Golden Retriever Buying Guide

Golden Retriever Buying Guide

(Provided by the Golden Retriever Club of Columbus, Ohio)

The popularity of the Golden Retriever has increased tremendously in recent years. When a breed becomes popular, there is often indiscriminate breeding. As a result, there are a greater number of poorly bred Goldens that do not reflect the true temperament, intelligence and soundness that should be typical of a well-bred Golden Retriever.

The Golden Retriever Club of Columbus, Ohio is truly interested in the future of this lovely breed. We hope that the following information will aid you in selection of a puppy that will meet your expectations of companionship, trainability and good health.

Guidelines for Choosing a Golden Puppy

Don't be in a hurry.

Well-bred pups are not always available the day you decide to buy. A wait of up to three months is not unusual.

Choose a reliable breeder.

This does not necessarily mean someone who has been breeding for years. Rather, it means someone who has a deep interest in the breed, health issues concerning Golden Retrievers, the future of the puppies they have helped bring into this world and the type of homes they are going to.

Ask questions.

The sire and dam should be at least two years old. The breeder should have available for your review:

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification stating hip status of the dam and sire;

CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) certificate or eye exam from a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist dated within 12 months of breeding;

heart clearance from a board certified veterinary cardiologist;

a four or five generation pedigree on dam and sire;

a picture of the sire if he is from out of town.

Final Considerations

GOOD TEMPERAMENT is of the utmost importance in a Golden Retriever. Indeed, it is the hallmark of the breed! Animals with bad temperaments, either too shy or too aggressive, should never be bred.