BUYERS BEWARE
Please Do your Homework!
Notot Puppies are Cute: Don't Buy a Heartacheot
Puppies
are Cute: Don't Buy a Heartacheot
Puppies are Cute: Don't Buy a HeartacheBuy Heartacheotot
ot
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 - $2,500.
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!!!
8. A good breeder will educate you about owning a golden retriever
Great Resources: