Do Golden Retrievers gain weight easily
Golden Retriever Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Here's everything you need to know about Golden Retriever growth:
Golden Retriever Dog Breed
Golden Retrievers are medium- to large-sized dogs with sturdy, athletic bodies and strong gaits. Please remember that the following growth and weight numbers are estimates and should only be used to gather a general idea of what your Golden Retriever puppy may weigh at different ages.
If your Golden Retriever pup is significantly ahead or behind the following numbers, contact your veterinarian to check that your puppy is growing appropriately. However, dont fret if your dog is a little ahead or behind the growth numbers, as every puppy grows at their own rate!
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Male Golden Retriever Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 mo. | 3-5 lb. |
| 2 mo. | 10-15 lb. |
| 3 mo. | 20-25 lb. |
| 4 mo. | 25-30 lb. |
| 5 mo. | 35-40 lb. |
| 6 mo. | 35-45 lb. |
| 7 mo. | 40-50 lb. |
| 8 mo. | 45-55 lb. |
| 9 mo. | 50-60 lb. |
| 10 mo. | 55-65 lb. |
| 11 mo. | 60-70 lb. |
| 12 mo. | 60-70 lb. |
| 2 yr. | 65-75 lb. |
Female Golden Retriever Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 mo. | 2-5 lb. |
| 2 mo. | 5-10 lb. |
| 3 mo. | 15-20 lb. |
| 4 mo. | 20-25 lb. |
| 5 mo. | 25-30 lb. |
| 6 mo. | 30-35 lb. |
| 7 mo. | 30-40 lb. |
| 8 mo. | 35-45 lb. |
| 9 mo. | 40-50 lb. |
| 10 mo. | 45-55 lb. |
| 11 mo. | 50-55 lb. |
| 12 mo. | 50-60 lb. |
| 2 yr. | 55-65 lb. |
At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown?
As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully.
(Image Source: Pexels)
How big should a 6-month-old Golden Retriever be?
A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age.
As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from 21.5 to 24 inches tall, with male Goldies being on the taller end of the range.
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How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get?
There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get.
First, start with your Golden Retriever puppys age. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight.
Next, reach out to your Golden Retriever puppys breeder if applicable. Their breeder should be able to provide you with a precise estimate of your puppys adult size based on their parents and previous litters their parents had. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight.
Lastly, take a look at your puppys paws. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines.
What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever?
Per the American Kennel Club Official Golden Retriever Breed Standards, a male Golden Retriever should weigh between 65 to 75 pounds, and a female Golden Retriever should weigh between 55 to 65 pounds.
Male Golden Retrievers will stand at 23 to 24 inches, while female Goldies are slightly shorter at 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall. As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur.
(Image Source: Pexels)
How do I make sure my Golden Retriever is healthy?
Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. So regular veterinary care, along with a healthy lifestyle, can provide your Goldie with the best foundation for a happy, healthy life.
Healthy lifestyle choices such as an appropriate diet and exercise routine are crucial in your pups everyday happiness and long-term health. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood.
According to the Veterinary Centers of America, Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. They should be carefully monitored to see if theyve gained weight, as their long coats can easily disguise weight gain. This can be done easily by being mindful of your pups body size and shape when you're petting them, as well as routine observation by a veterinarian as part of your Goldens annual physical exam.
Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body.
If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Your veterinarian can also screen your Golden Retriever for hereditary diseases during their regular exams to keep an eye on your puppys health and to treat any illnesses as soon as possible.
Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20,000 pet parents surveyed, only 19.8% said they would be able to pay a $5,000 veterinary expense out-of-pocket. The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in.
Pet insurance acts as a safety net by reimbursing you for up to 90% of out-of-pocket veterinary costs for accidents and illnesses. Youll feel at peace knowing that your Golden Retriever will receive top-notch veterinary care should the worst happen, and you can focus on whats really important, being there for your pup while theyre being treated.
Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care, like x-rays and exams.
Final Considerations
Dont wait for the worst to happen. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today!
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How Big Do Golden Retrievers Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart
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Golden Retrievers, often referred to as Goldens for short, are beloved family pets often featured in movies and shows. Youll also see them on search and rescue missions and as service animals. Why do we see them so often? They are a good-natured breed and never really grow out of their fun and playful ways, but they are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and easy to train.
If you are considering a Golden Retriever puppy, you may be interested in how big it will get and what factors ultimately affect its size.
Facts About Golden Retrievers
Goldens are among the most popular dog breeds, especially for families, because of their playful and loyal nature. Here are a few facts about Goldens you may not have known:
- Goldens are the 4th most intelligent dog breed and are easily trained.
- Their double coat repels water, and they love to swim.
- They love caring for others (puppies, humans, and even cats!)
- They are superior tracking dogs and a popular choice for search and rescue.
Golden Retriever Size and Growth Charts
Male Goldens have a stockier build, a broader head and snout, and a prominent tuft of hair under the chin and down the chest, sometimes called a mane. You may be able to spot a female Golden by their slender body profile, narrower head, and thinner, more feathered coat appearance.
Because of their natural size differences, male and female Golden Retrievers have slightly different growth charts.
Golden Retriever Size and Growth Chart (Male)
| Age | Weight Range (pounds) | Length Range (inches) |
| 8 weeks | 3-17 lbs. | 615 |
| 9 weeks | 5-17 lbs. | 915 |
| 10 weeks | 8-22 lbs. | 1015 |
| 11 weeks | 12-25 lbs. | 10 -15 |
| 3 months | 16-43 lbs. | 1020 |
| 4 months | 25-44 lbs. | 1224 |
| 5 months | 27-57 lbs. | 13.524 |
| 6 months | 29-72 lbs. | 1924.5 |
| 7 months | 32-77 lbs. | 1926 |
| 8 months | 49-85 lbs. | 2126 |
| 9 months | 45-77 lbs. | 2226 |
| 10 months | 50-77 lbs. | 2226 |
| 11 months | 55-77 lbs. | 2226 |
| 1 year | 65-77 lbs. | 2226 |
| 2 years | 65-80 lbs. | 2226 |
Golden Retriever Size and Growth Chart (Female)
| Age | Weight Range | Length Range |
| 8 weeks | 5-17 lbs. | 615 |
| 9 weeks | 8-17 lbs. | 916 |
| 10 weeks | 19-22 lbs. | 118 |
| 11 weeks | 12-25 lbs. | 1118 |
| 3 months | 16-33 lbs. | 1119 |
| 4 months | 22-44 lbs. | 1222 |
| 5 months | 25-52 lbs. | 1324 |
| 6 months | 27-61 lbs. | 1524 |
| 7 months | 31-67 lbs. | 1625 |
| 8 months | 40-70 lbs. | 1825 |
| 9 months | 44-68 lbs. | 2025 |
| 10 months | 52-68 lbs. | 2025 |
| 11 months | 52-80 lbs. | 2025 |
| 1 year | 55-90 lbs. | 2026 |
| 2 years | 55-90 lbs. | 2026 |
When Does a Golden Retriever Stop Growing?
Goldens will reach their full adult size by the time they are 2 years old. They may have reached their adult height much earlier than that, at around one year, but it takes another year to build the strong bones and muscle they will need throughout adulthood.
By the time they are two, Golden Retrievers may not continue growing physically, but they still have some growing up to do mentally. Regular training is essential for a well-behaved pup, even if your Golden always retains the youthful playfulness the breed is known for.
Factors Affecting the Size of Golden Retriever
As you can see from the growth charts above, the size and weight of your pup can vary widely. What determines how big your Golden will get? Just as with all puppies, the quality of their food, the proper amount of exercise, and their genetics all play a role in their adult size.
Proper veterinary care throughout their lifetime is essential but is most likely to affect their growth as puppies. Be sure to:
- Check for, treat, and prevent parasites
- Get all vaccines and boosters on time
- Consider the time of spaying or neutering
Purebred Goldens are susceptible to rare pituitary dwarfism that affects their hormones and growth. Your vet can check for this if your pup isnt meeting growth milestones.
Retriever mixed breeds will have a much different growth chart based on their parentage. Be sure to research the mixed breed features and parentage to know more about what to expect.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Goldens require a diet with healthy protein from an animal source, typically beef, poultry, or fish. Omega-3 fatty acids provide energy and support the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Prebiotics and fiber from fruits and vegetables aid digestion and may help avoid bowel problems.
A quality dog food formulated for your Golden Retrievers life stage should have all of these features. Grains are a nutritious ingredient in most dog foods unless your pups vet has advised that a grain-free diet would be best. Corn that isnt processed as a corn meal for easy digestion may cause skin issues that Goldens are susceptible to.
Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight should include a variety of food choices, including dry kibble and nutritious wet food fed according to the recommended amounts. Because Goldens gain weight easily, treats should be limited.
How to Measure Your Golden Retriever
Dogs are measured from their withers or their shoulders highest point. The height of their neck and head are not included. You can measure your dogs size much like you would your own against a wall or doorframe. Use a straight edge placed at their withers to mark the height on a wall or other permanent, flat surface. Then measure from the floor to the mark on the wall.
When determining where to mark the height on the wall, feel for their shoulders. If your dog has a thick coat, this is especially important. They should also be standing upright and not sitting down, reaching toward the floor, or leaning to one side. Having a partner hold a treat in front of them at the right height to have them stand upright and still for a moment can help.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers are a popular choice for many reasons, but their medium size makes them an ideal companion or family pet. Because their size can vary, its difficult to say precisely how big your puppy will get, but you can estimate based on the size of its parents, other puppies in the litter, its general health, and what growth milestones it has already reached.
If you decide to add a Golden to your home, be sure to offer a nutritious diet and follow up with routine veterinary appointments to ensure they are just as healthy as they are happy in your care.
Featured Image Credit: Neelsky, Shutterstock
