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The Golden Retriever is a popular family pet in the United States. If you are interested in acquiring one of these devoted animals, this page will help you learn how to buy a purebred Golden Retriever.
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Step 1: Find a Breeder
- The healthiest dogs come from reputable breeders, not pet shops or online puppy mills.
- Your veterinarian should be able to help you find a breeder.
- Contact your local Golden Rescue group to see if they can recommend a reliable breeder.
- Breeders advertise online, on Craigslist, and in newspapers
- Check references carefully
- Talk to their veterinarian
- Call previous customers
- Although you may find a breeder online, do not purchase a pet online. Visit the breeder personally to check out the facility and the dogs.
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This video from Animal Planet's "Breed All About It" is an introduction to the Golden Retriever breed. Details are given about the Golden's temperament, special skills and overall training and care. Information is also provided about the Golden Retriever's potential health problems: hip displaysia and cancer.
Consider a Rescue Dog
- Circumstances change, and sometimes people can no longer care for their dog. Rescue dogs can make wonderful companions for people who don't need a puppy.
Step 2: Select Your Pup
- Breeders may match you to pup, based on answers you provide to a questionnaire. They are experienced at evaluating their pups, and will usually make a good match. If the breeder does not do this, however, you'll need to assess the dogs yourself.
- Before meeting the puppies, decide what type of dog you're looking for.
- Use a tool, such as the Puppy Aptitude Test in order to select a puppy that meets your needs.
Step 3: Visit the Vet
- After selecting your pup, drive immediately to the vet. Your agreement with the breeder should be conditional on the dog's passing a physical exam. Goldens are genetically predisposed to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, heart defects, eye diseases, epilepsy and early onset cancer. While not all of these can be picked up at an ew puppy health screening, your vet will check for any indications that things are not right, and may also be able to pick up signs of temperament issues or aggressive behavior.
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