Instructions
Enter your male golden retriever in all the regional, state and national dog shows. This is imperative because you need to ensure that your dog meets all the conformation standards set by the American Kennel Club. Only those male golden retrievers who embody all the classic traits of an AKC-registered golden retriever should be bred. This means your dog should be between 22 and 24 inches at the whithers (shoulders), and weigh between 64 and 75 pounds. Male dogs are called "dogs". The AKC standard for golden retriever dogs also states that the dog's temperament should be friendly, reliable and trustworthy.
Enter your female golden retriever in regional, state and national contests as well. Dog show competitions are the way breeders meet one another and ascertain that the dogs being bred are the best specimen of the breed possible. Breeding a pair of golden retrievers that does not meet the breed standard is irresponsible and results in weak, genetically impaired and immunodeficient puppies. The AKC breed standard for a female golden retriever (a female dog is called a "bitch") is the following: the bitch must be 21.5 to 22.5 inches at the whithers and weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. She must have a well-defined, but not abrupt stop (area above the nose to the forehead), and large, intelligent and gentle eyes brown in color, with no heaviness in the flews (lips).
Avoid breeding your male or female golden retriever if either has any one of the genetic and hereditary faults generally attributed to substandard golden retrievers. They include, but are not limited to, lick dermatitis, Addison's Disease, ectropion (eye disorder), skin disorders and approximately 37 other ailments. In light of the fact that an estimated 8 million dogs and cats -- 25 percent of which are purebred -- are put to sleep every year, it's irresponsible and unethical to add to this crisis. Breeding dogs of any breed is an expensive, time-consuming and often heart-breaking enterprise that should only be undertaken by those who are completely dedicated and passionate about bettering the breed.
How to Breed Male & Female Golden Retriever Dogs
Breeding dogs is not a lucrative or easy business in which to engage. People who breed dogs begin their hobby long before ever getting the first dog. Responsible breeders who get it right will spend months researching their breed of choice, talking to breeders, joining breed-specific dog clubs and generally immersing themselves in the culture long before they ever attempt to breed dogs themselves. Attending dog shows and having a skilled veterinarian on board is a must.