Golden Retriever Cost
Last Updated on September 14, 2021 | Written by CPA Alec Pow
First Published on March 18, 2017 | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popivker
If you’re looking for a loyal pet, then a dog will surely be one of the best options. They come in different sizes and colors, have different temperaments and personalities, and can acquire different skills, depending on their breed. So how will you know which breed is the best for you? If you’re looking for a loyal, smart breed, that is very easily trained and with a calm and obedient personality, then the Golden Retriever is probably the best for you. But how much will a golden retriever set you back and will this pet be worth the price?
The Golden Retriever breed is known as a very intelligent and beautiful type of dog, that comes in different nuances of cream, from a darker yellow to a very light yellow. They are great house pets, great around children, and good companions. The final cost of a Golden Retriever will depend mainly on where you buy it from, as professional breeders tend to cost more, while adoption centers only charge a small fee.
If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get a Golden Retriever, then an adoption center is the place to opt for. Some of them will give out dogs for free, while others charge a small fee. The biggest challenge will be to find a purebred dog in animal rescue centers. If you want to be sure that your dog is purebred, then you’ll have to spend more.
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 dog’s 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 doesn’t have any birth flaws. This means that if you’re planning to go to an animal rescue center to get a dog, make sure you visit one that works with a veterinarian’s 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 doesn’t mean that the pet can’t have a birth flaw or an illness that can’t be cured. Some pet rescue centers will offer free adoptions, while some will charge anywhere from $200 to $600.
Pet store Prices
As you might have expected, you can buy a Golden Retriever from most pet stores, with a price that can reach $1,500. Make sure that the store you get your pet from is a reputed one, that offers clear and honest information on the puppy’s breed, health records, and parents.
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If you’re buying your Golden Retriever from a licensed, professional breeder, you can expect to pay significantly more, around $2,000 – $3,500, but the upside is that professional breeders keep health records, information on the pet’s parents and proof of breed for their puppies.
A professional breeder might even train your dog for you, which, along with all the other advantages over a pet shop, make the higher price well worth it. This will be a problem for people that want to get a dog on a budget, as the prices, although sometimes slightly negotiable, won’t go below $1,700.
The Cost of a Golden Retriever Owner License
Some US states will require you to get a dog owner’s license before getting a Golden Retriever. The license itself shouldn’t cost more than $50. Some niche clubs will charge you $100 or more for a subscription if you’d like to enroll your pet.
Healthcare Cost
Golden Retrievers are prone to developing all kinds of diseases, including skin problems, hypothyroidism, cancer or allergies, even if they don’t show initially on their health records. These illnesses won’t show up at a certain age and any of them might occur when you least expect it. Skin problems can be avoided with proper attention.
Among the most common illnesses your Golden Retriever might have to face are:
- heart conditions
- eye problems
- hip or elbow dysplasia
For a more thorough article and common inherited health problems of a Golden Retriever, check our this article.
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To avoid these diseases or spot them early enough to be able to cure them, periodic visits to a vet are recommended. An early visit just after you bought your puppy is a great idea, seeing that along with a general health consultation, your dog will also receive its annual immunization and health tests. An initial vet visit should cost around $300.
Food Expenses
The cost of food will increase as your pup grows bigger and bigger. At first, as a puppy, it won’t require more than $10 – $20 worth of food each month, but as it grows bigger and older, it will consume food worth around $40 – $90 each month, around $500 – $1,100 yearly.
You won’t have to spend a lot of money on grooming, as all you have to do is give your dog baths and occasional brushing and cutting of the fur. You should use dog shampoo, but if you can’t find one at your local store, just get a children’s shampoo, as it should work just as good.
For Other Interesting Articles About Pets, Check Out Our Pets Category
Should the average working Joe get a Golden Retriever?
If you like dogs and are looking for a pet, then a Golden Retriever could be a great idea. If you have enough money, you should opt for a purebred specimen to avoid any health problems that arise from mixed breeding. The initial investment of around $3,000 isn’t all you’re going to spend, so be sure you will have enough money to take care of medical bills and food. Overall owning a Golden Retriever will be a great experience and you won`t regret it.
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