The most important thing to talk to a breeder about before you buy a puppy are health issues.  The breeder should give you copies of the health certificates or written reports from the specialists listed below on BOTH parents.  NEVER accept “my vet checked out the parents and they are healthy” or anything along those lines.  You should not accept any excuses for not providing clearances – THERE ARE NO EXCUSES!

GRCA recommends both parents of the litter should possess the following examination reports in order to verify status concerning possible hip dysplasia, hereditary eye or cardiovascular disease, and elbow dysplasia:

a. Hips — appropriate report from Orthopedic Foundation for Animals; PennHip; Ontario Veterinary College; BVA/KC Hip Score (Great Britain) or at least a written report from a board-certified veterinary radiologist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists).

b. Eyes — appropriate report from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO) or from a BVA/KCapproved ophthalmologist (Great Britain).

c. Hearts — appropriate report from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals; appropriate report from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Medicine, Cardiology Specialty.

d. Elbows — appropriate report from Orthopedic Foundation for Animals; Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals; or at minimum a written report from a board-certified veterinary radiologist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists).

Only reports from certified specialists as listed above should be accepted.  Puppy buyers should not accept reports from veterinarians. 

 THE PUPPIES AND THE DAM: 

a)        It is best if the puppies are being raised in the family home, being exposed to a lot of handling and loving.  Puppies should be adjusted to regular household sounds… vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, TV, telephone ringing, etc. 

b)        The puppies and the dam should be in a clean environment with fresh water, toys to play with to help them learn to interact with each other and learn problem solving. 

c)        The mom and the puppies should appear to be healthy – clean ears that aren’t red and smelly, eyes clear without discharge, healthy-appearing skin and coat, keeping in mind that the mom may not look wonderful when nursing puppies, especially a large litter of 8 to 10+ puppies, but she should be free of allergies, have clean, clear ears and eyes, and generally look and act healthy. 

d)         The puppies should be well-socialized, friendly, playful, and alert. 

e)         The dam should have a good temperament and readily accept and be friendly with people.  She should also let people gently handle the puppies without objection.

PUPPY BUYERS SHOULD AVOID:

a)         Shy, whimpering, fearful puppies;

b)         Puppies with dull coats, crusty or running eyes, signs of diarrhea, rashes or sores on their abdomens;

c)         Signs of neglect, such as lack of water, pans of uneaten food, and dirty conditions;

d)         A breeder who will sell a puppy under seven weeks of age, as early separation from the dam and littermates can be very detrimental both psychologically and physically.

e)         It is best if the puppies are being raised in the family home, being exposed to a lot of handling and loving.  Puppies should be adjusted to regular household sounds… vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, TV, telephone ringing, etc. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BREEDER: 

You should use your good judgment when you go to a breeder’s facilities.  If you don't feel good about the conditions the puppies are in, beware.  If a breeder won’t let you interact with the litter and the mom, that should be a red flag. 

THE BREEDER SHOULD:

a)         Belong to the Golden Retriever Club of America, a local Golden Retriever club, an all-breed club, or all three.

b)         Be involved in showing his/her dogs in the breed ring, the obedience ring, in hunting tests/field trials, agility, tracking, or in a combination of any of these.

c)         Provide you with a record of the dates and types of vaccinations and de-worming done, feeding instructions, a 3-to 5-generation pedigree, and an AKC registration application to apply for registration of the puppy in your own name with the American Kennel Club (AKC).  Both pedigree and registration papers are provided by reputable breeders at NO extra charge. The practice of charging extra for papers is forbidden by the AKC, and should be reported.

d)         Give you written instructions on feeding, training and care.

e)         Provide some sort of written contract and/or conditions of sale.  Puppy buyers should be encouraged to read the contract thoroughly. 

f)         Insist that the puppy be spayed or neutered no earlier than one year of age.  This provision should be in the puppy contract. 

f)         Ask a potential puppy buyer questions about previous dogs, and what happened to them; whether or not you have a fenced yard; and whether or not the dog will be allowed to be a house dog and a member of the family. Sincere breeders will be a bit hesitant to sell you a puppy until they know more about you, what you are looking for in a dog, and what lifestyle you have in mind for your dog. 

g)         Be able to give you references: the names of people who have purchased puppies in the past, the names of other breeders, and the veterinarian who provides care for the breeder's dogs.

h)         Make it clear that his/her responsibility continues long after you have taken your puppy home, in fact as long as the dog is alive.