Questions You Should Ask Your Golden Retriever Breeder

by Carol Matthews

Don’t assume that all Golden Retriever breeders are alike! They definitely are not. That’s like saying that all car salesmen are alike. You have to meet and ask questions of the car salesman before you can decide whether you are getting a good deal or not. You will be overwhelmed by all of the dogs and Golden Retriever information the breeder is ready to give. Write down the questions you need to ask your breeder before you start shopping. Not All Golden Retriever Breeders Are Alike

This is one reason why you should never buy a puppy from a pet store or from online puppy brokers. You will never be able to ask questions of the breeders. That, and the slight fact that all pet stores and online puppy brokers get their stock from inhumane puppy mills. These puppy mills are the reason why there are sadly, very unhealthy and un-trainable Golden Retrievers running around. In order to assure yourself that your puppy is healthy and sane, you need to meet the breeder.

Here are some of the main questions you want to ask any Golden Retriever breeder you are thinking of buying a puppy from. Ask them why they breed Golden Retrievers. What are the qualities they like in a dog? They should talk more about breeding sensible and healthy dogs rather than just show winning dogs. Do they use their dogs for hunting or obedience work, or just for shows?

Ask the breeder for references, whether from past customers or from their vet. Ask the breeder why they breed Golden Retrievers. Ask them what they think makes a perfect Golden Retriever. Their answers should be more concerned about the dog’s health and personalities rather than looks. Also ask whether the parents are gun dogs (hunting dogs) or show dogs. There is a different temperament and sometimes a different body shape between working dogs and show dogs. If you are an avid duck hunter, then you will have no interest in show dog stock.

You also want to ask for a written contract, which spells out what the breeder is responsible for. A good Golden Retriever breeder will already have such a contract for you! A good breeder will also be able to not only show you the puppy’s mother, but also her health certificates.

Also because of puppy mills, you want to be sure your Golden Retriever is going to be from healthy bloodstock. Ask to see the health certificates and the testing scores for hip dysplasia. Ask who is responsible for paying the first round of worming and inoculation shots, just to be sure. Ask for a written contract, which a reputable Golden Retriever breeder should be happy and able to provide.

A good Golden Retriever breeder will then ask you far more questions than you ask them. They will want to know your expectations for a dog and your past experience with dogs. They will have the final say as to who gets what puppy - you don’t.

If you want a pet, then please do not go to a breeder. Instead, go to a Golden Retriever breed rescue group and adopt an adult or older puppy. You’ll save a life and get a financial break that way.

About the Author:

About the author: Carol Matthews is an avid lover of the Golden Retriever and owns a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Golden Retriever. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Golden Retriever Breeders plus a whole lot more.

Last articles for