How Long Do Goldens Live
Compared to our lifespan, our dogs lifespan is short. According to the American Kennel Club, golden retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years of age.
Years ago, in the 1970s, golden retrievers often lived to be 16 or 17 years old.;;
Unfortunately, many vets today call golden retrievers cancer retrievers because of the high incidence of various forms of cancer in the breed.
The Morris Foundation is even conducting a study of over 3,000 goldens to determine why they are dying so young.
Years ago, people believed that a dog aged seven years to every human year. The comparison is more complex than that.;
Of course, smaller dogs generally live longer than larger dogs do. Larger dogs age at a quicker rate.
A 10-year-old golden is about the equivalent of a 66-year-old human. And a 12-year-old golden is the equivalent of a 77-year-old person.
Of course, a dogs lifespan is also dependent on his genetics, environment, nutrition, exercise, and care.
So dont despair that your still playful 10-year-old golden is nearing the end. With great care, he may see many more happy, healthy years.
Study: Golden Retrievers Lifespan Dropped In 35 Years
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Back in the 1970s, Golden Retrievers routinely lived until 16 and 17 years old. Golden Retrievers are now living from 10 to 14 years old.
Golden Retrievers die mostly of bone cancer, lymphoma and a cancer of the blood vessels more than any other breed in the country. Scientists from the Colorado-based Morris Animal Foundation picked up on this observation and are studying the popular Golden Retriever dog breed to find out why their lifespan has gotten shorter over the years and why cancer is so prevalent within this specific breed.
The foundation recently invested $25 million in the study to launch the very first lifetime study of over 3,000 purebred Golden Retrievers after signing up the first dogs back in 2012. The nonprofit organization has explained that reviewing the health conditions and environmental factors faced by Golden Retrievers all over the United States should also benefit other breeds and even humans, as 95 percent of the same DNA is shared between us, and dogs.
This study is a groundbreaking endeavor to learn how to prevent cancer and other diseases, more efficiently, in dogs. It is the longest and largest observational study ever undertaken for the canine species, enrolling 3,000 Golden Retrievers and lasting anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
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Make Your Home Senior
Orthopedic dog beds can be soothing to older bodies and joints. They even make warming pads for beds.;
Make sure your dog stays warm and away from drafts. If you live in a cooler climate, your golden may even need a coat or sweater when winter comes.
Your golden may need to remain on one level of your house if he can no longer use steps.
Raise your dogs water and food bowls. You can place his current ones on blocks or purchase some that are elevated. This will make eating easier on his neck and spine.
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Youll Have To Hide Your Shoes Because Goldens Love To Chew
These dogs like to carry things and, often when theyre bored, will start moving your stuff around the house. Theyre famous for their chewing habits so provide her with resistant toys, specially made for heavy chewers, and dont let her get too bored during the day.
Lock up your shoes, telephones, remote controls, games, kitchen utensils, clothes, and small pillows, or theyll meet a very messy end. Also, move your garbage can inside a cabinet or in a place your dog cant access.
She should never go through your dinner leftovers as eating human food can harm Golden Retrievers. For safety reasons, hide all electric cables before bringing your puppy or new dog home.
The crate is a good way to keep your dog away from temptations when youre not around. This way shell be in a safe place and you wont have to worry about the Nintendo youve forgotten on the sofa before going to bed.
Golden Retriever Life Cycle
Golden Retrievers go through the same 4 life cycle stages as all other dogs. Which are:
Puppy Stage
The puppy stage starts with birth and lasts until your dog is six-to-18 months old.
Adolescent Stage
This stage will start somewhere between the age of 6 to 18 months and will continue until theyre 24 to 36 months for golden retrievers .
Basically, your golden is a teenager during this stage. their hormones will kick in, and they will need to be spayed or neutered. They will be moody, horny, and hyperactive just like human teenagers.
Training and socialization must go on during this period to help them grow into stable and well-trained pups.
Adulthood
The adult stage can start somewhere between the age of 18 months to 3 years. Their earlier training starts to pay off here and they become easier to manage.
This is also when golden retrievers starts to calm down and chill a bit, staying excited and loving but less hyper-active than they used to be when they were younger.
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Complete And Balanced Dog Foods Label
Some foods will have a label that will say complete and balanced.;Now to be totally honest I will say that this is one of the first things I actually look for when purchasing food.
When you see this label you can be guaranteed to find a well balanced nutritional value inside of it.;Complete and well-balanced products must contain a minimum of all nutrients necessary for Golden retrievers. This will also be included in the guaranteed analysis.
The Oldest Golden Retriever On Record
A Golden Retriever from Tennessee named August was born on the 24th of April in 2000. Today August, or Augie as she is affectionately called by her owners, turned 20 and is the oldest Golden Retriever on record.;
Augie is a true success for rescue dogs, as this loved Golden Retriever was adopted by her current owners from Southern Nevadas Golden Retriever Rescue, at the age of 14, after she had already been adopted twice previously.
Like most aging Golden Retrievers, Augies faced as turned from yellow to a grey-white color. However, despite her age, which is the equivalent of 114 human years, Augie is still quite active.;
At 14 she was diagnosed with kidney trouble but her diet of wet and dry Hills Prescription, along with some additional supplements for kidneys and joints, keeps her fit and healthy!
Meet Augie in this video:
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Reduce Overall Stress Levels
Much like people, your Golden Retriever is likely to develop chronic ailments when stressed. Therefore, if you want to prolong his years, youll need to expose him to as little stress as possible. Ensure your dog receives the attention he needs to prevent him from becoming lonely and depressed. As suckers for attention, Golden Retrievers thrive when included in all family activities.
Training your Golden retriever to socialize and anticipate separation from working and school-going family members is a sure way to prevent stress and anxiety during their adult stages. If your dog has separation anxiety, he might not live for as long as you may want, meaning youll need to consult a dog trainer to curb the behavior.
Are There Genetic Health
According to studies white goldens and traditional goldens can differ from bone structure and length of fur. I have written a complete post in detail comparing the different colors of a golden retriever.;
Theres no difference in age or how long a golden can live based on color. Size color or gender does not play any kind of role in health-related problems. Every canine has the potential to fall sick just as equally as the other.
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Tips For Helping Your Golden Retriever Live A Long Life
Here are some tips to help your golden retriever live a long life like Augie.
1. Listen to your veterinarian.
This is probably the most important tip.
Your vet will know your dog, and have the best recommendations and action plan to keep them healthy.
This includes flea, tick, and heartworm medicines, food and exercise advice, and much more.
2. Listen to your dog.
When Oliver was a puppy, we spent countless hours researching what the best food for golden retriever puppies was.
Well, guess what?
After a few weeks of us feeding him the best food for golden retriever puppies, he stopped eating and became more lethargic.
We listened to what he was trying to tell us, we talked with our vet about it, and we decided to switch foods.
Right away he loved the new food, started eating more, and started getting his normal, crazy energy back.
Just because something is popular for many dogs, doesnt necessarily mean that itll be good for your dog, so pay attention to them and how theyre feeling so you can work with your vet to keep them happy and healthy.
3. Feed your dog a quality dog food.
Yes, Walmart brand food may be cheaper at first, but youll probably end up paying more in vet bills down the road.
Not to mention, with a quality dog food, your dog will probably be happier and healthier for it.
Talk to your veterinarian, do your research, and feed your pup a quality food.
4. Groom your golden retriever regularly.
5. Exercise your golden retriever regularly.
Golden Retriever Lifespan And Cancer
Golden Retrievers have one of the highest cancer rates of any dog breed, with more than half of all Goldens dying from cancer.
The reasons for the spike in cancer rates in the Golden Retriever are not fully understood, but a fairly recent genetic mutation seems to be one culprit.
Some of the strongest evidence for a genetic mutation is the notable different rates of cancer in American Golden Retrievers and European Golden Retrievers. Less than 40% of European Goldens die from cancer, while more than 60% of American Goldens die from cancer.
In fact, Golden Retrievers who develop lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma commonly have genetic alterations that make them more prone to the cancers.
Since, like all registered dog breeds, Golden Retriever populations are closed to other dog breeds, these genes are being passed down at higher rates without healthier DNA being introduced to the population.
Furthermore, according to the 2015 Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, Golden Retrievers are more likely to die of bone cancer, lymphoma, and blood cancer than any other dog breed.
The popularity of the Golden Retriever is also partly responsible for the higher rate of cancer.
Popular dog breeds are bred more frequently and more indiscriminately than less common dog breeds, with careless breeders throwing any two Golden Retrievers together to make puppies without any consideration for the health problems of genetic lines of the parents.
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Body Shape Gives Clues About A Golden Retrievers Age
Looking carefully at a Golden Retrievers body shape can give some clues that will help you determine their age, as well.
Golden Retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs that grow to their full adult size very quickly . This can make it hard to tell a juvenile Golden from an adult. As a rule, younger pups will have slightly smaller body frames than adult Goldens. In addition, a juvenile Golden Retriever wont have any fat buildup like an older dog will.
Also, adult Goldens between three and six years, due to their high energy levels and love for physical activity, will have a more muscular physique than their younger or older counterparts.
Once your Golden reaches the eight-year mark he is considered a senior, and will gradually reduce his physical activities. At this point hell start to develop mild muscle wasting. This reduced muscle tone will lead to a slightly swayback appearance, which is common in an older, large dog.
When Is A Golden Retriever Officially Elderly
Larger dogs age quicker than smaller dogs, so they have a shorter lifespan.
A few decades ago, Golden Retrievers lived to approximately 16 to 17 years old.
These days, their average lifespan has significantly reduced to between 10 and 12 years. This is believed to be because they are more susceptible to cancer than any other breed.
A Golden Retriever is considered officially old at about 8 to 9 years old, which is the equivalent to 61 to 68 years in humans.
Signs your dog is aging include:
Increased fatigue Graying around face and muzzle Anxiety Cognitive dysfunction Less tolerant
Many of these changes are normal in an aging dog. However, be careful not to write them off, as some may be symptoms of a health condition requiring veterinary treatment.
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Cancer Is A Huge Issue For Many Golden Retrievers
Cancer affects many dog breeds. Some are more affected than others. Golden Retrievers are the most affected dog breed in this case scenario. Over 60% of dogs develop cancer at some point. It is claimed that cancer is the main reason why so many Golden Retrievers live less than 10 years.;;
An interesting fact is that Golden Retrievers werent always affected by cancer in this high percentage. For instance, back in the 80s, a much smaller percentage was affected by cancer. Sadly, this number increased significantly in the 90s and it remained high to this day. Thats why Golden Retriever Lifetime Study was started in 2015 and the goal is to collect as much data as possible and to give answers to why cancer affects Golden Retrievers so often.
Goldens suffer from bone, blood, and lymphoma cancers. They are prone to other cancer types more than other dogs. Cancer is common in dogs aged 2 and older. However, certain individuals do get cancer at an even younger age.;
Goldens dont have a lot of other health-related issues that affect their lifespan. They may suffer from hip issues or problems with joints but these are not life-threatening. If you are planning to adopt one, you need to ask the breeder about these issues. Some of them can be genetic so they may affect your puppy as well. Keep in mind that these issues can significantly affect the quality of life so it is best to get a puppy that doesnt have any predispositions for these health problems.
Golden Retrievers Delight In Life
These days, Goldens enjoy hunting, hiking, swimming and ball chasing. A delightful family dog, the Golden is above all an athlete. They thrive on sports such as dock diving, flyball, agility, rally and scent work. Many Goldens improvise homemade games as well. Most of these sports involve sticks, balls and almost certainly water . Bred to work for people, Goldens are also eager and successful obedience students.
Although Goldens are multi-talented, theyll likely fail guard dog duty. A Goldens bark is typically more of a greeting than a warning. The breed isnt sold on the concept of stranger danger. Most will play with anyone tossing a ball! Goldens usually view new dogs as potential playmates, not rivals. Some Goldens chase cats, but most often playfully.
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Golden Retriever Life Expectancy And Cancer
Golden Retrievers die from bone cancer, lymphoma, and blood cancer more than any other breed.
And no one knows why.
Golden Retrievers are also more prone to other types of cancer, even at an early age.
For example, one Golden Retriever was diagnosed with uterine carcinoma, or cancer of the uterus, at only 10 months old!
This is the youngest instance of this type of cancer every reported.
Some factors have been tied to this increased cancer risk.
According to one study, the early neutering of Golden Retrievers led to an increased occurrence of certain cancers and hip problems.
However, research on the factors that contribute to Golden Retrievers short lifespan is early and inconclusive.
We dont know exactly why Golden Retrievers are suddenly dying earlier than they were only decades ago.
There is a study though, that is seeking to change that.
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Fact #: Golden Retrievers Live An Average Of 10
The average golden retriever lifespan is 10-12 years, which is about the same as other breeds of dogs their size.
For comparison, German shepherds live between 7-10 years, and labradors live between 10-12 years.
Smaller breeds typically live longer lives , while larger breeds typically live shorter lives .
Of course, these are just averages, and many dogs live longer or shorter lives than these ranges.
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The More Serious Signs Of Aging In Your Golden Retriever
Older dogs are defined as being senior as well as geriatric, and often times people think of these terms as meaning the same. This is not the case.
Golden Retrievers are considered seniors at the age of 7.5 to 10 years old, right about the time when age-related issues start to become noticeable. Geriatric dogs are at the older age of the spectrum and they experience more health issues. A Golden Retriever is considered geriatric at the age of 10 and up.
Some more serious health problems that can affect your golden include:
Cancer
Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop certain types of cancer than any other breed. Unfortunately, cancer is the number one cause of death in goldens, studies show that 60% of goldens will die from cancer. Males have a higher rate of 66% and females slightly lower at 57%.
The 2 most common cancers found in Goldens are hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma. Well briefly discuss them below as well as other cancers goldens may get.
Why do Golden Retrievers get cancer? ;To find out,
Arthritis
As goldens age, they may develop arthritis in their bones. Walking will become difficult and painful for them, as well as getting up and moving around. It is best to keep the walks short and more frequent to prevent your golden from getting stiff joints.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can occur in any breed, but it is most common in medium to large breed dogs like Golden Retrievers. It usually occurs when a dog is middle-aged between 4-10 years.
Glaucoma
Diabetes