Golden Retriever Lifespan: How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: June 29, 2023
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Types of Retriever Dogs

Golden Retrievers consistently rank among the top 3 most

popular dogs

in the U.S.

©iStock.com/Tatyana Consaul

Having a Golden Retriever as a member of your family means you want to do everything you can to keep him healthy and happy. Knowing the typical Golden Retriever lifespan and then taking a few steps to assist him to live longer can make this happen.

How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?

Calmest dog - golden retriever smiling at the camera

Golden retrievers live an average of 10 to 12 years, although some are known to live much longer.

©Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

How long do Golden Retrievers live? It is estimated that Golden Retrievers live between ten and twelve years. However, if properly cared for, these active dogs can sometimes survive for 13 years or more. The Golden Retriever has been known to live into its twenties under unusual circumstances. However, you must be initiative-taking in providing adequate exercise, nutritional requirements, and healthcare for this to occur.

Golden Retriever Lifespan Drops In The Past 50 Years

golden retriever under blanket

The life expectancy for the Golden Retriever has decreased in the past 50 years by 5 to 6 years. This is most likely due to improper breeding issues.

©iStock.com/Prystai

The life expectancy of the Golden Retriever has decreased by five or six years in the last fifty years. The golden retriever’s lifespan used to be 16-17 years on average back in the 1970s. Although more research is needed to properly comprehend this, some plausible hypotheses have been put forth.

Some genetic health issues may be found in some breed lines as a result of the breed’s popularity and the reckless breeding practices of some breeders in order to meet demand. These include skin and eye allergies, as well as occasional behavioral concerns. Responsible breeders rarely produce these issues in their pets. The breed is also prone to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, aortic stenosis and panosteitis.

How Can You Help Golden Retrievers Live Longer?

Golden Retriever puppy chewing on a toy

Golden Retrievers need a good diet, physical activity, socialization, and proper vet care to stay in good health.

©iStock.com/Photology1971

To help our Golden Retrievers live longer, we’ll have to rely on common sense and anecdotal evidence. Diet, exercise, socialization, and healthcare will extend the golden retriever’s lifespan.

If you’re a devoted Golden Retriever owner, keep reading to discover more about their unique demands and how to help them live longer.

Food

When buying Golden Retriever food, always verify the ingredients. Remember that these dogs are continually active and require a well-balanced diet to keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle. Additives, preservatives, and animal by-products should be avoided in dog food.

While it may be tempting to buy cheap dog food to save money, your Golden Retriever will suffer. Purchasing grain-free recipes will also help your Golden retriever avoid obesity and digestive issues.

Water

Check the water you give your Golden Retriever. Change the water every day as filthy water might cause digestive issues. Also, regularly wash your dog’s food and water dishes with soap and hot water to prevent bacteria growth.

Grooming

Regular and thorough grooming is necessary for a Golden Retriever’s longevity. Brushing long-haired dogs regularly reduces shedding and matting.

To get him used to daily brushing, start brushing him as a puppy. Brush regularly from back to sides, stomach, chest, ears, and tail. Daily brushing is a wonderful way to check for ticks and fleas.

Keep his nails trimmed and his teeth brushed. These grooming recommendations may not seem necessary at first, but they are quite helpful as the dog ages. Starting early on these grooming techniques will help your Golden live longer.

Exercise

Golden Retrievers are famed for more than just their beautiful coats; they’re also known for their boundless enthusiasm. If you have a Golden Retriever, exercising him too much isn’t an issue. If you want to keep your dog active, you’ll need to give him a lot of time to run around.

Sociability

Dogs like Golden Retrievers are naturally sociable. As a result, these dogs will happily sit next to you during game night because they enjoy spending time with their families. Because of this, do your best to incorporate your Golden Retriever into your daily life and activities.

Regular Checkup

The ear infections that Golden Retrievers are susceptible to are just one of several health issues they may face. Golden Retrievers are susceptible to hip dysplasia, cancer, skin infections, and respiratory issues as well. Make sure to get them to the vet regularly to manage or avoid these issues.

In Conclusion:

Types of Hunting Dogs

A young Golden Retriever posing in flowers. The breed’s friendly, tolerant attitude makes them great family pets, and their intelligence makes them highly capable working dogs.

©Tanya Consaul Photography/Shutterstock.com

How long do Golden Retrievers live? They usually live 10–12 years. The key to enriching your Golden Retriever’s life is to meet their fundamental needs. Having a balanced diet is important for Golden Retrievers. You should also clean their ears regularly.

Keep your Golden Retriever busy to avoid obesity. Mix walks with jogs, and playtime. and games like fetch. Regular play is vital for a Golden Retriever’s health.

Finally, take your Golden Retriever to the vet regularly. Annual wellness exams with your veterinarian will help you detect any underlying illnesses early on and treat them properly.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Prystai

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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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