Golden
Retriever

A golden retriever is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

A standard golden retriever's life span is 10 to 12 years.

Typical Behavior

Golden retrievers are the perfect example of "man's best friend." They are compatible with both children and adults, and are good with other dogs, cats and most livestock. They are particularly valued for their high level of calm and willingness to learn. They are receptive to training and obedience.

Care Requirements

Golden retrievers require regular exercise, daily feedings, access to fresh drinking water at all times, a good brushing at least once a week and at least one visit per year to see a veterinarian for a health checkup and required vaccinations. They also need daily playtime and interaction with people.

SPCA International strongly recommends that you have your dog spayed or neutered. There continues to be serious overpopulation of companion animals for which permanent homes cannot be found. This means that every year, millions of animals are euthanized in shelters before they have the chance to live a full and happy life.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

Golden retrievers like having a space of their own. This space could be a dog bed or a crate that had been used to housebreak the dog. Exercise is important for the health and well-being of a golden retriever. Take care to provide outdoor play space, or take your dog on walks or to the park daily.

Dietary Requirements

Most golden retrievers have a tendency to become obese, so it is important to closely control their diets. This breed grows quickly and is subject to hip dysplasia. The golden retriever puppy should be fed a diet prepared for large-breed puppies or regular adult dog food with less than 25 percent protein to help avoid joint problems that can occur when puppies grow too fast. For a puppy, food should be offered two or three times a day and remaining food should be taken away if not eaten within 10 minutes.

Financial Considerations for a Golden Retriever:

Veterinary

Regular veterinary care is recommended for all dogs, including golden retrievers. A yearly examination and laboratory tests run approximately $150 - $255; immunizations are approximately $60 to $75. Internal/external parasite preventatives are approximately $120 to $190.

It is also strongly recommended that your dog be spayed or neutered. At your veterinarian clinic or local animal hospital, the cost for these services should run between $250 and $400 for a spay and $200 and $350 for a neuter. If you need financial assistance, there are low-cost spay and neuter clinics in most areas that will help you defray the expense to between $50 and $175 for a female dog (depending on weight) and between $45 and $175 for a male dog (depending on weight).

Grooming

The golden retriever requires regular grooming with a firm bristle brush. Special care should be given to the under coat to prevent mats and tangles. Bathing or dry shampooing should only be done when absolutely necessary. Should you use the services of a professional groomer, the cost will run $50 to $70 for a medium-sized dog.

Animal Sitter

A professional dog sitter, a friend or neighbor or a boarding kennel can be used to care for your golden retriever in your absence. Golden retrievers, more so than most dog breeds, do not like to be left alone.

Food

The cost to feed a golden retriever will vary depending on the quality of the food you choose. Veterinarians recommend feeding a high quality food which helps prevent health problems.

Other Supplies:

Generally, a golden retriever will require food and a water dish; a collar with current identification and a leash; a bed; a dog house if spending time outdoors; toys; grooming supplies, and a pooper scooper and bags.

Interesting Facts about Golden Retrievers:

• Golden retrievers originated in Scotland in the 19th century.
• Golden retrievers were bred specifically with human companionship in mind.
• Golden retrievers are known to be excellent surrogate mothers to other animal species.
• Golden retrievers are prone to have more “doggy odor” than other breeds because of the presence of oils that allow their coat to become waterproof.
• Golden retrievers have a much higher pain tolerance than many other dogs.