All About Finding Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale
In 2007, the American Kennel Club (AKC) announced that the Golden Retriever was the fourth most popular breed in the country. They have routinely been in the top ten most popular breeds for a long time now. Chances are, you know somebody who has a Golden Retriever. Their beauty, trainability and friendliness make them extremely popular with people living alone, with couples and with families.
However, being in demand for so long can bring problems as well as rewards to any dog breed, including Golden Retrievers. Because they are in demand, there have been very unscrupulous breeders who are concerned about producing as many puppies as they can, not about the quality of these puppies. Where you go to find Golden Retriever puppies for sale is vitally important to find a good pet for you. Take your time, use both your common sense as well as your heart, and you should be able to find your new best friend.
The worst place you can go to find Golden Retriever puppies for sale is your local pet store. If you can help it, never even buy any Golden Retriever puppy supplies from any store unethical enough to sell puppies. All Golden Retriever puppies for sale at pet stores are from inhumane puppy mills - all of them.
Now that you know where not to go find Golden Retriever puppies for sale, where should you go? You can go to one of two places. You can go to a Golden Retriever breed rescue or go to an American Kennel Club licensed breeder. Golden Retrievers are one of the breeds recommended for a first time dog owner. If you fall in that category, then you are best off going to a breeder.
A good Golden Retriever breeder would never sell their puppies to a pet store because they would not be able to control what puppies would go to what home. A pet store never stops to check your references or cares if you’ve ever owned a dog before. They just want your money. They are usually not a very good source of Golden Retriever information when you inevitably have problems with your new puppy.
There are a lot of advantages to choosing from a litter of Golden Retriever puppies for sale from a registered breeder. First off, you will be able to see the health certificates of the parent dogs to be sure they are unlikely to pass on genetic conditions like Von Willebrand’s Disease (a blood disorder) or heart problems. The breeder will be able to match a puppy to your temperament and lifestyle so that you’ll be compatible together.
This matching process also takes place at Golden Retriever breed rescues, but the rarely have puppies younger than nine months old up for adoption. If you have had experience with dogs and can give the time and attention to a Golden Retriever, then consider adopting an adult rescue dog rather than getting a puppy.
Lots of times, the rescue dog will already be trained. Adoption fees are usually a few hundred dollars - much less than going to a breeder or a pet store.
