The Average Age Golden Retrievers Get Cancer

Something strange is happening with Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers have always been known for their awesome loyalty and super friendly vibes, but lately, there’s been a worrying trend on the rise. The rise in cancer in Golden Retrievers is relatively recent, and the likelihood of this breed developing the condition continues to rise.

Researchers are looking at things like changes in the environment, how we’re living day-to-day, or even if their genes might be playing a part in this uptick. Everyone involved, ranging from the average pet parent to veterinarians, is digging into what’s behind this, hoping to figure out ways to turn things around and help Golden Retrievers live longer, healthier lives.

Are Golden Retrievers Dying Younger?

According to information from the Golden Retriever Club of America, there’s been a noticeable spike in cancer rates among Golden Retrievers, especially when you look back at data from 1988 and compare it to the present. Fast forward to 2023, and a staggering 61.4 percent of Golden Retrievers in their records are passing away due to cancer, highlighting a significant and concerning increase in the prevalence of the disease within the breed.

On a brighter note, Golden Retrievers that are bred in Europe seem to face a somewhat lesser risk. Research conducted in 2010 revealed that the death rate due to cancer among these European Goldens was about 38.8 percent.

While this percentage is still above what you’d hope for, it’s markedly lower than the figures reported for their North American counterparts. This discrepancy points to a fascinating difference between the two populations that could be rooted in genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of both, suggesting that the location and breeding practices might influence the health outcomes of these beloved dogs.

Why Are Golden Retrievers Dying Younger?

Research published in PLoS One journal found the average age Golden Retrievers are dying of cancer tends to be around 9 years old. But here’s the question we’re all wanting to know: WHY are Golden Retrievers dying younger? Why is cancer so prevalent in this particular dog breed?

The Differences Between Golden Retrievers From the U.S. and Europe

At a casual glance, Golden Retrievers from Europe and the U.S. might look pretty much the same, but dive into their genetic makeup, and you’ll find some fascinating differences. Thanks to genetic testing, we’ve uncovered unique DNA variations that set these two groups apart, rooted deeply in their geographical origins.

It turns out that both the European and North American Golden Retrievers boast rich and diverse gene pools, which has led to minimal cross-breeding between the two. This lack of mixing keeps their genetic distinctions quite pronounced.

Diving deeper…

Digging deeper into their genomes, researchers have stumbled upon something intriguing, especially among the North American Golden Retrievers. It seems some of the cancer risks this group faces could be tied back to recent changes in their genes.

But here’s where it gets hopeful: these genetic differences between the European and North American Goldens might just be the key to unlocking a broader understanding of canine cancer.

By studying what sets these two groups apart, scientists are hopeful they can shed light on the broader mechanisms of cancer in dogs, potentially paving the way for breakthroughs in prevention and treatment across the breed and beyond.

This comparative approach could provide critical insights, not just for the well-being of Golden Retrievers but in the fight against canine cancer as a whole.

Some Vets Think Golden Retrievers’ Cancer is Higher When Spayed or Neutered…

Although it doesn’t explain why Golden Retrievers are particularly vulnerable to cancer growth, “a recent US study examining over 40,000 dogs found a significant increase in cancer incidence for dogs that were spayed or neutered. This increased incidence still remained when the dogs were broken into age categories.”

This revelation prompts a deeper examination of the relationship between these common veterinary procedures and the overall health of dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers. It raises important questions about how hormonal changes induced by spaying and neutering could influence cancer development.

Understanding the biological mechanisms behind this correlation is crucial for developing guidelines that can help mitigate cancer risk while still advocating for responsible pet population management.

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation, is one of the most comprehensive research studies ever conducted in the United States. The goal of the study is to determine the factors (nutritional, environmental, lifestyle, and genetic) contributing to the high cancer rates in the breed.

As of 2023, there were over 3,000 Golden Retrievers enrolled in the study.

The study has now discovered four cancer types that are most prevalent in this breed: hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, high-grade mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma. Since this discovery, the foundation has said, “In response to this finding, the Foundation recently launched its multiyear, multimillion-dollar Hemangiosarcoma Initiative, which dedicates much-needed funding, people and resources to advance the prevention, detection, and treatment of, and potentially cures for, this devastating cancer in dogs.”

RELATED: What is the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study?

Enroll Your Dog in the Study

If you have a Golden Retriever at home, you may be able to participate in the study. Click on the link here to see if your pup can be a part of the research and contribute to discovering why cancer rates are rising. Before you become a part of this influential research, you’ll need to make sure you’re ready to:

• Commit for your dog’s lifetime
• Complete an online survey about your dog’s nutrition, lifestyle, and environment each year
• Bring your pup to the vet for annual exams and sample collections (blood, urine, feces, hair and nail clippings)
• Permit a biopsy if your dog develops a mass

For further reading, we recommend:

Association of cancer-related mortality, age and gonadectomy in golden retriever dogs at a veterinary academic center (1989-2016)

Understanding Cancer in Golden Retrievers

Correlation of neuter status and expression of heritable disorders

Canine tumor development and crude incidence of tumors by breed based on domestic dogs in Gifu prefecture

Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Reaches 500 Diagnoses of 4 Major Cancers