How Much Does A Golden Retriever Cost?

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no cost to you.

How Much Does A Golden Retriever Cost 1000x500After Newfoundland’s capital city of St. John’s, on the northeast Atlantic coast of Canada, the Labrador Retriever got its first name as a water dogs.

According to the American Breed Standards, this dog is the third most popular dog breed and one of the oldest dog breed in The United States.

Golden Retriever costs between $1,400 and $2,200. You should expect to spend less in Asia since these canines are more prevalent. Keep in mind that different variations of Goldens can also impact the cost (American, Petite, English Cream, etc). 

You’ll pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for a puppy price with prize genes. Golden Retriever is a family pet and also a very friendly dog.

It’s a well-groomed, medium-sized canine with a pleasant disposition. As a guiding dog or search & rescue dog. If you’re thinking about getting one for your house but aren’t sure how much it will cost, this article is for you.

Please continue reading to learn more about what you might anticipate paying when you bring home one of these adorable pups, including upfront costs and ongoing expenses.

One Time Costs: Golden Retriever

You’ll have to pay for a few things up-front when you get a new Golden Retriever puppy. Like getting a dog, many of them will be too expensive.

The price of a “sow dog” will be more than that of a “pet quality” dog because of breeding rights. There are certain situations when the contract requires that the dog be spayed or neutered if you don’t have the right to breed it.

In addition to a microchip, you may also want your dog’s cage equipped with a bed to rest in at night. Puppy mills should be avoided.

However, many people prefer to use a basic bed. In addition, you’ll need bowls for both food and water. We propose a fountain since it will keep water fresh & purified, while most individuals use a plain dish.

In addition to encouraging your pet to drink more, the movement of the water in the bowl will help avoid dehydration and constipation.

Golden Retriever Breeders

It will be costlier to get your Golden Retriever from one responsible breeder than from an animal shelter. The younger the dog is, the more information you will learn about its ancestry and how it will develop as an adult Golden Retriever.

In many cases, reputable breeders will help us meet your puppy’s parents to better understand the dog’s temperament and health history.

Breeding rights or a contract guaranteeing that your Golden Retriever will be sterilized are likely requirements for breeding. A show-quality dog will cost you more money than a pet-quality dog.

Good breeders of a Golden Retriever will cost around $500-$4000.

Golden Retriever Adoption

A pet shelter is probably the most cost-effective place to get a Golden Retriever as a pet. Buying one costs as little as $50 and seldom goes above $300 this is an average price.

Additionally, most of these puppies have already had some of their vaccinations. You may locate a dog that has already been fixed, so you won’t have to fork out the additional fee.

Taking inside a dog from the kennel saves its life and provides resources for future pets in the same situation.

Adopting a Golden Retriever can cost around $50-$300.

Golden Retriever Setup & Supplies

To properly care for a Golden Retriever, you’ll need a few items. Even though they are essential for just a new dog, most of them are essential for a Golden Retriever of any age.

And so, as a Golden Retriever gets older, you’ll have to review whether or not anything has to be updated because of wear or because of a new size, kind, level, or other necessity.

An ID badge & collar, brush, bed, toys (yeah, they are required), carrier. Choosing the correct plates for both food & clean water is critical, even though it seems one of the easiest things to have.

Your Golden Retriever will benefit from a bowl that’s the right size to avoid obstacles to eating, such as banging the rim or a bowl that’s too deep to grasp without overstretching the dog.

It’s also important to think about the quality of the plates and bowls, which might affect anything from hair spots to allergies.

This is the bottom of the scale. Of course, many individuals will choose to spay/neuter their dog and microchip it so that the expenses may vary.

The setup and supplies of a Golden Retriever will cost around $143-$400 per month.

Golden Retriever Free

Owning a pet comes with a hefty price tag, so don’t expect too many freebies. When it comes to a pet, the price seems to go up.

Golden Retrievers are a well-known breed in the United States; thus, finding someone who needs to comfort a Golden Retriever for various reasons, such as shifting into an environment that doesn’t permit animals, is possible.

The holidays are a terrific time to stock up on dog treats and toys, so you can anticipate saving money.

Monthly Costs: Golden Retriever

Monthly expenses for Golden Retrievers are in the center of the pack. They do need a lot of food since they are huge. They’re in good shape, so you shouldn’t have to take them to the vet on too many occasions.

Things like shampoo & toys are likely to be necessary, as is a standard charge for these puppies.

Your dog’s upkeep costs are mostly under your hands. A larger maintenance expense is likely if you require a dog walker and take your puppy to the clinic more often.

However, it is possible to save a lot of money by doing most dog care yourself.

The monthly cost of a Golden Retriever is $60-$600.

Golden Retriever Dog Food Costs

A month of 30- to 50-pound bag of dry food will be enough for your Golden Retriever, a bigger breed.

To ensure that your dog receives the right nutrients and does not get overweight, choosing high-quality dog food with meat as the first component is essential.

Corn-based dog food is less costly, but your dog will gain weight and become more ravenous because of the empty calories.

When it comes to food, it’s important to think about the brand you’ll buy. Short-term and long-term health may be adversely affected by poor-quality food items.

Puppies should gradually be introduced to a new brand of food after settling into their new home by being provided the food they are accustomed to (should you not agree with what he is currently consuming).

You should avoid foods that contain chemicals since they may cause dry skin, itchy skin, and hair loss. This is entirely dependent on how much food your dog consumes.

Puppies require anything from 1 to 3 cups of food every day. However, as they grow older dogs, they will require a minimum of a cup of water every day.

A 30-pound bag, which costs around $60, holds around 120 servings of food. This implies you’ll have to restock once each four months if they only consume 1 cup each day (they may eat more at times).

Dog foods will cost $20-$60 per month.

Golden Retriever Grooming Costs

As a rule, Golden Retriever dogs demand a great deal of attention & regular grooming. Dog grooming specialist recommends bringing your dog to a specialist 4 – 7 times a year.

The yearly cost should be about $320 if you pay $40 to $60 every visit. However, the dog’s health and well-being will be improved by taking it to a professional groomer.

This includes a wash and shampoo, hair removal, brushing and style, nail clipping, teeth brushing, and eye & ear cleaning for dogs groomed professionally.

Various variables, including dog height, hair condition, health, age, canine behavior, and the services ordered, influence the cost of dog grooming.

If you would not want to bring your pet to a professional groomer, a DIY cleaning kit is an option.

On average, they can be purchased online or at a shop for $75, and they come with everything you need to care for your Golden Retriever at home!

The grooming of a Golden Retriever will cost you around $40-$60 per month.

Entertainment/Toy Costs: Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers need just a little amount of physical activity and dog sports. The most dog owner can handle this on their own.

Nevertheless, if you will be gone for long periods, you may consider hiring a dog walker regularly. We strongly urge that you prepare to walk your dog as often as possible to avoid these charges.

Many dog walkers cost between $15 and $25 for a one-hour outing with your pet. There’s not much here. Paying $60-$100 per week for a dog walker if you need them five days a week isn’t unreasonable.

In certain cases, Golden Retrievers need solitary walks due to their inability to get along with other dogs. This will be an additional expense, and the total cost to you may be large.

Playing with toys is a favorite pastime for these dogs. Toys are a year-round expense for dogs, and this is no exception.

A few are going to break, and a few will disappear. Occasionally, it’s necessary to switch things up a little.

Toys for your dog are often purchased once or twice a month. Like a Golden Retriever could demolish any soft, plush toy in minutes, they must be tough.

Even if costlier, toys that last a long time are a better investment. You may anticipate paying between $15 and $30 a month if you get the right toys.

If your dog’s toys seem to be disappearing quicker than usual, it’s time to invest in bigger, more durable options.

Firehose and other comparable materials may be used to make various products. These might be a little pricey, but they’ll last longer.

You may find yourself spending less money on toys as your dog ages. After six or seven, they’ll probably cease playing rough and more often trash their toys.

On the other hand, Puppies are far more likely than Golden Retriever adults to engage in physical play. As a result of this, you’ll be able to save money by purchasing smaller toys for your children.

The Entertainment and Toys of a Golden Retriever can cost around $400.

Golden Retriever Veterinarian Costs

As long as your Golden Retriever has been in excellent health, you won’t need to spend more than a few dollars on food and grooming.

Things do, however, crop up unexpectedly. Dogs eat your socks, and you’ll have to pay extra to compensate them for their loss.

The amount below is a preliminary estimate of how much that would cost you every weekend for the medical care of your dog.

Given that a dog in pretty excellent condition doesn’t need to see the vet every month, there may be more-costly appointments down the road.

This statistic also includes the average cost of the first vaccines, around $80. Adult dogs need to see the vet at least once a year.

This ranges from $125 to $265, depending on the services supplied by your facility. Vaccines, a heartworm test, and bloodwork are often included in this service.

Leslie Brooks, a veterinarian, suggests administering heartworm and flea preventative drugs, which typically cost between $55 and $70 per year This visit, though, will be more comprehensive.

Due to their increased size, parasite prevention will cost little extra costs. A fecal investigation may also be necessary for pets who are often socialized with other pets or have an unsatisfactory stool quality, adding $40-$50 to the total cost of the vaccinations.

Veterinary care will cost you around $50-$265 per month

Potential Additional Costs: Golden Retriever

Many hotels do not accept dogs, so you may have to pay extra to have your pet stay in the rooms with you if you prefer to travel.

The cost of kenneling a dog may range from $20 to $80 each night. Flying with a pet may cost up to $1,000, so contact ahead and ask about costs if you need to.

Pet Insurance Costs: Golden Retriever

We strongly suggest that you get insurance for this kind of animal. However, they are susceptible to a lot of health problems that may be quite expensive to cure.

Hip dysplasia, a dental disease, renal dysplasia, for example, may cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix and these are common problems.

Pet insurance comes in a variety of types. The lowest plans only cover physical injuries, such as a dog breaking a leg or sustaining a wound.

In contrast, these policies do not provide coverage for sickness. You may even have to shell out money if you want diseases covered.

How much insurance for your dog will cost depends on where you live and how old your dog is. As they become older, it becomes costlier.

Pet Insurance for a Golden Retriever costs around $10-$30$.

How to Save Money Owning: Golden Retriever

Pay attention to the suggested serving sizes on your Golden Retriever’s food packaging, and you’ll save money in the long run.

You also should avoid overfeeding your dog with goodies since this may lead to various health issues and thus raise your vet bills. Toys that are on sale may be a good option. Toys from the previous season are often discounted.

The Bottom Line: Cost to Own a Golden Retriever Summary

Even though the Golden Retriever is a large dog, it isn’t a prohibitively expensive pet once the original purchase price is considered.

Unlike other dogs that need constant monitoring of their environment’s temperature and humidity, rabbits’ monthly costs might be fairly minimal. A Golden Retriever may cost up to $4,000, but the average cost is much lower.

You’ll also need to budget an extra $100 to $200 each to maintain your dog healthy. The annual cost can be around $800.

Most of the $300 in dog supplies must be acquired before bringing your new pet home. Most Golden Retriever owners will stick at the low end of the scale of the $65-$600 monthly expense range.

It costs roughly $100 a month if you don’t take your pet to the groomer and employ a dog walker.

  • Breeder Cost $500-$4000
  • Adoption Cost $50-$300
  • Setup & Supplies $143-$400
  • Monthly Costs $60-$600
  • Dog Food Costs $20-$60
  • Grooming Costs $40-$60
  • Entertainment Cost $400
  • Veterinarian Cost $50-$265
  • Pet Insurance $10-$30

Mixed Breeds Similar to Golden Retriever

Best Puppy Foods For Golden Retrievers

Here are our puppy foods for Golden Retrievers reviews.

1. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-free Puppy Dry Dog Food

American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food

Enrich your pup with the meat-based number one ingredient and essential nutrients in American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-free Puppy Dry Dog Food. The protein-rich deboned lamb along with sweet potatoes and chickpeas provide your lively Retriever with the required energy. Wholesome fruits and vegetables are filled with essential fibers, phytonutrients, and antioxidants enhancing their digestive system. 

  • Plenty of Omega fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil keeps their coat lustrous and healthy.
  • DHA provides cognitive development.
  • Grain-free recipes reduced the possibility of allergies.
View on Chewy

 

2. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula With Probiotics Dry Dog Food

Formulated specifically for the breeds with an average weight above 50 pounds, the Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is an appropriate choice for your large-sized Golden Retrievers. With protein-rich chicken as the first ingredient and DHA from fish oils ensures proper development and growth of your pup. The prebiotic fibers in the meal balance their digestive system and immune system.

  • DHA supports their cognitive development
  • High-protein diet specialized for large breeds.
  • Dry Dog Food with higher calorie density than wet dog food.

View on Chewy View on Amazon

 

3. Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-free Dry Dog Food

Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredients Formula Grain Free Dry Dog Food

With minimal ingredients, the Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-free Dry Dog Food holds less possibility of triggering allergies among your Golden Retrievers. Farm-raised Turkey provides a protein-rich primary ingredient, while wholesome chickpeas and flaxseed enrich them with antioxidants. It is a balanced diet without unnecessary elements like grain, soy, potatoes that are a bane to allergic species. 

  • A perfect blend of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support their healthy growth. 
  • The first ingredient, i.e., turkey, is a good source of phosphorus and contains low saturated fats.
  • Fiber-rich recipes stimulate their digestive system.

View on Chewy View on Amazon

 

4. Wellness CORE Grain-free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

Formulated with protein-rich primary ingredients and basic wholesome ingredients, the Wellness CORE Grain-free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Dry Dog Food is a suitable choice for your young Golden Retrievers. The optimal calories ensure that your pup doesn’t get overweight while chicken and turkey provide them with the essential protein to stimulate their healthy growth. These small-sized kibbles are coated with prebiotic fibers to catalyze their digestion process.

  • Contains calcium and phosphorus for stronger growth of bones and teeth.
  • Omega fatty acids, including DHA, maintain their coat along with ensuring proper development of the brain and eyes.
  • Does not contain grain, soy, artificial colours or preservatives.

View on Chewy View on Amazon

 

5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Natural Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

Slow roasted chicken is the first ingredient of the Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. While chicken provides your pup with plenty of protein for lean muscles, wholesome fruits and vegetables stimulate better digestion. Vitamin C from cranberries enhances their immunity.

  • DHA provides cognitive development.
  • Omega fatty acids maintain their healthy coat and skin.
  • Does not contain poultry by-products, artificial colours or preservatives.

View on Chewy View on Amazon

 

Puppy Foods For Golden Retrievers Buyer’s Guide

Golden Retrievers are medium-large species, and they have relatively smaller intestines as compared to the small-sized breed, due to which their digestion process is slower. These gourmets are likely to gain excessive weight, especially if their diet contains fillers. You must ensure optimal growth for your Retriever rather than an accelerated growth. Excessive calcium is hard to digest for them and may lead to unbalanced growth of teeth and bones. Therefore, there are many factors like these that must be considered before selecting a puppy food for your Golden Retriever, and we have mentioned some of the most important ones.

Price

The first and foremost criterion that affects your purchase is the price of the product, but the owners must ensure that they do not compromise with the essential ingredients of the product for reducing cost. However, you can always procure the provided offers and discounts.

Ingredients

A high-quality diet that has meat-based first ingredients with plenty of protein to support the skeletal system of your Golden Retriever should be your primary choice. Other essential ingredients include wholesome fruits and vegetables with an appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While antioxidants and prebiotic support maintain their digestive system, chelated amino acids ensure better absorption of nutrients. It should contain an optimum amount of calcium and phosphorus to support the healthy growth of teeth and bones. Omega fatty acids, including DHA, do not only maintain their lustrous coat but also stabilizes the development of the brain and eyes. Glucosamine and chondroitin provide mobility support.

Furthermore, you must avoid grains, artificial preservatives, or any kind of by-products.

Weight

These gourmands among the dogs are likely to gain excessive weight because of their love for food. It is necessary to maintain their healthy weight in order to keep them from disabilities like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, osteochondritis, or heart diseases. An optimal protein to fat ratio helps you with the same. You must avoid fillers that provide your pet with extra fats. The weight of your Retriever plays one of the most important roles in deciding their daily calorie intake. 

Allergies

Golden Retrievers are likely to be susceptible to allergies. The primary symptoms of food allergies are gastrointestinal problems and non-seasonal itching. The most common allergens include grains, soy, artificial colors or preservatives but it can also be some of the most used ingredients like meat or certain fruits or vegetables.

Type

We recommend you to feed your Golden Retriever with high-quality dry dog food because of its high-calorie density. Wet dog food can also be an option, but you will have to feed a larger quantity of food for the same amount of calories. You should not add supplements or use specialized dog food without consulting a veterinarian.

Additional Recommended Products for Your Golden Retriever

Sources