My Golden lasted to 13yo. He was an awesome dog. We had him fixed as a puppy but regretted it later as he grew into one of the most handsome Goldens I'd ever seen. Downsized dogs now - Papillons. Even the adults are like having toddlers around :-) But I wouldn't trade 'em for anything.
I have a relative that is a "hobby breeder". She's very good at it and has sold some of her Samoyeds as far away as Finland. In 10 years she's probably only had three or four litters from eight dogs.
Oh, Papillons are wonderful dogs (and very smart). They are one of the few small breeds I have considered in my old age as I think that the big dogs get harder and harder to lug around and groom.