Golden retriever dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds for many families. In fact, many golden retriever owners will tell you their furry companions are priceless now. But just how much will a golden retriever puppy cost?
We’ve asked 20 breeders, and the average price for all different shades of golden retrievers ranges from 500 – 2000. However, two breeders were even higher, coming in at 2500 and even 3500! Quality breeders have higher prices due to better breeding practices, including AKC documentation, health guarantee, and healthy bloodlines.
Let’s talk about what you can expect at different prices from the breeders and potential issues to consider when paying a lower price.
The lower end of the price range will be the pet store or the back yard breeder without AKC registration. If you are questioning spending more than the lower end of the price range here are a couple of things to keep in mind. The practices of some back yard breeders and puppies you get from pet stores can lead to health issues later on.
Table of Contents
Puppy Mills – What to Expect
Puppy mills are solely running for profits, not for the love of a certain breed. These dogs are kept in cruel conditions and inhumane breeding practices.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), dogs that live in puppy mills experience:
Tiny Cages – Most of the time, this tiny cage is all the dog will know. They are all kept in one small overcrowded time cage their entire life. The conditions are often unsanitary because they eat, sleep, and relieve themselves and give birth all in these tiny cages. Sadly this is the only life many of them will know.
Poor Healthcare – Puppy mills don’t provide veterinarian care. These dogs are often left caged injured, infestations with matted hair, rotting teeth, broken bones, with no nail trimming or any grooming. Puppies are born in these conditions with no vaccines or veterinarian care. The puppies often arrive at the pet store already sick with parasites to parvo to pneumonia.
Nonstop Breeding– The female breeding dogs are often overbred to make more money for the owner. When the dog can no longer produce puppies they are often abandoned or killed.
Disregard for Genetics– Poor breeding can often lead to a health problem for a breed. Producing quality puppies is not a priority for some breeders. They continue to breed a dog that may be medically compromised, producing puppies with health issues in the future. This practice results in a generation of hereditary defects. These often include heart disease, deafness, hip dysplasia, and respiratory disorder.
Quality Breeders – What to Expect
While paying higher prices for a golden retriever is more of an initial cost, it can save you money in the long run, buying from a reputable breeder and getting a healthier puppy with health clearances.
It’s important to keep in mind that higher prices usually come with better health clearances for the puppy and will result in fewer vet bills later on.
What is AKC documentation?
This documentation displays the lineage of an AKC dog and important information about the ancestors in a dog’s family tree.
Health Guarantee
The health guarantee consists of two aspects, the first is that the puppy is currently healthy. The second part of the health guarantee is a breeder will provide a guarantee against health, congenital, and genetic defects for a set amount of time. A common time frame for the health guarantee can is one to three years.
Healthy Bloodlines
When looking for a breeder for a golden retriever puppy the bloodline plays an important role. Your dog’s bloodline has to do with the history of your dog’s family, the health, temperament, and show potential.
Golden Retrievers Under 400
If your budget tops out at under 400 consider reaching out to a golden rescue. This can cost anywhere from 300 to 400 and includes registrations and vaccines. This is a great way to get an awesome dog for the fraction of the price and more importantly give a golden a home.
Complete List of Golden Retriever Rescues
Vet Expenses For Puppy
After you bring home your new golden retriever puppy, you will need to schedule a vet visit for shots and a clean bill of health. You can expect to pay anywhere from $335-665 for puppy vaccines. This depends on where you live and which vet you choose.
| Full physical exam | $50-100 |
| Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Canine Influenza, Lyme Disease | $100-200 |
| Rabies Vaccination | $10-20 |
| DAPPV Vaccination Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza | $60-100 |
| American Kennel Club Registration | $37-55 |
| DeWorming | $10.00 |
| Heartworm Preventatives (Yearly) | $70-200 |
| Total $335-665 | |
Quality breeders will bring the whole litter of puppies to the vet for their first round of shots and initial health check-ups. The breeder will provide you with a shot record and other paperwork to bring to your vet. This is common practice for most breeders.
Other Vet Expenses
If you are dealing with a breeder that doesn’t provide initial shots and a clean bill of health, it’s uncertain what your puppy has been exposed to and the state of their health. You should be paying a lower price with a breeder that doesn’t provide the basic first round of shots and de-worming. This also leaves you with more expenses and a potential sick pup. Their young immune system will be exposed to all kinds of danger until the puppy receives vaccines.
Other expenses to keep in mind are if your dog will need to be spayed or neutered, which you should have done unless you plan on breeding your dog. Your vet will recommend the correct age to have this done. The average cost anywhere from $250-$550.
Golden Retriever Health Issues
Golden retrievers are a relatively healthy breed when bred by quality breeders. Unfortunately, poor breeding practices have to lead to the breed suffering from hip dysplasia and cancer.
| Hip and Elbow Dysplasia | Affects 70% of Dogs | |
| Cancer | 60% of Golden Retriever Deaths | |
| Epilepsy | often hereditary | |
| Allergies | Cause Skin Issues For Golden Retrievers | |
Puppy Supplies – Other Cost To Consider For A Puppy
There is the cost of supplies for your new puppy. The very basic supplies you will need include a leash, collar, toys, food, and water bowl. We’ve provided a puppy essential list for new dog owners.
Recommended Reads: See The Puppy Essentials List
For the sake of your bank account, don’t run out and buy everything on the list. We know how tempting it is, but your dog doesn’t need bow tie collars and sweaters for every day of the week. Start with the basics, and you can slowly buy the rest.
Most Recommended For Goldens Retrievers: (Amazon)
Best Vacuum For Golden Retriever
Our Favorites: Robot Vacuum – Great for keeping up with the shedding!
Best Dog Dryer For Golden Retrievers
Best Way To Get A Golden Retriever Completely Dry: Best Dog Dryer
Best Treats For Golden Retriever
Our Favorite Treats – Great for training. They are small and low calories.
Best Brush For Golden Retriever
Our Favorite Brush – Slicker Brush is the primary brush for removing the undercoat