How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?

As the owner of an English, Canadian or American golden retriever, you might wonder, “How long do golden retrievers live?”

This was my question, too, when I was choosing my red golden retriever, Theo.  Now that he’s my travel buddy and partner in crime, I want to make sure he lives his best life from beginning to end.

We all want our dogs to live healthy as long as possible. As golden retriever owners, we will do anything to extend the life of our companions.

So, I’ve researched how long golden retrievers live and how to keep them happy and healthy throughout their lives and this is the essential information I have found.

Average Golden Retriever Lifespan

Golden retrievers live between 10-12 years, according to the American Kennel Club, and is on par with other dog breeds of the same size. Golden retriever dogs are usually healthy with lovable personalities and may even live longer than average if they maintain a health-conscious lifestyle. 

How do Golden Retrievers age?

To understand a dog’s aging process, most people think of this common equation: 

7 x (dog’s age) = dog’s age in “dog years”

Dogs develop differently depending on their size, breed, and physical makeup. They develop more rapidly during their first two years of life, and then development slows down. Golden retriever sizes factor into their lifespan.

A two-year-old dog is actually more like a 10-year-old human. After three years, the dog-to-human aging ratio is 4:1. So a 10-year-old golden would be about 53 “human” years old. 

Oldest Golden Retriever

Augie, short for August, holds the record for the oldest golden retriever. She lived to be 20 years and 11 months old.  

Augie was adopted at age 14 after being rehomed twice. Her owners cared for her with supplements, fluids, and regular vet visits. 

She passed away peacefully in 2021 after living almost a decade longer than most golden retrievers.

Genetics

Genetics is an important factor in how long golden retrievers live. Choosing a golden retriever puppy with a good family history from a reputable breeder can increase its lifespan from the start. Check the parents’ health and breeding records to ensure no inbreeding occurs.

Why Golden Retriever Dog Breed Lifespans have Decreased

The lifespan of golden retrievers has decreased significantly over the past 50 years. During the 1970s and 1980s, the average lifespan for goldens was 16-17 years old. Today, the lifespan of a golden retriever is only 10-12 years. Scientists attribute this decline in how long golden retrievers live to cancers that have surged due to inbreeding.

History of Golden Retriever Dog Breeds

The golden retriever breed originated in the Scottish Highlands in the 1800s. Dudley Coutts Majoribanks created the breed when he crossed a yellow wavy-coated retriever with a Tweed water spaniel. The breed was officially recognized by The Kennel Club in 1911. Today,  golden retriever breeds are the world’s 3rd most popular dog breed.

Study of Golden Retrievers

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study was created in 2012 by the Morris Animal Foundation. 

This ongoing study gathers information from over 3,000 goldens. The purpose is to help doctors and veterinarians understand how nutrition, environment, genetics, and lifestyle are identified as risk factors for cancer and other canine diseases.

Golden Retriever Health Issues

Golden Retrievers are usually healthy dogs but are not immune to health issues. 

Here are the most common concerns golden pet owners should be aware of:

Cancer

Cancer is one of the most common diseases found in golden retrievers and the most common cause of death.

Four major cancers affect golden retrievers:

• Lymphoma (White blood cell cancer)
• Hemangiosarcoma (Cancer of the circulatory system)
• Osteosarcoma (Bone cancer)
• Mast cell tumor (Skin cancer)

Dysplasia

Hip or elbow dysplasia is when the ball and socket joint do not properly fit together. Hip dysplasia is more common in larger dogs and happens in golden retriever puppies. 

Genetics and a substandard environment are the main factors in joint dysplasia, but obesity and poor nutrition can also affect the disease.

Pet owners should check with their vets at puppy checkups since dysplasia often doesn’t occur until the dog ages 2-3.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy in golden retrievers can begin from 6 months to three years old. This repeated occurrence of seizures is usually genetic, but cancer or metabolic issue can also bring on seizures. This can be a terrifying experience for pet owners, but long-term medication can help control seizures in pets.  

Skin Conditions

With a thick fur coat and a love of swimming, golden retrievers are prone to skin problems. Allergies can give goldens itchy skin, especially around their ears, paws, or folds of the skin. 

If you notice your golden licking his paws or scratching more than usual, check with your vet to see if it could be an allergic reaction, ear infection, or cyst. Thankfully, skin conditions are treatable.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when golden retrievers don’t make enough thyroid hormones in the body.  This can lead to weight gain, aggression, and hair loss. Hormone replacement treatments can make this disease manageable for goldens and their owners. 

Eye Problems

Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Distichiasis are eye conditions that can cause blindness in golden retrievers. 

Cataracts occur as dogs age, and surgery can be a treatment option. 

Glaucoma is a severe and painful disease with symptoms that include watery eyes, redness around the eyes, and cloudiness. This should be treated immediately. 

Distichiasis happens when hairs inside the eyelid rub against the eye and cause soreness and eye pain. This is common with goldens, and the hairs can be removed at the vet.

Diabetes

Golden Retrievers can develop diabetes like humans. If your golden has diabetes, he struggles to regulate his blood sugar. 

Symptoms of diabetes include excessive drinking and urinating, along with weight loss, and it is treated with insulin injections on a regimented schedule. Once treated, goldens with diabetes can enjoy a long lifespan.

12 Ways to Increase Your Golden Retriever’s Lifespan

Personally, I want to ensure I have many adventures with my dog, Theo, for his whole life. So I’ve researched 12 common-sense ways to keep him happy and healthy:

Physical Health

1. Food– Quality dog food makes a big difference in the longevity of your pet. Try to feed your golden retriever a balanced diet of meat, grains, and vegetables. Avoid meat by-products and be consistent with the type of food. Changing dog food can often cause upset stomachs. 

2. Water-Make sure your golden retriever stays hydrated. It’s essential to always have water available for your pet, especially on hot summer days. Bring water for your dog on road trips or hiking excursions too. Be sure to clean your golden’s water bowl often, so bacteria doesn’t build up. 

3. Diet– Helping your golden retriever maintain a healthy weight is important for a long and happy life. Fit and trim dogs live an average of 2 years longer than overweight dogs. Keep treats under control to prevent diabetes or arthritis later on. 

4. Dental Care– Tartar buildup on the teeth and gums affects 80% of all dogs by 2 years old. Keep your golden retriever’s teeth healthy by brushing his teeth twice a week and scheduling regular dental visits at the vet. 

5. Exercise– Exercise is important for both the dog and the owner. Start exercising slowly for puppies. Golden retrievers need between 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise each day. Hiking, swimming, or several long walks throughout the day are perfect for helping goldens exert energy and maintain a healthy weight.

6. Grooming– Regular grooming is important for golden retrievers since they have thick long hair. Goldens should be brushed every day. This will help with shedding and alert you to any lumps or bumps that may be on the skin.

7. Checkups– Regular vet checkups are essential for your pet’s well-being. Make sure your golden retriever’s health records are up to date for all his shots. Vets provide heartworm, flea, and tick medication. Vet exams can screen for illnesses and offer preventative care to keep your golden in tip-top shape.

8. Spay or Neuter– Medical records from over 70,000 dogs, compiled from a University of Georgia study, showed that the life expectancy of neutered male dogs was 13% longer, and female spayed dogs were 26% longer than non-spayed or neutered dogs.  It’s recommended that pet owners wait until golden retrievers are older than one year before they spay or neuter.  

Mental Health

9. Socialization– Socialization in golden retrievers should start within the first 4 months of life. This will help them develop confidence and an even temperament. Even though golden retrievers’ characteristics are friendly and gentle, it’s essential to socialize your pet.  

10. Games and Puzzles– Golden retrievers are smart dogs who love human interaction. To keep your golden’s mind sharp, invest in toys and puzzles that will keep them thinking.  Filled Kongs, puzzle treat dispensers, or scavenger hunts make great activities for your golden at all stages of his life. 

11. Obedience Training– Training your golden retriever at a young age will provide him with good manners and keep him safe. Goldens love to please their owners, so obedience training is a great time to bond with your pet. You can also train your golden to be a service dog, like I did, with rewarding results.

12. Reduce Anxiety– Anxiety and stress can lead to bigger health problems for your golden retriever. The best way to reduce your pet’s stress is to remove the trigger. Exercise, massages, cuddles, or playing with a toy can help. Check with your vet before using herbs or supplements to calm your golden.

Senior Golden Retriever Care 

Large dogs such as golden retrievers are considered seniors when they reach 7-8 years old.  As goldens age, you will notice a lack of mobility, loss of vision, and reduced energy levels. You can help your golden retriever age gracefully by going the extra mile for your furry friend:

Proper diet– Senior golden retrievers need to be seen by a vet to decide the best food and diet. Medication might require a specialized diet, or a modified diet might be best for weight loss.  

Supplements– Check with your vet before starting any supplements for your pet. Supplements can improve senior golden retrievers’ mobility and stamina. Glucosamine helps joints, Omega-3s fight inflammation, and Thistle Milk supports healthy kidneys and liver.

Regular Vet Checkups– Your old golden retriever might need to visit the vet more than once a year. Managing geriatric illnesses such as arthritis or diabetes will keep you in close contact with the vet. Working out a health plan together will allow you to enjoy the sunset years with your golden.

Mobility Tools– Senior golden retrievers will need an extra hand as they age. Some tools that will help you keep your golden mobile include a lifting harness, an orthopedic dog bed, movable steps or ramp, and nonslip nail grips.

Continue Proper Care– As at any age, senior golden retrievers need love and attention. Be sure to give daily brushings and weekly teeth cleanings to your golden. Massages and limited exercise are important too. Don’t forget to play and teach your old dog new tricks! It’s never too late to let them learn something new.

FAQs: Golden Retriever Lifespan

Conclusion: How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?

Golden retrievers’ average lifespan is 10-12 years, but pet owners can enjoy them for many more years with proper care. 

By following some common-sense caretaking techniques, you can ensure your golden retriever will have a happy and healthy life.

Make sure your golden retriever is part of your next adventure. Plan ahead to have the best experience together on any trip.

Read More About Golden Retrievers

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