If you are thinking of adopting a Golden Retriever, surely you have asked yourself: how much will I have to pay for the puppy? But the amount of money you’re spending on your dog only starts with the price of adoption. The actual cost of the Golden Retriever also includes many other elements.
adoption cost
So how much will it cost to adopt a Golden Retriever? Well, the price can range from $250 to $1500 depending on the quality of puppy you are looking for. As in many other cases, you get what you pay for.
Cheap puppies often have poor health or temperament problems. They may come from unfair puppy mills or breeders who try to hide their puppies’ shortcomings behind low prices. Adopting such puppies is a mistake because by saving money on an initial purchase you risk spending much more on treating hereditary diseases later in your dog’s life.
On the other hand, if you want a show dog, you should be ready to pay roughly $1000 or more for a puppy (an adult dog costs even more). The price here will depend on the quality of the bloodline and the prizes won by the parents. The litter of the National Champions will naturally cost more than that of the local contest winners.
Good quality healthy puppies sold by reputable breeders are usually somewhere in the middle of the price range. They may not make great show dogs, but they will make great pets and family members. With the right approach, you will also be able to minimize the risks of hereditary diseases and adopt a great puppy at a reasonable price.
But there are also bargains in this market! For example, breeders trying to build a reputation may be selling puppies at a lower price. Or conversely, if they have to go out of business, they may need to sell all the puppies fast, and are usually willing to give you a good discount. Sometimes breeders may not even be aware of the real price of their puppies. Bargains don’t happen too often, but you can find one if you’re patient enough.
Finally, you can adopt a puppy or an adult dog from a rescue. The adoption fee is usually around $300-400. All the dogs of a rescue pass the medical examination and the rescue will inform you about the actual health status of the dog and other particularities.
Other Golden Retriever Costs
Once you have adopted a dog, you will spend money controversially. Unfortunately, as with the price of adoption, there is no way of knowing the exact amount of money you will have to spend. But we can still list the main spending items:
– Health – booster shots and annual exams. Check with your local vet for pricing.
– Dog food
– Grooming materials: brush, comb, dog shampoo, nail clippers, etc.
– Toys: It is better to buy quality chew toys, they will help you save money in the long run
– Other accessories: feeder and drinker, collar, leashes, etc.
Finally, it is a good idea to invest some time and money in obedience and self-education courses. A couple of books on Golden Retrievers will help you better understand your dog’s needs and save some money by doing the right thing.
