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Golden Retrievers have one of the highest cancer rates of any dog breed. While there’s no single cause, research points to a combination of genetics, breeding practices, age, and environmental factors.
This article explains why Golden Retrievers are more prone to cancer. You’ll learn about the most common types, early warning signs, and practical steps owners can take to reduce risk.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Why Golden Retrievers Get Cancer
Golden Retrievers develop cancer more often due to a mix of genetics, breeding history, age, and environmental factors.
- Genetics: Some dogs inherit genes that increase their risk of cancer.
- Breeding: A small gene pool can pass on harmful genes more easily.
- Age: The risk grows as dogs get older and their immune system weakens.
- Lifestyle & Environment: Diet, weight, and exposure to toxins can also play a role.
This quick overview highlights the main reasons. Keep reading to see how each factor specifically affects Golden Retrievers.
Why Golden Retrievers Are Prone To Cancer
These risk factors often overlap in Golden Retrievers, which helps explain why cancer is so common in the breed.
1. Genetics
Some Golden Retrievers inherit genes that increase their risk of cancer. Purebred dogs have a smaller gene pool, so harmful genes can be passed down more easily.
Having a genetic risk doesn’t guarantee cancer, but it does make this breed more vulnerable.
2. Breeding Practices
Selective breeding, which helped make Golden Retrievers popular, can concentrate cancer‑linked genes.
Research has shown that the rate of cancer in Golden Retrievers in North America is higher than in European lines.
In one large breed health review, about 61–62% of U.S.‑bred Golden Retrievers died from cancer, while European‑bred Goldens had a lower rate of around 38–39%.
This difference may reflect genetic and breeding differences between the two populations. You can read more about these findings in an article from Kinship.
3. Age
Cancer risk increases as dogs age. In Golden Retrievers, it starts to increase around age six and peaks between 10 and 12 years. A weaker immune system makes it easier for abnormal cells to grow.
4. Spaying and Neutering Timing
The age at which a Golden is spayed or neutered can affect cancer risk. Early spaying or neutering may increase certain cancers, while intact dogs face risks like mammary or testicular cancer.
Because timing matters, it’s worth reviewing guidance on when to spay a Golden Retriever and discussing the best option with your veterinarian.
5. Lifestyle and Environment
Diet, obesity, and exposure to toxins all play a role. Processed foods, lawn chemicals, secondhand smoke, and prolonged sun exposure can increase risk.
Maintaining a healthy diet and reducing exposure to harmful substances can help, though it won’t change genetic risk.
Most Common Cancers In Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are most often affected by four types of cancer. Understanding them can help owners spot early warning signs and seek treatment quickly.
1. Hemangiosarcoma
This is a fast-growing cancer of the blood vessels. It often develops in the spleen, liver, or heart. Hemangiosarcoma can suddenly rupture and cause serious internal bleeding. Middle-aged and older Goldens are most commonly affected.
For a clear explanation and expert answers about hemangiosarcoma, check out this video from the Morris Animal Foundation.
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. There are many types, but multicentric lymphoma, which enlarges lymph nodes throughout the body, is the most common in Goldens. Chemotherapy is often effective, and dogs usually tolerate it well.
3. Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are skin cancers that can be slow-growing or aggressive. They often appear as small lumps or bumps on the skin. Low-grade tumors can often be removed with surgery, while high-grade tumors may spread and require additional treatment.
4. Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a cancer of the bone. It typically affects the limbs and can spread quickly to other areas, especially the lungs. Early signs include swelling, limping, or bone pain. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or amputation in severe cases.
Even though cancer is common in Golden Retrievers, early detection can make a big difference. Regular vet checkups and monitoring your dog for unusual lumps, swelling, or changes in behaviour can help catch these cancers early.
Early Warning Signs Of Cancer In Golden Retrievers
Cancer can be difficult to detect early, and some types, like hemangiosarcoma, often show no symptoms until they are severe. Still, some signs may indicate a problem.
Watch for changes such as:
- Lumps or bumps that persist or grow
- Sores that don’t heal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in appetite or water intake
- Bleeding or unusual discharge
- Difficulty eating, moving, or breathing
- Lethargy or loss of stamina
Even small changes in behaviour, energy, or sleep can be a warning sign. Since some cancers show no early symptoms, regular vet checkups and monthly body checks are important. Activity trackers can help spot changes sooner.
Tips To Reduce Cancer Risk In Golden Retrievers
While genetics can’t be changed, there are steps you can take to lower your Golden Retriever’s overall risk of cancer:
1. Choose a Responsible Breeder
Select a breeder who screens for cancer in their breeding lines. Responsible breeders perform health testing and avoid breeding dogs with a history of cancer.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity increases the risk of several cancers. Feeding a balanced diet, avoiding overfeeding, and providing regular exercise all help.
If you’re unsure what’s considered normal, this guide on what is a healthy weight for Golden Retrievers can help you assess your dog’s body condition and make adjustments if needed.
3. Feed a High-Quality Diet
Choose foods with natural, whole ingredients and avoid processed foods with fillers, preservatives, or toxins. Including cancer-fighting foods, like blueberries, pumpkin, fish oil, broccoli, and apples, can provide antioxidants, omega-3s, and other nutrients that support overall health.
4. Limit Exposure to Toxins
Avoid secondhand smoke, harsh chemicals, and lawn products. Reduce prolonged sun exposure to lower the risk of skin cancer.
5. Consider Timing of Spay/Neuter
The age of spaying and neutering your dog can affect their cancer risk. Discuss the best timing with your veterinarian to balance risks and benefits.
6. Schedule Regular Vet Checkups
Routine vet visits help catch health changes early. For senior dogs or those at higher risk, more frequent checkups may be beneficial.
7. Monitor Your Dog at Home
Check for lumps, bumps, or unusual behaviour at least once a month. Even subtle changes in energy, appetite, or movement can be an early warning sign.
If Your Golden Has Cancer
Learning that your Golden Retriever has cancer is overwhelming. Here’s what you can do:
- Understand the cancer: Ask your vet about the type, stage, and treatment options.
- Explore treatments: Common options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or combination therapy. Early detection often improves outcomes.
- Focus on comfort: Good nutrition, gentle exercise, and regular vet check-ups help your dog stay comfortable.
- Seek support: Online groups or local pet communities can provide advice and emotional support.
Even if the cancer is serious, taking these steps can help you make informed decisions and ensure your dog’s quality of life.
Ongoing Research: The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
Golden Retrievers are the focus of one of the largest dog health studies in the world: the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, run by the Morris Animal Foundation.
The study follows over 3,000 Golden Retrievers from puppyhood through adulthood, collecting data on diet, environment, genetics, and lifestyle. The goal is to identify factors that contribute to cancer and other diseases.
By tracking dogs over their entire lives, researchers hope to learn what increases cancer risk and what might help prevent it. The study is ongoing and provides valuable insights that could benefit all dogs, not just Goldens.
You can learn more about the study and its findings from the Morris Animal Foundation website.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about cancer in Golden Retrievers.
1. What is the most common cancer in Golden Retrievers?
Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma are the most common, followed by mast cell tumors and osteosarcoma.
2. Can I prevent cancer in my Golden Retriever?
You can reduce risk by feeding a healthy diet, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, limiting exposure to toxins, and scheduling regular vet checkups. Genetics can’t be changed, but lifestyle factors do help.
3. At what age do Golden Retrievers usually get cancer?
Cancer risk starts increasing around age six and peaks between 10 and 12 years.
4. Are there early signs of cancer I can look for?
Look for persistent lumps, sores that don’t heal, unexplained weight loss, changes in appetite or behaviour, and difficulty moving or breathing. Regular vet visits are essential since some cancers may show no early signs.
Key Takeaways
Many owners wonder why Golden Retrievers get cancer. Genetics, age, and environment all play a role, but some risks can be managed.
What you can do:
- Maintain a healthy weight and feed a balanced, high-quality diet.
- Limit exposure to smoke, chemicals, and excessive sun.
- Schedule regular vet checkups and do monthly body checks.
- Learn the common cancer types and early warning signs.
- Stay informed about ongoing research, like the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
Being proactive and observant helps improve your dog’s quality of life and may lower cancer risk.
Has your Golden Retriever ever faced a cancer diagnosis? Let us know how you handled it.
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
We have lost three dogs to splenic cancer, two were Goldens one was a Hines 57 (so to speak). We were incredibly heart broken each time the last was just this past June, she was two weeks shy of turning 11. We have since got a new Golden puppy, our vet told us of the study regarding waiting to spay we will be holding off until she is a year old. I’m also considering making her her food, her vet suggested to wait until she is ready for adult food. I do give her organic blueberries and broccoli as treats. They go to soon, it’s so very sad.
Hi Gretchen,
Thank you for sharing your story, although a very sad one. I am sorry for your loss. Cancer is so prevalent in this breed, it is very devastating to lose a loving fur baby to this disease. All we can do is our best to give them a great life – love, care, a high quality diet, and a safe and happy home. Goldens give so much love in return, and the time spent with them is never enough.
Take care,
Jenny.
We lost Laila 12 years old & Tara her daughter almost 10 years old-within 6 months of each other. Tara fought MCTs since 2018-she was absolutely fine after each of her 3 tumour removal surgeries.
The final battle couldn’t be won even after a round of chemo.
It is truly a privilege to be loved by a Golden❤
Hi Anjali,
I am truly sorry for the loss of both of your Golden Retrievers. It is heartbreaking to not only lose one but two within a short time of each other. Cancer is absolutely horrible, all we can hope for is that a cure is found soon!! As a Golden Retriever owner, it is always devastating to hear about a fellow owner suffering a loss, it really affects us all and we are suffering with you.
I hope that you can find comfort in knowing that both of your Goldens are running free together.
I couldn’t agree more with your last statement “It is truly a privilege to be loved by a Golden”.
Please take care, and thank you so much for sharing your story.
Jenny.
We recently lost a dog to cancer. It was awful! I am very happy after reading your article, that there are at least a few things that we can do to help! Losing a dog is losing a family member. Thank you so much for the information! And I will be sure to try to spread the word to help others keep their furry friends healthy!
Hi Kevin,
It is truly devastating to lose your dog to cancer, I am sorry for your loss. It is unfair that dogs have shorter lifespans than we do, if only they could live forever!
While there are no definitive answers to why Golden Retrievers get cancer, there are certain factors that contribute to the risk of cancer. By being aware of what factors contribute to the risks such as genetics, age, lifestyle, diet and spay/neuter status, we can hopefully help to reduce the chances of cancer in our own dogs.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
Thank you for your blog and all the comments from everyone. We just lost our Golden, Charlie. He was 4 years old. It was a complete shock to us. I still can’t believe he’s gone. He was vomiting we took him to the vets a week and a half ago for what we thought was constipation. Dr took X-rays and gave him mineral oil and said to call if there were any issues. He continued to vomit so we took him back.
The vet said the blockage was gone and he was good to go. Charlie continued to have vomiting and loose poop so we took him back again. This time they took blood and found he was very anemic and was in kidney failure. The Dr said Charlie had cancer and was in kidney failure based on blood work. He only had about 25% kidney function and there was nothing that could be done. We are at such a loss. In a week and a half, he goes from a playful 90 lbs puppy to him dying and weighing 81 lbs. My heart just breaks. His memories are everywhere. He was such a wonderful baby boy. Everyone misses him so very much even his partner in crime Lita who is a pit bull. They were inseparable. So sad. ? I didn’t know cancer was their number 1 killer.
Hi Susan,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Golden Retriever Charlie. It is never easy losing a loving member of the family, especially so suddenly and at such a young age.
Cancer can be a silent killer, as it can be brought on suddenly without giving any warning signs. It is unfortunately this breeds biggest downfall.
I hope in time that you can be comforted by the many wonderful memories that you had with Charlie. I also hope that your pitbull Lita will recover from this huge loss in time as well.
Thank you for taking the time to share your story. I truly wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Jenny.
Hi Jenny.
I stumbled upon this blog and read about the cancers in GRs. We just lost our Dexter yesterday morning and are devastated. We couldn’t wrap our heads around what happened. We’ve done some research today and your blog has definitely helped us in terms of making sense of what happened and to know that others have had the same gut-wrenching experience. Our Dexter was fine during the day, seemed off in the evening, and early morning a spiral downwards. Zero signs of any health issues leading up to that night. He would’ve been 9 in August.
Thanks again for the blog with the information.
Mike
Hi Mike,
This is such horrible news to hear! I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Dexter. Losing a Golden is extremely devastating, and one of the hardest losses to overcome. Just know that you are not alone, there are many others who are going through the same thing. It might help to reach out to other Golden Retriever owners who know what you are going through. There are many pet loss support groups available to talk to that you can find on the internet. I also covered grieving the loss of a dog in one of my blog posts, which you may find helpful.
My heart breaks for you, as this is what every Golden Retriever owner fears the most! 9 years old is so young, it is certainly gut-wrenching.
Cancer unfortunately is this breed’s biggest killer! I like all other Golden Retriever owners hope that they find a cure!
I wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Jenny.
Oliver Waylon Jennings (Ollie) has just now gone to glory. He was 8 1/2. He had an amazing 6-month run after last summer’s tumor removal. We were told Hemangiosarcoma is one of Mother Nature’s most merciful painless Cancers. It is believed to be Mother Nature’s population control mechanism for wolves that also affects dogs since all dogs are 98% wolf! This Cancer is a major killer of German Shepherds, THE MAJOR killer of Golden Retrievers, and Ollie! After tumor-removal surgery, last July, we were told a survival duration of 2-4 months was possible, but 4 would be unlikely. We got 6!!! —- All dogs are great, in many cases greater than humans. Ollie was a STAR. We didn’t share him with too many people because we were simply SELFISH and kept him for us. We pampered him and he was funny, zany, kindly with everything and everyone he met. He loved other people AND other dogs. He loved human GIRLS & was an embarrassingly shameless lovesick masher who didn’t hesitate to HOWL at women on the street. He was outrageous and delightful. He was never in pain, we made certain of that. Wow, we really miss this SUPER personality! On, to the next great dog story! …but we’ll never beat Ollie!
Hi Jim,
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry for your loss. Ollie sounds like he was one of a kind, and he will forever have a piece of your heart. Amazing that you were able to share 6 more months together, and that he was never in any pain. Hopefully, with all of the research being done, Cancer among this breed and others will be a thing of the past.
Take care,
Jenny.
Are air fresheners harmful to pets like Glade plug-ins or Febreeze for fabric such as couches, curtains, etc?
Hi Diana,
Thanks for asking such a great question. Yes, air fresheners like Glade and Febreeze are harmful to pets, and they are not good for you either. These types of products are made from synthetic fragrances that contain toxic chemicals, which are harmful to your dog and any other pets to breathe in or be exposed to. These products are slow poisons to your dog as well as yourself. Meaning their harmful effects will take time to do damage to your dog’s health and yours.
Dogs have a greater sense of smell than we do, and any type of fragrance is going to be bothersome to your dog. I would suggest avoiding artificial fragrances at all costs, even when washing your dog’s bedding I would only use unscented laundry soap. Fragrance causes damage in the long run and it could also cause an allergic reaction in your dog. These products are simply not worth the risk!
If you really need to have your home or fabrics smelling good, look for 100% natural scents such as 100% pure organic essential oils. Do your research, because some essential oils are toxic to dogs as well!
For further reading on the dangers of artificial fragrances, check out this article by dogsnaturally.
Thank you,
Jenny.
Thank you for your post about cancer in golden retrievers. We lost our Murphy on Dec 5, 2019. He would have been 10 years old in February 2020. Murphy was the brother of a West Coast breeder who consistently wins almost every competition she enters. Willis was Murphy’s littermate who was 2nd golden at Westminster. Anyway, Murphy came in from outside and he just didn’t look quite right.. we rushed him to our vet and he said his spleen had ruptured.. he decided to remove it but found cancer in his liver and spleen. So we had to have him euthanized while under the anesthesia. So less than 3 hours and our baby was gone.
It is heartbreaking to lose a golden.. when Murphy turned 5 we got a puppy from his brother Willis. We named him Wallis after sir William Wallace of Scotland. So Wallis was our 4th golden and was devastated to lose his buddy. We made it thru to July and we just had to have another puppy so we now have Fergus❤️ Nothing can ever replace Murphy but he’d be glad we found another puppy to love.
We raised our two kids with a golden and they now have families and goldens of their own. Summer is swim time for 4 goldens in our pool? I just wanted to let people know that the love you share with a Golden Retriever is an experience that is sent by God.. we even visited the Golden Retriever Statue in Scotland where the breed was born. I am close to 70.. retired from a 40-year teaching career 5 years ago. I hope they find a cause and cure for cancer.. these beautiful dogs are so worth all of the hype of the breed.
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so very sorry for your loss of Murphy, and how quickly it happened. It is devastating to lose a dog, especially a Golden Retriever. Dogs are just as devastated when another dog in the family passes away, I am happy to hear that Fergus will be a new friend for Wallis, and you are able to love another puppy. It sounds like your Summer is a blast with 4 goldens in your pool.
Hopefully, with enough research and time, there will be a cure for cancer! I agree that these dogs are worth all the hype and that the love you share with a Golden Retriever is unlike any other!
Thank you for taking the time to comment, and I wish you and your Goldens all the best!
Jenny.
We lost our Golden Molly to cancer, she was 12 years old. She was diagnosed on July 17th, 2020. On the following Monday, we went back and the vet thought we have 2 to 8 weeks with her. She passed away on July 21, 2020. We adopted Molly when she was 3 years old. When we took her to the vet to be checked over they found she had heartworm, but she beat that and then a year ago she had a lump on her leg and it was cancer. It was removed and she was cancer-free. This time the cancer was in her lungs and we were not as lucky. She had a good life and our hearts are breaking but she is not suffering anymore.
Hi Margaret,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on losing your loving dog, Molly. My heart is breaking for you, I am very sorry. There are just no words that can help you through this trying time, losing a dog is one of the hardest things to go through.
I hope that you can find relief in knowing that your Molly is in a better place and not suffering anymore. It will take time to heal, and one day you will be able to reflect on all of the wonderful moments you have shared and the memories that you have made together, and those memories will put a smile on your face instead of tears.
I want to thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and I wish you and your family all the best.
Take care,
Jenny.
I sadly lost my two beautiful boys within a month of each other last year. I’m still suffering from a broken heart. The first one Digger was 14 1/2 and old age had taken its toll. Buddy was just 13. One minute he was eating, playing and the next collapsed on the floor suffering from hemangiosarcoma. He was gone within hours and ripped my world apart.
I am now the proud man to a 1-year-old and an 18 week old, again Goldies. You forget how crazy they are at a young age but my life wouldn’t be the same without sharing it with such beautiful creatures. It turns out they are both related to my beautiful angels.
I hope everyone is lucky enough to receive even half the love my boys gave me. It was a privilege to have shared their lives.
Hi Andrea,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. What a sad story though, I am so very sorry for your loss! It is so tragic how quickly hemangiosarcoma can set in, and you must deal with such a rapid heart-wrenching decision. I can only imagine the pain you must have felt, and are still feeling. We never truly get over the loss of our loved ones.
I am happy to hear that you have added 2 more Golden boys to your family, and how wonderful it is that they are related to your “beautiful angels”. I am sure that these 2 will help you recover from your loss, and you will have plenty of wonderful times ahead of you. I am sure they will also remind you of the many wonderful moments you shared with Digger and Buddy.
I also hope that everyone is lucky enough to be given the chance to be loved by a Golden and to share in their lives.
Thank you again for taking the time to comment, and I wish you and your 2 boys many happy and wonderful days ahead.
Jenny.
We just lost our Golden to Hemangiosarcoma. It was very sudden with no warning.
He was only 6 and we are all heartbroken.
Hi Gene,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Golden. To lose your dog at such a young age and without warning is absolutely devastating. I hope that the wonderful memories and happy times that you shared with your Golden will carry you through this devastating time.
I want to thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and I wish you the strength to get through this difficult time. You have proven that as dog owners, we all need to treasure and cherish every moment with our dogs as the time we have with them is never long enough.
Take care,
Jenny.
I heard about this a few months ago from a friend of mine that has 4 Goldens, and he lost two to cancer. Very sad. I have a Golden 13 years old, has a lot of lumps and have had them checked out, no cancer (I was really scared though). I posted a notice in my house “Do not use any chemicals in my house”. I have been doing what I can to make my home as chemical-free as possible. I was wondering why they get cancer. Thanks for the enlightenment.
Hi Jordan,
I am sorry to hear of your friend losing 2 of his Golden Retrievers to cancer, it is very heartbreaking. What a relief for you to find out that your 13-year-old Golden does not have cancer, and 13 years old in Golden Retriever years is pretty impressive. Making your home as chemical-free as possible is a great step in preventing cancer in your Golden, and improving his/her quality of life and yours too.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Jenny.
Hello Jenny;
Happy to read your article; I do not have a dog but my wife would like to own one, I am more related to cats. But, I find it interesting to know the risks related to the dog breed that we would like to adopt to prepare accordingly and guide our choices.
However, I would like to know if cats too are subject to cancer and if so which breeds?
Thank you.
Hi Moi Moi,
You are certainly doing the right thing by educating yourself on Golden Retrievers or any other dog breed that you wish to adopt. This way you will know what to expect and can make an informed decision on the breed of your choice.
To answer your question, yes cats are at risk for cancer too. However, the risk for cancer in cats is less than the risk in dogs. Common cancer found in cats is Lymphoma, and cats will have lumps and bumps. I am not familiar with any breed of cats that are more prone to cancer than others. I would say that environmental factors can contribute to feline cancer just like it does in dogs, and the same prevention would apply. Limit the exposure to toxic chemicals and second-hand smoke. Monitor your cat for any changes in physical and behavioural patterns.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.