Though each dog is unique and will age differently based on their breed, lifestyle, and overall health, it's important to know your dog's life expectancy so that you can accommodate to them as they grow older. So how long do Golden Retrievers live? We've got all the answers you need on Golden Retriever Life Expectancy:
Average Dog Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in dogs varies greatly based on breed, lifestyle, diet, and overall health, so it's to say what the average life expectancy is for dogs in general. Here we can see the average life expectancy for a wide variety of common dog breeds:
Life expectancy also varies based on if your dog is a pure bred or mixed breed dog. Research has indicated that mixed breed dogs tend to live longer than pure bred dogs, as pure breds tend to inherit more genetic disorders. This being said, you can ensure you adopt a healthy dog by doing thorough research on the breeder and diet/lifestyle needs of the breed, and breeders can do their part by testing their dogs for genetic disorders and breeding accordingly.
How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?
Most Golden Retrievers live between 10 and 12 years. Of course each dog's lifespan will vary based on a number of factors, but 10-12 is a reasonable age range to expect. You'll notice that their lifespan is a little shorter than other breeds that can live upwards of 17-20 years - this is because of their larger body size.
How Can You Extend Your Dog's Lifespan?
There are actually quite a few steps you can take to ensure your dog lives the longest, happiest life possible!
- Do research before adopting. Make sure you're adopting your Golden Retriever puppy from a reputable breeder who performs routine health checks and breeds out any possible genetic disorders. If you're looking to adopt a Golden Retriever from a rescue, ask them if they have their medical history.
- Feed them a healthy diet. Food is the best preventative medicine, so make sure you choose a nutritious food without fillers or preservatives. Adding fresh food on top of their kibble is also great for longevity! You can toss some fresh fruit or veggies on top, or you can prepare a healthy, homemade dinner for them.
- Exercise them daily! Daily exercise is so important not only for your dog's health, but their happiness too! A tired dog is a happy dog, so don't skip those daily walks to the park.
- Visit your vet on a regular basis. Typically, your dog will need to visit the vet as least once per year for a general wellness exam and routine vaccines. If you have any concerns about your dog and any symptoms they may be experiencing, don't hesitate to make an appointment as soon as possible.
