden Retrievers are easy to train
- They are quiet and do well in a number of home types
- Golden Retrievers can be trained early to perform chores around the home
- They adapt easily and become bonded with their people
- They are the 3rd most popular dog, according to the American Kennel Club
- Goldens are great dogs for those who want to compete in dog shows or dog sports
- They are both adoring and adorable
Cons of Owning A Golden Retriever:
- They are large dogs that can be costly to keep up
- Golden Retrievers shed heavily
- They may be prone to a number of costly health issues
- The Golden Retriever price can vary greatly and depend on a variety of factors
Is it all worth it?
While the Golden Retriever price can vary, its up to you on just how much you can spend on this breed initially, and its up to you on how to budget and save. At the end of the day, the average Golden Retriever price is actually slightly lower than that of the average price of raising a dog in general, which is around $23,410, according to the American Kennel Club.
So, is the Golden Retriever worth it? We would have to say YES!
The Rarer The Color The More Expensive The Dog
Golden retrievers come in beautiful hues of gold. Naturally, the most popular golden retriever color is classic gold. Not dark gold, not light gold, but the standard bright, rich golden color.
Some retrievers, however, also come in shades of red, cream, and even black. But the red golden retrieverwhich is primarily bred for hunting would cost a staggering $3,000 as it is considered a rare breed.
THE RED GOLDEN RETRIEVER COMES IN A STUNNING MAHOGANY SHADE AND IS A HEAD-TURNER
The red golden retriever is slightly smaller in size and has a shorter outer coat compared to the standard golden retriever. It is also the more energetic and athletic retriever, So, if you want one for a family pet and not as a hunter, you need to ask yourself if you can handle a hyper dog that requires intensive exercise.
How Much Do Golden Retrievers Cost From A Breeder
To make a knowledgeable puppy purchase, we need to understand two things: how breeders set their prices and how to spot an unethical breeder.
A handful of variables influence how much a breeder charges:
- Litter size: Golden Retriever litters are usually 5-10 puppies. Pups from smaller litters generally cost more than pups with several siblings.
- Show quality: Expect to pay a pretty penny for a Golden Retriever pup with champion show dog parents. On the flip side, minute details about a Goldens conformation and appearance can disqualify them from showing. You might get a deal for pups destined for backyard fetch and couch snuggles.
- Special features: If a breeders pups have a distinguishing characteristica specific coat color, for instance, or a blocky headtheir prices will reflect it.
Your jaw may hit the floor when you see what some breeders charge for their puppies. But remember that responsible breeding isnt cheap. One litter of puppies can cost a Golden Retriever breeder anywhere from $8,000-24,000!
Because ethical breeding requires such a massive financial investment, be wary of anyone charging bottom dollar for their Golden Retrievers. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
You mightve known that already, though. So what other red flags can you look for to weed out shady breeders?
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How Much Do English Cream Golden Retrievers Cost
Purebred Golden Retrievers can be expensive, especially those from reputable breeders who can support superior genetic claims. From the best breeders, the dogs will cost a couple thousand dollars, on average. English Golden Retrievers tend to cost more than other variations, as theyre a bit rarer.
Many dog owners feel spending a little extra upfront for a dog from a responsible breeder is well worth it. When you buy from a trustworthy breeder, you face less risk of behavioral and medical issues down the line. If your breeder engages in puppy training, youll have a companion who knows the basics and is ready to learn from you.
You Cant Put A Price On A Golden Retrievers Love
But you can put a price on Golden Retriever ownership. Totaling initial costs and lifetime expenses, your Golden will set you back $14500-15800, more or less.
To get the most bang for your buck, prioritize your Goldens health and wellbeing. The years youll spend together will be far more valuable than the money!
Looking for a Golden Retriever of your very own? Tell us about your search in the comments!
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You need to take many factors into account when estimating the total price of getting a golden retriever, but here are rough estimates: purebred golden retrievers from a breeder usually cost between $500 and $3,000. It will cost between $200 and $500 to adopt a golden retriever. Around $2,102 is what you can expect to spend. $2,972 for a person of 29 years old. During the first year, 29 people were hired.
Golden Retriever Personality Type
Golden retrievers are docile, calm, kind, trustworthy, reliable, confident, overly welcoming dogs and loving. These canines yearn for love and give love in return. Even though golden retrievers possess these innate characteristics, other factors like training, upbringing and early-socialization must also be considered and included in the molding of this breeds personality.
The personality of the golden retriever is everything you will need from a close companion. One of their outstanding and likable qualities is their youthfulness vigor and playfulness. Other dogs will be very playful in their puppy years and somehow goofy before they attain maturity, but as they grow they become more reserved, lazy and calm.
The golden retriever puppies are considered as the ultimate puppies. Their enthusiasm and playfulness continue up until they are about 4 to 5 years of age. As they grow older until adulthood, they become naturally docile and a bundle of fun, joy and love. These pups are considered the best for a first time owner. However, this character trait of the golden retrievers is sometimes overlooked and therefore it will require some attention.
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How Much Does A Golden Retriever Cost Without Papers
Golden retriever puppies without health papers and certification can cost up to $900 each.
Keep in mind, though, that buying a puppy without papers is always a gamble because you cant know for sure whether its parents are healthy or have been screened for common genetic issues within the breed.
Also, most puppies without papers havent been checked out or cleared by a vet, so you may end up paying a lot more than you expected for a sick puppy.
Are There Other Costs With A Golden Retriever Puppy
Like any pet, dogs will result in recurring fees throughout their lifetime.
Aside from the initial Golden Retriever price paid to a breeder or shelter, you will also be responsible for monthly costs to keep him healthy and happy.
Recurring fees for raising a Golden Retriever include the cost of:
- Dog food
- Toys, bedding, bowls, leashes, crates, and other supplies
- Training, boarding, or dog sitting
- Grooming
- Miscellaneous
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How Much Is A Purebred Golden Retriever
Affectionate, intelligent, friendly and sweet its no wonder that the golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. These affable pooches make great companions and are a perfect addition to families with kids. If youre considering adopting a golden retriever into your home, one of the first considerations is the price.
Exactly how much do purebred golden retriever puppies cost? That answer varies, of course. Yet, considering how wonderful this breed is and what great pets they make, the price for many is well worth it. Read on to get a solid idea of what you can expect when investing in your golden retriever.
Do English Golden Retrievers Shed
The short answer is yes all Golden Retrievers are long-hair dogs and will shed. They tend to shed most in the spring and fall, as temperatures change. Good grooming practices can help keep your house a little less furry. Its a good idea to brush your Golden Retriever often, at least three times a week. Bathe them about once a month, as well bathing too often can dry out a dogs skin, so be sparing with bath time.
You can also minimize shedding in less direct ways. Feeding your dog a healthy, balanced diet will help prevent excess shedding. Youll also want to provide a calm, positive environment, as stress can result in over-shedding. Golden Retrievers are such excellent family dogs that some shedding here and there is not a dealbreaker for many dog owners.
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Golden Retriever Price Affected By Health
The best way to ensure your puppy and your wallet are happy is by staying on top of your Golden Retrievers health.
Ways to help prevent large vet bills include:
- Keep up with your pups preventative care
- Visit the vet for check ups
- Get the proper vaccinations
- Get early health screenings
So, what is a Golden Retriever most prone to when it comes to health risks? Prospective Golden owners should keep an eye out for:
The American Kennel Club suggests the following health tests for Golden Retrievers:
- Cardiac exam
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What Are The Characteristics Of The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever breed has always been popular among families and other dog owners, they are known to be smart, loyal, and are used in many different areas of work, such as service dogs, hunting dogs, etc. The Golden Retriever has always been a popular breed but their popularity grew after the well-known movie Marley& Me came out and gave us an inside view to what it was like owning a Golden Retriever.
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Ask About Wellness Plans
Wellness plans are beginning to grow in popularity. These plans cover routine checkups, products you might need, and discounts for other pet related services. The reason why wellness plans are appealing is that they focus on prevention.
The routine checkups and procedures covered in a wellness program will prevent more serious health issues and save you money in the long run. Wellness plans are different at each veterinary clinic, so be sure to ask your veterinarian about what wellness plans they have available.
Wellness plans are usually less expensive than pet insurance, so if youre trying to be economically efficient but want some coverage for your pet, a wellness plan would be a good option.
Veterinarian Services: An Expense Break Down
In order for your pup to grow happy healthy and strong, youll need to make sure that youre regularly attending health checkups at the vets.
According to the AKC, there are few things that you need to make sure you do within the first year of your pups life:
- A full physical exam, costing about $50-$100
- The suggested vaccines: Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme Disease, Coronavirus, and Canine Influenza, costing about $100-$200
- The rabies vaccine, costing about $10-$20
- The DAPPV vaccine, costing about $60-$100
- Registering with the American Kennel Club, costing $35+
- Deworming your dog, costing about $10 each
- Heartworm prevention, costing about $70-$200 for a one-year supply
The total cost for all of these services ranges from $335 to $665, not including the taxes or the service fees/taxes included.
To make sure that you get a healthy puppy, its usually best to buy from a breeder that makes sure all puppies get their first health checkups, paperwork, and shots done before a buyer takes them home.
This will end up saving you, as a buyer, time, and money because these fees will be included in the price of your Golden Retriever. Plus a breeder gets all of this done at a fraction of the cost due to them paying wholesale rates to the vets opposed to going in and doing it as an individual.
If you avoid getting a dog with all their checks are already done, then you can expect to pay at some point in time in the near future .
Dont let this be you!
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Should You Buy A Puppy Or An Older Dog
If you think Golden Retriever puppies and adults cost the same, think again.
Younger Goldens almost always come with a heftier initial price. This tends to be the case whether you adopt or go through a breeder.
In addition to being cheaper upfront, older Golden Retrievers tend to cost less than puppies over their lifetime.
Your Golden Retriever puppys first year with you will cost somewhere between $2100-3000. An adult Golden, on the other hand, will run you $1500-2500 over the same time period.
Why the difference? Puppies require obedience classes, frequent vet visits, and a seemingly endless stream of puppy pads and teething toys. With older Golden Retrievers, much of that simply isnt a concern.
Price aside, there are other pros and cons to consider.
Adult dogs not only save you money upfront, they dont always require as much in the way of basic obedience and housetraining. Any bad habits they do have, however, could be deeply ingrained and much harder to train out.
Conversely, you can mold a puppys behavior to suit your family and lifestyle. Youll just need to pay extra for the privilege. If you go with a Golden Retriever puppy, use these tips to help guide your decision:
Are English Golden Retrievers Calmer
Its quite obvious that English Goldens are more often calmer than American Golden Retrievers. They are rarely hyper or high energy. European Goldens are calmer, more mature and easier to train. Golden Retrievers are compatible with children and adults and are good with other dogs, cats and most livestock.
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Dog Health Insurance Cost
According to labradortraininghq.com, the average cost of pet insurance in the US is around $492 per year. This rate may vary depending on these factors:
- The type of pet
- The rates of the insurance company
- The state you live in
- The age of your dog
- The amount you will pay before the insurance company begins to cover the cost of your pets medical bills
- The type of insurance policy
To be on the optimistic side, you will only need to pay a few hundred dollars for medical checkups and common health issues if your dog does not have serious health problems.
Heres an overview of what basic Golden Retriever medical costs might look like:
- A full physical exam
- Heartworm test
Buying A Golden Retriever: The Normal Price Range
Just like most dogs you can expect to find a wide range of prices on the market for a golden retriever. For the most part, you can expect to spend within the range of $500 up to $2000.
Whilst it may seem high, youll find that a lot of the costs are front-loaded, which means that things are a little expensive at first but will quickly become manageable.
Even when buying a dog for cheaper costs, youll quickly find that after adding up all the additional costs that a dog comes with, it will still total out to somewhere near this kind price too.
To be completely honest, youll want to be very careful when you find a dog selling for super cheap, you could be opening a big can of worms.
Why?
Because when you get cheap selling dogs, youll also get problems too. A few of the most common include no checks form the vets, which means no deworming and no vaccinations.
In most cases when you find that a pup is selling for more, then all this would have been taken care of. Thats not to say that all dogs selling for cheaper are bad, but youll have to do some real digging to avoid being mis-sold too.
For example, choosing the lowest up-front price for a Golden Retriever means that these puppies rarely have the needed assurances or veterinary services, such as full health checkups, dewormings, or receiving vaccines.
These services will then be paid for by the buyer, which increases the up-front cost that you paid.
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Other Breeds You Might Like
Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.
To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dogs well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Golden Retriever, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Golden Retriever. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.
References and Resources
Golden Retriever Price The Hidden Costs Some Owners Forget About
As they age, Golden Retrievers can become more susceptible to certain health issues that can be costly to owners.
Unfortunately, most owners dont think about the hidden costs of raising a dog, and tend to look at the Golden Retriever prices that seem most obvious. These would include the above costs like supplies, food and treats, grooming, and basic medical care.
However, with every dog there are hidden expenses that most owners dont consider initially. These costs are predominantly due to unforeseen medical complications, which, for the Golden Retriever, can be quite costly.
The best way to budget for health complications in your Golden Retriever price is to be aware of what Golden Retrievers can be most susceptible to.
Common Golden Retriever Health Issues:
The Average Cost To Treat Some Of The Above Ailments In A Golden Retriever:
- Hip Dysplasia $1,700 to $4,500
- Elbow Dysplasia $1,500 to $4,000
- Cancers $1,000 t0 $10,000 +
- Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis $3,100 to $6,050
- Luxating Patella $1,500 to $3,000 Per Knee
When you decide to commit to raising a dog, that dog is relying on you for everything from his daily meals to his lifetime care. Health costs are often some of the most expensive when it comes to Golden Retriever price, which is why many experts recommend investing in pet health insurance.
On average, pet health insurance for a Golden Retriever can cost owners between $120 and $1,200 a year or $10 to $120 a month.
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