The Golden Retriever, a gleaming Scottish gundog with exceptional beauty, is one of the most popular dog breeds. They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and friendly nature. Golden Retrievers are large dogs with long coats of lustrous fur covering most of the body.
These dogs are renowned for being gentle and loving towards guests, children, and other animals. With an average lifespan of 10-13 years, Golden Retrievers work hard to please their families.
A Golden Retriever’s size, temperament, and intelligence make them an ideal family pet. But how big do they get? What are the health problems that affect this breed? And what age are these dogs fully grown? Let’s find out.
How Big Does this Breed Get?
The size of golden retrievers varies between male and female dogs. The average male will be around 23-24 inches tall, while the average female is 21-22 inches tall.
The males typically weigh between 65-75 pounds; however, this can vary greatly depending on their diet and exercise regiment. Females weigh 55-65 pounds.
This breed is considered a medium dog categorised by the United Kennel Club as a Gun Dog. Golden Retrievers are breeds that originate from Scotland, including Skye terriers, Scottish terriers, and West Highland white terriers.
What Age Are Golden Retrievers Fully Grown?
In general, golden retrievers are fully developed by one year. At this point, they have a well-muscled athletic build and generate a high energy level. We will take you through your golden retriever’s growth stages, starting at birth.
As Puppies
Golden retrievers are born with short coats that are yellow. They are completely blind and deaf for the first five days, but they quickly grow in size.
Golden Retriever puppies weigh around 6-8 ounces at birth, but the average male will weigh 3-4 pounds by the time they are eight weeks old. The average female weighs 3-4 pounds when they are 6-7 weeks old.
Golden retrievers should open their eyes for the first time at three weeks of age, and their ear canal should be fully formed. They will begin to stand up on all four feet at this age, but they are wobbly and do not have total balance.
At five weeks of age, their body begins to change. The teeth will start to come in, and the tail should be plumed out. By eight weeks old, golden retrievers have received all of their shots and are ready for adoption or purchase from a breeder.
As Adults
When golden retriever dogs reach one year, they are considered fully grown. They will continue to grow until they reach the age of four, but their growth slows down considerably after that time. At this point, they typically weigh between 65-75 pounds with an average height of 23-24 inches.
What Health Problems Affect Golden Retrievers?
Golden retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but they can suffer from different health problems. While not all golden retrievers will experience these conditions, it is essential to be aware of the warning signs.
Hip Dysplasia
The most common health problem that golden retrievers suffer from is hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the thigh bone does not fit correctly into the hip socket of the dog’s body. It can cause pain and eventual lameness.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) affects 53% to 73% of golden retrievers. The best way to prevent this condition is to purchase large breed dogs from reputable sources and ensure that they are raised correctly.
Epilepsy
Another common health problem that golden retrievers are affected by is epilepsy. This condition causes seizures in the dog’s body, which can be fatal if they often occur or for a prolonged period.
There is no known cause of this disease, but it does seem to have a genetic component, so owners should purchase dogs from a reputable breeder.
This condition typically develops when dogs are between six months and two years old. However, it can develop at any time in a dog’s life.
Cataracts
Golden retrievers can also suffer from cataracts. This condition causes the eye lens to become cloudy, which leads to a loss of vision. It can develop in one or both of a dog’s eyes.
Cataracts occur in about 7.4% of golden retrievers, but it is not associated with other health problems. It does not become severe until after the dog has reached his senior years, so it has no direct effect on their lifespan. Treatment for cataracts involves removing the lenses from the eyes.
Elbow Dysplasia
Another condition that golden retrievers can suffer from is elbow dysplasia. It occurs when the canine’s elbow joint does not fit together correctly, leading to arthritis and lameness in their legs.
This condition is also a common problem for large breed dogs, but it seems to be prevalent in golden retrievers as well. Many experts believe that it is caused by the same factors that cause hip dysplasia.
If an owner suspects their golden retriever may have this condition, they should consult with their veterinarian to determine the best course of action. The vet may want to conduct X-rays of the dog’s elbow.
Allergies
Golden retrievers are also known to suffer from pet allergies. They can be allergic to pet dander, pet saliva, and pet urine. This means they may need a dog shampoo that is designed for pet allergies.
Pet allergy symptoms in dogs include skin irritation, excessive scratching, and increased shedding. While these symptoms may also indicate other conditions such as mange or parasites, pet allergens are common culprits as well.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
The final health problem that golden retrievers may suffer from is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, also known as bloat. This condition causes the stomach to dilate and twist on itself, which can cause many problems for a dog’s digestive system.
This condition typically occurs when a golden retriever eats too fast or exercises after eating, especially if they eat their food too quickly.
If a golden retriever begins to show symptoms of this condition, such as vomiting, it is recommended that owners rush them to a veterinarian immediately for treatment. This is a life-threatening condition, and early intervention can dramatically increase the dog’s chances of survival.
Since this is a condition that affects many large breed dogs, owners need to watch their pets when they eat. It may be necessary to split up their food into smaller portions throughout the day in order to slow down their eating rate.
The Bottom Line
Golden retrievers are large breed dogs with an average height of 22-24 inches and a weight of 55-75 pounds. They can be susceptible to many health problems, but owners can decrease their risk by purchasing them from reputable breeders and ensuring that they are fed an appropriate diet.
If owners suspect that their golden retriever may have any of the aforementioned conditions, they should take them to a veterinarian immediately. These conditions can become severe if left untreated, and some of them are fatal without treatment.
