Why You Should Consider Adopting an Older Golden Retriever
Have you ever thought about adopting a senior Golden Retriever? While puppies and younger dogs are often the focus in adoptions, senior Goldens offer unique benefits that might surprise you. In this article, I’ll walk you through some compelling reasons why adopting an older dog could be one of the smartest decisions you make as a pet lover.
Before we dive in, we’ve also put together a comprehensive guide on pet adoption—perfect for anyone looking to bring home a wonderful new companion in a more affordable and rewarding way. In addition to covering adoption fees, you'll learn expert tips on how to successfully take in and care for your new dog or cat from a rescue or shelter.
Perhaps the biggest reason senior Goldens don’t get adopted as often is...
It’s true that older Golden Retrievers might face more potential health issues than their younger counterparts, but they also come with some fantastic advantages—like being calmer, more experienced, and often already trained—that puppies and juveniles may not offer. If you’re ready to see why adopting a senior Golden could be the best decision you make, keep reading.
When is a Golden Retriever Considered a Senior?
Golden Retrievers are often considered senior dogs around 7 or 8 years old, but classifying a dog as "senior" depends on more than just age. In addition to a dog's overall physical and mental health history, factors such as lifestyle, home environment, and genetics also play an important role.
It's important to note that the age at which a dog is considered a senior isn't the same for all breeds. For example, small breed dogs such as the Chihuahua, Pug, Bichon Frisé, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier are typically considered seniors between 9 and 11 years old. In contrast, medium-sized breeds like the Border Collie, Beagle, Dalmatian, and Cocker Spaniel usually reach their senior years around 7 or 8.
Large and giant breed dogs like the Great Dane, Tibetan Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, and Irish Wolfhound are typically considered seniors by the time they reach 6 years of age.
The Unexpected Joys of Adopting a Senior Golden Retriever
As an animal homeopathy expert, I’ve noticed that many people prefer to buy dogs from breeders rather than adopt from shelters or rescues. Unfortunately, this means they often miss out on the chance to have a wonderful companion with lots of unconditional love to give.
If you're still on the fence about adopting a dog or cat, here are a few compelling reasons to consider it. No matter where your pets come from, with proper care and attention, they’ll be loyal companions for life. Let’s explore why adoption could be the best choice when welcoming your new animal best friend.
Adopting a pet is a more affordable option.
One of the biggest financial advantages of adopting a pet instead of buying from a breeder is the significant cost savings. Commercial breeders often charge upwards of $2,000 for a puppy, depending on factors like pedigree, location, and the breeder’s popularity.
On the other hand, you can adopt a wonderful new family member for as little as $50 to $90 at your local shelter or rescue. These costs typically apply to all dogs, regardless of breed, age, or sex, making adoption not only an affordable option but also a compassionate way to give a pet a second chance at a loving home.
While adoption rates may vary depending on the area, the bottom line is that finding a wonderful companion through adoption won’t cost you much. Even if you’re interested in a specific breed like a Golden Retriever, adopting from a shelter or rescue is a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
You are saving a life while upholding ethical practices.
The primary mission of a shelter or rescue is to take in displaced, neglected, and abandoned animals, giving them a second chance at life. Many of these animals arrive at shelters due to situations like natural disasters or family issues, such as divorce or the death of their owner.
Unfortunately, many of these animals are senior dogs and cats who are often surrendered because their owners may struggle to care for them as they age. Some choose to adopt younger pets instead. As a fellow dog owner, it’s heartbreaking to see senior pets overlooked simply because of their age.
It’s crucial to remember that pet adoption—whether you’re choosing an aging Golden Retriever or any other animal—is about saving a life. Perhaps most rewarding is that you’re not just saving their life, but also enriching your own with the unconditional love, companionship, and emotional support that these animals bring.h
You help your local shelter or rescue thrive.
Did you know that approximately 6.3 million animals are taken in by rescues and shelters every year in the United States? While these numbers may vary from state to state, they highlight the vast number of dogs, cats, and other animals displaced or abandoned across the country, showing just how many are in need of a loving home.
What’s even more challenging is that it takes significant manpower and money to run these shelters and rescues. This ensures that the animals in their care, even if only temporarily, receive proper attention, including food, medications, and essential veterinary care services.
Adopting a senior Golden Retriever or any other animal is one way to help local rescues and shelters free up space for new arrivals. Shelters often take in animals every day, and overcrowding is a constant challenge.
You can adopt the perfect pet that matches your personality.
Say you’re choosing adoption over buying a pet. What I really love about rescues and shelters is that they require potential adopters to show they’re prepared for the responsibility, often through interviews, home checks, and providing background information. Adoption isn’t instant—it’s a carefully considered process to ensure both you and the animal are a good match.
Part of the adoption process is thoroughly assessing and evaluating potential pet parents. Key questions typically include: Do you have young children at home? Is this your first dog or cat? Are you mostly home, or do you work outside the house regularly? How often can you provide daily exercise for an animal?
These questions help ensure that the right pet is matched with the right home, setting both you and the animal up for success.
Going through this evaluation process helps you zero in on the perfect pet that suits your personality, lifestyle, and household. The questions asked during the process not only ensure the health and happiness of the animal, but also highlight the dedication and commitment required to care for a pet.
4 Heartwarming Benefits of Adopting Older Golden Retrievers
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about the rewards of adopting senior Golden Retrievers. While there are some challenges to having an older dog as a family member, you might be surprised to find that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks—as we’ll explore next.
#1. A senior dog will already have a mature, well-developed personality.
What’s truly special about Golden Retrievers is their well-rounded personality. They are gentle but always ready for fun activities. They have high energy but can be quiet and understanding around a new baby. With the right love and care, these qualities stay with them their whole life, making them perfect companions for families who want both playfulness and calm.
When adopting a senior Golden Retriever, you can be confident that its personality is already mature and stable. Unlike the often extreme playfulness of young dogs, an aging Golden Retriever is typically relaxed and mellow, making them ideal for households looking for a calm, easygoing companion without the demands of raising a high-energy puppy.
Imagine having an older dog that fits right into your daily routine with no fuss. While a senior Golden Retriever may not have the boundless energy of a new pup, they bring a calm, steady presence and are sure to be a wonderful addition to your family and household.
#2. Older Golden Retrievers will typically require very little training.
It's common knowledge that Golden Retrievers are easy to train. Besides mastering the ins and outs of house training, they also excel in obedience training. Their gentle nature makes them eager to please, while their inquisitive temperament helps them quickly pick up new commands, making them wonderful learners.
Unlike a young puppy that requires extensive training, an older dog typically needs much less guidance because they’ve already learned how to do things properly. Whether it’s going to the bathroom, walking calmly on a leash, or following basic commands, senior Golden Retrievers are often well-behaved and ready to fit into your routine with ease.
This is especially important if you regularly need to be out of the house for work. Not only does adopting a well-trained senior dog give you peace of mind that your home will stay intact, but it can also help prevent issues like separation anxiety and severe aggression. Senior dogs, being calmer and more accustomed to alone time, are less likely to develop these mental health
#3. Senior Goldens naturally have a more relaxed energy level.
One of the great things about senior Golden Retrievers is their mellow, relaxed demeanor when you need it most. While they can still get excited like most dogs, they tend to have a calmer energy overall and are less likely to become overly rowdy. This makes them an ideal companion for those seeking a balance between playfulness and calm.
As an animal homeopathy expert, I’ve observed that aging Golden Retrievers tend to prefer cuddling and lounging over physically demanding activities. For this reason, I often recommend adopting senior dogs if you have a busy schedule or aren’t interested in daily trips to the dog park.
While it's still important to give a senior Golden Retriever daily low-impact exercise to maintain their physical and mental health, you can expect them to enjoy more relaxed activities compared to younger dogs. And in return for all that unconditional love and loyalty? Sounds like a win-win to me!
#4. A Golden Retriever owner can instantly bond with a senior dog.
Another great thing about adopting older Golden Retrievers is that you're already building a bond with them during the adoption process. While the assessment and evaluation phase at your local rescue or shelter ensures you’re finding the right match, it also gives you the chance to start forming an emotional connection with your future pet.
As I mentioned earlier, aging Golden Retrievers already have a mature personality. They aren’t as impatient or frisky as puppies and younger dogs. Younger dogs can be tricky to bond with, as they often display tantrums and other immature behaviors. But with older dogs, that’s not the case. So, what do you think—are you ready to adopt a senior Golden Retriever?
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