Becoming a golden retriever owner is one of the best experiences, as they’re not only awesome pets but provide many services to humans. By keeping a golden retriever growth chart, you can identify possible discrepancies or similarities between one or more dogs as well as keeping track of their grown.
These growth charts are not only fun to look back on but are commonly used by breeders who end up using these dogs as service dogs. Through the use of these growth charts, breeders can easily identify who will make a great candidate as a service dog once they reach adulthood.
Similar to what some do with their newborn baby, a golden retriever growth chart is practically the same thing, where you keep track of different milestones your pup goes through, recording on a weekly and monthly basis.
Female Golden Retriever Growth Chart
| Age | Smallest | Largest | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 weeks | 5 lb | 17 lb | 9 lb |
| 8 weeks | 5 lb | 17 lb | 10 lb |
| 9 weeks | 8 lb | 17 lb | 12 lb |
| 10 weeks | 13 lb | 22 lb | 15 lb |
| 11 weeks | 12 lb | 22 lb | 17 lb |
| 3 months | 16 lb | 43 lb | 22 lb |
| 4 months | 25 lb | 44 lb | 30 lb |
| 5 months | 25 lb | 57 lb | 40 lb |
| 6 months | 27 lb | 72 lb | 44 lb |
| 7 months | 27 lb | 67 lb | 45 lb |
| 8 months | 40 lb | 67 lb | 52 lb |
| 9 months | 44 lb | 68 lb | 52 lb |
| 10 months | 50 lb | 68 lb | 60 lb |
| 11 months | 52 lb | 80 lb | 65 lb |
| 1 year | 55 lb | 90 lb | 70 lb |
Male Golden Retriever Growth Chart
| Age | Smallest | Largest | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 weeks | 3 lb | 25 lb | 9 lb |
| 8 weeks | 3 lb | 27 lb | 11 lb |
| 9 weeks | 7 lb | 27 lb | 13 lb |
| 10 weeks | 10 lb | 28 lb | 17 lb |
| 11 weeks | 6 lb | 24 lb | 17 lb |
| 3 months | 9 lb | 34 lb | 23 lb |
| 4 months | 15 lb | 55 lb | 33 lb |
| 5 months | 20 lb | 67 lb | 42 lb |
| 6 months | 38 lb | 75 lb | 52 lb |
| 7 months | 35 lb | 75 lb | 59 lb |
| 8 months | 40 lb | 77 lb | 61 lb |
| 9 months | 45 lb | 77 lb | 61 lb |
| 10 months | 50 lb | 77 lb | 63 lb |
| 11 months | 55 lb | 77 lb | 66 lb |
| 1 year | 65 lb | 77 lb | 68 lb |
source from pethelpful.com
A great way to start keeping track of your retriever’s growth is first understanding the history of its parents. Depending on the mother’s overall size and weight, will determine how big your newborn pup will grow.
Other things to consider before keeping tracking of your golden retriever’s growth:
- If you have a male or female (Males usually grow faster than females)
- The number of puppies you’ll be recording
- Precision in observation, especially if your pup will become a service dog
I’ve listed below a basic guideline of what to expect over the upcoming weeks/months in your retriever, as well as mentioned different tips for aiding their growth, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Providing plenty of play/activity
- Neutering and frequent VET visits
- Socializing
- Setting firm boundaries
- Training them from a young age
Throughout your record-keeping, remember it’s normal for them to be slightly slower or faster than the guide listed below. This is only a basis of what to expect from birth – 12 months of age in your furry friend.
Birth to 1 Week Old
Congratulations on the birth of a golden retriever pup (or pups). Isn’t it crazy how tiny and fragile they are, yet they still manage to be so adorable?! Golden retrievers will do that to you! Here is what to expect from birth to 1 week old.
When the mother has given birth to her litter of pups, you should expect the average weight of each golden retriever pup to range between 1 – 1.5lbs (0.4 – 0.6kgs).
These pups will still have their umbilical cord attached to them, however, just like human babies… these cords will eventually dry up and drop off within the next few days after birth.
From birth to a week old (and even longer), it’s important you protect your golden retriever pup from getting too cold. This is due to their inability to regulate their body temperature yet, so you must keep the temperature inside your home nice and warm.
You may even notice your golden retriever pups (if you have more than one), laying on top of one another and this is their instincts kicking in, telling each other they need to keep one another warm.
Along with their inability to regulate body temperature, you can expect these pups to have their eyes shut from birth through to one week. You may notice your pup (or pups), sliding across their litter with their eyes shut (which is completely normal).
Week 2
Yay! They’ve made it to week 2. This is what you can expect with your golden retriever pup within week 2 of their life.
From day 8 throughout week 2, the average weight of your pup should continue to range between 1.5lbs – 2lbs (0.6 – 0.9kgs). This may vary, however, depending on their feeding habits and personal behavioral traits, thus, don’t worry if your pup is slightly smaller or larger.
This is the week where you can expect to see your pup’s eyes for the first time, as they should slowly be cracking open for a glimpse of the world every so often.
Another exciting thing you’ll notice with your pup this week is an upgrade in movement, transitioning from sliding to crawling! This is due to them slowly building up their strength and independence, day by day.
Lastly, you should think about deworming your puppy, ensuring you continue deworming them every week until they reach 3 months. Ask your VET whether or not this is right for you.
Week 3
Week 3 is an exciting time for a golden retriever pup owner, especially because you’ll start to see their little behavioral traits and personalities forming.
Around the third week, your pup should weigh between 2.3lbs – 3.1lbs (1 – 1.4kgs) and if you haven’t noticed already, your pup no longer appears as a tiny, fragile animal anymore. (*Cue the sad, dramatic music*)
You’ll also notice their cracking eyes are now almost wide open, to a point where you feel like they can identify you and their pairs (if you have more than one).
As for their crawling, you’ll probably notice another shift where it’s turned more into waddling, giving you a small taste of what your golden retriever will look like when they’re old enough to stand on all fours and walk/run!
Another awesome thing you’ll notice is your pup beginning to make their first noises, aka BARKING. Of course, this won’t sound like an adult, loud or scary bark, it’ll sound more like a cute and high pitched squeal.
Week 4
Phew, week 4 is finally here! Can you believe that it’s been four weeks already?
The average weight for your golden retriever pup should be between 3lbs – 4.5lbs (1.3 – 2kgs), and their overall mass will appear even larger and longer as each week passes.
By the end of week 3 whilst moving into week 4, expect your pup to have sudden bursts of energy, attempting to run and move around as much as possible. It’s normal to expect your furry friend to explore different surfaces, areas and become intrigued with windows, as they’ll become increasingly intrigued with the outside environment.
Week 5
Another week another poopy mess to clean up… right guys and girls!
By week 5, your pup should be hitting weights anywhere between 4.5lbs – 5.3lbs (2 – 2.4kgs).
During week 5 of their life, expect to be cleaning up lots of poop and plenty of pee stains from your carpet. (But don’t worry, this shouldn’t last forever as you’ll be able to start potty training very soon).
In the fifth week, your puppy should be actively socializing themselves with the people around them, showing a willingness to want to interact with anyone and everyone.
If you have more than one pup, you’ll also notice interactions becoming more playful between one another and bonding time becoming longer.
Week 6
Congratulations, you’ve made it to week 6, and in my opinion, one of my favorite weeks of your pup’s life. Why? Because from here on out, you’ll notice a drastic change in appearance, personality, and capability!
Expect your golden retriever pup to be weighing around the 6lb – 7lb (2.7 – 3.1kg) mark!
By week 6, you would have already noticed how quickly your pup’s nails grow and how frequently you should be trimming those buggers, to keep everyone happy!
This is also the time when your furry friend needs their first vaccinations, having another two more at week 9 and week 12.
Week 7
Ahhh, so you’ve made it to week 7. How are you holding up? Feeling tired of chasing after your pup yet? Well don’t worry, you have plenty more of those to come!
In regards to weight, your puppy will be hitting the 8 – 10lbs (3.6 – 4.5kgs) mark, and believe me… you’ll be feeling it too.
By week 7, your pup will be capable of eating solid foods. You can also be using pee pads for your pups.
You’ll also be able to start the process of training, slowly introducing commands such as “sit or stand”. Although they are still quite young and their brains haven’t fully developed to a mature point yet, it can still be beneficial to spend each day using these commands on your pup.
Week 8
Week 8 is a bittersweet milestone, where breeders will find themselves saying goodbye to their pups yet owners or future owners get a chance to grow these pups into helpful, caring and tame dogs.
As for weight, expect an 8-week old pup to weigh between 10 – 13lbs (4.5 – 5.8kgs).
From 8 weeks onwards, you should already have an established feeding routine and be introducing new and healthy foods into their existing diet.
Temperament should be active, sociable and energetic. Although some pups can be more on the shy side, it’s normal for your golden retriever puppy to be craving socialization and should be something you try to do with them often.
Whether you have multiple pups at home, or your pup is rocking the “lonesome lifestyle”, put them into classes or take them to dog parks, where they have the chance to interact with other dogs.
Also, if you haven’t already done so… you may want to consider training your puppy. Basic commands work well, especially because the earlier you start implementing these words and actions, the quicker they’ll understand the meaning once they’ve hit 3 months.
3 Months
Now that your pup has finally hit the 3-month mark, there’s plenty of things you can start doing to aid its development, both physically and mentally.
But first, the average weight for your 3-month-old golden retriever will range from 23 – 28lbs (10.4 – 12.7kgs).
If you haven’t started, you can start training your pooch commands such as “sit, stand, fetch”. When training your pup, use a firm yet gentle approach, and avoid shouting or scaring your dog. These puppies learn fairly fast and with perseverance, they’ll become perfectly trained in no time!
Remember: Although they are significantly larger since birth, they are still puppies and they can become significantly scared which will affect their development in the future.
Another great training example is teaching them the difference between biting and play biting. Especially important if you have young children, this is the time to invest some intense effort in caring for them so they can become tame animals.
By this point onwards, many people start training their golden retrievers to become service dogs, due to their natural intelligence and obedient behavior when properly tamed.
4 Months
Four months have flown by so quickly and before you know it, your pooches puppy face will be disappeared into a full-grown adult.
By 4 months, expect your golden retriever to be weighing around 33lbs (14.9 kgs). They’ll also be much taller and wider in mass, usually about half of what they’d look like as an adult.
Until they reach 6 months or so, expect your pup to continue growing, eating more and more, remaining active, playful, attempting to become a trained pup and forming a close bond to their owners or family members (both humans and animals).
5 Months
If you own a male golden retriever, this month is a special time for a fluffy friend. And if you have a female retriever, expect changes!
On average, your pup should continue to grow, weighing around 35 – 45lbs (15 – 20kgs).
For male pups at this age, they’re becoming sexually mature and will begin the process of producing sperm. This is a good time to speak with your VET about neutering your retriever if you’re not interested in breeding, or own female pups also.
6 Months
At last, your golden retriever has reached the 6-month milestone! What an exciting time to be alive, where their energy as at an all-time high and they’re finally starting to act like an adolescent.
From here on out, your pup will maintain and fluctuate with their weight up until they become an adult, ranging between 45 – 56lbs (20 – 25kgs) whereas some can become as large as 70lbs (32kgs) once fully grown.
For female pups, this is the time they can become pregnant and give birth to their first litter.
Be careful in regards to overfeeding your puppy, as by this stage you would have established a fantastic feeding routine but may have considered upping the portion sizes… Avoid this if possible, as over more than half of golden retrievers become overweight by the time they reach adulthood.
Ensure you continue feeding them a well-balanced diet and providing plenty of outdoor activity will ensure a happy pup!
7 Months
During the 7-month-old stage, your golden retriever should be well and truly adapted to their environment and family.
They’ll be extremely active (and possibly starting to become out of hand for some), however, continue to preserve and remain calm, ALWAYS.
Training your pup should be getting easier and easier as the months fly by, especially if you start them off young. They’d be used to their basic commands and are most likely ready to move onto further difficult training.
You may also notice their teeth working harder than it should (I.e, Chewing more things than just food!). For this reason alone, it’s important you maintain to set boundaries with your pup.
Teaching them what they can and can not chew, as well as scratch, bite or play with is important not only for them but for your sanity too!
8 Months
Things you can expect from your 8-month-old retriever is nothing more than what you’ve observed over the last few months.
Energy levels at 8 months old will still be spiked, often on the verge of turning into destructive or aggressive behavior if not properly tamed and cared for.
If you do notice this behavior developing or persisting in your retriever, you should consult with your local VET to get a fresh perspective on their behavior and assist you in different options to consider for the future.
Overall, you should expect a very large puppy that is overactive, family-friendly, eats a lot and keen to run, play and explore the world around them!
9-12 Months
Right off the bat, your puppy is well and truly looking like an adult. Unfortunately, however, their irritable and typical “teenage” behavior will stick with them for another year or so…
This doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing though! This is the prime time to spend with your dog because in the next few years all your dog will want to do is sit on the couch and sleep the days away.
Get out with your 9 – 12-month-old pup as much as you can, helping them to develop their natural active behavior while also continuing to remain a firm and strict temperament routine with them.
Remember to continue feeding them a nutritional diet and taking them for regular visits with the VETS to observe their growth throughout their adolescent and adult life.
Here are Some of My Favorite Pets Products
Thank you for reading this post. I hope you found it helpful as you raise your pet. Here are some products i use as a pet owner that I hope you’ll also find helpful.
Flea & Tick Control: I recommend www.canadapetcare.com, they offer flea and tick treatments, collars, flea shampoos, oral capsules. For dogs, flea and tick infestation is deadly and may cause severe diseases if not treated regularly.
Skin & Coat Chews provide a variety of ingredients, vitamins, and minerals that will help a dog with their skin and coat, many breeds have chronic skin conditions that can create stress and frustration in their life when it has not been treated properly. Free Shipping on all orders at discounted prices.
America’s Veterinary Discount: With pet plans starting at $6.58/month, saving on your pet’s veterinary care has never been easier. Click here to join risk-free. Showing your America’s Veterinary Discount card and the participating veterinary staff will reduce your entire medical services bill, no questions asked! Low cost plans, risk free guarantee.
You Might Also Like:
- Do Golden Retrievers Have Ear Problems? (Explained)
- Golden Retriever Lifespan: How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?
- Is It Hard for My Fat Golden Retriever to Lose Weight?
- Is It OK to Run With a Golden Retriever? (Quick Facts)
- Do Golden Retriever Shed? 11 Questions & Answers (Explained)
- How Many Teeth Do Golden Retrievers Have? (Quick Facts)