How Much Does It Cost To Buy Food For A Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are large breed dogs that require plenty of food and exercise.
Generally, basic dry golden retriever food can cost about $100 $250 per year for a 30-pound bag every 1 2 months. High quality dry food might go between $200 $400 per year for the same quantity and frequency.
Wet dog food will cost a bit more and range between $400 $1,000 per year for 1 3 cases of 13-ounce cans per month. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion.
When you buy dog food, always check the labels and make sure they meet the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials while they dont regulate, test, or certify pet foods in any way, they do establish the nutritional standards for complete and balanced pet foods. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog.
Here is a list of prices for some popular golden retriever food brands:
If you want to give your new dog the best, happiest, and most-loving home possible, its important to have a few key essentials ready for your new family member! Heres a quick list of things to get and their average expenses:
Prices Of Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies That Have Been Checked By A Veterinarian
A responsible breeder will always invite a veterinarian to check the health of his or her puppy after these puppies are born. A responsible breeder will ensure that a veterinarian says that a puppy is in good health before the breeder puts the puppy up for sale.
Ensure that a puppy has been checked by a veterinarian before you consider buying the puppy.
The average price of a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy that has been examined by a veterinarian is $2190, while the average price of a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy that has not been examined by a veterinarian is $1780.
We obtained this information from our detailed review of 96 Miniature Golden Retriever puppies that were examined by veterinarians that were listed for sale and 24 Miniature Golden Retriever puppies that have not been examined by veterinarians that were listed for sale.
Avoiding Questionable Sources For Puppies
So how do you avoid irresponsible sources of purebred golden retrievers? Doing plenty of research before you purchase your puppy is the best course of action. You can also ask any seller for the proper paperwork, which should include health and medical tests for any health issues that the puppy may have.
It is also important to visit any rescue shelters and reputable breeders that your local community trusts. The great news is that not all responsible breeders will empty your bank account. You will be able to save money and still find a healthy puppy. In such cases, rescuing a dog is also a really great option.
If you arent looking for a golden retriever puppy, then adopting a dog from a shelter will not only be easier on your pocket, but it will also give a dog a second chance at finding a loving home.
Of course, if you have your heart set on a purebred golden retriever puppy, you have a better chance of finding one through a breeder.
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S Virtually Nonexistent But Surprisingly A Video Exists
A site that can only provide pictures of an 8 or 9-week-old puppy may be a scam. Can they provide the pictures of the puppys parents or grandparents? At the very least, they should be able to provide a picture of the puppys mother.
If they have no pictures of the puppy prior to 8 weeks old, that should send up a red flag. Most good breeders will start photographing their puppies from birth onward.
Can they keep you up to date with pictures of the puppy as they grow? Many scam sites will only have one or two pictures of a puppy that is 8 or 9 weeks old. Ask to see newborn pictures.
Where did the video come from? It is relatively easy to steal a video or ask a legitimate breeder to send you photos and videos. Once the scammer has both in his possession, it is simple to add them online.
Ask for a new video of the puppy you are buying. Tell them that you want your name and their website written on a piece of paper in the video. Use this format:
Golden Retriever Puppy for .BREEDERS WEBSITE IS :
This is easy for a breeder to do but virtually impossible for a scammer.
Finding A Reputable Golden Retriever Breeder Or Shelter
One of the most important things you need to keep an eye out for when buying any breed of dog is the reputation and dependability of the breeder youre purchasing from. The Humane Society of the United States has developed an outline on how to decode puppy mill doublespeak.
In recent years, the public has become increasingly informed on the plight of dogs that are abused and exploited for their entire lives for the profit of an endless supply of puppies. These puppies are sold across the country, even in puppy stores that claim to have responsibly sourced their puppies.
A responsible, humane breeder will put the needs of their puppies before any conveniences for you .
They will always be concerned first and foremost with the future of their puppy, in terms of health, safety, and overall well-being.
If a breeder or shelter is a bit too keen on providing quick service and lacking in discussion of their dogs future forever home, you might want to move on.
To help you avoid getting caught up in such atrocities, here are a few notes to help you decipher between reputable breeders and puppy mill operators.
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Immediately After Your Female Dog Has Been Mated Is There Anything You Should Do
Make sure that she does not have the opportunity to mate with any other dogs. Remember that oestrus will continue for several more days and she could theoretically become pregnant from another dog during this period. After a planned mating it is a good idea to allow her to rest quietly for a few hours.
What Is An F1 Goldador
An F1 Goldador is the first-generation offspring of a purebred Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever.
Aside from this first-generation crossbreed, you can get multiple generations and crosses of Goldadors. For instance, two Golden Labs make an F2 Goldador. In turn, crossing two F2 Golden Labradors produces an F3 Golden Retriever-Lab mix.
An F1 Golden Labrador with a purebred Golden or Labrador? Youll get an F1B Goldador.
In their litter size of 7 to 10 puppies, each pup may have a different appearance and temperament. A hybrids traits become more unpredictable the further away it is from the first-generation cross.
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Do Golden Retrievers Need Professional Training
Golden Retrievers are famous for being sociable, friendly, and easy to train for an experienced dog owner. Based on her experience as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that professional training is usually not necessary for this breed.
However, a few group training lessons could still be helpful for basic obedience and solving any potential behavioral problem. They usually range from $150-$200 for five weekly one-hour sessions.
| Training Cost | |
| $0 $200 | $100 |
A great way to get ready to welcome a dog into your house is by reading a dog training book beforehand. You can find good inexpensive ones online to find out more about dog behavior and the best ways to interact with them.
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.
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Is Breeding The Only Way To Find Purebred Golden Retrievers
Considering the controversy surrounding dog breeding, some potential dog owners continue to seek alternatives outside of the dog breeding circles. In actuality, finding a purebred Golden retriever outside of the dog breeder community is possible if you set your mind to do thorough research. Contrary to popular misconception, animal shelters are excellent places to search for unique pets. Over 20% of the rescued animals in shelters are purebred. This reality, therefore, increases your chances of adopting your preferred pet of choice.
However, its essential to keep in mind that if you are searching for a purebred Golden retriever with verifiable pedigree and related information, it may be more difficult for you to get access to these documents during the adoption process. This is not to say that this crucial information doesnt exist somewhere. Instead, it means that your potential pups information and historical background may disappear when transitioning in and out of the shelter.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand some of the typical challenges entailed in obtaining a purebred Golden retriever and why some dog owners are adamant about them, you can further examine your perspective regarding whether you want to pursue finding your own pup through a renowned breeder or adoption.
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How Much Are Vet Expenses
Overall, the Golden Retriever is a healthy breed. This is an important thing to consider if youre taking into account the full Golden Retriever price. After all, vet bills arent cheap.
If your dog isnt spayed or neutered, you should definitely do that right away, unless you have plans for breeding. This costs anywhere from $250-$500.
The most common health issue for the Golden is cancer, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America. Other issues may include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and heart disease.
According to Embrace Pet Insurance, the most common serious issues for the Golden Retriever and the cost to treat them are:
- Cancer $8,000-$15,000
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The Price Of A Golden Retriever
A golden retriever puppy can cost up to $3,500, depending on multiple factors, like the place you get it from, its age, and the dogs parents.
One of the most important aspects when getting a dog, aside from making sure it will be a purebred, is to make sure that the pet is healthy and doesnt have any birth flaws. This means that if youre planning to go to an animal rescue center to get a dog, make sure you visit one that works with a veterinarians office or at least keeps background health records of the dogs.
Usually, animal shelters have professional staff to take care of the animals, feed them and give them medication, but that doesnt mean that the pet cant have a birth flaw or an illness that cant be cured. Some pet rescue centers will offer free adoptions, while some will charge anywhere from $200 to $600.
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.
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Signs Of A Healthy Golden Retriever Puppy
Weve gone over all the colors your Golden Retriever puppy might be, but what are some of the other things to look for when selecting a puppy? There are two ways to observe your potential puppy. Observe him from afar as he plays with the other dogs around him.
If youre fortunate, youll be able to observe him interacting with his mother, too! Is he the bully or is he being bullied? Is he playing with the other dogs, or keeping to himself, away from the fray? Neither is right or wrong, just a good gauge for measuring your potential puppys energy level and temperament.
The second observation youll want to make is how he reacts directly to you. Is he skittish or friendly? Full of lively energy or mellow? So many people have told me of their puppy I didnt find him , he found me! I get that. It does seem like the puppy is selecting his human in much the same way we select a puppy!
How To Find A Good Breeder And Avoid Puppy Mills
Ask questions, particularly about the health of your dog.
If a breeder wont provide you with important information, there may be a reason. Dont waste your time trying to figure what it is. It is better to hedge your bets than try to find a more transparent breeder.
Meet the breeder and your pups parents.
It is possible to visit the facility in person. Its great to do some internet research, but it wont tell if your pup is sleeping in a warm blanket in the breeders room, or an outdoor kennel that is open to the elements.
Get Reference.
Research is key when you try to find the right breeder. Now, you need to research breeders character.
Puppy mills are breeding programs that expose their dogs to dangerous conditions. These dogs are often malnourished and over-bred.
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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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Where To Get A Purebred Golden Retriever
If you want to adopt a verified purebred golden retriever, you need a trusted, reputable breeder. As an AKC Breeder of Merit with over 25 years of experience, Golden Meadows Retrievers breeds and trains golden retriever puppies to become loving companions in homes across the country. Our puppies receive early socialization skills and training to ensure they make a great addition to your family.
Contact us today to learn more! If youre ready to get started, fill out our puppy info request form so we can match you with your perfect purebred golden retriever pup.
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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.
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How Much Does It Cost To Raise A Golden Retriever From Puppyhood On
The true Golden Retriever price comes after that initial down payment of paying for a puppy or rescue dog.
The initial cost of your Golden Retriever, whether you go through a breeder or a shelter, should really be considered your down payment. The real Golden Retriever price comes after you obtain your dog, and adds up each year.
In order to understand and budget for the true Golden Retriever price, it helps to know how long a Golden Retriever lives.
On average, a healthy Golden Retriever can live between 10 and 12 years. The average yearly cost of raising a large breed dog like the Golden is around $1,080 or $90 a month, though the first year of doggy parenthood is often much more expensive.
In fact, owners reported that the first year of raising their dog cost them around $3,625.
This means that if you raise a Golden Retriever from 0 to 12 years, you will be investing at least $15,505 into your dog, though youll likely be spending a few thousand more.
But why, and where do these estimates come from? Lets take a look.
Average First Year Medical Expenses For A Golden Retriever- $500 to $600
As we previously mentioned, the first year of raising your Golden Retriever is typically going to be your most expensive. This is due to a number of factors, one of which is going to be first year puppy visits to ensure your dog is healthy. This will include:
Average Yearly Cost Of Dog Food And Treats $250 to $700
Basic Supplies For A Golden Retriever: $500 a Year
- And Toys
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