Wondering how long a healthy America Golden Retrievers live?
Let me share with your the average life expectancy of a Golden retriever including some common factors that affect the lifespan of a golden retriever.
I have included some tips to help you improve and boost the lifespan of your golden retriever so you can give them the best longest and healthiest life. The life of your Golden retriever might depend on your ability to take care of them.
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Question: How long do golden retriever live?
Answer: In 1972 the average lifespan of a healthy purebred Golden Retriever was 16-17 years, but now that number has gone down to an average of 10-12 years. Augie is the name of the oldest golden retriever, she is now 20 years old and still going strong.
Unlike Augie, most Golden Retrievers tend to die young due to some common factors. Averagely 60% of Golden retrievers die from cancer and another huge percentage die from Genetic disorders and other diseases such as Hip Dysplasia and obesity.
Research shows that most big dogs die young compare to small dogs. That’s why a Miniature Golden Retriever has a lifespan of 10-15 years compared to the American Golden retriever which lives an average of 10-12 years.
There is a Golden Retriever Lifetime study being conducted by the Morris Animal foundation tracking over 3,000 Golden retrievers’ across the United States.
The goal is to identify lifestyle and genetic risk factors for cancer and diseases in Golden retrievers. If you wish to participate in the study you can sign up here.
Male and female golden retrievers tend to have slightly different temperaments with the Male being a little bit active.
However, both male and female Golden retriever has the same lifespan which is an average lifespan of 10-12 years.
If you wish to know how old your Golden retriever is in human eyes you can use a simple guideline given by the AKC which goes like this,
| Dog Years | Human Years |
|---|---|
| 7 | 44-56 |
| 10 | 56-78 |
| 15 | 76-115 |
| 20 | 96-120 |
In the 1970s Golden retrievers used to live up to 17 years of age, but things have changed over the year. Next, I want us to look into the factors that affect the Golden retriever’s lifespan over the past few years.
Factors affective Golden Retriever Life Expectancy
There are several reasons why your Golden retriever won’t live long, those reasons range from the environment, nutrition to health problems. Golden retrievers are prone to several health problems that contribute to the cause of their death.
The major factors affecting the golden retriever lifespan can be classified into four factors,
- Environmental
- Nutritional
- Genetic
- Common Diseases
- Lifestyle
- Neutering
Environmental Factors that affect Golden Retriever Life Expectancy
The environment contributes a lot to the dog experience and overall physical health. Experiences acquired in their early stage and the condition of their environment contribute to their intelligence or lack of problem-solving skills.
The environment also contributes to the development of Hip Dysplasia in Golden retrievers, especially in their early puppy stage. Depending on when the Dog shows the symptoms HD can easily cut short the life of your golden retriever.
We recommend having a good, clean, friendly environment for your Golden retriever if you wish to have them live to their maximum age. If you’re looking to buy a Golden retriever puppy consider physically going to the breeder and see the condition of the puppy environment.
To avoid issues with Hip Dysplasia check to ensure that the puppy and the parents are in good health that includes the required weight before you buy.
If you are in the process of looking for a Golden retriever puppy avoid puppy mills. A puppy mill is a high-volume dog breeding facility that breeds puppies for profit. Most puppies mill don’t care about the health of the puppy they are only interested in making some dollars.
Nutritional Factors affecting Golden Retriever Lifespan
Nutrition plays a huge role in helping your Golden retriever have a quality life, healthy, improve overall activity, and longevity.
Nutrition means a good Diet, good diet translates to good health which in turn translates to long life. A well-fed Golden retriever develops a strong immune system that helps in fighting diseases.
The general rule is good care allows dogs to live longer. Good care can be the environment but most importantly the food they take. To avoid overweight and obesity follow the general dog 90:10 diet rule.
An average dog should take 20-30 calories per pound per day. Where 90% of that calories come from their main diet and 10% is supplemented with treats such as snacks fruits and vegetables.
Most homemade meals are not balanced and you should consider giving your dog vitamin supplements to help fix that.
Benefits of vitamin supplements,
- Better Aging
- Support arthritic joints
- Reduce shedding
- Provide balance nutrients in the food
- Provide required nutrients
- Helps with skin and coat
If you looking to supplements your diet with the best health supplements consider these three that we recommend.
You will find most of them online. You can also supplement your diet with fruits and vegetables especially, apples and watermelon.
It will help your dog with joint health, mobility, and help reduce discomfort associated with exercise. Helps maintain cartilage and connective tissue.
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The multifunctional vitamin supports immune, joint heart, physical performance, and antioxidants. You can find all three products on Amazon.
Genetic factors that affect Golden retriever life cycle.
Research indicates that Golden Retrievers have a high risk of developing diseases such as mast cell tumors, cancer, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear, and elbow dysplasia.
Most of these conditions are hereditary which are passed from one Golden retriever generation to another this is according to GRCA.
The life expectancy of your Golden retriever will be determined mainly by his/her health condition.
Looking through the Golden retriever parent breed will give you a good idea of how to take care of your dog and also the symptoms you should check in case they have genetic issues.
Neutering [Spray]
According to research conducted by UC Davis spraying your golden retriever should be done before six months of age. Spraying your golden Retriever beyond six months will increase the risk of cancer especially in the female golden.
Another research suggests that most neutered Golden retrievers were more likely to die of cancer than intact dogs.
Poor diet and lifestyle impacts the life cycle of goldens
Like any other dog breed, golden retriever life hugely affected by the diet and lifestyle you expose them to.
A healthy golden means a longer lifespan. Taking time to provide the best diet and lifestyle might be your one chance to help improve the lifespan of golden retrievers.
we recommend a healthy dog diet on a daily basis. It’s okay to offer them treats but what is recommended is dog healthy food and adequate exercise. An unhealthy diet on a golden retriever causes inflammation which is not good for the life of your puppy.
Therefore, you should avoid foods that cause too much glucose in the bloodstream. You may want to visit your vet to figure out the number of calories you should give to your golden retriever. See this study for more details.
Exposure To Toxins
Picture this. You’re spraying your lawn with pesticides and then your dog starts playing on the grass. This exposes your canine friend to toxins.
You can also expose your dog to things like household cleaners, tobacco smoke, deodorants, smoke retardants. Ensure your Golden retriever is playing in a hazard-free environment.
Common Diseases that affect Golden retriever lifespan
- Cancer
The cancer rate of Golden Retrievers has elevated all around the world, with 60% of Golden Retriever being impacted by cancer. With hemangiosarcoma being common cancer in the US and lymphoma is what the UK Golden are affected by.
It doesn’t matter where the Golden is from all Golden are prone to cancer. Other common diseases includes,
- Bleeding Disorders
- Allergy
- Atopy
- Hot spots
- Food allergies
- Goopy ears
- Skin Diseases
- Ear Infection
- gastrointestinal illnesses
- urinary disease
Common health problems in Golden retrievers that affect the life of a golden.
Though Golden retrievers are on the top list of favorites dogs in the US, they have several health problems that affect their life expectancy. Before you buy you should consider checking this. Below is a list of those health issues according to research.
- Hypothyroidism
- Subaortic stenosis [SAS]
- pigmentary uveitis [Eye disorders]
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Dental Disease
- Infections
- Osteosarcoma
- Mast cell tumors
- Seizures
- Lymphoma
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Skin problems
Do this to improve the Golden Retriever’s Lifespan.
There are various things you can do to improve your Golden retriever lifespan. You can try dietary supplements, a healthy diet, exercise, or putting them on a slow growth process.
To boast the lifespan of golden retriever lifespan you must be very intentional about taking care of your dog.
Back in the old days, the golden retriever lived for about 17 years. But even with access to better healthcare, these dogs are still dying young.
While you may not accept that your dog will not be around forever, there’re steps you can take to extend the lifespan.
Slow growth Process
Putting your puppy in a slow growth process might reduce the risk of many diseases.
According to research putting your Golden retriever puppy on slow growth has a lot of benefits, the process will help them eventually achieve their full genetic height, bone, and body conformation. It will also keep them lean and fit.
| Birth | 1lb |
| Week 1 | 2 lbs |
| Week 2 | 3 lbs |
| Week 3 | 4 lbs |
| Week 4 | 5 lbs |
| Week 5 | 6 lbs |
| Week 6 | 7 lbs |
| Week 7 | 8 lbs |
| Week 8 | 9.5 lbs |
| Week 10 | 12 lbs |
| Week 12 | 15-16 lbs |
| Week 16 | 22-23 lbs |
| Week 20 | 28-30 lbs |
Dietary supplements
Research has suggested that some dietary supplements may improve a dog’s cancer risk profile. Serving Omega-3, Omega-6, or Vitamin E on the daily diet will reduce infalamtory.
You can also serve fresh fruits such as Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels, sprouts, cabbage at least three times per week will make a difference.
Your Golden retriever should take a well-balanced diet including, proteins, including vitamins, carbs, minerals, and Fats.
Great nutrition
Feeding your dog with the right diet is a step towards giving it a longer lifespan. Think about it – you don’t expect your golden to eat unhealthy food and live that long.
Golden retriever need lots of food to fuel their active life. Because the majority of food is made up of meats, you may want to talk to your vet on how to choose a high-quality diet.
There’re also many supplements out there that contain glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and chondroitin which helps to reduce inflammation.
Neutering and spraying
Spraying your dog at the right age can help it live 2-3 years longer. That way, you don’t have to worry that your female dog will get mammary cancer or the male dog will get testicular cancer.
With the right neutering, you can be sure your dog won’t run away from home while on heat to explore the dating options. Find the best-recommended neutering accessory products on Amazon.
Exercise and training
If you’re looking for an ideal companion to the park, the golden retriever should be your best bet. Whether it’s running, swimming, or chasing, these dogs will have a lot of energy to burst outdoors.
Obesity can be a serious problem for Golden Retrievers and having a good amount of exercise and good food might solve your problem.
You should consider a 1-2 hour dog exercise every single day, this will help your golden retriever manage its energy level and burn excess calories.
Weight will have a huge impact especially on senior dogs, you should consider a well-balanced diet and exercise to help manage the weight.
You’ll be surprised that a lack of energy can make the dog engage in destructive behaviors. Regular exercise reduces the chances of developing weight-related issues and joint problems.
Most field Golden retrievers tend to have a better life expectancy due to their frequent activities.
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A golden retriever also relishes human interaction. It will respond well to any training method. If you want to keep your dog stimulated physically and mentally, you can try different training methods.
Routine Evaluation and Check-ups
Routine evaluation and check-up have proven to be an effective way of dealing with diseases and sickness among dogs. This is because you get to deal with most of the common diseases in their early stages.
You can consider a “prevention health care plan”. Consider taking your golden retriever for an annual and bi-annual wellness physical check-up.
The review should include, Dental check-up, complete physical check-up, vaccination, parasite control, weight, and other related exams.
Limit stress
When a golden retriever is stressed, it becomes vulnerable to chronic diseases. That being said, you should address any condition that keeps your dog unhappy.
Pay close attention to bullying from other dogs and make sure it doesn’t feel lonely. Don’t leave it outside because it may feel excluded from the family.
Regular grooming
Golden retrievers have double coats (a water-repellent top coat and thick undercoat). Since the coat is prone to shedding, you can use a shedding tool to thin the undercoat.
This dog breed loves water, so you’ll have no problem bathing it fairly often. On the other hand, you can apply sunscreen on sunny days to protect their light-colored fur. This keeps skin cancer at bay.
We buy most of our products on Amazon, you check to find the best grooming kit, bathing kit, and shedding tool.
Final thoughts:
Now you know that due to the different challenges and common health issues among Golden retriever we can conclude that the golden retriever expected lifespan is 10-12 year.
If you want to increase the lifespan of golden retrievers make sure you take good care of them and follow the recommendation we have to provide here. It is advisable to take your golden retriever to a vet at least once or twice a year.
Work with your vet to help manage and prevent these common issues that might affect the lifespan of the golden retriever. Your goal is to keep your Golden retriever healthy so it can stay alive longer.
This post should not be used as a medical prescription, kindly consult your vet in case of medical advice.