Feeding A Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers love to eat and are more active than other dogs. Its safe to say that they are part of the clean platter club, as they wont leave any leftovers. The Golden is a foodie, so you need to consider how much this will set you back before you bring your dog home.
It is important that dogs are fed high-quality food. This is how to tell whether you are buying high-quality food. What a Golden Retriever eats is dependent on their gender, age and activity level. A typical adult will consume between 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 cups of food per day. Your vet can help you determine the exact requirements of your dog.
The average cost of quality dog food is between $2-$3 per kilogram. You can buy a 30 pound bag for $55. Its roughly 120 cups of dogfood. The bag can provide 40 days of food if an adult Golden consumes three cups daily. A 30-pound bag would provide enough food for approximately a month at $55 each.
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.;
The Most Expensive Dogs To Buy And Keep
America has been going to the dogs for years. There are hotels for dogs, vegetarian gluten free treats for dogs, and there has even been airlines for dogs! You know, a dog’s life is now a good thing.
On average, we spend $1,600 a year on Rover .
Here are the top, best, most expensive dogs to buy, followed by the most expensive to keep.
MOST EXPENSIVE TO BUY
#5 Rottweiler
According to Pet360, this powerful breed makes an excellent protection dog and a loyal pet, though it needs to be trained from a young age. Pups can cost as much as $8,000.
#4 English bulldog
They’re now among the most popular breeds in the United States, according to Pet360. Bulldogs are loved for being brave and clownish “with an affinity for sleeping and eating.” Pups can sell for $9,000, but that’s just the start. See below to learn how expensive it can be to keep a bulldog.
#3 Samoyed
Here’s what’s cool about Samoyeds. They have wide mouths that curl up, so they always look like they’re smiling. It may not be a million-dollar smile, but pups can sell for as much as $11,000. Pet360 says this is a loving and playful breed but can be stubborn. Sounds like raising kids, except dogs do a better job of cleaning themselves.
#2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
#1 German shepherd
MOST EXPENSIVE TO KEEP
Bulldogs
Basset hounds
This adorable breed can suffer from skin issues and ear infections.
Labrador retrievers
Golden retrievers
Read Also: How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Golden Retriever
Adoption Costs For A Golden Retriever
Adopting versus buying a pet Golden Retriever is a frequent question from those who wish to own a dog. In adoption, your pet is usually found at a shelter or an animal rescue; however, buying a dog means that you generally buy straight from a breeder or owner.
Adopting is usually cheaper than buying; most adoption fees average about $250-$500, but shots or other services may be additional fees.;
One downside is that there may not be a large selection of dogs to choose from at a rescue or animal shelter. If you are wanting a certain age, breed, gender, or level of health, there may not be what you are looking for.;
Its also important to note, adopted dogs may have some health or behavior issues, which could potentially complicate owning the dog as a pet. If you adopt, you forfeit a complete knowledge of your pets history that you would have if you bought from a breeder.
Breeder Golden Retrievers tend to be happier and healthier overall, but thats not to say that they are all 100% squeaky clean.;
Just make sure that you do your homework before making a purchase and you should be just fine!;
Differences In Expensive Vs Cheap Golden Retrievers
Its only natural that you might want to save money, but still get the best buy: a healthy, beautiful, and happy golden retriever that can be your forever friend. In such cases, getting a Golden from a shelter is a good option.
Unlike the puppy mills, rescue shelters and the volunteers that work there, shower the dogs in their care with a lot of love and attention. While most of the dogs in their care may have been abandoned and/or have separation anxieties, the rescue works hard to address and mitigate these issues during the time these dogs are in their care.
Whether you get a Golden from a rescue or a breeder, you are responsible for the physical, mental, and emotional health of your pet. Be prepared to invest money in vaccinations, dog tags, microchipping, and in taking care of the animals basic needs.
At the end of the day, its your money and your choice. Just consider the fact that buying a golden retriever is not similar to buying a plastic toy that you can play with for some time, get bored with it, and neglect it. Just like you, your pet has needs and would need a truly caring home to thrive, flourish, and become a part of your family.
Also Check: Clipping A Golden Retriever
Cost Of Dog Accessories
Collar and Leash
At a minimum, you will need a good collar and dog leash so that you can take your dog on walks and out and about. A dog collar costs about $5 to $20, but you may need to buy a new one as your Golden Retriever grows. Meanwhile, a dog leash costs about $8 to $35, depending on the material and size.
Dog Crates
Another common accessory that comes with owning a Golden Retriever is a dog crate. Crates are great at helping to potty train your dog, as well as keeping them safe for short periods of time while you can not supervise them. Check out our article Best Dog Crates for Golden Retrievers to see our recommendations.
Brushes
Coat care for your Golden is also important. Besides using quality shampoo, you may also want to make sure you use The Best Brushes on your dog. There are many types of brushes that all serve a different purpose.
Are Cream Or White
The color of the coat has nothing to do with a dogs health. But ancestry could possibly have an effect on health.
- There is at least a little evidence that, on average, English bloodlines are healthier.
- A 1998 study found that 61.8 percent of American goldens died from cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast-cell tumors, and osteosarcoma, whereas a 2004 British Kennel Club Purebred Dog Health Survey for Golden Retrievers found that only 38.8 percent of goldens from English bloodlines were affected by cancer.
- Research also found that goldens from English bloodlines had an average lifespan of 12 years and 3 months whereas American goldens lived for an average of 10 years and 8 months.
- This data does not necessarily mean that an English retriever is immune from cancer and will die only at a ripe old age.
- There is plenty of anecdotal evidence of English retrievers dying from cancer and living shorter lives than expected.
- The health of your dog will depend on good breeding lines not on whether it is English or American, cream-colored or toffee-colored.
- The secret to health and longevity is ultimately a combination of nature and nurturegood genes plus optimal care by responsible owners.
White golden retriever puppy
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Golden Retriever With Kids
When Golden retrievers originate from a strong bloodline and when raised correctly, they make the best adventuring companions, childrens best friends and a priced addition to a loving family. There is little to say about their negative side. Although they have a slight prey-drive, they are hardly dignified, and almost never introverted.
Factors Affecting The Price Of Puppies
Breeder Quality
Breeder quality is one of the most significant influences on puppy price. A responsible breeder will screen their dogs for health problems and only breed the healthiest. This means that they are more likely to breed healthy litters. This incurs extra costs for them which need to be covered by you. But it is definitely worth the additional expense as it means a happy and healthy pup.
If you choose to spend less on your pup by working with a poor-quality breeder, sure, youll save a few hundred dollars. But this could equate to thousands of dollars in the future on both vet and training bills. Not only are irresponsible breeders more likely to breed unhealthy pups, but they are also more likely to create unsocialized and behavior-challenged puppies. It is not worth the risk!
Bloodline
Some reputable breeders focus their efforts solely on breeding the crème of the crop. They will use award-winning dogs who produce the best-looking and retrieving specimens. Although it doesnt guarantee youll buy a winning pooch, it increases the chances massively. It also raises the price. But if you are looking to show your dog in the show or performance ring, this is something to consider.
Location & Time Of Year
Age
Also Check: Golden Retriever Dog Boots
Cost Of Feeding A Golden Retriever
Dogs require a consistently healthy diet. If you buy a dog, youre taking on the responsibility of feeding it properly. A dog cant feed itself, so you are now responsible for providing this bare necessity for living.
Feeding a Golden can be costly when you are trying to maintain a healthy diet. This is not only because pet food is expensive, but also because Goldens love to eat. This love for food is partially because theyre such an active breed.;
Before bringing home your Golden, it would be good to take a tour of the grocers shop near you and make a note of the prices of high-quality dog food.
People go to discount stores, buy a 40-pound bag of cheap food. Even though the food meets the minimum quality requirements, it may not have enough protein or nutrients for your pet.
Roy Cruzen DVM
According to Roy Cruzen DVM, the number one reason for excessive shedding is a poor diet. Now you dont have to break your bank for your dogs food. Cruzen estimates that you can find quality food for $4 a pound.
Your Golden will eat around 2-4 cups of food a day, depending on their age, gender, and size. The cost of all that food depends on the quality of the food youre buying, but you can expect to spend about $2 per day on food.;
Dont forget that Goldens also love their treats, especially during training, and that too is an additional cost. The average bag of treats costs between $5 $10, and will typically last about a month or two with a moderate treat-feeding schedule.;
Golden Retriever Cost Breakdown:
Now that you know the price range to buy a golden retriever, we need to examine the additional golden retriever costs that you can expect when you bring your new puppy home like veterinary care, food, toys, and more. Its important to remember that when you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder, you are more likely to encounter lower golden retriever costs over the lifetime of your pet.
Its important to give your golden retriever the health checks they need in order to grow strong and healthy. According to the American Kennel Club, there are some essential steps and vet bills youll need to take care of before your golden retrievers first birthday:
- Full physical exam: $50 $100
- Recommended vaccines : $100 $200
- Rabies vaccine: $10 $20
- Heartworm preventatives: $70 $200
- Total price of veterinary expenses: $335 $665
To ensure you get a healthy dog, its generally better to buy a golden retriever that has already had its first round of health checks, vaccines, and paperwork. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do.
Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to your overall golden retriever cost.
Also Check: English Cream Vs American Golden Retriever
Prices Of Golden Retrievers Raised As Hunting Dogs
Golden hunters are very special; they are often not sold in mass and these Golden Retriever prices are also not fixed. Prices are usually determined by the seller based on the parents hunting performance, and are usually not less than $1000 per puppy.
Golden hunters have very high requirements for heredity; they must often have parents and grandparents that are gun dogs. Golden puppies born in silk velvet are very difficult to be trained to become true hunters.
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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How Much Do Purebred Golden Retrievers Cost For Breeders
On average, birthing and raising a litter of puppies can cost $15,800. Most breeders work through deals, wholesales, and many times, use the same bedding and toys for new litters. This can reduce the costs to about $7,700 to breed a litter of healthy puppies.
If the breeder is aiming for really high-quality litters for shows, the cost can climb a lot higher. Breeders who have show-quality puppies can spend around $24,000 on the whole.
How Much Does A Golden Retriever Adoption Cost
A common question that dog owners ask is whether they should adopt or purchase a Golden Retriever. Adoption means you find a pet dog at a shelter.;However, buying a dog generally means you are purchasing directly from the owner or breeder.
Adopting can often be cheaper than purchasing. Prices range from $250 to $500 for most adoptions, with shots and other fees possible.
The downside is that shelters and rescues may not have many dogs available. It is possible that there are not enough dogs available for your needs if you require a certain breed, age, gender or level in health.
READ ;
You should also keep in mind that adoptable dogs may have certain health and behavior issues which could complicate your decision to make the dog your pet. If you adopt, you will lose complete information about the history of your pet that you would have if it was purchased from a breeder.
Breeder golden retrievers tend to be happier, healthier overall, but its not to imply that they are always 100% clean.
Recommended Reading: Golden Retriever And Kitten Best Friends
How Old Is Sky The Golden Retriever Rescue
Sky she has made her way to our rescue from a puppy mill, where she spent her life producing litter after litter, until she outgrew her usefulness to the miller. Shes tall for a female Golden probably about the size of a male. At 5 years old, she sure deserves a rest and a normal, loving home.