How Much Does a Golden Retriever Puppy Cost in California?

Have you ever walked down the beach and fallen in love with a puppy? Did you ask the owner where they got it, and how much it cost them? The most often asked question I get by e-mail is how much does a golden retriever puppy cost to purchase. Even more specifically, how much does a golden retriever puppy cost in California? In this article, I will discuss how much a golden retriever can cost and why the variation in prices.

The Cost for a Golden Retriever Puppy

Reputable Breeder

There are many reasons for different prices. Often, but not solely, it depends on the investment the breeder has in the parents as well as the time invested in the pups.

A reputable breeder will research their lines extensively. Health is very important, if not the most important thing to a breeder, especially in regards to hip/elbows and cancer. When I research buying a pup from other breeders I check all their certifications, pedigrees, as well as the age of death and whether or not they died of cancer.

Purchasing a pup with full rights can be expensive. Personally, I’ve seen a golden retriever go for $14,000. Normally they don’t go for that much for full AKC registration, but it is common to see full AKC registration for $5000. A breeder generally should get OFA certifications on both parents. In a previous post, I mentioned that OFA certification costs around $538 in Southern California and is done at the age of two. Those who get PennHIP certifications often pay another $500. Many breeders will get preliminary consults at one year of age which doubles the cost. DNA analysis costs around $120 to $180 specific to golden retrievers. There are additional tests that breeders can also get for their Goldens. Assuming a breeder owns both parents, the cost for the OFA certifications are doubled. If the breeder only owns the mother, they generally pay around $2500-$3500 for a stud fee or a puppy.

Many breeders show their dogs. The costs of showing are in the thousands of dollars, per dog. AKC shows can cost in the thousands for a single weekend. Many breeders have to travel hundreds of miles, pay for a hotel, pay for groomers, hire handlers, purchase crates, and spend hundreds of dollars for entrance fees. To gain an AKC championship you have to attend multiple shows. IABCA and UKC shows generally cost less but still can cost $500 a weekend if you stay in a hotel. In my personal opinion showing doesn’t make you a reputable breeder. I’ve seen standard-conformed golden retrievers become world winners in Europe while having dysplastic hips and numerous other illnesses. Conformation in a show does not mean the dog is healthy. This is an entirely different topic that can open a can of worms.

Another cost to a breeder is the cost of the litter occur themselves. When I have puppies, I have a room dedicated in my home to the pups. It is tiled, and has an expensive whelping pen, pads, heaters, toys and so much more. Every day we clean up after the pups multiple times. Cleaning supplies can be expensive. I know many breeders who breed in kennels. They just spray down the kennels with water. The cost is less for them, but the pups don’t get the socialization they need. The socialization of pups alone is why many breeders I know charge more. It is my opinion those who socialize their pups in their home offer a better quality pup in terms of temperament. Not only does it cost more, but the investment in time is unquantifiable.

Lastly, most breeders vaccinate, deworm, microchip, and visit the vet for a puppy well check. Many vets charge over $300 just for a puppy well-check. God forbid any problem to occur with the mother and a cesarean is needed. Cesareans can cost between $600-$1800 here in Southern California.

Sometimes breeding has unintended consequences. Say a dog fails their certifications or needs unexpected surgery, that investment has to be recuperated somehow. A few years back Ember had to have surgery. She decided to chew on some plastic that got lodged in her stomach. She nearly died and was in the hospital for two weeks. That cost $10,000. After recovering from surgery, I had all her certifications done, and at the age of 2, she got pyometra. Another 10 grand, and we had to spay her. She never had puppies. Unexpected costs like this make breeding an expensive endeavor.

Non-Reputable Breeder

Now I know way too many breeders who don’t receive any certifications, attend any shows, have puppies in a box, or have great luck without complications. Since they don’t have much of a time/cost investment in their breeding stock, their pups cost less. I’ve seen many of these puppies being sold on the side of the road. It is possible to get a pup who turns out great from a breeder that doesn’t get certifications, but there is always a risk that cancer, hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart problems, skin problems, and so many other diseases can develop in your pup. In the long run, the costs to treat those illnesses can far surpass the initial high price of purchasing a healthy pup from a reputable breeder.

Shelter or Rescue

First and foremost, even as a breeder I support giving shelter and rescue pups/dogs a home. You may have to work on training more extensively, but it is very rewarding. I’ve personally adopted in the past. Often you won’t know about the health, temperament, the life experiences of the pup/dog, but you will save money on the initial investment. For a list of Golden Retriever rescues in Southern California click the link.

How Much Is A Golden Retriever?

As we discussed throughout this article the price will depend on whether or not you purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, or a run of the mill breeder trying to turn a quick buck. On average in California a purebred golden retriever will cost between $1500 and $4000.

If you purchase a puppy or adult golden retriever from a shelter your cost can be between $35 to $300. If you choose to go to a rescue the price often can be around $500.

No matter how much a puppy may cost initially, you have to be ready for the cost of ownership once you are taking care of them. Once the pup is in your home, they should become another child. Often the cost of ownership is what puppy parents don’t anticipate. This oversight, aside from behavioral issues, is one of the biggest cause of pups ending up in a shelter.

Research is key. Best of luck on your puppy searching adventure.