Ask Your Golden Retriever Breeder Questions
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
You should ask for references. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will be more than happy to provide them. They will reply like a grandparent talking about their grandchildren. You might even have to ask the Golden Retriever breeder to shut up about the references.
This is a very good sign. Also ask what they look for in an ideal Golden Retriever owner. If all they talk about is the check clearing, than this is not the breeder for you.
Ask them about health certificates and hip dysplasia test scores on both the mother and the father. It is thought that hip dysplasia is a genetic problem. You also need to be sure what the breeder is responsible for in terms of the puppy’s health and what you are responsible for. You need to ask if you can call for advice at no extra charge if you have training problems with your puppy. And ask for references and check them out.
Never pay in full for a puppy that you have never met. Usually, the puppy will not have even been born yet, but you can see the mother and other relatives of the potential puppies. The best Golden Retriever breeders focus on quality rather than quality and may only have a few pups to see per year. You will have to be put on a waiting list. This is normal. And good Golden Retriever breeders will never ship their pups.
If you need to give up your dog for any reason, will the breeder be willing to take the dog back (you won’t get any money back, but the dog will get a good home). You need to ask what the breeder looks for in a Golden Retriever owner.
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.
And an excellent Golden Retriever breeder will take the dog back, no matter what age, if you find yourself in a bad way and can no longer care for a dog. Please ask about that option, too.
