Jul 22, Golden Retriever Breeders -- Reputable Source For Goldens

Checking out Golden Retriever breeders is an important step in your quest for finding ?just the right Golden? for your family.

The breeder you finally select will be one who cares about the breed, cares about the puppies, and wants to see them go to good homes.

Golden Retriever puppy breeders carefully plan every litter to enhance the health and quality of the breed.

Many of them also offer advice and support for the life of your dog.

You're going to be keeping in touch for many years. So take your time finding the right one.

Conscientious Golden Retriever breeders usually only breed two or three litters a year.

Sometimes they'll only produce one litter each year.

They want to devote their time and attention to bringing out the best in their dogs.

They're passionate about breeding Golden Retrievers to retain the wonderful temperament and characteristics of the breed.

They put a great deal of time into each puppy and puppy buyer, and carefully match their puppies to appropriate homes.

They care so much about each pup, they often request the right of first refusal.

This means they get the puppy back if you can't keep him anymore, for whatever reason.

Golden Retriever breeders are often active in some type of dog competition.

They work their dogs, possibly with showing, hunting, obedience, agility or pet therapy.

They will also most likely be members of the Golden Retriever Club of America, a local breed club or both.

The backyard breeder is most easily described as someone with a pet who breeds it because he thinks it would be fun to have a litter.

It is not uncommon for such dogs to be in poor health and have less-than-desirable temperaments.

Read between the lines in newspaper advertisements. "Puppy mills" offer quantity rather than quality. Their puppies are often badly cared for and may never achieve full good health.

You must first determine your reason for buying a Golden Retriever.

Are you hoping he'll be a hunter or a show ring champion?

Or do you simply want a house pet and a family dog?

Whatever the answer, you need to look for Golden Retriever breeders who have the same goals for their dogs.

If you want to buy a puppy that can pursue a show career, you should seek out a kennel known to produce champion Golden Retriever puppies.

Although no one can guarantee your dog will be a show ring champion, your chances are better if your pup comes from a long line of champs.

If you're looking for a hunting Golden Retriever, check with gun dog breeders who can offer good hunting bloodlines in their Goldens.

The mother and father should have either field championships or hunting titles in their pedigrees.

Instincts and temperament have a way of filtering down through the gene pool.

If all you really want is a gentle, lovable house pet, you need to be honest with the Golden Retriever breeders you visit.

Both you and your dog will be happier if it's "a match made in heaven."

OK, you've decided what type of Golden Retriever you're looking for. Now where do you find a good breeder?

You can start by talking to other dog owners in your area.

If your friends have Goldens that you like, it may be just a simple matter of going to the Golden Retriever kennel where they got their dog and putting your name on a waiting list.

Even if that kennel doesn't have puppies available, it's the best place to start, as they may be able to recommend other reputable Golden Retriever kennels.

These people usually refer you only to places they would buy from themselves. Why?

Giving a poor reference reflects on their own reputation, so they stick to those with a four-star rating.

Besides the Golden Retriever kennel owners themselves, the handlers, trainers, groomers and veterinarians with whom the kennels do business are another great source of information.

These professionals often know who has litters available, as well as who has top-notch animals and a squeaky clean reputation.

Another great source of information is local or national breed clubs. These clubs are made up of Golden Retriever enthusiasts who care about the character and longevity of the breed.

The Golden Retriever Club of America offers dog breeder listings with names and phone numbers of people in your area who currently have Golden Retriever puppies for sale.

Many local Golden Retriever clubs also provide this service.

Don't be surprised if Golden Retriever puppy breeders quiz you as to your candidacy to take one of their pups home.

This shows that they care about where their pups are going.

They may even want to meet the whole family, especially if you have young children (like my tribe pictured here).

You may be asked questions about the following situations: What kind of dogs you've had before What your intentions with the dog are (hunting, show, family, etc.) If the dog will be an inside or outside dog How much time you plan on spending with the pup If you have children and if so, how old they are What's your lifestyle, in general--athletic or sedentary
When visiting a Golden Retriever kennel to check out your puppy possibilities, take a moment to notice the facility itself. The premises should be clean, by sight and smell. The proprietors should be helpful and knowledgeable.

You shouldn't entirely rule out the litters that are raised in clean, well-kept outdoor kennels. But puppies that are born and raised inside will probably have more human contact.

Home-raised puppies, especially those raised in a home with well-behaved and supervised children, will probably make the best family dogs for homes with small children.

You should be able to meet at least one of the pup's parents.

You can get a good indication as to the temperament of the puppies by looking at their mother.

You should like her so much, you'll almost want to take her home!

Golden Retriever breeders often have pictures and pedigrees of the puppies' other close relatives, to help give you an idea of what to expect in appearance and temperament.

Many Golden Retriever breeders put together an information packet that could include any or all of the following: Sales receipt and/or contract American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC) registration Pedigree (4-5 generations) Health record of vaccinations and wormings Copies of health certifications and clearances Instructions about food and general care Contacts for local Golden Retriever clubs List of magazines or books about Golden Retrievers and/or puppy care

Some individuals require spay and neuter contracts on their pet-quality dogs. This means that you won't get your papers until your dog's been neutered.

Reputable Golden Retriever puppy breeders should allow you 30 days to get your pup examined by a certified veterinarian. If there are problems, you can return the pup and get your money back.

After all, they have the best interests of both you and their pups at heart.

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