Choosing a Breeder

You have made your decision on a puppy, now you must choose a breeder.  This is another very important decision, as the increased popularity of  the Golden Retriever has led to many poorly bred ones and poor breeding leads to health and temperament problems.  A good breeder will ask you many questions to insure their puppies are being placed in the appropriate homes, and will welcome your inquires as an indication of your knowledge and commitment.  Therefore, the following are questions you should feel free to ask the breeder:

Have you obtained hip, heart, and eye clearances on all breeding stock?  The breeder should be able to show you an OFA certificate,  a cardiologist report, and an ophthalmologist report for both the sire and dam (father and mother) of the litter.

Why did they breed these two dogs?  The breeder should respond with an answer related to health, temperament, physical characteristics and personality.

Do they temperament test their puppies?  This is a series of tests which are done at 7 weeks of age to determine the puppy's temperament and aids in placing a puppy in the appropriate home.

What information will they send home with the puppy?  You should expect AKC registration papers, the pedigree, a shots and worming record, and care and training information.

A good, responsible breeder will be available to the buyer for advice and counseling for the entire life of the dog. You may also ask to what dog clubs they belong, and if they compete in breed conformation, obedience, tracking, agility, or field work.  This can be an indication of how informed and active the breeder may be. 

Hereditary Problems

The vast majority of dogs of all breeds can live long, healthy lives if given proper care and routine veterinary attention. Nevertheless, any dog can fall victim to a wide range of acquired problems, ranging from allergies to cancer. In addition, each pure breed of dog has its own particular hereditary problems, some minor, some impairing, and some possible fatal. Some may show a very strong hereditary basis and others not much more than a tendency to "run in families". The Golden Retriever is no exception as these problems multiply as the breed continues to increase in popularity. Failure to screen for hereditary problems before breeding often results in the "doubling up" of unfavorable genes, and the results are distressing for the buyer and dog alike. The following, while not all-inclusive, are some of the more common hereditary problems that may be encountered. 

Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia, an abnormal development of the hip joint, is an inherited disease which can leave your puppy or adult Golden crippled or disabled.  In an effort to reduce the possibility of your puppy acquiring this disease, it is imperative that you ask your prospective breeder for copies of the sire and dam's hip certifications, evaluated by the OFA or Penn-Hip, in addition to the pedigree.  This will not guarantee your puppy will not develop hip dysplasia, but the more ancestors without this problem, the less risk to your puppy. 

Eye Diseases - Eye problems which can occur include inherited cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (the deterioration of the retina), and Entropion or Ectropion (the turning in or out of the eyelids).  To reduce your puppy's chance of inheriting these diseases, ask your prospective breeder for copies of the annual eye certification (evaluated by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist) for both the sire and dam of the litter. 

Heart Disease - Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is an inherited disease which obstructs the flow of blood to the heart.  This obstruction can eventually cause heart failure.  Your breeder should supply you with copies of a board-certified veterinary cardiologist's evaluation of both the sire and dam of your puppy.  Heart murmurs may also be detected in puppies.

Related Links

Golden Retriever Club of America - Acquiring a Golden Retriever