How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?
Golden Retrievers live 10-12 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Golden Retriever more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At 65-75 pounds, the Golden Retriever is a large breed. Large breeds tend to age faster and live a few years less than small dogs, which its 10-12 years average reflects.
Does a Golden Retriever fit your life?
The Golden Retriever is one of the easiest dogs to welcome into a busy, social household, especially one with kids or other pets. With top marks for trainability, family affection, and getting along with everyone, this is a breed that suits first-time owners and anyone who wants a happy, people-loving companion. Just know that all that devotion comes with a coat that sheds and a brain that needs something to do.
A great match if you
- You want a dog that is genuinely easy to train, so it is forgiving for first-time owners.
- You have young children or other pets, since it scores top marks with both.
- You live somewhere noise-sensitive like an apartment, because it rarely barks.
- You want a social, affectionate dog that greets strangers as friends.
- You have a moderately active life and can offer a daily walk and some play, matching its middle-of-the-road energy.
Think twice if
- You are house-proud or sensitive to fur, because this breed sheds heavily.
- You want a guard dog, since it is far too open to strangers to protect much.
- You are away from home a lot, as it is very attached and needs mental engagement to avoid boredom.
Health areas for the Golden Retriever
Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Golden Retriever are Joint and mobility, Dental and oral health, Eye and vision and Cardiac (owners often watch for hip dysplasia, teeth, cataracts).
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Golden Retriever facts, quick answers
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
Golden Retrievers live 10-12 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do Golden Retrievers get?
A full-grown Golden Retriever stands 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female) and weighs 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the large-breed range.
What kind of dog is a Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is a sporting breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 3 of 208. It is a large dog that typically lives around 10-12 years.
Are Golden Retrievers high-energy dogs?
Golden Retrievers are moderate in energy, so daily activity matters but they are not bouncing off the walls.
Are Golden Retrievers easy to train?
Golden Retrievers are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.
Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot?
Yes, they do. Expect loose hair year-round with heavier seasonal blowouts, so regular brushing and a good vacuum come with the territory.
Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot?
They are on the quiet side and are not prone to nuisance barking.
Are Golden Retrievers good with kids?
Golden Retrievers are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.
Do Golden Retrievers get along with other dogs?
Golden Retrievers are generally sociable with other dogs and usually enjoy the company.
Are Golden Retrievers friendly with strangers?
Golden Retrievers are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.
Are Golden Retrievers good for first-time owners?
Golden Retrievers are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.
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