Golden retrievers are known as one of the friendliest dog breeds in the world. They are the best pets to have since they are sweet, loving, intelligent, and possess any other positive quality you look for in a dog. According to the American Kennel Club, they are the third most popular dog in America. They are really wonderful creatures and will make a perfect addition to your family.
If the question, “how much do purebred golden retrievers cost” is on your mind, then let’s find out!
The Cost for a Purebred Golden Retriever Puppy
Purebred golden retriever puppies can definitely be expensive, especially if you go to any reputable breeder. Your safest bet is still doing plenty of research and going to the right, responsible breeder or rescue shelter.
Finding Reputable Breeders
It is important to go to a reputable breeder because they keep the health of the litter as their priority. They want to ensure the good health of the litter even before the puppies are conceived, which means taking care of the mother.
However, properly caring for the dogs and breeding puppies in a safe environment can be expensive. This process can include medical tests so that the pups can pass health screenings, and even travel expenses for show certificates. And then there is the price of raising the litter and birthing as well that breeders have to bear.
Breeders are responsible for the supplies, medical screening tests, toys, bedding, food, and any other materials that puppies and their mothers may need to stay healthy and happy. It is better to go to a breeder who actually covers all these costs rather than a breeder who finds a way to cut corners in order to save money during the breeding process.
How Much Do Purebred Golden Retrievers Cost for Breeders?
On average, birthing and raising a litter of puppies can cost $15,800. Most breeders work through deals, wholesales, and many times, use the same bedding and toys for new litters. This can reduce the costs to about $7,700 to breed a litter of healthy puppies.
If the breeder is aiming for really high-quality litters for shows, the cost can climb a lot higher. Breeders who have show-quality puppies can spend around $24,000 on the whole.
Expensive Golden Retrievers vs Low Price Dogs: What’s the Difference?
Purebred puppies are actually a major and vital part of the billion-dollar pet industry. Dog lovers do understand the importance of responsible breeding practices, but not everyone is aware of this. If you are a beginner who is jumping on the puppy bandwagon a little late, then you need to understand the difference between expensive and low price puppies.
If you get a low-cost puppy, you and the puppy will end up paying the price in the long run. Irresponsible breeders breed puppies that are more likely to have temperamental and medical issues down the road. This means that even if you save some money in the initial purchase, you will end up losing that money and much more down the road.
It is also important to not support irresponsible breeders because they can also be cruel to animals. Irresponsible breeding is rife with puppy mills and unsafe environments. Such breeders may not be aware of the exact needs of the puppies and end up harming the mother and litter at the end of the day. As a dog lover, it can be horrible to even think of.
Avoiding Questionable Sources for Puppies
So how do you avoid irresponsible sources of purebred golden retrievers? Doing plenty of research before you purchase your puppy is the best course of action. You can also ask any seller for the proper paperwork, which should include health and medical tests for any health issues that the puppy may have.
It is also important to visit any rescue shelters and reputable breeders that your local community trusts. The great news is that not all responsible breeders will empty your bank account. You will be able to save money and still find a healthy puppy. In such cases, rescuing a dog is also a really great option.
If you aren’t looking for a golden retriever puppy, then adopting a dog from a shelter will not only be easier on your pocket, but it will also give a dog a second chance at finding a loving home.
Of course, if you have your heart set on a purebred golden retriever puppy, you have a better chance of finding one through a breeder.
How Much Will You Pay for a Purebred Golden Retriever?
The cost of the puppy will depend on your reason for choosing the puppy in the first place. If you find a high-cost puppy from a breeder, said puppy would probably have been bred for shows. Puppies that are bred for shows are generally more expensive. If you want one primarily for companionship, you will be able to find a low-cost breeder for this purpose.
As long as you choose a responsible breeder, going for a low-cost pup will not mean that you are sacrificing the puppy’s health. In fact, sometimes, the difference between a $500 pup and $3,000 pup can come down to the color of the coat of the puppy.
At the end of the day, the cost will primarily depend on the breeder, quality of the pup, and the breed of the parent dogs. You will be able to find a companion pup for as low as $500. If you want a show quality puppy, then you will have to spend upwards of $3,000.
If you plan on going to shelter, you will be able to get one for even cheaper. Many shelters offer golden retriever dogs in the price range of $50 – $300.
Other Costs of Owning a Golden Retriever
No matter what pet you pick, golden retriever dogs will also have some recurring costs that you should consider throughout their lifetime. You will need to spend money monthly to keep the dog happy and healthy.
The costs to raise the dog can include:
- Dog food
- Dog treats
- Vet visits and prescriptions
- Preventative medical care
- Supplies, including leashes, crates, bowls, bedding, toys, etc.
- Training, dog sitting or boarding
- Grooming
- Miscellaneous items
The American Kennel Club has found that a dog’s age, breed, and size will influence the total lifetime costs for the dog. Some studies show that small dogs have lower monthly costs because they may eat less and need less grooming; however, they have longer life spans, meaning that they cost the most money. Overall, larger dogs can be less costly for their owners over the course of their lives, even though they may cost more monthly.
There are also some medical costs that you will have to consider. The University of Veterinary Medicine discovered that the most expensive time of owning the puppy is the first year. For small breeds, you may spend around $2,674. For larger dog breeds, the cost that you can incur can be closer to $3,536.
This can be due to the fact that you have to purchase a few things at the beginning of the relationship with your pup. These include toys, food, bedding, leashes, and more. However, most of these purchases are a onetime cost that will last you a long time.
On average, raising and owning a dog can cost anywhere from $14,480 to $15,782 throughout their lifetime. But as any dog lover knows, the price is small for the companionship and love that dogs provide.
The cost of keeping the puppy will also depend on your lifestyle as an owner. For example, if you have a habit of traveling a lot, you will probably need to pay for dog walkers or pet sitters. An owner also needs to care for the pet’s health religiously or else they may end up spending a lot on veterinarian or medical bills.
The priciest part of owning a dog is the vet fees and medical costs that they can incur throughout their lifetime, which include vaccination and checkups. This is why it is important to stay on top of your puppy’s health so that you and your puppy can stay healthy without the need to frequently visit the vet.
The following are some ways that can help you lower the cost of your pup’s medical bills:
- Preventive care measures
- Consistent checkups by the vet
- Proper vaccination
- Early health screenings
You should also lookout for any health risks or symptoms that golden retrievers can show. These can include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Thyroid issues
- Lymphoma
- Skin issues
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Bloating
- Eye issues
You can also get some health tests for your dog every few years. The American Kennel Club recommends the following for golden retrievers:
- Cardiac exam
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
Our Final Thoughts
So, how much do purebred golden retrievers cost? It depends on you! The source you choose, the lifestyle you have, and how you care for the puppy will all impact the amount that you have to pay when choosing and caring for your golden retriever dog over its lifetime. However, most dog owners would agree that you can’t put a price on the love of a dog!
