Golden Retrievers Cost: Purchasing or Adopting

The Golden Retriever is a popular dog breed and they are considered to be the most intelligent of all breeds. They are also one of the most expensive dogs to purchase or adopt, depending on which route you take. How much does it cost for a Golden Retriever? In this blog post we will discuss the costs associated with purchasing vs adopting a golden retriever from a reputable breeder, online classifieds, shelters, and other sources.
The Golden Retriever is the most expensive dog to purchase, but it’s also one of the cheapest dogs to adopt. If you are looking for a purebred golden retriever from a reliable breeder then expect to pay at least $2000 and up. A puppy that costs this amount would be considered “show quality” which means they have a very low chance of having any genetic defects or health problems.

When you adopt, the cost is usually between $150 and $400 depending on how old they are and what kind of dog you are adopting. Dogs that have been abandoned or surrendered to shelters often need extra medical care before they can be adopted out again, so these costs normally vary a lot.

cute puppies
cutiest puppy
If you have your heart set on adopting, make sure to pick an adult Golden Retriever that has already been spayed or neutered and is healthy. This will usually cost less than purchasing one from a breeder because the dog is not considered valuable anymore.

There are also other sources where you can find Golden Retrievers at a low cost. Golden Retriever rescues will often have dogs that need to be rescued, and they usually charge on average $150 – $200 for adoption fees.

However, some breeders might require you to purchase the dog instead of adopting it because their puppies are so valuable. They could ask for a fee upwards of $1500.

So, it depends on what you want to do: adopt or purchase. You have options for each option and the costs are also different in both scenarios.

Your budget will play a big factor in purchasing or adopting:

  • If you want a Golden Retriever and your budget is around $1500, then purchasing one would be the best choice.
  • But if your budget is less than that amount or you just don’t have enough to purchase an expensive dog breed like this from a breeder, adopt instead!
What do you plan to do with your Golden Retriever?
Are you looking for a show dog with an amazing bloodline? Or are you just looking for a new family dog that the kids can love on? Both of these are great questions to consider when determining how much you want to spend on your new Golden Retriever puppy.
Golden Retriever and a Labrador puppy sitting in front of white

In Conclusion:

The cost of a Golden Retriever can vary depending on many different factors. If you aren’t too concerned with age and bloodline, we highly recommend looking for a rescue and adopting a Golden that needs a new loving home. With that said, if you are looking for a show dog, or a dog that you can breed for profit down the line, purchasing from a reputable breeder might be the way to go.