How to choose a Golden Retriever breeder
A Golden Retriever breeder will exhibit a certain affinity towards the breed and will normally be dedicated to the proliferation of this type of canine. The goals of breeding are usually to improve and improve the general life of the breed by selecting for certain characteristics and genes to be passed on in a controlled environment.
An educated Golden Retriever breeder will have extensive knowledge about the history of the breed, as well as any known health abnormalities that are specific to the breed. A good breeder will most likely do it as a hobby rather than a business due to the extreme care and attention they give to the animals. After all, it is about the love of the Golden Retriever more than the lust for money. In addition, a good breeder will show concern and interest in the animal long after the sale. In general, she will be able to contact them with any questions or problems that arise after bringing the puppy home. Make sure your personalities are a good match, as this could be an ongoing relationship.
It is important to visit the breeder’s facility if you wish to adopt and purchase a Golden Retriever. Be sure to assess the living conditions of the animals while you’re there. In some cases, a breeder may deny you access entirely; this is a telltale sign of improper breeding and conditions and you should not do business with a breeder like this. A puppy mill, for example, would not want you to see the horrible conditions in which they keep their puppies. Also, you don’t want to encourage the abuse and terrible conditions that puppy mills have.
However, when you are granted access to the facility, you will want to see where the dogs sleep, what they eat, and whether all proper living conditions are met. The best breeders will keep the puppies indoors, either in their quarters or in a separate structure. A good breeder, who is worth buying from, will show obvious concern and interest in you. They will want to know where the puppy will be living and will often require you to tell them this information in detail.
Always be sure to look at the general health of the puppies when visiting a breeder and their puppies. Make sure everyone looks healthy and no one looks sick. A good breeder will address any disease-related issues with a trained veterinarian rather than letting him stay sick. The bottom line is to trust your gut with the breeder and really feel if you can trust the individual.
Ultimately, finding a good Golden Retriever breeder will inevitably lead to some bad apples. Just be patient and take your time looking at the puppies. A good breeder will never pressure you to buy, but will encourage you to think it through. After all, a dog is a lifetime commitment that you or the breeder should not take lightly.