Golden Retriever insurance

Golden Retriever breed overview

Golden Retrievers are calm and clever dogs that are easy to train. They were first bred to help hunters retrieve game, so they love to play fetch. Today, they are loved for being gentle and friendly. Golden Retrievers need regular walks and brushing to stay healthy and happy.

Keep reading to learn more about the Golden Retriever breed and how Co-op Pet Insurance can help you care for your dog’s health and wellbeing.

Golden Retriever key facts

Lifespan

Golden Retrievers typically live for 10 years or more.

Size and weight

They are large dogs, usually weighing between 25 and 34 kilograms.

Coat and colour

They have long coats in various golden shades.

Exercise needs

They need high levels of exercise, ideally 1 to 2 hours each day.

Shedding and grooming

They shed heavily and require regular brushing to manage their coat.

Temperament

They are friendly, gentle, and eager to please, making them excellent family pets.

Learn more about Golden Retrievers

They're kind and loyal

Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle nature and strong bond with people. They’re friendly with children, other pets, and even strangers. Their calm and loving personality makes them one of the most popular family dogs.

They love to learn

These dogs are smart and love to please. They respond well to training and enjoy learning new tricks. Starting training early helps them grow into well-behaved adults who are easy to live with.

They love to stay active

Golden Retrievers need regular exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy long walks, games of fetch, and even swimming. Because they’re so active, pet insurance can be helpful if they ever get injured while playing or running.

Common health conditions in Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers can live long and happy lives, but they are prone to several health conditions. Here are six to be aware of:

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to a loose or unstable fit. This can cause discomfort, reduced mobility, and difficulty with activities like walking or running.

Elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a painful joint condition in dogs that affects the front legs. It happens when the bones in the elbow don’t fit together properly, leading to limping, stiffness, or avoiding one leg.

Epilepsy

This is a brain disorder that causes seizures in dogs. Seizures can look like shaking, drooling, or collapsing. Some dogs have mild episodes, while others may have more serious ones. Medicine can help control it, but dogs usually need treatment for life.

Cancer

Dogs can get cancer just like people. It can grow in the skin, blood, bones, or organs. Some cancers grow slowly, while others spread quickly. Finding it early gives the best chance for treatment.

Skin conditions

Many dogs have itchy skin, rashes, or infections. These can be caused by allergies, fleas, or food. Dogs may scratch or lick too much, which makes it worse. Vets can help with medicine or special diets.

Hypothyroidism

This happens when a dog’s thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormone. It can cause tiredness, weight gain, and skin or coat problems. A blood test can find it, and daily medication can help manage the condition.

Care tips for owners

Keep them active

Daily walks and playtime help maintain a healthy weight and happy mood.
Brush often

Their long coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent tangles.
Watch for skin issues

Check for hot spots or irritation, especially in warmer months.
Clean their ears

Moisture can build up. Regular cleaning helps prevent infections.
Train with kindness

They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle guidance.
Visit the vet regularly

Routine checkups help monitor heart, joint, and eye health.

Why do you need dog insurance?

Dog insurance is there to cover your dog if they have an accident or illness and will cover the costs of the treatment needed, minus any excesses.

Some of the key reasons to buy dog insurance are:

Cost of vet fees

Vet fees can cost thousands of pounds depending on the type of treatment and the size and breed of your pet.

Peace of mind

Knowing that you are covered for what can be a large unexpected bill.

Lifetime cover

If you choose a lifetime policy, any illnesses or accidents insured will continue to be covered for the whole of your pet's life.

Compare our cover types

Compare the difference between the two types of Co-op Dog Insurance.

Cover	Lifetime	Time limited
Vet fee cover	up to £16,000	up to £5,000
Lifetime cover for recurring illness for example if your pet is insured and you keep renewing, cancer treatment is covered for life	Lifetime cover for recurring illness included	Lifetime cover for recurring illness excluded
Dental treatment	Dental treatment included	Dental treatment included
Third-party liability cover dogs only	Third-party liability cover included	Third-party liability cover included
Pay monthly at no extra cost	Pay monthly at no extra cost included	Pay monthly at no extra cost included
Advertising and reward if your pet goes missing	up to £2,500	up to £1,000
Loss of pet due to theft or if they are lost	up to £3,000	up to £1,000

Lifetime

Vet fee cover

up to £16,000

Lifetime cover for recurring illness
for example if your pet is insured and you keep renewing, cancer treatment is covered for life

Lifetime cover for recurring illness included

Dental treatment

Dental treatment included

Third-party liability cover
dogs only

Third-party liability cover included

Pay monthly at no extra cost

Pay monthly at no extra cost included

Advertising and reward
if your pet goes missing

up to £2,500

Loss of pet
due to theft or if they are lost

up to £3,000

Time limited