Is 13 Old for a Golden Retriever? What Is the Average Golden Retriever Lifespan?
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Our golden retrievers are such beloved members of the family, we wish that they could live forever.
Generally, larger dogs have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs do.
A study in the American Naturalist that drew data from the Veterinary Data Base covering 74 breeds and more than 50,000 dogs reviewed when and how they died.
They came to the conclusion that large dogs age at an accelerated pace.
Unfortunately, goldens also often have health issues that shorten their lives.
Average Lifespan for Golden Retrievers
The average lifespan for golden retrievers, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other authorities, is 10 to 12 years old.
Unfortunately, golden retrievers’ lifespan has been decreasing over the years,
In the 1970s, goldens commonly lived to be 16 or 17 years old. That’s the exception now, not the rule.
A golden retriever named Augie celebrated her twentieth birthday and was said to be the oldest-living golden at the time.
She was adopted when she was 14 years old. Of course, she was given a birthday celebration to mark the happy occasion.
How Fast Do Goldens Age?
Years ago, people thought that dogs aged seven years for every human year.
However, the AKC currently reports that dogs are considered teenagers of about 15 years old when they’re one year old.
In their second year, they age another nine human years.
After that, they age about the equivalent of five human years for every year. Of course, for larger breeds, the time table is accelerated.
Golden retrievers aren’t considered to be adults until approximately two to three years of age.
Factors That Influence A Golden Retriever’s Lifespan
There are many factors that influence a golden’s lifespan. Of course, genetics is a major factor.
Sixty percent of goldens die of cancer in the United States. However, less than 40 percent of European goldens die of cancer.
If you’ve been following our blog for a while then you probably saw our English Cream Golden Retriever litters. We partnered with a breeder and donated our Goldens to service dog organizations. The breeder we partnered with mixed European Goldens with American Goldens to try and produce healthier puppies.
The Morris Animal Foundation is conducting a $32 million lifetime study of over 3,000 goldens to figure out the factors affecting their lifespans. Genetics, health, and environmental factors are being considered.
Although the reason for the increase of cancer in goldens isn’t fully understood yet, a recent genetic mutation is thought to be a culprit.
Goldens with hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma have genetic alterations that make them more likely to develop those cancers.
Golden Retrievers are also more likely to die of bone cancer, lymphoma, and blood cancer than other dog breeds, a 2015 Golden Retriever Lifetime Study found.
The popularity of goldens has also harmed this amazing breed. According to the AKC, they are the third most popular breed.
Poorly or over-bred specimens, such as those found in puppy mills, are also prone to more health problems than well-bred goldens are.
Other health problems that goldens and some other large breeds are more susceptible to also can shorten a golden’s lifespan. These include bloat, arthritis and joint problems, and conditions associated with obesity such as diabetes.
And goldens face other health problems as they age, including: hip dysplasia, skiing conditions, heart problems, cataracts, Von Willebrand Disease, and Hypothyroidism.
Of course, good nutrition, exercise, and neutering can also influence how long a dog will live.
Ways To Help Your Golden Retriever Live Longer
Of course, there are no guarantees regarding what will increase your beloved golden’s lifespan.
But there are some common-sense measures you can take to help increase the odds that he’ll live a long, healthy life.
1. Choose the Right Dog
It may sound obvious, but choosing a healthy dog can mean a dog without or with fewer health problems.
Choosing a good breeder is a good start. Research your breeder.
Knowledgeable, caring breeders do extensive health testing before breeding any dog. And they won’t breed one who doesn’t pass muster.
A good breeder will encourage you to meet the mother of the litter and will question you about why you want a golden. They’ll also ask questions about what you know about the breed, how you’ll raise the dog, and how you’ll care for him.
A breeder that has been breeding for only a few years generally isn’t desirable.
Or if the puppies haven’t seen a vet and received appropriate vaccinations and been dewormed, it’s another warning sign.
Good breeders aren’t just looking for a quick dollar. They care about improving the breed.
Reputable breeders usually provide information on the puppy’s lineage. And AKC papers . But note that many puppy mill breeders also provide AKC papers, which don’t guarantee that the dog is healthy or well-bred.
Bad breeders, such as puppy mills, are in it only for the money.
They don’t do any testing and generally will breed any two dogs together who will make them money.
You won’t be able to meet the mother, who is often sick and poorly bred and not socialized.
Breeding parents in puppy mills live horrid lives, just living in rabbit-type hutches or barns until they can no longer breed, at which time their short lives are usually ended.
One of my golden rescues was a former puppy mill breeder dog.
Brandi came to me unsocialized and very ill.
She had a bladder stone the size of a paper weight, which must have caused her much pain for a long time. The rescue group had it removed.
I had other tests run, including an ultrasound for another problem. It turned out she had a cardiac hemangiosarcoma.
I couldn’t let her die without having some quality time to live. I
had her cancer treated by specialists and she lived over nine months in freedom.
She turned out to be the sweetest dog. And she learned how to play, go on walks, and be loved for who she was.
You can also choose to rescue your golden.
Of course, not every rescued golden has health or behavior problems.
I am a proponent of both good breeders and rescues. All of my goldens have been rescues. And all have been great dogs.
2. Keep Your Dog at a Good Weight
If you’re not sure what your golden should weigh, check with your vet.
Generally, a golden should have a well-defined waistline.
He shouldn’t appear plump or chubby. Instead, he should appear lean.
You shouldn’t be able to see his ribs, but you should be able to feel them with a light layer of fat covering them.
So don’t overfeed him.
And make sure that he receives enough exercise according to his age and health.
A nice long walk, swimming, and playing can all help keep him fit and trim.
And he’ll be happier being active. But make sure you check with your vet before starting any exercise program.
Excess weight strains every major body system and predisposes a dog to joint disorders, hypertension, diabetes, and congestive heart failure.
3. Ensure Good Dental Hygiene
Just like us, a dog’s dental hygiene can affect their overall health.
Without good dental hygiene, a dog can have periodontal disease. Bacteria can enter the blood system and affect organs, attacking the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs.
Unfortunately, 80 percent of dogs show dental disease by the age of three.
Many vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Daily is best.
It’s good to have your vet check out whether your golden’s teeth need to be cleaned–or if any need to be pulled.
I brush my dogs’ teeth daily. And, when the vet indicates that they should be professionally cleaned, I take her advice.
4. Spay or Neuter Your Golden
There are many theories regarding whether and when to fix your dog. Many experts say that neutering will help prevent certain types of cancer later in life.
Females will have a reduced risk of breast and uterine cancers, pyometra, false pregnancy, uterine torsion, and vaginal and uterine prolapse.
Neutering totally eliminates the risk of many cancers that affect male dogs. It also decreases the risk of several others.
Neutered dogs enjoy zero to a reduced risk of testicular cancer prostate problems, anal tumors, hernias, and testicular infections.
Neutering also helps decrease the risk of territorialism and hormone-driven behaviors such as aggression to other male dogs.
It also ends a male wanting to wander to find females to mate with. Also mounting and marking behaviors will be greatly decreased or ended.
5. Take Emergency Action
When necessary, be prepared to take emergency action regarding your golden.
Accidents happen. Have a plan of action regarding what you’ll do.
You may want to have an emergency kit ready. And know where your local vet and any emergency veterinary clinics are located.
And watching and being prepared for any sudden emergency can mean the difference between life and death, as quick action may be required
6. Provide Regular Vet Care
Taking your dog to the vet for regular check-ups and providing necessary vaccinations (or doing titers) can be a very important part of the puzzle to help keep your golden in tip-top shape.
Any problem can be detected at an early point. And he should be less likely to contract harmful illnesses.
7. Regularly Groom Your Golden
In addition to keeping his coat as beautiful as it can be, grooming has other health benefits. It will help keep his skin in good shape.
And you’ll be more likely to detect lumps and bumps and other irregularities before they become life-threatening.
Keeping your golden’s nails appropriately trimmed is also important for his structure.
And having flop-type ears, goldens are more prone to ear infections. So they must be checked and cleaned as appropriate.
8. Apply Dog-Safe Sunscreen
Like us, goldens can get skin cancer. So, if they’re exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, it’s advisable to apply dog-safe sunscreen.
9. Limit Your Golden’s Stress
Goldens are usually very attuned to their family.
If there’s a stressful event, it will affect them. And, like us, stress can affect his body and mind.
10. Limit Allergens and Dangerous Chemicals
Because goldens are prone to allergies, it’s important to limit known allergens from their environment.
Also, some chemicals such as lawn fertilizers or ice melts may make a golden ill–or even be deadly.
So always make sure that you use products that are dog-friendly.
11. Become Your Dog’s Nutritionist
Of course, you might need to consult with a professional regarding the proper nutrition for your golden.
But it’s important to educate yourself regarding what food and treats would be the best for him. Feed a high-quality diet.
I researched many brands of food for my dogs before choosing one.
Also, knowledge can be a springboard for asking questions of your vet or a veterinary nutritionist.
It’s also important to know what foods are dangerous or deadly to dogs.
Chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, avocado, apple seeds, onions, and xylitol are deadly to dogs in even small amounts.
The ASPCA has a very informative website regarding foods that are dangerous to our beloved goldens.
12. Develop a Network of Dog Lovers
In addition to being fun and potentially forming long-term friendships, participating in or attending dog-related activities can keep you better-informed.
Ask your vet any questions you have regarding your golden.
Attend dog shows and talk with “dog people” to learn as much as you can about your golden’s well-being.
Usually, there are many goldens in obedience, conformation, rally, and agility at dog shows.
Dog lovers usually love to talk about dog-related matters. Especially about goldens if that’s “their breed.”
Join a dog club–or even one for golden retriever owners only.
The more well-informed we are, the better we can care for our special canines.
13. Train Your Golden
As a working breed, goldens need a “job.” Without one, they may become distressed, bored, and inactive–none of which are good for their mental or physical health.
Teaching basic commands and tricks will help your golden enjoy life and be healthier mentally and physically.
A trained golden is less likely to engage in destructive behavior and become injured for example, by either ingesting something he shouldn’t or by getting loose and not coming when called.
Plus training will further your bond. And your pup will be welcomed wherever he goes because he’s well-behaved.
Many dogs are given up and rehomed or relinquished to shelters because of bad behavior.
14. Socialize Your Dog
A well-socialized puppy or dog has a much happier, full life. And, if done properly, a socialized dog is less likely to have certain undesirable behaviors like aggression from fear of the unknown.
Aggressive dogs are at risk of euthanization.
Final Thoughts
We’ve owned several Goldens throughout our years. Our family dog, Kiko passes when she was 10 years old from a brain tumor.
We raised Apache who is now a working service dog. He is 9 years old and as far as we know still working. Our very own Raven turned 7 over the summer.
The bad news is we have three friends who’s Goldens passed away at six, six, and seven years old.
Our beloved goldens’ lifespan is never long enough.
Choosing a healthy golden and taking as many measures as you can to extend his lifespan may help you have a long, full life with your beloved companion.
How old is your golden? What’s the oldest age of any golden you’ve had?
Please tell us about it in the comments below.
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Blessed to have a beautiful female Golden Retriever. Lucky just turned 16 years old, February 8th, 2024. Still has that puppy spirit!
My golden retriever Chloe just passed away at 15. She was a bigger golden who was around 85 pounds but that looked good on her. She loved fruits and vegetables in her kibble and I did not use fertilizer or weed control in her backyard.
I have Two Daisy is 11 will be 12 July 1 23 Brody will be two December 27, 2022.
Bonnie will be 9, February 28. We play fetch for a while each day when I return from work. She could probably lose 10 pounds. I feed her supplements for joint health. Her main diet is 4Health. It has taken a while to find something that agrees with her stomach. I fed her science diet, blue buffalo and others before. She loves being groomed and even vacuumed with the Kirby. Her big sister is a 14 year old JRT.
Our Molly is 14 and 3 months and doing very well right now. She is on a kidney friendly dog food diet, prescription shampoo for yeast, Proviable (probiotic) for anxiety, and has been treated for bladder infection twice in the last 4 months. We are beyond grateful we have been blessed with the fact she is in her 3rd bonus year (as her vet tells us). ❤️
Our dear Dora, who is also 15, has similar symptoms. She still has more good days than bad. I got her a stroller, which has really seemed to help. She gets out in the world again.
I have a soon to be 14 year old Golden retriever Sally. She’s been the best family pet. Always loving and kind to all.
We lost our boy Bunker in April of 2019. He was just shy of 14 years old. He had an enlarged prostate due to us not neutering him. His prostate swelled enough that he couldn’t urinate, or empty his colon. We made the decision to euthanize him. Worst day of my life at that point. It took 2 years before we got another. Since Bunker passed, we named our new puppy Archie Bunker. He’s about to turn 3. We will never have any other breed than a Golden Retriever.
My Golden Boy, Cedar, just turned 15 on Sept. 6. He’s not been in the best of health for the past year, but he has really slowed down the past couple weeks. He doesn’t seem to be in pain and is still eating good. But he’s having trouble standing up without help and in the last week, seems to be falling. I don’t want him to break something, so will probably be making that horrible call to the vets soon. I’ve been told that 15 for an 85 lb dog is not normal, so I’ve taken good care of him. But he was my late husband’s Christmas present in 2007 and has helped me grieve these last 10 years. So he is extra special to me and it’s very hard to let him go.
Just lost our beautiful Abbey this week; four months prior to her 12th birthday. The definition of an angel, Abbey will be sorely missed, not only by her family but by the entire neighborhood who came to know and live Abbey so much.
I am curious as to why this wonderful breed’s average lifespan has plummeted so dramatically over the past few decades, as stated in your article. Ten to twelve years vs 15 to 17 years a few decades ago. This is a cut of one-third. That’s a dramatic reduction in lifespan. Given medical advances in veterinary science, I would have hoped for the opposite where goldens could now expect to live 20 years or more!
My Shine is almost 12 today he stopped eating and I know will soon be passing to his forever home. I love him so much, can’t imagine life without him.
Our lovely Lilly will be 14 in November and is running about all over the place and still very much enjoying life. I put it down to good breeding/genetics, a healthy diet, keeping her at a healthy weight and not providing manufactured dog treats. She is just as happy with a piece of apple (no seeds) or the leftover juice from a can of tuna or salmon when we have it. No need for chemicals and BHT and BHA in treats and many manufactured dog foods. Pet foods are not regulated to the same standard as human food. Lots of rubbish in them with clever packaging and marketing. Choose wisely. We spend quite a bit on decent food and see that as an investment. We would rather give her the best we can afford now and help to extend her life, rather than shell out at the end to try to save her, or just extend her life by a few weeks or months, when she’s sick and unhappy anyway We love our golden. She has brought so much joy into our lives. The perfect family dog, and Lilly is a wonderful example of her breed.
We have an English golden who is 12 and other than arthritis is doing well. He had good breeding but also he has never been overweight which is likely helping with his more graceful aging. He has been the best dog in the world and we are so glad he is still with us.
My first Golden was Nugget. She lived to be 15 years old. I was her rescue. I had a severe health issue, and she stayed by my side through it all. She’s rescued me! She loved a ball, especially a football. She loved to play in the water. Once, she jumped out of an open car window to go play in a pond on the side of the road. She was riding with my teenage daughters and made a game out of the adventure. The object of the game was to see how long one dog could swim before the two girls could catch her. It was great entertainment for her and every passerby. Currently, we have a 13-year old male rescue. For the last five years, he has lived a luxurious life. When you sit on the couch, he climbs into your lap and rolled onto his back for belly rubs. We also have a 2-year old female, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer at 16 months. She’s had several surgeries and chemo. During it all, she’s had a happy disposition. There’s no sign of cancer, but she’ll be checked every 6 months. Goldens make the best friends.
I’m 76 years old and seldom during that time have been without a dog. I’m sure many people find companionship from other animals. Dogs are simply different. They enter your soul, plop down and say “I’m here what’s next? We do expensive research on how to to extend and improve our dogs life, pay their medical bills and so much more. But they are simply different. The growing “rescue dogs” programs are “God” sent. Disabled dog can now have normal lives.
I believe that we are realizing all the positive impact of dogs. Adopt rescues, report inhumane treatment and remember. Dogs are simply different. ❤️
I have 2 Golden Retrievers that are sisters and they are turning 11 this month. I am.so happy they seem healthy and full of life.
My childhood golden we rescued lived till he was 18! Our second was 10 he died of a tumor on his spleen. I currently have a 9 year old named Luna.
My golden retriever the second one I had was named bubba Gump I got him from upstate New York I got him on November 17th 2018 we would do everything together I would go outside with him at 3:00 in the morning and we would play Frisbee all he wanted to do was play he was 9 years old when I got home 6 months after I owed him had had him the vet told me that he had come down with lymphoma cancer bubba was extremely healthy and very strong we would go outside and he would lead me around the yard as I cut the grass I would stop the mower blade he would come over with his frisbee and I would throw it for him I asked bubba to stay with me for one year and that’s what he did exactly one year from day to day when I got him I had to have the vet come to our we’re home that was his home forever and put him to sleep and then I brought him to the crematory and I have them with me now on top of my computer desk he was the one dog that was my dog Goldie was my son’s dog that I rescued and I had her for 14 years old now I have two girls Rosie and Goldie that I went and got 3 years ago Christmas Eve drove up the upstate New York to get them from the lady who gave me bubba both dogs she gave to me for free because she was told by a better assistant up there that she will never find someone else to take care of the girls or bubba like me I have one rule that I always say if my dogs can’t come I am not going
Dear Sal, I am so sorry to read that Buddy has died. Buddy was part of your family and your grief is palpable. One thing to try to remember is that Buddy knows how much you love him. You gave him the best life with all the love you could just for him. As each day passes, you will not ever forget Buddy. Sal, you will begin to enjoy the wonderful memories you made with Buddy. Your love will last forever. And give yourself the gift of grieving with your family. They are hurting too. Remembering your love of Buddy together in tears and joy will bring you closer together. Buddy sounds like he was a great dog. Celebrate Buddy’s life together. 🦮🥰 With love from a Golden Retriever Mom, lady di 🦮🐕🦺🐾💛🌈
We lost our first golden to bloat when he was just shy of 10 and have another that is now 11 and a half. They are wonderful dogs. So loving, smart and loyal. Having them has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Gabriel was our Angel dog and Phoenix is the dog who mended my broken heart. We lost our mixed breed Shibu Inu on Christmas Day this year, 2021 at 14. He will live forever in my/our hearts.
We have been blessed by our Golden, Sunshine, for 16 years!! She is our world! Daily affirmations and treats keeps her happy!!
My golden girl ( Daisy Mae)just turned 12years in November 17th ( 2021). She is such a sweetheart 💖. She’s our first ” full” golden. We’ve had golden mixes up to this point. ALL ARE RESCUES… NO BREEDERS… DOGS ARE BEING EUTHANIZED AT CRAZY RATES ” FOR LACK OF SPACE” . THAT JUST BREAKS MY HEART. 💔.
There is no dog like a GR. Mickey (my Mick-Mouse) was my sweet boy. He was such a good companion and he was my family. Joy was instantaneous I think for the both of us. My heart would just burst with happiness in doing everything and nothing with him. He helped me to be my best self and there was nothing that I wouldn’t do for him. Everyday he made me grateful just to be his mom. It will be 7 years ago on December 18th that I lost my 7 year old sweet pup to brain cancer. I couldn’t save him. I cried hard everyday for 4 months and nearly 3x a week for nearly a year after. I think about him everyday and his picture is the screen saver on my phone. His passing changed me forever. I’m crying now as I write this. I instantaneously fall in love with each GR I meet but I can’t bring myself to ever have another one again. Mickey gave me his best everyday and he made it easy for me to try to do the same. I think he knew what he was doing. 😉 I <3 u Mouse! 🙁 and I miss you terribly.
My Golden girl came to me on my Birthday in November 2010 and left me in November 2021. She was was 11.5 years when she went to sleep 2 days ago:( I am having so much pain cause I believed she would live up to 14:( she got wall barley on her paw in August , after the operation her immune system had collapsed. Suddenly she had problem on her hips. So the vet tried to cure the hip
She was okey for a month, I even took her on holiday but it was her last trip after coming back she totally collapsed:( the vet said the real problem were the tumors. He did not take any tomography but he could tell it directly. The last day she was in big pain so the vet suggested her to sleep:( I don’t know if I could save her:( but the vet refused me to take her home. She was euthanized.
I agree with you. I just lost my golden Zoe two weeks short of her 14th birthday due to a mast cell tumor. I’m devastated and am having trouble coping. With the pandemic I’ve been working from home for two years now and we’ve always been inseparable. Best I can say is treasure the memories. I could never replace her with another dog either. I have her collar with a photo and can say as difficult as this has been I’m blessed to have had my girl. I wish you well.
I’m so sorry. I’m going through that right now, and I can’t get past the pain. Read my other posts. I don’t know what I can do to move on.
I loved and adored my Golden (Buddy). We had to put him to sleep two days ago – he was almost 14. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever done. I’m currently devastated, and I’m trying to hide my true feelings from my wife and kids the best I can. He’s been part of our family all that time and would always make sure he followed me around wherever I went in the house or even outside. Everything in our home reminds me of him, because he was always within eyeshot of me. I’m hurting and I don’t know what to do. I can’t believe how people can just get a replacement dog so easily- I just can’t replace my Buddy.
We just lost our Buddy – we had to put him to sleep. It was the most heart breaking thing I’ve ever done, and my pain is getting worse by the day. He was part of our family for almost 14 years and I could never replace him. I don’t know how to make the hurt go away.
I lost my Augie at 10 to cancer last year. I miss him so
Hip dysplasia is a puppy disease. If it doesn’t show up by age two, it isn’t hip dysplasia. If it starts to show up in his later years it’s more likely to be good old fashioned arthritis.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful article and information. We are now enjoying our third golden retriever, our first was Ace, a service dog who we adopted from the Lion’s Foundation as he had hip dysplasia, none the less he lived to be 12 and loved life on Georgian Bay. Our second was Angus, we raised from a puppy from an exceptional breeder. He found and saved me when I had a stroke. Angus lived to almost 15!
Now, we have an energetic golden puppy, Winston at 5 months young.
The information in your post is well prepared for the best golden care.
Thank you, Bob, Janice and Winston Clark, Clinton, Ontario
Best meal program for my 5 yr.Golden Sarah forr healty and energetic, playful lifestyle please.
Dick Berka
Indiana is 15yrs/3mos now. A wise old fellow. Good breeder. Canadian dad cream. Mom from Sweden. Kept him close all the time. Neutered. Lots of exercise. Loves ice water. Clean bowels before every meal. Hips, eyes, hearing only 30-40% now. Poops whenever but pees outside still. Consistent diet. Slim.
My golden boy will be 12 in November. We lost another at age 8.