Dear Golden Retriever Puppy Buyer: 

These "guidelines" were developed to assist you in your search for a pure-bred Golden Retriever puppy. In the past, buyers have not known what kind of questions to ask breeders, and they often did not know what answers to expect. It is our hope that these guidelines will eliminate some of those reservations, and help you screen breeders in a professional manner. Feel free to copy and circulate the enclosed questionnaire to those individuals who need assistance regarding this matter. 

WHILE SHOPPING FOR A PURE-BRED PUPPY, REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING: 
1. Bring a paper and pencil.
2. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Good breeders encourage questions. If a breeder tries to intimidate you or make fun of the fact that you are asking questions, politely end the conversation. 
3. If the breeder states that he does not screen his breeding stock for genetic disorders (hip dysplasia, heart, eyes) because he does not have health problems in his line, politely end the conversations he tests his dogs, but simply cannot find the written results in order 
4. If the breeder claim to provide you with a copy prior to the actual purchase, politely end the conversation. 
5. If the breeder states that a litter was an "accidental breeding," politely end the conversation. Conscientious breeders do not have "accidental breedings." 
6. If the breeder states that it is too expensive to test all dogs, politely end the conversation. 
7. A reputable breeder will often ask you a lot of questions. He will be concerned about the homes in which his puppies will live. Answer his questions honestly and thoroughly. You may also be asked to complete an application or questionnaire which will help the breeder select a puppy that fits your needs and lifestyle. BEWARE of the breeder whose only concern is whether you can pay the purchase price. 

WHEN YOU VISIT THE BREEDER'S KENNEL / HOME, LOOK FOR THE FOLLOWING: 
1. Where are the dogs kept? Are the surroundings clean? 
2. Are all of the dogs friendly (especially the sire and dam)? Do they have good temperaments? 
3. Are the dogs clean and well kept? 
4. Do they have plenty of clean/fresh water to drink? 
5. Is the yard or kennel clean and free of feces, urine and debris? 
6. What are your over all feelings about the environment? (Trust your instincts.) 
 

1. How long have you been involved with Golden Retrievers 
2. Are you a member of GRCA. Have you ever been suspended or expelled by AKC, or any other Breed or Specialty Club. 
3. How many litters do you have each year. 
4. How old are the sire and dam (father and mother) of this litter 
5. What inherited health problems can Golden Have 
6. Have you had, or do you know of any health problems in your line 
7. Have the parents of this litter been x-rayed for evidence of hip dysplasia. Have the x-rays been evaluated by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Have they been examined by a canine cardiologist. Have their eyes been examined in the past year by a canine opthomalogist. 
8. May I have copies of the test results of the health screenings done and reports certifying the sire and dam as normal. 
9. Do you give a health guarantee with your puppies. Is it in writing. 
10. Are the puppies checked by a veterinarian before they are sold. 
11. Which shots will the puppy have when I purchase it. 
12. Will the puppy be wormed before it is sold 
13. At what age do you sell your puppies 
14. Do you require a written sales contract. If so, may I have a copy prior to making my decision to purchase one of your puppies. 
15. Are there any special conditions / restrictions regarding my purchase of one of your puppies. 
16. What will I receive with the puppy . 
17. What is the cost of your puppies. Do you require a deposit. What happen to my deposit if for some reason I do not get a puppy. 
 

1. Preferable, a breeder should be involved with Golden Retrievers for several years before breeding a litter. Breeders should have a thorough understanding of genetics, nutrition, the breed standard and animal behavior. 
2. Most reputable breeders are long standing members with GRCA and have maintained good standing ( Golden Retriever Club of America). Obviously, suspensions or expulsions only occur for serious infractions. 
3. Any breeder who has ten or more litters each year may be investigated by the American Kennel Club. Puppies require A LOT of work. Breeders who have many letters may not have enough time to properly socialize or raise each puppy. 
4. No dog should be bred before the age of two years. Males should not be bred after 12 years of age; and females should not be bred after ten years of age. 
5. If a breeder claims that Golden do not have inherited health problems, or that they are not aware of any, politely end the conversation. Golden can have hip or elbow dysplasia, cataract, heart murmurs, allergies, un-descended testicles, etc. 
6. Most line have some health problems that are hereditary (even if it is allergies). 
7. All breeding stock should have written certification that their hips, eyes and hearts are normal. Hip dysplasia, canine cataracts and heart murmurs may be hereditary, and NO DOG WITH THESE DISORDERS SHOULD BE BRED.
8. Written reports / test results of health screening are mailed to the owner when a dog is test for genetic health problems. Reputable breeders are always willing to provide copies of all reports 
9. It is reasonable to expect a 48 - 72 hour health guarantee against contagious diseases. Some responsible breeders will give a longer guarantee, and will offer to take the puppy back if you cannot keep it at any time. 
10. All puppies should be checked by a veterinarian. Only a veterinarian can detect such things as heart murmurs, enlarged organs, etc. Many breeders provide health certificates from the vet. 
11. Puppies should have AT LEAST the first in a series of DHLPP inoculations, which is for multiple contagious diseases. 
12. Most puppies have round worms when they are born, and may need several worming which can start as early as three weeks of age. You should receive a schedule of the dates of the worming and type of worm medication used. 
13. No Puppy should ever be separated from it's mother and littermates prior to seven weeks of age (Maryland Law is 8 Weeks). Puppies who leave earlier may be dog-aggressive or have behavioral or temperament problems later on. Puppy personalities are usually set by twelve weeks and the first full eight weeks are important in socialization with the other puppies. 
14. Reputable breeders are happy to give you a copy of their written contract prior to your purchase. They want you to have a thorough understanding of what is expected and to agree with the terms / conditions of the sale. 
15. If you are buying a puppy for a pet / companion only, there is NO REASON a breeder would want to use your pet quality dog for breeding purposes. Some breeders want to retain the breeding rights or insist that you breed your dog and give them a certain number of puppies. This may be an easy way for the breeder to make some money! Breeding is A LOT of work, VERY EXPENSIVE and may even be DANGEROUS for your dog! Breeders who insist that you breed your dog may not have the best interest of your dog or the breed at heart. Only "Quality, Sound Representations of the Breed" should be bred, and then only by experienced, knowledgeable people. On the other hand, many responsible breeders will require the puppy to be spayed or neutered, or they will sell the puppy with an American Kennel Club Limited Registration, which allow your puppy to be registered, but if it is later bred, restricts litter registration and individual puppy registrations. 
16. The breeder should provide the AKC "Blue Slip" (for registration purposes); a 3 - 5 generation pedigree (preferably an AKC Certified Pedigree Copy); Schedule of all shots and worming; Diet information; Enough food for several days; the written health guarantee / contract; and the veterinarian's health certificate ( if one is available ). Many also provide a "Puppy Package / Manual," which provides information on housebreaking, training, nutrition, breed history and other valuable information. 
17. Breeders should be comfortable talking about their prices. If you do not receive a puppy through no fault of your own (a small litter, puppies died, etc.), or if the puppy that has been chosen for you appears sickly or has a poor temperament, a conscientious breeder will refund your deposit or offer to give you a puppy from their next litter (if you are willing to wait).

Nationwide GRCA Puppy Referral List https://www.grca.org/puppy.htm

Need More Info, Send Mail to CGRC Breeder Referral at [email protected]

Last Revised 12/16/99