How to Buy a Golden Retriever Puppy

Find a Good Breeder

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  Do some research and find a reputable golden retriever breeder. Talk to friends who have dogs, call a local breeding club, or ask a respected veterinarian. A good breeder will always want to meet the person considering buying one of their puppies. Great breeders see their dogs as part of the family, and they want what's best for them.

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  Visit your puppy's birthplace. A good breeder will always want to meet the person considering buying one of their puppies. Great breeders see their dogs as part of the family, and they want what's best for them. Golden retrievers need socialization, exercise, and room to run and play. When looking for a puppy, always insist on going to where the puppy was raised. Seeing the environment where the dogs are living can tell you a lot about their care and how they have been socialized so far.

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  Ask the breeder for references from customers AND other breeders. Call people who have gotten puppies from the breeder and see how their experience has been. You want a breeder who gets rave reviews from customers and colleagues and has a history of producing dogs of exceptional quality. Golden retriever puppies can cost up to $2,000, but usually run between $300 and $600. A great golden retriever can be worth it, but it is one more reason to be particular when purchasing your puppy.

What to Look For When Choosing Your Puppy

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  Visit the litter at the breeder's home. Interact and play with the puppies. Look for a puppy that is active, playful, and enjoys affection. If you have children and you have taught them how how to be gentle with animals, watch them interact with the puppies. Do not choose a puppy that is too aggressive, too shy, or that cowers from you. Watch how the puppies interact with each other. You probably don't want a puppy that wants to dominate all the others. A dominant dog will hold its tail up straight and need to be above or on top of the other dogs, either displaying mounting behavior or pinning other dogs down. Without a firm hand, a dominant dog may think he is your boss, leading to all kinds of trouble. Don't be afraid to walk away if none of the puppies seems just right for you. Also, the breeder should welcome you back as many times as it takes for you to decide on a puppy.

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  Examine the puppy. A healthy puppy should have a clean, smooth coat. His eyes should be clear and bright, his nose should be cool and damp, and his ears should be clean. Look for a puppy that seems proportionate and sturdy. A thin puppy with a bulging belly could have worms. His breathing should be steady with no coughing or wheezing. He should have a smooth gait and lots of energy.

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  Meet the parents. The breeder should be able to let you see both parents. Be sure the parents are not inbred or linebred, which means that at some point, both parents would appear on both sides of the puppy's family tree. Interact with them as well, paying attention to the characteristics and demeanor of both dogs. This will tell you a lot about what your puppy may be like when grown. If you don't like one of the parents, don't get one of the puppies.

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  Check medical records for the puppy and the parents. See if your puppy has had the proper shots and been wormed. Pay attention to the medical records of the parents. Golden retrievers are generally quite healthy breeds if purchased from a reliable breeder. Common health concerns for this breed include hip or elbow dysplasia, eye disease, and heart disease. Although health issues can't always be predicted, healthy parents and good veterinary care can minimize the risk.