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1. Beware of
breeders advertising
"Rare, White, Golden Retrievers", "British
Whites", "Platinum Blondes", "Ultra Lights" etc.
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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.
What is an English Golden
Retriever Anyway?
Click here to read an
exceptional article!!!
www.englishgoldens.net
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2. Beware of
breeders charging exorbitant prices for their
puppies.
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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!
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3. A good,
reputable breeder NEVER advertises "unlimited registration available".
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4. A good breeder
will ask you a lot of questions about the home you will provide for a
puppy.
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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.
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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.
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6. A good breeder
will have pictures of their dogs with all of the dog's information
listed on their website. |
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This includes both parents'
registered names, ALL health clearances including hip, heart, eye and
elbow, and pedigree information , etc......
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7. Beware of
breeders who do not list all of their dog's clearances or say that these
clearances are not necessary. |
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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). Click here to see a
photo of severe hip dysplasia in a young pup (only 6 months old).
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!!! |
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8. A good breeder
will educate you about owning a golden retriever.
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Golden retrievers are VERY
active. They chew, dig and get into a lot of mischief. A good breeder
will want you to understand exactly what you are getting yourself into!
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9. A good breeder
will insist that if you can not provide a good home for your puppy at
any given time in its life, the puppy will be returned to them...the
breeder. |
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10. If you don't
feel comfortable with a breeder you need to look elsewhere - a good
breeder will be a part of your life for the lifetime of your dog - they
will always be available to you for any question or concern - no matter
how small! |
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Other Great
Resources:
Click here for information from the
Golden Retriever Club of America!!
www.k9data.com
- an online database of golden retriever pedigrees. This is an
excellent resource to research a dog's pedigree and clearances. Many
great breeders will have this linked right to their own websites.
www.offa.org
- The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. At this website you can verify
all of a dog's clearances by simply inputting the registered name or AKC
number.
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Try
www.englishgoldens.net
for a list of great, reputable breeders of the "English type" of golden
retriever across North America.
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