BUYERS BEWARE
Please Do your Homework!
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are Cute: Don't Buy a Heartacheot
Puppies are Cute: Don't Buy a Heartacheot
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Not all Golden Retriever breeders are reputable. The following information will help you to be better informed
about what to look for before buying a puppy:
1. Beware of breeders advertising "Rare, White, Golden Retrievers", "British
Whites", "Platinum Blondes", "Ultra Lights" etc.
Many breeders are exploiting their dogs for a profit. The AKC deems the light color "undesirable" so most American
breeders only breed shades of gold. Outside of this country, the "cream" color (the term for what looks white or
off-white) is acceptable in the show ring and VERY common. They are merely "cream colored" Golden Retrievers with
English or European lineage.
2.
Beware of breeders charging exorbitant prices for their puppies.
The price for an AKC registered "English style" golden retriever with hip, heart, eye and elbow clearances as
well as Champion bloodlines from a great, reputable breeder is never more than $2,000 nationwide and averages closer to $1,500.
You are not getting anything better by paying more!
3. A good, reputable breeder NEVER advertises "unlimited registration available".
4. A good breeder will ask you a lot of questions about the
home
you will provide for a puppy.
If you feel you have to prove yourself as a good owner, that is GOOD! A reputable breeder cares where their puppies
will live out their lives.
5. A good, reputable breeder will invite you to their home (if you live close enough) to meet
them, their dogs and to see the environment where the dogs are living.
6. A good breeder will have pictures of their
dogs with all of the dog's information listed on their website.
This
includes both parents' registered names, ALL health clearances including hip, heart, eye and elbow, and pedigree information
, etc......
7. Beware of breeders who do not list
all of their dog's clearances or say that these clearances are not necessary.
1 in 5 golden retrievers is diagnosed with hip dysplasia. 1 in 10 are diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. Although
not as common, eye and heart problems also occur in this breed. Don't settle for only some of these tests,
but all must be performed!!! (See Great Resources for more information).
Please note: Some breeders will lie about having the clearances done or say their vet
said they are fine. ALWAYS ask for proof in the form of clearance #'s. It is your right as a new puppy
owner to have these BEFORE purchasing a pup!!!!
Parents
of said litter should be at least 18 months old (preferably age 2 especially for females) prior to breeding as well!!!
Parents of said litter should be at least 18 months old (preferably age 2 especially for females) prior to
breeding as well!!!
8.
A good breeder will educate you about owning a golden retriever