So, you’re thinking of getting a new fluffy addition to the family; how exciting!
Before you set your heart on owning a Golden Retriever, there is a lot you should know. That’s where we come in.
We’ve got the complete buying guide, including the Golden Retriever price, the costs involved in owning a puppy, and what you can expect in the future.
Grab your spreadsheets, and let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
The Average Price of a Golden Retriever Puppy
The price of a Golden Retriever varies a lot. There are so many factors to consider, which we’ll get into shortly.
Generally, a Golden Retrievers’ price varies between $1,000-$4,000. But if you want a purebred pup with champion parents, you can pay upwards of $10,000.
If you’re buying your new puppy from a reputable Golden Retriever breeder, you should know that they can spend as much as $8,000 looking after a litter of puppies in the first three months of life.
The severe Golden Retriever price increase is apparent when you calculate how much it takes to obtain and look after a purebred pup for a breeder.
According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog in the US. This bumps up the price of a Retriever puppy significantly. It’s all about supply and demand.
Looking at a Golden Retriever, it’s obvious why it’s so desirable. The thick golden coat, big puppy dog eyes, and a smile that could warm even the coldest heart.
But another reason is that Golden Retrievers are a top choice for service dogs. They are incredibly smart and build a bond with their owners like no other.
But did you know that a service dog can set you back between $20,000-$25,000? The amount of training that goes into getting these pups certified is astounding!
Factors Affecting Golden Retrievers Cost
Several factors determine how much you will pay for your new fluffy pal.
- Age: Buying a Golden Retriever puppy costs more than purchasing an adult dog. However, this can change if you’re buying a bitch for breeding. A pedigree breeding dog with a good success rate is much more expensive than a puppy.
- Bloodline: Pedigree is everything to a lot of dog owners. A top-breeding dog with a successful lineage can quickly take the price from $1,000 up to $10,000.
- Appearance: Like all dogs, there are unique appearance characteristics that some owners look for. The fluffy golden coat is the “norm,” but there are others, like the English Cream Golden Retriever. This fluff ball is pale in color, making it rare and sought after. That automatically bumps up the Golden Retriever price range.
- Health: We all want our animals to be healthy. But in the world of buying Golden Retriever puppies, a health guarantee will cost you a pretty penny. A reputable breeder should provide a complete medical history for your puppy and its parents. Plus, you’ll receive a guarantee should something come up health-wise within the first year.
- Medical: You only want Golden Retrievers with their vaccines and a full medical check-up. We can’t think of anything worse than finding your furry friend, and they get sick in the first few weeks. Always ensure your Golden Retriever is up-to-date on all treatments and vaccines. This is usually included in the price, whether you’re adopting or buying.
- Training: If your new Golden Retriever has received training, that’s in the price too. Particularly when it comes to service animals, complete service training can cost over $20,000. So, the price of a service pup will be eye-watering.
- Registration: A reputable breed ensures your pup is fully registered with the correct board. These include the American Kennel Club, Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA), and United Kennel Club (UKC). This certifies that you have a purebred Golden Retriever.
Buying vs. Adopting Golden Retriever Puppies
Buying a Golden Retriever Puppy vs. an Older Dog
Okay, so we’re here for the puppies. But it’s good to know the difference between buying a puppy and an adult dog. The price might sway your decision.
Puppies will cost you much more than fully-grown Golden Retrievers.
Firstly, a puppy costs a lot more upfront. They need all their vaccines, medical check-ups, and spaying/neutering, which quickly adds up to a hefty amount. The first year of owning a Golden puppy will set you back between $2,000-$3,500.
Adult Golden Retrievers already have their vaccines and only need a once over at the vet to show the doggo is in good health. One year of owning an adult will cost between $1,000-$2,500.
Either way, buying Golden Retrievers shouldn’t only be about the price. Make your decision based on what you want out of a pup.
Older Golden Retrievers are the way to go if you want a more laid-back dog that doesn’t need as much attention.
There are hundreds of thousands of adult dogs that need adopting. So, please consider that before going out to buy your pooch.
What Factors Affect Breeding Prices?
Like the price of Golden Retrievers fluctuates based on their appearance and lineage, the same goes for a Golden Retriever breeder. Some have different price points, and for a good reason. Let’s dive right in:
- Breeder location: There are 30 states with charges for adopting out puppies. Those charges fall to the breeder and can increase the price dramatically.
- Litter size: A Golden Retriever litter usually has around 5-10 puppies. That’s quite a significant disparity. The price increases if the litter is small because the mama dog can only produce small litters, making the puppies more valuable.
- Unique features: If a breeder has an award-winning bitch with a distinctive coat, you can bet your socks the puppies are going to cost a pretty penny. Some coat colors and physical attributes like size can take the price from $1000-$4,000 so fast it would make your head spin.
- Lineage: Again, a purebred Golden Retriever breeder will ask for a lot more money because they can guarantee the bloodline. You’ll know precisely where your puppy comes from and what you can expect based on its parents.
- Cost to the breeder: Registered breeders spend an arm and a leg ensuring they have everything to remain ethical. Additionally, one litter of puppies can cost as much as $20,000 in the first three months. If it’s a big litter (10 puppies), that’s still $2,000 per dog. That’s a massive upfront investment!
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Golden Retriever Puppy?
Adopting a Golden Retriever is another story. Adopting a new pup will set you back between $250-$500.
There is such a price difference because rescuing Golden Retrievers comes with no guarantee. You won’t know if you’re getting a purebred or a mix.
Additionally, you’ll not likely find Golden Retriever puppies up for adoption. Instead, you will be able to love a cuddly adult or senior Golden Retriever.
Adopting an older dog comes with its benefits. Barks In The Park understands many dog owners want a cute little puppy around. However, many don’t understand the work that goes into a puppy. It’s basically like having a second full-time job.
An adult Golden Retriever doesn’t take the same money or time investment. They are generally trained, have had their vaccines, and have been spayed/neutered already.
Don’t get us wrong, owning any animal takes commitment. But a puppy is on another level.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Golden Retriever?
Initial Golden Retriever Cost
Now that we know where our new fluffy pals are coming from, let’s see what the costs are. Trust us; it’s more than you might think.
- Vaccines: When you have a small pup, they need vaccines for the first four months and then annually. They cost around $15-$30 per shot. But your vet will give you a full vaccine schedule. (Yearly average—$80-$250)
- Spay/neutering: This is an absolute must if you’re not breeding a dog; it costs about $160-$500.
- Tick/flea prevention: You need to treat your dogs once a month or every three months, depending on your preference. For example, FRONTLINE Plus for Small Dogs is great for puppies. One tube lasts for 30 days and comes with three in a pack. It costs $28.99. (Yearly average—$115-$250)
- Vet check-ups: You must keep up appearances at the vet to ensure your puppy is developing as it should. Vet bills for a routine check-up can set you back between $50-$250.
- Pet insurance: If the above sounds steep, you aren’t alone. That’s why we recommend quality pet insurance to help you along. The average monthly cost is about $50. (Yearly average—$600-$1500)
- Food and treats: You want to give your dog the best chance, and this starts with a good diet. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food has everything a growing Golden fluff ball needs. It costs $109.99 for a 30lbs bag. (Yearly average—$400-$1200)
- Bowls: We highly recommend investing in stainless steel water and food bowls. They are more hygienic and more accessible for your dog to get their food. Try the Van Ness 64-Ounce Lightweight Dish to see for yourself. It costs $4.09.
- Collars and Leashes: You’ll need a sturdy leash and collar for your puppy. They love to play, and things can get a little ruff (pun intended). The Primal Pet Gear Dog Collar is a good option for only $7.54. Add the Primal Pet Gear 6ft Long Dog Leash for $12.99, and you’re good to go. (Yearly average—$20-$50)
- Bed: It’s one of the best investments you’ll make. A good dog bed can save your dog many future health problems. The Furhaven Luxe Faux Fur Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed will be your pup’s favorite place to snooze from when they’re puppies to fully grown up. It costs $64.99.
- Toys: A puppy needs toys! Not just to play with, but they can help with development too. Brain games are great, while soft chew toys can help with teething. KIPRITII Dog Chew Toys come with 20 chew toys for $26.99. (Yearly average—$30-$150)
- Crate: There is some debate around crate training a puppy. But in our book, it’s essential. Crates keep your dog safe while traveling and offer a way to get your dog out of the house in an emergency. The MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is terrific; you can upsize it as your pup grows. The puppy size starts at $25.99.
- Grooming: Possibly some of the most essential items you’ll buy. Grooming a Golden Retriever is a constant job. The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs will be your grooming bestie. It costs $29.99. (Yearly average—$50-$500)
- Puppy pads: A little puppy running around means a puddle of two. Potty training a puppy takes time, so we recommend puppy pads at the start. Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads are a steal, with 40 pads costing $20.92.
You won’t need to frequently replace all of the above, so don’t panic. We know it sounds like a lot.
The average monthly cost of owning a Golden puppy is between $120-$400, depending on what you buy.
The cost will decrease as your dog gets older and doesn’t require as many vet visits. Also, you won’t be replacing toys every five minutes.
Those growing teeth can leave a serious dent in your wallet!
Additional Golden Retriever Costs
Owning a golden puppy can come with other expenses; let’s check it out.
- Puppy classes: Training will be a serious blessing if you don’t want a menace running around the house and causing a scene at the doggy park. Who knows? Your pup could learn some cool tricks along the way too. A group class is between $30-$50 per lesson. Private lessons are about $50-$120 per hour.
- Daycare: If you’re not at home during the day and don’t have other pets, it can be a struggle for your little one. This can lead to some behavioral issues. A daycare provides dogs with all the love, care, and walks they need throughout the day. It will set you back between $18-$30 per day. A small price to pay for their happiness and safety.
- Grooming: Golden Retrievers have some super luxurious fur. But this means your groomer might make it onto your speed dial. A trip to the groomer will cost between $30-$100, depending on what services you need and the size of your dog.
FAQ
Why do Golden Retriever puppies cost so much?
This special breed is the third most popular in the US. Since the demand is so high, finding a purebred Golden Retriever is already challenging. The costs of breeding these pups are astronomical, making the Golden Retriever price much more than the average mix.
What is the lowest price for a Retriever puppy?
The cheapest way to own a Golden Retriever is to adopt one. It will set you back between $250-$500.
How much does it cost to own a Retriever puppy?
The Golden Retriever price varies depending on what you need and want for your new puppy. The average monthly cost of owning a golden puppy is between $120-$400.
Wrap-up on the Price of a Golden Retriever Puppy
Owning a Golden Retriever pup is a dream come true for many people. However, you need to prepare yourself for what owning a puppy entails.
It’s an exciting time, but that does wear off when the vet bills start rolling in. You don’t want to ruin your puppy experience by not having your ducks in a row.
We’ve covered the Golden Retriever price points and what you can expect over the coming years of being a dog owner.
We hope our guide helps you find the right little fluffy friend, and the advice on cost and care comes in handy. Once you’ve got your new family member home, maybe our article on why Golden Retrievers look sad will help you learn more about this amazing breed.
Get ready for a whole lot of puppy kisses. Savor the moments; they won’t last forever!