Golden Retrievers are one of the most sought-after breeds when it comes to adopting a pet dog.Dogs of this breed are popular among dog owners for their large, cuddly bodies, lustrous Golden fur, and friendly demeanor. A Golden Retriever puppy is one of the fluffiest, cutest puppies out there!However, there are unfortunately a number of health problems that plague the Golden Retriever breed, which can lead to an early death if not noticed in time. Though there are a number of factors that account for the overall health of a dog, a Golden Retriever’s genes make it so that it is more likely to contract cancer than any other dog breed. Adopting only from a reputable breeder, as well as scheduling regular appointments with a vet, can help to catch such diseases early and start treatment. However, making sure that your dog stays in top health and is stimulated mentally as well as physically is up to you. To know more about the problems a Golden Retriever can face, as well as how to keep them at bay, read on!If you enjoy this article, do check out our other pages on do dogs know when you are sad and can you give a dog Tylenol.How long do most Golden Retrievers live?So how long do Golden Retrievers actually live for?Golden Retrievers typically live between 10-12 years, which means that they have shorter lifespans when it comes to other dogs. Though some Golden Retrievers do make it past 15 years of age, this is quite rare as there are a host of inherent health problems that can cause the untimely death of these fluffy animals.The world’s oldest Golden Retriever, August or ‘Augie’, was the first of her kind to reach the ripe old age of 20 in April of 2020! This was quite surprising, as 20 is almost twice the expected lifespan for a Golden Retriever. Sadly, she passed away in March of 2021, making her the oldest Golden Retriever in history as well as the 19th oldest dog ever (living for well over 100 in terms of human years).Do bigger dogs have shorter lifespans?Yes, it has been observed that bigger dog breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German shepherds, for instance, have shorter lifespans than smaller dog breeds, with their average expected lifespans only being between 10-12 years. Giant breeds such as Saint Bernards have even shorter lives, with their average recorded lifespan being only around five to eight years. Golden Retrievers live for between 10-15 years at most.Larger dogs tend to grow much faster in order to reach their maximum size, which can age their bodies quickly. This rapid growth rate can also lead to abnormalities forming, such as tumors, which can lead to lymphoma, blood cancer, or bone cancer. They may also suffer from gastrointestinal diseases or developmental disorders, all as a result of their accelerated growth. Their faster metabolism has also been linked to damaging their muscle tissue and DNA, which can lead to these health disorders.A study by ‘American Naturalist’ concluded that for every 4.4 lb (two kg) increase in a dog’s body mass, its life expectancy went down by one month. The interesting (and quite unfortunate) fact of the matter is, this reversed size-age relation has only been seen in dogs. Typically, with other animal species, the bigger the animal, the longer its life. Rats live for about two years, much less than the lifespan of average humans, whereas blue whales, the largest mammals in the world, survive for between 80-90 years! The most logical conclusion to this phenomenon is that a dog’s lifespan is affected not exactly by its size, but rather by the rapid rate of growth it goes through, which ages its body much quicker than that of any other species.On the other hand, small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas and dachshunds live for between 12-14 years, with many of them crossing the 15-year mark.Cancer And The Golden RetrieverUnfortunately, this breed is plagued by cancer, which accounts for 60% of all Golden Retriever deaths. The most common cancers they may develop are bone cancer, lymphoma, or blood cancer. They are also more prone to developing cancer at younger ages than any other breed, with cancer being the most common cause of death in dogs aged two or over.Research is being done as to why Golden Retrievers are so susceptible to the disease. The rate of this breed being diagnosed in today’s time is far more than it was 40 years ago. It is theorized that genetic mutations in some parts of the breed’s population make them more likely to develop this deadly disease. Improper or neglectful breeding could also have caused this development.Health and NutritionBeing larger dogs, Golden Retrievers have very fast metabolisms to keep up with their rate of growth and level of exercise, which can make their appetites quite big! Though they have fast metabolisms, it can be very easy to overfeed them, which can make them obese.It is vital that Golden Retrievers receive a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet. Younger dogs require more calories as they are quite active, while older, sedentary dogs should be fed slightly less dog food to prevent them from gaining weight.To keep your dog’s dental health in check, it is recommended to feed them dry kibble, which can scrape against their teeth and help remove any buildups of plaque and tartar. If wet food is mixed in, the calorific content should be checked to make sure that the food stays within the daily recommeded limit. If feeding your puppy a homemade diet, do consult with your veterinarian regularly to develop a healthy, nutrient-inclusive diet plan according to your Golden Retriever’s age and needs.When searching for healthy dog food, it is important to choose one which is not too high in preservatives or a large percentage of meat by-products. Dog food with fewer ingredients is preferable in this scenario. Poor nutrition can cause a host of diseases in dogs, such as obesity, kidney and bladder stones, heart disease, or pancreatitis. This can greatly decrease your Golden’s life expectancy and diminish their quality of life. You can also choose to feed them home-cooked dog food, which is healthier due to the lack of preservatives and fat. Chicken, rice, and vegetables are good sources of all the vitamins and minerals that can help your dog to live longer.Your dog’s diet can be supplemented with Omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, which can prove to be very beneficial to their health and help to keep their coats lustrous and shiny. These are available as pills or as oils, which can be mixed into their meals for easy consumption.For a healthy, happy dog, it is important to make sure that your pet can get enough exercise. Golden Retrievers were initially bred as game dogs, which means that they are used to an active lifestyle and require constant movement to make sure that they do not develop lifestyle-related diseases at an early age. Obese and overweight dogs have a greater risk of suffering from joint problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases, or cancer.Dogs are also very susceptible to suffering from painful dental conditions if their oral health is neglected. Inflammation in the gums due to gingivitis can affect your Golden’s physical health greatly, as well as cause noticeable weight loss and a decrease in appetite. Consult your vet on how to brush your dog’s teeth, and make sure to do regular cleanings at least two to three times a week. Take them for professional cleanings at least once a year.Apparently, Golden Retrievers can be prone to sunburn due to the light color of their fur. If letting them outdoors or taking them to the park or on vacation in the summer, look into spray-on sunscreen, which is developed specifically for dogs.How the Golden Retriever lifespan compares to other breedsThe Golden Retriever breed has an expected lifespan of around 10-12 years, which is common in bigger breeds. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Huskies share the same life expectancy. Smaller breeds are known to live for a few years longer and can even pass 15 years of life as they age quite slowly compared to bigger dogs.Though a Golden Retriever’s lifespan is short, there are breeds whose average lifespans are much shorter. Giant breeds such as Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Mastiffs have quite short lives, which last for around 5-10 years only.Other Health Conditions Affecting Golden Retriever Life ExpectancyCancer is not the only major health issue that can affect a Golden Retriever during its lifetime. They are prone to joint and hip issues, which can cause inflammation and mobility problems. One of the most common joint problems, hip dysplasia, can affect a Golden Retriever in old age, and leaving it untreated can hinder its mobility greatly, to the point where it may be unable to get up on its own.They are also susceptible to skin issues, which can occur due to neglect or improper grooming of their long, dense fur. Pollen, ticks, fungus, bacteria, and parasites can cause flaky and itchy skin or lead to hair loss. Their sebaceous glands might also become inflamed, which can lead to cysts or excessive discharge.Heart issues are more common in large dog breeds. Over time, the aorta can become constricted, which puts pressure on the chambers of the heart in an attempt to push out blood through the narrowed aorta. This causes the heart to work overtime, which can lead to your pet becoming lethargic or short of breath quite easily. If you notice this occurring during their prime, then it is necessary to visit the vet in case there are actually any underlying issues.Other than these health issues, Golden Retrievers can also suffer from cataracts, thyroid issues, ear infections, and bloating. Before adopting a Golden Retriever, always check if the breeder is reputable, and make sure the parents of the puppy have no underlying health conditions. Schedule regular appointments with the vet to make sure that everything is on order and never compromise on high-quality food or supplements.Can you extend your Golden Retriever’s lifespan?Though these dogs typically live for between 10-12 years, this, of course, varies from dog to dog. A dog’s diet and lifestyle, along with its genes, play a heavy role in how long it can live. Feeding your dog healthy, fresh food and making sure it gets enough exercise can go a long way.Neutering and spaying your dog at a young age is strongly advised. Not doing so can lead to complications such as cancer in their reproductive organs (i.e. testicular cancer in males or mammary gland cancer in females). It also keeps their hormone levels in check, which makes them well-behaved and more affectionate with their owners. Neutering your Golden Retriever is said to add around three years to its life expectancy!Things You Can Do to Help Your Golden Retriever Live LongerThough a dog’s lifespan largely depends on its genetic makeup, there are a few tips you can follow for your pet to live a longer life.Always make sure your dog is in a happy environment and doesn’t feel lonely. Golden Retrievers thrive on love and affection from their humans, and leaving them alone or excluded from the family for long periods of time can deteriorate their mental health and cause stress. Also, avoid placing them in stressful situations, such as being harassed by other dogs or being neglected in favor of another family pet. Being stressed out regularly can induce a number of chronic diseases in your dog and can weaken its immune system greatly.Apart from physical exercise, make sure that your Golden Retriever’s mind is stimulated as well. Keeping your puppy’s mind active by introducing puzzle toys, new scents, or visual aids can help keep them mentally sound, which leads to them being active and can keep away some health issues, as well as ward away any stress from boredom or loneliness.Investing in proper flooring and stairs can help keep your Golden Retrievers from wearing out its joints, as wooden floors tend to be quite slippery. Reasonable-height stairs, as well as stools or steps to help them climb up to beds and couches, can keep them from falling and breaking any bones.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for ‘Golden Retriever’s lifespan’, then why not take a look at ‘How fast can a dog run?’ or ‘Golden Retriever facts’.
Golden Retrievers are one of the most sought-after breeds when it comes to adopting a pet dog.
