A Golden Retriever breeder will show some affinity towards the breed and will normally be dedicated to the proliferation of this type of canine. Breeding goals are usually to improve and enhance the overall 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 of the breed’s history, as well as any known health abnormalities that are breed specific. A good breeder will likely do it as a hobby rather than a business due to the extreme care and attention they pay to the animals. After all, it’s about the love for the Golden Retriever rather than the greed for money. Also, a good breeder will show concern and interest in the animal long after the sale. You can usually contact them with any questions or problems that arise after bringing your puppy home. Make sure your personalities fit in well, as this could be an ongoing relationship.
It is important to visit the breeder’s facility if you are looking to adopt and purchase a Golden Retriever. Be sure to assess the animals’ living conditions while you are 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 such a breeder. A puppy mill, for example, will not want you to see the horrible conditions in which they keep their puppies. Also, you don’t want to encourage abuse and poor conditions in puppy mills.
However, when you are granted access to the facilities, you will want to see where the dogs sleep, what they eat, and if all the proper living conditions are met. The best breeders will keep puppies indoors, either in their living 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 live and will often ask you to reveal this information in depth.
Always be sure to observe the general health of the puppies when visiting a breeder and their puppies. Make sure everyone looks healthy and not one looks sick. A good breeder will address any disease-related issues with a trained vet rather than letting you remain ill. The bottom line is to trust your instincts with the breeder and really feel if you can trust the individual.
Ultimately, finding a good Golden Retriever breeder will inevitably result in 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 carefully. After all, a dog is a lifelong commitment that you or the breeder should not take lightly.