One of the most popular breeds that the majority of dog lovers want to have is a Golden Retriever. If you are planning on getting one, how much does a golden retriever cost?
Purchase a Golden Retriever
Golden retriever puppies cost around $500 at least, but can reach up to $4,000. Coming in either shades of cream, dark golden, golden, or light golden, Golden Retrievers are a beautiful and intelligent dog breed that is also a very good house pet and companion.
The primary factor that affects the price of a Golden Retriever puppy is whether you are going to acquire it through an adoption process, purchase it from a pet store, or a professional breeder.
- Adopting From Rescue Centers
Although there are centers that allow dog adoptions for free, there are others that ask for nominal fees. These typically range between $300 and $600, a price that already guarantees the animal’s well-being. But sometimes, you can even adopt dogs for free, though that depends on the animal rescue center.
However, before you finally make the purchase, you have to be sure that your prospective Golden Retriever is in good health without any signs of defects. To do this, it is best to go to animal shelters where they keep the dogs’ health records intact so you can scrutinize before purchasing.
Animal rescue shelters do not only house different kinds of pets that you can choose from, but they also have a dedicated staff that provides medication and treatment to their resident animals.
- Buying From Pet Stores
Aside from the centers, you can find a lot of Golden Retriever puppies for sale at pet stores. These are where commercial breeders usually sell their puppies with an initial price of $300, but they can go up to $1,000.
The downside of purchasing from these places is that they may not be able to tell you the real health status of the dog or the methods the breeders have used in raising the puppies. This is because they usually come in volume, which is typical with puppy mills.
- Buying From Professional Breeders
How much would the price of a golden retriever be if you bought it from a professional breeder? This is where the cost goes higher than the first two options since professional breeders make sure that they provide you with puppies that are bred with the best health condition and quality.
They actually sell each puppy at a whopping price range of $2,000 to $4,000. For example, at MY Golden Retriever Puppies in Ohio, the prices range from $2,495 to $2,795 for puppies 7 to 8 weeks old.
Evidently, the cost of a golden retriever is more than twice the price given at the animal centers and pet stores, making it a disadvantage if you are tight on a budget. However, the amount already includes an assurance that the breeding methods and the training given by the professional breeders are legitimate and done in a manner that secures the welfare and well-being of the canine.
Other Factors Affecting The Price of the Golden Retriever
Beside the source of the dog discussed above, there are several other things that can have an impact on the pricing of Golden Retrievers. Some of these are the following:
- Pedigree – you will definitely pay more when buying a Golden Retriever with a champion bloodline as compared to those with no specific or noteworthy lineage.
- Health – puppies with up-to-date health checkups, deworming, and vaccinations and those that are certified in the pink of health are understandably more costly.
- Age – Golden Retrievers are typically sold at a young age, and they normally fetch the higher end of the price spectrum.
- Freebies – there are dog sellers or breeders that include a lot of things to go with the animal. Some do this to lure more potential owners into buying the puppy, while others are just so concerned about animals that they wanted to ensure that they would have enough supplies to last a few days while owners are finding their groove in pet care if they’re new pet owners.
One-Time Costs
These are the costs you would spend, likely just once in your golden retriever’s life.
- License
After buying your very own Golden Retriever, you have to get a license that gives you permission to own the dog. For example, the license fee may cost around $10 to $55 in Los Angeles, CA, depending on whether you get the license for an altered or unaltered dog, the license validity, your age, and income, among other factors.
- Club Registration
If you decide to enroll your dog in clubs such as the American Kennel Club or AKC, then you will need to pay for the membership and subscription fees that may range from $38 to $83 depending on the level.
- House Cost
Golden Retrievers are some of the breeds that are very adaptable in different environments, so they can actually thrive whether they are indoors or outdoors. When outdoors, you may want to consider building some sort of fence to prevent your pet from roaming around and causing inconvenience, or worse, damage to your neighborhood, since Golden Retrievers are fairly large animals.
The recommended crate size for this breed is 42” since they range from 21.5 to 24 inches in height and weigh around 55 to 75 lbs. You can buy this at a starting price of around $45 to $175.
- Microchip
If you live in an area where you will need a permit to own a canine pet, chances are, you will also be required to microchip your Golden Retriever. This costs around $20 to $45.
Maintenance Costs
Besides the Golden Retriever puppies price and other upfront costs, the biggest expenses you will have to spend on will be the recurring costs over the lifespan of your pet. These are just some of the most common, and you may be spending on different items, depending on how you want to raise your pet.
1. Food Cost
To feed a medium-sized retriever, you need to set a monthly budget of $50 to $70 ($600 to $840 a year). However, it all depends on the dog’s size, energy level, and appetite since there are times when you have to spend more if it eats a lot.
2. Health Cost
Although its medical records may show no signs of defects, a Golden Retriever usually develops allergies, cancer, hypothyroidism, and skin problems when you least expect it or when they are not given proper attention. These are some of the commonly-inherited health problems of this breed and their corresponding treatment costs:
- Elbow or hip dysplasia – $3,000 to $5,000
- Heart disease – $500
- Epilepsy – up to $100 a month
- Hyperthyroidism – $50 a month
To avoid them from occurring or getting worse, you must see to it that your puppy has its yearly vet visit that costs around $350. You might be spending less if your pet is generally healthy.
This amount already includes basic care, annual immunization, and a heartworm test. You can add up to $150 per trip to the vet during an emergency situation, just in case.
3. Grooming Cost
Because of its beautiful cream or golden hair, your retriever should also be given proper grooming care. However, you do not have to spend money on this since you can groom your dog at home, where it is more convenient.
Grooming care only comprises bathing, brushing, light hair cutting on its back legs, ears, and tail, trimming the hair on the pads of its feet, as well as priming its nails. They can be done using less expensive equipment, which is usually available at your home.
However, if you don’t have the time to do this, you can just bring your dog to the groomers or dog salon where you can get services for around $30 to $60 per session.