Golden Retriever Dog Breeder -
"How to Select a Responsible Golden Breeder"
Golden Retriever dog breeders are very prevalent throughout the world. However, finding a responsible Golden Retriever dog breeder can take a little homework. Below is an article to assist you in finding a responsible breeder.
It is estimated that over 50% of puppiess (and kittens) raised in the U.S. are raised by people who NEVER have another litter. A responsible breeder only sells to private individuals for a "forever home". We have all seen the television shows about the pet stores and where those kittens and puppies come from.
This leaves a relatively small percentage of puppies that are being raised by experienced people who are dedicated to one or two breeds and raising puppies for reasons other than maximum profit.
When you contact a good Golden Retriever dog breeder to inquire about a Golden puppy, they will interview you whether that be by personal interview or by the breeder asking you to fill out an application or questionnaire.
A Responsible Golden Retriever Dog Breeder:
- will use a written contract that clearly sets forth their health guarantee, their responsibility and your responsibility for the puppy. This protects you and the breeder, but most importantly – the puppy! A responsible breeder will want to know that you can house and raise their puppy appropriately and that their puppy will have one permanent home for its entire lifetime. They will have a no questions asked return policy if for any reason you are unable to keep the puppy. This policy is sometimes referred to as a "First Right of Refusal". That policy will be clearly stated in the contract. See an example of a Health/Genetic Guarantee.
- breeds to the AKC (American Kennel Club) (or other registry standard). The Golden Retriever dog breed standard is in place so that a good Golden breeder has something in mind each and every time he or she breeds their dogs. The AKC (Golden Retriever dog breed standard).
- will allow you to come to their home and let you meet them, their dogs, and their puppies. They will be pleased that you were able to take the time to come to their home to meet with them and all their dogs, and any other animals they may have. A responsible breeder has been around animals all of their life and has been showing and breeding for many years and has a great love for all animals.
- is one that you will talk to and buy the puppy from directly, the same person who raised the litter and owns the mother ("dam") AND father ("sire").
- will have had the puppies examined (a minimum of one time) by their veterinarian prior to the puppy going to their new home.
- will know the ancestry of the puppy and will provide you with a written/printed pedigree which should reflect at a minimum 4 generations. (AKC pedigree)
- will have done or will have in their possession the documentation of any required genetic tests on all their breeding dogs.
- will usually only have one or two breeds of dogs. Additionally, a good Golden Retriever breeder will limit the number of litters they have per year – usually 1 – 5 litters a year is fairly typical.
- will be actively involved in showing, doing rescue, etc. of Golden Retriever dogs. This will be evidenced by photos, books, and awards of long-term interest and activity in the breed. The puppies' environment will be clean with ample room for play. A responsible breeder will have gotten the awards from showing the Golden Retrievers and will display those awards and photos in their home.
- will not allow the puppies to be prematurely separated from their mother and littermates. Most Golden puppies should remain with its littermates and mother until about 8 weeks of age or longer.
- will be there to help and advise you throughout the life of the puppy.
- will always have a spay/neuter agreement on their non-show or non-breeding quality puppies. The breeding of Goldens is a responsibility that should not be entered into lightly. The prevention of over-population and haphazard breeding is the responsibility of the person selling the puppy.
- will insist that you prepare an appropriate place at your home before you take your puppy home. A responsible breeder will give you thorough personal instructions on the feeding and care of the puppy, and a record of vaccination(s) and worming(s), which may be called a "puppy packet". This is what is typically contained in a responsible Golden Retrievers Puppy Packet' "Puppy Packet".
- will always provide you with the registration paperwork at the time you pick up your puppy and will NEVER withhold paperwork for any reason.
Now that you know what a responsible breeder is, we know that you will be able to find that perfect Goldenn Retriever companion to cuddle up next to!! Please remember, whether you purchase a Golden puppy from us or not, we are always here to help and answer your questions – We love talking Goldens!
