Any person who owns a female dog that has puppies
can be considered a breeder. The real question to ask about the person you are
purchasing your puppy from is: How knowledgeable are they?
If a golden
retriever breeder cannot answer all of your questions about the dog, you may want
to keep shopping for breeders before you decide on that particular one. It is
a good idea to write down a list of questions to ask the breeder in a phone interview,
as you will probably find yourself answering a newspaper or internet advertisement
before meeting the breeder in person.
It is important to know about the
breeder’s other dogs, such as does this breeder only breed golden retrievers or
other breeds as well; does this breeder own both parents and how did this litter
come to be, by accident or an unplanned pregnancy? Even these few basic questions
can tell you a lot about the person you are dealing with.
Some Things
Speak Louder Than Words
A reputable golden retriever breeder should keep
the dogs and puppies as part of their family, isolated dogs are a very bad sign.
A breeder should want you to spend time with the mother and their other dogs,
to see where the dogs are allowed to play and where they sleep; these areas should
be clean and well maintained, know that a destructed looking area can be a sign
of bored or neglected dogs.
Newspapers, Internet, Stores, And Boxes Outside
Grocery Stores
When trying to buy a puppy, it can be confusing at best;
puppies are available from so many sources, it is hard to know the best way to
go about acquiring one. Your needs and wants should be the main factor in your
decision, buying a dog is a very serious and lifelong commitment.
Newspapers
are a good way to find available puppies and golden retriever breeders in your
area; they are also full of confusing terms about certifications and association
accreditations. If you are looking for a pet, the newspaper could be a fine way
to find a dog with the look and temperament you want without paying for a show
quality dog that you have no intention of ever showing.
Pet shops and boxes
outside shopping centers are both clear indications that the breeders are desperate
to get rid of the puppies for one reason or another, the reason this is bad is
because they should not be breeding their dogs for the money, but because they
are interested in perfecting the breed. That being said, realizing that accidents
can happen or that circumstance can change, you may decide to rescue one of these
dogs.
Especially if your intent is a pet, a mixed breed or a dog which
is not ‘perfect’ by that breeders standard, it doesn’t mean it won’t make a perfect
pet. Sometimes, golden retriever breeders will get a litter that doesn’t have
the traits they’re after so they will give them to a pet shop to get them homes
more quickly.
Judging The Quality Of A Golden Retriever Breeder
The
breeder should be easy to talk to and offer a lot of advice in training, caring
for, and competing with your new puppy; if they seem uncomfortable answering questions
or don’t freely offer advice on raising their puppies, it is probably because
they are not very knowledgeable on these subjects and you may want to consider
finding
a quality golden retriever breeder.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Golden Retriever,
get a copy of this Golden Retriever Guide
NOW!
