How long do Golden Retrievers live?

The median lifespan of the Golden Retriever is 13.2 years, based on the 2024 McMillan et al. study of 584,734 UK dogs.

Is the Golden Retriever a healthy breed?

On the Breed Health Score the Golden Retriever scores 79 out of 100 (grade A), compared with an average of 71 across 155 breeds.

79/ 100

Golden Retriever Grade A

Q: What health problems do Golden Retrievers have?

Commonly reported conditions in the Golden Retriever include Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Cancer (haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma), Atopic dermatitis, Hypothyroidism.

Median lifespani 13.2 yr · large · 25-34 kg

⇆ Compare Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a large breed with a median lifespan (life expectancy) of 13.2 years, which places it around the middle of the 155 breeds we rank for longevity. Commonly reported health conditions include Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Cancer (haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma), Atopic dermatitis. Its overall Breed Health Score is 79/100 (grade A), against an average of 71/100 across all breeds.

Score breakdown

Longevityi 65%

Conformationi 20%

100

Hereditary burdeni 15%

Higher is healthier. See methodology.

Golden Retriever health problems & hereditary conditions

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Cancer (haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)Atopic dermatitis Hypothyroidism

Red marks a life-threatening or major-welfare condition. Click a condition to see which breeds it affects. This list reflects commonly reported conditions, so better-studied breeds may show more; hereditary burden is the lightest-weighted part of the score. Source: RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA (indicative).

Thinking of a Golden Retriever? A breed's health profile affects insurance cost. Comparing pet insurance early, before any conditions become pre-existing, usually gets the best cover.

Compare with similar-size breeds

Golden Retriever head-to-head

Crossbreeds with Golden Retriever parentage

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Data & citation. Median lifespan: McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. Source. Machine-readable: developer API. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Photo: Masood Aslami via Pexels.