Monitoring the health of your Golden Retriever puppy during its formative years and ensuring that they reach all of their growth milestones is one of the greatest methods to ensure your golden retriever's long-term health. Malnutrition and stunted growth, as well as excessive feeding and rapid growth, can have a negative long-term effect on your dog's health.

However, how do you tell if your dog is on the right track? While each Golden Retriever puppy is distinct and individual, they all go through the same developmental stages and should achieve similar weight goals. This section contains all the information you need to monitor your Golden Retriever Growth Chart.

We'll begin by discussing the five major stages of puppy development and the critical developmental milestones that puppies should achieve at each stage. Below that, you'll discover a complete weight chart for male and female Golden Retrievers, detailing the ideal weight range for each stage. Finally, we will explore why it is critical that your golden retriever is neither too little nor too large for its age.

When Do Golden Retrievers Stop Growing?

Given the different stages of a puppy's life—which include both physical and cognitive development—it can be difficult to definitively answer the question of when Golden Retrievers cease growing.

However, a Golden Retriever will often cease developing around the age of 1.5 years—or 18 months.

You may anticipate your pet reaching its full height and weight, which is approximately 65-75 pounds for males and 55-65 pounds for females (as indicated in the Golden Retriever puppy growth chart).

Golden Retriever Growth Pictures

What is the Standard Golden Retriever Size

Males are larger than females, according to the AKC breed standard. They weigh between 60 and 80 pounds (27 and 36 kg) and are 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61cm) tall.

Females weigh between 55 and 70 pounds (25 and 32 kilograms) and stand between 20 and 22 inches tall (51 to 56 cm).

It is possible to obtain a dog that develops significantly larger or smaller than usual. Frequently, this is the smallest of the litter.

A newborn Golden Retriever puppy should weigh between 14 and 16 ounces (0.4 and 0.45 kg). They acquire mass rapidly and should increase by 5–10% per week.

Golden Retriever Weight Chart

Female

Here is the Golden Retriever Weight Chart for Female:

Age	Smallest weight	Largest weight	Average weight
7 weeks	5 lb (2.2 kg)	17 lb (7.7 kg)	9 lb (4 kg)
8 weeks	5 lb (2.2 kg)	17 lb (7.7 kg)	10 lb (4.5 kg)
9 weeks	8 lb (3.6 kg)	17 lb (7.7 kg)	12 lb (5.4 kg)
10 weeks	10 lb (4.5 kg)	22 lb (9.9 kg)	15 lb (6.8 kg)
11 weeks	12 lb (5.4 kg)	25 lb (11.3 kg)	17 lb (7.7 kg)
3 months	16 lb (7.2 kg)	33 lb (14.9 kg)	22 lb (9.9 kg)
4 months	22 lb (9.9 kg)	44 lb (19.9 kg)	30 lb (13.6 kg)
5 months	25 lb (11.3 kg)	52 lb (23.5 kg)	40 lb (18.1 kg)
6 months	27 lb (12.2 kg)	61 lb (27.6 kg)	44 lb (19.9 kg)
7 months	31 lb (14 kg)	67 lb (30.3 kg)	45 lb (20.4 kg)
8 months	40 lb (18.1 kg)	67 lb (30.3 kg)	52 lb (23.5 kg)
9 months	44 lb (19.9 kg)	68 lb (30.8 kg)	52 lb (23.5 kg)
10 months	50 lb (22.6 kg)	68 lb (30.8 kg)	60 lb (27.2 kg)
11 months	52 lb (23.5 kg)	80 lb (36.2 kg)	65 lb (29.4 kg)
1 year	55 lb (24.9 kg)	90 lb (40.8 kg)	70 lb (31.7 kg)
2 years	55 lb (24.9 kg)	90 lb (40.8 kg)	70 lb (31.7 kg)

Male 

Here is the Golden Retriever Weight Chart for Male:

Age	Smallest weight	Largest weight	Average weight
7 weeks	3 lb (1.3 kg)	17 lb (7.7 kg)	9 lb (4 kg)
8 weeks	3 lb (1.3 kg)	17 lb (7.7 kg)	11 lb (4.9 kg)
9 weeks	7 lb (3.1 kg)	17 lb (7.7 kg)	13 lb (5.8 kg)
10 weeks	10 lb (4.5 kg)	22 lb (9.9 kg)	15 lb (6.8 kg)
11 weeks	12 lb (5.4 kg)	25 lb (11.3 kg)	17 lb (7.7 kg)
3 months	16 lb (7.2 kg)	34 lb (15.4 kg)	23 lb (10.4 kg)
4 months	25 lb (11.3 kg)	55 lb (24.9 kg)	33 lb (14.9 kg)
5 months	27 lb (12.2 kg)	67 lb (30.3 kg)	42 lb (19 kg)
6 months	29 lb (13.12 kg)	75 lb (34 kg)	52 lb (23.5 kg)
7 months	32 lb (14.5 kg)	75 lb (34 kg)	59 lb (26.7 kg)
8 months	40 lb (18.1 kg)	77 lb (34.9 kg)	61 lb (27.6 kg)
9 months	45 lb (20.4 kg)	77 lb (34.9 kg)	61 lb (27.6 kg)
10 months	50 lb (22.6 kg)	77 lb (34.9 kg)	63 lb (28.5 kg)
11 months	55 lb (24.9 kg)	77 lb (34.9 kg)	66 lb (29.9 kg)
1 year	65 lb (29.4 kg)	77 lb (34.9 kg)	68 lb (30.8 kg)
2 years	65 lb (29.4 kg)	80 lb (36.2 kg)	73 lb (33.1 kg)

Golden Retriever Growth Chart – What To Expect
Golden Retriever Weight Chart by Age

Golden Retriever Weight  1-2 weeks

Your Golden Retriever will be in the neonatal period during the first three weeks of their lives, which is a very developing stage. During this delicate stage, the Golden Retriever is quite defenseless and should be kept with its mother.

Regardless of gender, your Golden Retriever pup will normally weigh less than five pounds.

The pup will confront numerous milestones during this time of life, including learning to open their ears and eyes, developing their first baby teeth, and even learning to crawl or walk clumsily.

Each litter typically includes a “runt,” or the tiniest member of the litter. This particular puppy must be handled with caution!

Golden Retriever Weight 3-12 weeks

The Golden Retriever will begin exploring and filling out its body during the socializing process as it discovers its place in the world. This stage of a Golden Retriever's life is critical for its development.

Although some breeders prefer to keep the pup with his or her mother, there is some conjecture that they should be released and allowed to explore the wild (not really, don't worry).

Additionally, during this time period, the Golden Retriever will begin eating solid meals, will be able to play, and will begin house training! This is an extremely developing time period!

Between three and twelve weeks of age, a Golden Retriever can weigh up to 22 or 23 pounds (depending on the dog's gender).

Golden Retriever Weight 4-6months

A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 and 45 pounds, while a six-month-old female Golden Retriever will weigh between 30 and 35 pounds.

In terms of height, the majority of Golden Retrievers will require another three to six months to achieve adult height. They will likely be a few inches short of their mature height at this age, which ranges from 21.5 to 24 inches tall, with male “Goldies” being the tallest.

Golden Retriever Weight  7-16 months

When your Golden Retriever reaches sexual maturity, it will attain its full size. If the dog has not been neutered or spayed, he will attain sexual maturity and will exhibit mating activity.

This can result in aggressive conduct. During this time period, your dog's legs, ears, and nose will also begin to grow rapidly.

Due to this quick growth in specific regions, the Golden Retriever's bones are particularly sensitive, which can result in injury if not properly cared for—this means that you should assist your dog in avoiding excessive joint pressure.

As illustrated in our Golden Retriever weight chart, this stage allows your Golden Retriever to attain a maximum weight of 90 lbs.

Golden Retriever Adult Weight 

The majority of Golden Retrievers have completed full growth at the adult stage, which occurs after 16 months—however, some dogs still have more growing to do!

There may be some residual growth in a Golden Retriever's development phase up to the age of two! You can also anticipate your Golden Retriever developing a very distinct and definite personality throughout this time span.

You'll be able to communicate your dog's preferences and expectations, as well as anticipate certain behavioral responses. When fully grown, a puppy can weigh up to 90 pounds.

However, you can tell a lot about your dog's size by comparing it to their parents' size! It provides a decent indication of what to anticipate in terms of size.

What is the Full Grown Golden Retriever Weight?

Male Golden Retrievers should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, while female Golden Retrievers should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club's Official Golden Retriever Breed Standards.

Male Golden Retrievers stand between 23 and 24 inches tall, while female “Goldies” stands between 21.5 and 22.5 inches tall. As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear to be symmetrical in appearance and will conceal a robust body beneath their gorgeous golden coats.

How To Weigh Your Golden Retriever Puppy?

If you want to maintain track of your golden Retriever's weight, you must first learn how to weigh him properly.

To begin, you should be able to weigh your Golden Retriever at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.

To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. The difference in weights represents your dog's weight.

If your dog is too huge to carry, you can either invest in a dog scale, which can cost upwards of $100, or contact your veterinarian. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale.

Unless there is a health problem, you can weigh an adult Golden Retriever once every six months. Once a week is sufficient for a puppy to ensure he is growing normally.

What Is A Golden Retriever’s Neck Size?

To determine the neck size of your dog, use a soft and flexible tape measure to determine the neck size of your dog where her collar naturally falls. Then, put two fingers between your dog's neck and the tape measure to ensure that the dog collar fits snugly but comfortably. Golden Retriever's average neck circumference is between 18 and 21 inches.

How Big Do Golden Retrievers Get?

When considering the modest size of a golden retriever puppy, it may be difficult to envision how large he would eventually grow. However, even the tiniest puppies will grow in size.

When you examine the golden retriever development chart, you can track your puppy's progress and get an estimate of how big he will be after he is fully grown.

This is not exact, but as long as you begin with a three-month-old or older child, it should be close. Your puppy's gender will also have an effect on this, as males are normally larger than females.

Golden Retriever Body Condition Score (BCS) 

The Body Condition Score is a method for determining the fat content in pets, especially dogs. BCS is quantified on a scale of 1 to 9 and 1 to 5. Assign a Body Condition Score to your Golden Retriever using visualization and palpation.

Your Golden Retriever's ideal BCS score should be 5/9 or 3/5. This is where you can feel your puppy's ribs, which are covered by a thin layer of fat. The stomach tuck and waistline of your puppy are apparent from the side and above with this score.

Factors That Affect Golden Retriever Puppy Growth 

Genetics

Golden Retriever puppies, like people, will inherit physical characteristics from their puppy parents! If you are aware of your dog's parents' height or weight, you will have a good indication of the size your dog will reach when completely grown.

While it is not absolutely vital to know the sizes of your dog's parents, it can help minimize any surprises!

Diet & Nutrition

Naturally, nourishment might have an effect on the puppy's growth. If your Golden Retriever is not receiving the correct nutrients—which include vitamins, minerals, and numerous critical components such as protein—you may notice a growth delay, as your Golden Retriever lacks the fuel necessary to achieve their full height or weight.

This can also go the other way, with a Golden Retriever becoming overweight as a result of being overfed—especially if they are not getting enough activity!

Physical Activity & Health

To ensure that your dog maintains an appropriate weight for its size and age, you must ensure that you engage him or her in regular activity. It is critical for a Golden Retriever, whether growing or fully grown, to get at least one walk every day, but they can certainly benefit from two!

If possible, schedule your walks to last between a half-hour and an hour. Additionally, this can benefit your health and exercise level.

If you're pressed for time during your busy day, you can also consider hiring a dog walker to ensure your pet gets the exercise it requires to stay healthy and grow appropriately.

Do Golden Retrievers Continue to Grow After They Have Been Neutered?

A frequently asked topic is if your neutered golden retriever will continue to develop. This is not a straightforward question. The quick answer is that your neutered puppy can still develop.

A more detailed response is that you should wait till your dog is fully grown before neutering him. Recent research has revealed that dogs who are neutered before they reach their full growth potential are more likely to suffer hip dysplasia, arthritis, and, particularly in golden retrievers, cancer.

Additionally, if you wait, you will not have to worry about your dog's growth.

The Risks Of Growth Stagnation Or Acceleration

Not all Golden Retrievers will mature at the same rate or size. The parents' size is always a good indicator of whether your Golden will be larger or smaller than average. While natural variation is unimportant, stunted or accelerated growth is.

If a Golden Retriever puppy is malnourished or has an unknown medical issue, most commonly hookworm or ringworm, their natural growth can be harmed. This can result in major medical problems later in life, since it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, a weakened immune system, and a proclivity to develop skin and intestinal problems.

Rapid growth, primarily as a result of overfeeding, can potentially constitute a significant health danger. Along with obesity, excess weight throughout the growth stage can result in skeletal deformities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis, a joint disease.

How do I ensure the health of my Golden Retriever?

Golden Retrievers are beautiful, sunny pets that are prone to steal our hearts. Regrettably, being a purebred dog breed, they are more prone to genetic illnesses, which can shorten their lifespan and degrade their quality of life. Numerous hereditary problems, on the other hand, can be treated or prevented with routine veterinary care. Bear in mind that prevention is nearly usually simpler and more affordable than therapy. Thus, regular veterinarian care combined with a healthy lifestyle can lay the groundwork for your “Goldie” to live a happy, healthy life.

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, are critical for your pup's daily happiness and long-term health. Your physician may recommend feeding your Golden Retriever puppy a large-breed growth food to assist boost their growth rate, which can help avoid or lessen the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood.

Golden Retrievers are also more prone to obesity, according to the Veterinary Centers of America. They should be closely monitored for weight gain, as their lengthy coats can readily conceal it. This is easily accomplished by paying attention to your pup's body size and shape when caressing them, as well as through routine observation by a veterinarian at your Golden's annual physical inspection.

Additionally, Golden Retrievers are susceptible to a variety of genetic health problems, including mouth cancers and aortic stenosis. Aorta stenosis is most frequently seen in large, purebred dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, and develops when the aortic valves connecting the heart constrict. Aortic stenosis makes it more difficult for the body to pump blood through the valve, putting the body under more strain.

Aortic stenosis, if left untreated, can result in muscle failure and possibly death. However, veterinarians can surgically and medically cure a variety of hereditary illnesses including aortic stenosis and oral cancers. Additionally, your veterinarian can screen your Golden Retriever for inherited diseases during routine examinations to monitor your puppy's health and to treat any ailments promptly.

Even with preventative and wellness care, required veterinary visits can be costly, with many procedures costing thousands of dollars. Only 19.8 percent of over 20,000 pet parents surveyed indicated they would be able to pay for a $5,000 veterinarian expenditure out of pocket. When the worst-case scenario occurs, the last thing you should be concerned about is how to pay for necessary surgery or care for your beloved pet. This is the point at which pet insurance comes into play.

Pet insurance functions as a safety net by covering up to 90% of the cost of veterinarian care for accidents and illnesses. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever will receive superior veterinary care in the event of an emergency, and you can focus on what's truly important: being there for your dog during treatment.

As with humans, dogs are living longer and will require greater veterinarian care to maintain a happy, healthy quality of life. Allow pet insurance to assist you with these fees in the event that the worst happens to your dog. Additionally, wellness plans are offered as an add-on to assist with the ongoing expenditures associated with routine veterinary treatment, such as x-rays and exams.

Common Questions about Golden Retriever

At What Age Is A Golden Retriever Fully Grown?

Your puppy's entire height will occur between 9 and 12 months of age, but she will not achieve full size until 18 months.

Golden Retrievers grow the fastest between the ages of three and six months. Their growth begins to slow at the six-month mark.

This will give you a sense of how large they will develop, as they will be 2/3 the size of an adult.

How Long Are Golden Retrievers Pregnant?

In dogs, pregnancy, also known as gestation, typically lasts between 57 and 65 days, with an average of 63 days. If you are planning planned breeding, you should keep track of the exact date of mating. If two matings occur, keep track of the dates and anticipate birth between 63 and 65 days later.

How Many Puppies Do Golden Retrievers Have?

A typical Golden Retriever litter contains between four and twelve puppies. Typically, the first litter of a female Golden Retriever is smaller than subsequent litters.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Golden Retrievers?

Golden retrievers normally live between ten and twelve years, however, Golden Hearts reports that some have lived to be seventeen, eighteen, or nineteen.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Golden Retriever?

With the upfront cost of a Golden Retriever ranging between $500 and $2,000 from a breeder, you may anticipate paying that much for your new dog's initial purchase.

This price, however, may vary depending on where you obtain your dog—which may vary if you obtain your dog from a pet store or home breeder who lacks AKC verification.

How To Help Your Golden Retriever Lose Weight If He Is Overweight 

As with humans, exercise is critical for your overweight dog's health. Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). Avoid panic! Exercising your pet does not have to include marathons or lengthy hikes. Regular walks and the opportunity to run and play safely off-leash.

Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. Bear in mind that different breeds require varying amounts of exercise, so visit your veterinarian, breeder, or your dog's breed standard for recommendations on recommended activity levels.

Distinguish Begging from Hunger

Begging is not necessarily motivated by a desire for more food; it is also used to gain attention. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) If your dog begs, do not automatically assume he is hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of the date and time of your last meal. 

If your dog is prone to begging and you are prone to succumb to those puppy dog eyes, choose a high-protein meal with a fiber blend to help control your dog's hunger and voluntary food consumption. This manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time.

Restriction on treats and table scraps

Even when our dogs are not begging, many of us provide an excessive amount of treats and table scraps. Dogs are not required to share our food! Consider treats and scraps for your pet in the same way that you would candy for children to help you keep them in check. If you're going to utilize snacks for training, choose low-calorie, low-fat ones and keep the portions small. 

As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement and they have no calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact in the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. (Even the colossal breeds!) Therefore, focus on a balanced diet and resist the temptation to “reward” them with extra.

Customize Your Dog's Diet

Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, which is why it's critical to match your dog's nutrition plan to their unique needs. Choose a brand that caters to your dog's unique needs, whether they be weight control, dietary sensitivities, or illnesses.

Conclusion on Golden Retriever Growth Chart

Each Golden is unique and will develop at their own pace. The trick is to maintain a consistent growth rate — steady growth is optimal.

Apart from the other aspects stated, good food and an active lifestyle will contribute to the health and happiness of your Golden.

Bear in mind that their final size will vary according to variety and bloodline.

Frequently Asked Questions: