How Much Do Golden Retrievers Cost? (2024)
Golden Retrievers are one of America’s well-liked dog breeds. Given the breed’s wide acceptance, it’s reasonable to assume that many prospective dog lovers are curious about the standard price of a Golden Retriever.
If you’re considering getting a purebred Golden Retriever, you might wonder, “how much are Golden Retrievers regarding cost?” With such information, you can avoid being duped or taken advantage of by dishonest breeders looking to make easy money. Continue reading the article to find out more.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Golden Retriever?
Golden Retrievers come with several one-time costs. It’s unfortunate that many of these costs, like the initial purchase price of your dog, are pretty high.
Prices for show dogs and pet quality dogs differ in that show dogs cost more upfront because they have breeding rights attached to them. In some situations, the contract requires that the dog be spayed or neutered if you don’t procure breeding rights.
Most individuals might need a tracking chip for their pet to find it easily in case it’s lost. You might need a metal crate with a bed, but most dog owners choose a simple bed instead.
Additionally, you will want to get food and water bowls. Most dog owners use a dish to hold their pets’ water, but we suggest getting a fountain to ensure the water remains clean and fresh.
Furthermore, your dog will likely drink more from a fountain since the water is moving, helping to avoid dehydration and constipation.
Golden Retriever for Free
Sadly, there aren’t many freebies when it comes to pet ownership. Costs tend to be much higher when a dog is involved.
Given that Golden Retrievers are among the most common breeds in the United States, it’s not out of the question that you might encounter somebody who wants to rehome your dog for reasons such as relocating into a pet-free residence.
Adopting a Golden Retriever
The most cost-effective way to get your new Golden Retriever is to adopt a dog from a nearby dog shelter. The acquisition cost could be as low as $50 and hardly exceed $300.
In addition to the low initial cost, most of these dogs will have at least a portion of their vaccinations. You might even get fortunate to find an already-fixed dog and avoid incurring the extra expense of having it fixed while also freeing up resources for other dogs in need.
Golden Retriever Breeder
Golden breeders charge between $500 and $4000. A breeder will charge significantly more for a Golden Retriever than a dog shelter.
Nevertheless, you will receive a young dog with documentation that provides more information about its genealogy, allowing you to predict what might become of your pet as it ages.
If you want to breed your Golden Retriever, you’ll probably have to secure the right to do so or sign an agreement promising to have the puppy spayed or neutered.
Typically, a breeder will allow you to see your puppy’s parents observe their disposition and discuss the dog’s medical history. Additionally, a show-quality puppy will cost more compared to a pet-quality puppy.
Basic Setup and Supplies
One of the greatest advantages of dogs over other pets is that they need minimal setup and supplies to get started. You need at least $50 for basic setups and supplies. You will require a water bowl, a food bowl, and possibly a few toys, but not much else.
If you wish your dog to sleep in a crib at night or while at work, you must acclimate them to it as soon as possible. If this isn’t an option, you can place a dog bed, blanket, or towel in a quiet corner of the house.
Furthermore, your dog will happily sleep next to your feet on the floor if you let him, regardless of your living arrangement.
What Is the Average Monthly Cost of Owning a Golden Retriever?
How much are Golden Retrievers going to cost each month? A Golden Retriever typically costs between $100 and $200 monthly to care for, based on the cost of food, grooming, health care, and other factors.
When still a puppy, the cost will be on the rise since it will require regular vet visits and vaccinations, and you’ll probably feel more urge to buy your new pet many toys.
Nevertheless, food and special treats will be the only things you’ll need to buy for your dog as it ages, saving you money in the long run.
Health Care
Healthcare will only cost you less than $50 monthly. You’ll need to start immunizing your pet against rabies and other diseases at an early age and to re-vaccinate him against parvo and distemper every three years.
The rabies vaccination is a mandatory requirement in the U.S., whereas other vaccinations are proposed but not mandatory.
To ensure your dog stays parasite-free, you’ll need to buy a flea and tick prescription every month, mainly if your pet spends much time outdoors.
Food
Dog owners spend approximately $50 on food. A 30- to 50-pound bag of dry kibble a month will suffice for your larger-sized Golden Retriever. You must feed your pet with nutritious dog food that contains real meat as the first ingredient to keep him healthy and prevent him from becoming obese.
To save money, you may feed your dog with corn as the first ingredient, promoting weight gain and hunger pangs more quickly. Other ideal dog foods include:
- Chicken meal
- Potato
- Field peas
Grooming
During the spring and fall, Golden Retrievers shed a lot of hair, which can be a problem for owners. Affordable combs and brushes may help keep your pet’s coat looking nice while reducing shedding. A rigorous brushing once or twice per week should suffice.
You can hire a professional groomer for a reasonable fee to ensure your dog looks its best. Be prepared to part with approximately $20 on grooming your dog. You will also need to brush your pet’s teeth regularly using dog-safe toothpaste to reduce the likelihood of dental problems.
Golden Retriever Veterinary Care
Veterinarians charge dog owners between $10 and $50 monthly. Hopefully, your dog is healthy enough to avoid the expense of medication.
Flea and tick medication, which helps prevent heartworm in Golden Retrievers, is usually all they need once a month for the majority of them. Some people would prefer to avoid this medication, but the cost of treating fleas and Lyme disease would be much higher.
Insurance
Based on when you purchase pet insurance for your Golden Retriever, you can anticipate spending between $10 and $30.
Most individuals do not see the relevance of insurance coverage. Health coverage will be more affordable when the dog is still a puppy, so this is the optimal time to purchase coverage.
Still, if your dog is involved in an accident or develops a chronic disease, the out-of-pocket costs can be costly, preventing your dog from receiving the necessary care.
Environment Maintenance
Dogs, compared to other pets, require less money for habitat maintenance. Kitty litter boxes, aquariums, heat lamps, and humidity issues aren’t necessary. All that is needed is a once-a-month washing of the bed liner and any towels it regularly uses.
Owning a Golden Retriever on a Budget
Most dog owners will have monthly expenses of around $100, with food being the biggest expense. However, with no health coverage and keeping your dog indoors, you can expect to pay less than $100 monthly for flea and tick medicines.
Puppies can cost up to $4,000, which is the costliest aspect of owning a Golden Retriever. Nevertheless, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find one for much less at your local dog shelter. While on vacation, you might have to pay extra charges to guest houses that don’t allow pets.
If you own a Golden Retriever, the best way to save money on vet bills is to follow the serving size recommendations on the food package. You should also avoid overfeeding your dog with treats, as this can lead to a variety of health issues and consequently raise your vet bills.
Without health documents and credentials, one Golden Retriever puppy can cost up to $900. Bear in mind, however, that purchasing a puppy without documents is often a considerable risk, as you cannot be sure that its parents are healthy or if they have undergone tests for prevalent genetic problems within the breed.
Parting Shot
So, how much are Golden Retrievers, and are they worth it? Yes. They are considerably less expensive than other dog breeds.
In addition, their endearing temperaments and cute appearances will quickly melt your heart. And if you can tolerate the shedding, you will not be disappointed.
