Are you in search of the perfect golden retriever puppy? Do you want to start breeding this wonderful and noble breed of dog? Whether you are a prospective dog owner, or you are a breeder beginner, this article is here to help you! This is a guide all about the golden retriever breeder.
The first step to your quest is learning the Breed Standard for golden retrievers. The Breed Standard maintains the integrity of the breed by setting a descriptive standard for a purebred dog. Any reputable breeder uses the Breed Standard as a guide for his/her breeding program. The American and European (including British) Breed Standards are a little different for goldens. This is why American and European goldens each have their own distinctive look. Find the American standard at akc.org, and the British version at thekennelclub.org.uk.
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Good breeders will register all of their dogs. Any puppy and both of the parents should be registered, showing that they are purebred goldens. In the U.S., the breeder should be able to provide AKC registration paperwork. You can check the AKC registration number(s) with the AKC. In Britain, look for KC registration. Other national kennel clubs will be different such as the Australian National Kennel Council, and the Canadian Kennel Club. Breeders should maintain a 3-to 5-generation record of each dog's pedigree showing all of the dogs are purebred. Again, the registered names and numbers can be checked with the AKC, or the appropriate organization. By the way, charging extra for paperwork is against AKC rules. Finally, once a puppy is sold the breeder should provide a form to transfer registered ownership, so the puppy will be registered with the AKC or KC in the buyer's name.
What about 'snowy' looking golden retrievers? These beautiful dogs are technically a light cream color. Breed Standards don't allow a golden to have a 'white' coat. Cream goldens are European dogs. The AKC Breed Standard does not allow a purebred to have a shade of gold that pale. Registration for a cream puppy is a straightforward process in Britain or Europe. In America, a cream golden should have the distinctive look of a European dog. However, a puppy will generally have AKC registration because imported purebreds can be reregistered with the national kennel club. At some point, the puppy's parents or ancestors were imported. The breeder should be able to provide the registration form and number from the appropriate European kennel club.
Most golden retriever health problems are related to genetics. This is why it is so important for a breeder to screen each breeding pair before they have a litter of puppies. This testing is standard, and the certification paperwork should be shown to prospective buyers as a matter of course. There should be OFA certification for the hips (hip dysplasia) and elbows. A thorough breeder will also have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification for the heart and thyroid. CERF certification for eyes is important because goldens can often have cataracts when they are older. If you are a breeder, consider a DNA profile for your dogs and DNA testing for disease. Cancer is the leading cause of death for this breed.
It is a very good idea to visit the breeder before purchasing a golden retriever. Buying a puppy is a lifelong investment. Goldens live 10-15 years on average. Not all breeders are created equal. So, don't focus on only one breeder. When you visit a breeder, come prepared with a list of questions. A quality breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed, and passionate about his/her dogs. Make sure you spend time with each puppy's parents. This should be no problem. That way you can have a good idea of what your future dog will look like, and if the parents are healthy. Also, spend time with the litter. This way you can compare the personalities of the puppies. Finally, spend time with your puppy. Is he/she comfortable with you?
It takes a full time commitment to breed golden retrievers, and there are significant start-up costs. You will also need adequate and clean facilities and a lot of space to raise a litter of 8-12 puppies. You will have to be prepared to help with whelping. For example, the dam may need a caesarean at the vet if there is difficulty with whelping the litter. Puppies should not be sold until they are 7-8 weeks old. The puppies should also be socialized before they are sold, and they should be vaccinated and de-wormed. Buyers should be provided with written instructions for feeding, care, and training. A good breeder will also offer a guaranteed puppy contract, so the puppy can be returned within a reasonable time frame. Being a member of a breed club is a good idea, and they can also be a good source for advice.
Your Golden Retriever Breeder Guide
Laurence Burrows is a golden retriever lover, and trainer. For more great tips on the golden retriever breeder, visit http://www.loyalgoldenretriever.com.
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