Golden Retrievers Insurance

Golden Retrievers are a wonderful mix of high energy and good-natured intelligence. If you’re new to the world of dog ownership, their friendly natures make them ideal first dogs.

They’re easy to train and can slot easily into family life – in fact, they’re one of the UK’s most popular family dogs.

As long as they’re properly socialised while still a puppy and treated with respect by their humans, they make great companions.

Thinking about adding one of these playful, affectionate and curious dogs to your family? This guide is full of useful information about how to look after your new pet.

Whether you want to learn about common health problems or what dog breeds cost the most to insure or find the right Golden Retriever insurance policy for your new pooch, we’ve got it covered.

Facts about Golden Retrievers

Learn more about his playful, faithful breed, with our collection of stats and facts.

Vital stats

• Size: Golden Retrievers are large dogs standing at between 53cm to 61cm
• Weight: 25kg to 34kg
• Coat: They have a thick golden coat that can tangle quickly; high grooming needs
• Exercise: 2 hours or more a day
• Golden Retriever lifespan: 10 to 12 years
• Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, reliable and intelligent
• Tendency to bark: Low. They are considered a quiet breed, more likely to bark a ‘hello’ than bark aggressively
• Tendency to dig: High. They are an active breed that loves digging

Interesting facts about Golden Retrievers

• They were originally bred as gun dogs, trained to retrieve game during hunting expeditions
• They have an outstanding sense of smell, so are often used by police as drug detection dogs
• Smart, patient and calm: There’s good reason why Golden Retrievers are also used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and mountain rescue dogs
• A Golden Retriever named Finley holds the Guinness World Record for holding six tennis balls in its mouth simultaneously
• Celebrity Golden Retriever owners include: Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Garner, Oprah Winfrey, Diane Keaton, and Jackie Chan
• They make terrible guard dogs. They’re way too friendly

7 things to consider before becoming a Golden Retriever owner

As far as sweet-natured dogs go, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better breed than the Golden Retriever. But you need to play your part in making sure that calm temperament stays put. Becoming a dog owner is a big responsibility – and can be challenging. It takes time, commitment and understanding what your dog needs to be happy.

Here’s what you should bear in mind before welcoming a Golden Retriever into your home.

They grow fast

They might come to you as a cute fluffy puppy, but rest assured: they’ll grow quickly. Really quickly. They’ll be fully grown (physically, at least) after about 12 months – and vying for your spot on the sofa!

They have lots of energy

Originally bred as sporting dogs, Gold Retrievers have plenty of energy. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise is really important. Lack of exercise and being kept indoors too much can lead to behavioural issues. If you’re struggling to meet their physical activity requirements, doggy day care means they can run around and socialise with other dogs.

They love to play fetch

As their name suggests, Golden Retrievers were born to fetch. They will retrieve whatever you throw for them – and plenty more besides! This desire to carry things in their mouths is generally harmless, but can become a problem if it turns into chewing those items as well.

They shed their fur

Light to moderate shedding occurs all year round. Twice yearly that shedding becomes much heavier. Fur-covered furniture and carpets is just part of life with a Golden Retriever in the house. Regularly brushing their coat can help minimise shedding and prevent it from getting too tangled. But be aware: nothing you do will stop the shedding completely.

They love food

As a breed, Golden Retrievers have a tendency to overeat and can easily become overweight. It can feel like they are hungry all the time and it’s up to owners to resist those sad puppy dog eyes begging for some food whenever it’s on the table.

They love water

As soon as a golden retriever sees a river, lake or the sea, they’ll want to jump straight in. If they can’t find water, a muddy puddle will do. Ironically, they don’t seem to have that same enthusiasm come bath time…

They’re smart

Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent, which is why you find so many working as guide dogs, rescue dogs, and police sniffer dogs. As a breed, they are fast learners and mental stimulation is just as important for them as physical activity.

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How much does Golden Retriever pet insurance cost?

Becoming a dog owner isn’t just an emotional commitment, it’s a financial one as well. There are all sorts of costs associated with owning a pet.

You might think the cost starts when you buy one or more Golden Retriever puppies. However, first you need to make sure you have the right equipment.

And when we say equipment we mean everything from lead, collar, harness, bed, and food bowl to things like pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste, toys, grooming brushes and poo bags.

Make sure you are fully set up before your new dog arrives home and be aware that if anything gets worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Then there’s a series of healthcare costs to consider – vaccinations, worming, neutering, and regular check-ups at the vet.

You’ll find that most pet insurance policies do not cover these routine/ preventative treatments, so you will need to pay for those out of your own pocket.

Vet’s costs in particular can soon add up, which is why it is so important to take out pet insurance as soon as you get your new pup.

Suffice to say, your four-legged friend could cost you a fair amount of cash over the years. And if your dog happens to be a Golden Retriever, you may have to dig deeper still.

According to research carried out by money saving website Savoo, a Golden Retriever is the third most expensive dog to own in the UK (less than a Bulldog or Rottweiler, but more than a Poodle, Labrador Retriever or French bulldog).

Looking at those figures in more detail we learn that the average cost of Golden Retriever puppies is around £1,900 per pup – making it the third most expensive dog to take home. And those beautiful golden coats don’t come cheap.

Grooming costs an average of £248 per year (£2,728 over their 11 year lifespan).

However, there is some good news. They have some of the lowest pet insurance premiums out there. As any dog owner will confirm, it’s reassuring to know UK Golden Retriever insurance costs are among the lowest around.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale, you’ll find the Bernese Mountain Dog, Doberman, Newfoundland, and Great Dane as the dog breeds that cost the most to insure in the UK.

How can I lower my pet insurance?

If you’re worried about the cost of looking after a dog, there are ways you can lower your pet insurance premiums. To bring down the cost of your Golden Retriever pet insurance, try following these quick tips:

- Increasing your excess: The higher the excess you pay, the lower your premiums could be.

- Choosing multi-pet insurance: If you have more than one pet, consider a multi-pet policy. It could help you save money compared to getting insurance for each animal individually.

- Getting your pet microchipped: A microchipped pet could be cheaper to insure. Speak to your vet to find out more.

Finding the right pet insurance

At Purely Pets, we offer a range of lifetime policies designed to give you and your dog the support you need when you need it the most.

Depending on the level of cover you choose, you can be covered for accident, illness or both – up to a certain amount.

You may also benefit from added extras, such as the cost of dental issues, the loss of your pet, third party liability, and overseas travel.

The Purely Pet Promise

At Purely, we’re here to support you. That’s why we offer a 24 Hour Vet Helpline free of charge to all of our customers. Our easy to use online portal ‘Manage My Policy’, enables you to access to your policy 24hrs a day. This provides greater flexibility, allowing you to manage your policy at a time that suits you, so that you can spend more time with your furry friends, and less time managing your insurance. Get a quote

Common health problems in Golden Retriever dogs

As with many other breeds, Golden Retrievers are prone to certain health conditions. Making sure they’re up to date with vaccinations, worming and dental checks will help them stay healthy.

But it’s good to know what symptoms you should be looking out for, too. You might be wondering: is pet insurance worth it? If so, bear this in mind: the cost of veterinary treatment can quickly mount up, but pet insurance can help you cover those costs.

As pure breeds, Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to genetic health issues than mixed breed dogs. Here are some of the medical problems that affect this breed:

Cataracts

Cataracts cause the lens of a dog’s eye to go ‘cloudy’, reducing vision and eventually leading to blindness. Old age, diabetes and eye disease can all lead to the development of cataracts. If you notice any changes to your dog’s eyes, you should contact your vet.

Ear infections

Ear infections occur when bacteria grows in the ear canal – something often caused by ear mites or excess ear wax. Look out for ear scratching, head shaking or a loss of balance, as these are all signs your dog has an ear infection.

They can be very painful, so prompt action is necessary. Your vet can prescribe ear drops or pain relief.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy occurs when abnormal electrical activity takes place in a dog’s brain. This can cause seizures. The cause is not always clear, and it is a condition often inherited from parents. Your vet may put your dog on medication to reduce the frequency of seizures, or try an elimination diet.

Hip/elbow dysplasia

This is a hereditary condition, where the hip or elbow joint doesn’t fit together properly, causing pain and eventually leading to arthritis in later life. Keep an eye out for any stiffness when your dog tries to stand up or if they seem reluctant to play.

A vet will be able to make a diagnosis and advise what treatment is required.

Ichthyosis

This is a condition which causes a thickening of the footpads on the paws and other areas of skin. The affected skin becomes flaky and sore. It can be managed with shampoos, but can become chronic and is incurable. Speak with your vet for advice.

Types of pet insurance for Golden Retrievers

Depending on the level of cover you require for your pets, there are different types of insurance to choose from. When looking for pet insurance for golden retrievers, these are the main policies you will find:

Lifetime pet insurance:

Lifetime insurance is the most comprehensive policy on offer and will cover different injuries, illnesses and health conditions over a 12-month period. Insurance companies will generally place a limit on how much you can spend on treatment for a particular condition each year.

However, if you continue to renew the policy and keep up to date with payments, this figure will reset every 12 months.

Maximum benefit pet insurance:

With maximum benefit insurance, you have a fixed amount of money to spend on treatment for a specific condition. Once that limit has been reached, you are not able to make any more claims for the condition – even if you renew the policy.

Time limited pet insurance

A time-limited insurance policy covers your pet for one year only. If you reach the limit sooner than that, your pet will no longer be covered. If your dog needs treatment for more than 12 months, the policy will not cover the veterinary costs.

Accident only pet insurance:

Accident-only pet insurance is fairly self-explanatory. It means your pets will only be covered by the policy  if they have been injured in an accident. If they develop an illness or medical condition, they will not be covered. If they start to show symptoms or receive a medical diagnosis, you will have to pay for the treatment they require to get better.

How to care for your golden retriever

Looking after your Golden Retriever is a big responsibility. Here’s what you need to consider to make sure your dog stays healthy and happy.

Feeding your dog

You’ll need to feed your pup a complete dog food to keep them in great shape. Obesity can lead to all sorts of problems in dogs, so make sure they only eat what you give them – even though they’ll want to eat everything in sight!

Grooming your dog

Golden Retrievers shed a lot of hair. Brush their coats at least three times a week – daily when they’re shedding a lot.

Exercising your dog

Give your dog the chance to burn off energy and get the exercise they need. That’s a minimum of two hours’ exercise every day, taken at regular intervals. They are smart creatures, so extra playtime, activities and training will help keep their minds stimulated.

Training your dog

Golden Retrievers love training. Honestly, they can’t get enough of it. You should give them plenty of positive, reward-based training, and set tasks and problem-solving activities.

Be sure to socialise your Golden Retriever from a young age so they are confident around people and in new situations. Equally, remember that they enjoy relaxing as much as running around.

Finally, be careful not to leave your dog on their own for more than four hours at a time. Too much time spent alone can make them feel anxious or stressed.

And that can quickly lead to chewing whatever they can sink their teeth into.

Choosing Golden Retriever insurance for your dog

Pet ownership in the UK has risen considerably since 2020. And the cost of veterinary treatment has followed suit. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average pet insurance claim is now £848 – that’s an increase of nearly 4%.

When choosing which dog insurance is right for you and your canine companion, make sure you do your research.

Get several quotes, looking at the different levels of cover and what each policy offers. It’s vital that you keep the welfare of your pet in mind when choosing insurance cover.

It’s also worth bearing in mind the different factors that can play a role in how much you pay for your pet insurance.

For example, it is cheaper to insure a male, rather than a female dog. That’s because male dogs are more likely to get injured in fights with other dogs.

Plus, female dogs tend to recover faster from illnesses compared to their male counterparts, thus reducing their insurance premiums.

So, what’s the best pet insurance for golden retrievers in the UK? A lifetime pet insurance policy is always going to be the most expensive – but that’s because it offers the most comprehensive cover for a range of health conditions over your pet’s lifespan (as long as you stay up to date with premiums and renew the policy each year).

If you think that a lifetime policy would suit you, Purely Pets has a number of options available. Depending on which level you opt for, you can claim for vet’s fees from £1,000 to £15,000.

Get in touch with our specialist team to find pet insurance tailored to you and your dog’s needs.

Apply for your free quote today and see which of our dog insurance offers is right for you.

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