Guidelines for Choosing a Golden Retriever Puppy

compiled by Liz Watford
Copyright GRCA/1980

DON'T BE IN A HURRY.

Well-bred pups are not always available the day you decide to buy. A wait of up to three months is not unusual. BE CHOOSY! Don't settle for less than you have your heart set on.

CHOOSE A RELIABLE BREEDER

This does not necessarily mean someone who has been breeding for years. Rather, it means someone who has a deep interest in the breed, the future of the puppies he has helped to bring into this world, and the kind of homes they are going to. Don't expect to see the pups before the age of four or five weeks; there is really no point in seeing newborn puppies and constant visitors could upset the bitch and bring infection to the highly susceptible new litter. At five weeks of age the breeder has already started weaning the pups, they are at a bright inquisitive age - a good time for a first look. The bitch should be friendly and in obviously good health. The pups should be clean and well cared for. A good litter will look very even in size, hard for a novice to sort out. Golden pups of this age look like golden baby teddy bears, square set and cuddly. Don't expect to take the pup home until he's at least seven weeks of age. The 6th-7th week is the most critical period for proper socialization of your pup. The sellers should show genuine love for their dogs and not regard them as money-making property.

SEE THE PUPS

See the pups in a group at first. On familiar ground, with the rest of the litter, they are themselves. Remember, healthy pups are active, with clear, sparkling eyes showing no sign of discharge or irritation, ears clean and free from odor, nose moist but not runny, coat shiny and clean with no bare spots or sores. The abdomen may be rounded but not distended. A distended abdomen could indicate worms or digestive difficulties. A dog's hearing is excellent - one that does not respond to a sudden noise may be deaf. Make sure that male pups have two normal testicles. (A vet can tell you this.) The pup that stands back and won't come to you willingly may have a shy disposition and should be avoided if you are interested in a stable pet and companion - particularly for children.

THINGS TO AVOID

The owner who will let you see and handle the pups at a very young age (under four weeks)-the risk of disease being carried to unvaccinated puppies is very high. A bitch who slinks away or growls at your appearance. Shy or whimpering pups who don't run to greet you, dull coats, crusty or runny eyes, signs of diarrhea, and pans of food left around uneaten are all signs of neglect. An owner who will sell his pups at five or six weeks of age just wants to "be rid" of them. A person who knows very little about his dog's background (pedigree), faults in the breed, or who shows no interest in following up on the welfare of his puppies may be breeding just for profit. The reliable breeder is NOT breeding to (a) make money; (b) let the kids see the wonder of birth; or (c) let the bitch have one litter before being spayed.

ASK QUESTIONS

How old is the bitch? Sire? They should be at least a year old, preferably over age two. The breeder should have on hand for you to see:

• Original OFA certification or board certified radiologist's letter on hip status of dam and sire
• eye clearance certificate from a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist
• a four or five generation pedigree on dam and sire
• a picture of the sire if he is from out of town
• specific reasons (re: structure, temperament, etc.) for breeding the dam and sire
• AKC registration applications (blue slips) on the pups (the blue slip is given to you properly filled out by the breeder, and enables you to register your pup with the American Kennel Club).

PRICE

Don't think you are going to get a good quality dog cheap; take a good look at the cost first. A well-bred female is bred to a good male and has received sound nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Four good meals a day are a must for puppies. Removing dew claws, health exams, checkups for worms, inoculations against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, etc., make each puppy a sizable investment - so beware when you see puppies advertised for a cheap price. It is better to pay a fair price and obtain a healthy pup than to be a heartbroken family when your bargain does not work out.

WHAT DO YOU WANT?

• If you are interested in a SHOW quality dog, go to kennels that have show stock and a creditable winning record. If you are interested in a FIELD dog, seek out kennels that have produced winning field contenders. Standards of excellence in areas of SHOW and FIELD are quite high - take the breeder's advice. They should be both willing and able to help you select the puppy that will best meet your needs. REMEMBER, it is unlikely that the cheap newspaper "special" will turn out to be a field or show winning specimen.
• If your interest is a Golden as a family dog and/or hunting companion, then most carefully bred Goldens should fit your needs. When you see the pups, check for retrieving instincts (bring a bird wing, ball, or puppy training bumper). You want your pup to be able and eager to retrieve - so find out if he can! Look at the pedigree. Look for WC's (field working certificates), two and three stars behind registered names (sanctioned and licensed field trial wins), obedience degrees (CD, CDX, UD, TD, TDX) - all are indicators of ancestral trainability. The closer up these titles are in the pedigree (e.g., in the parents or grandparents vs. four or five generations back) the more significant they are.

MAKE A LIST

Make a list as to type of food, vitamins, date of last inoculation, feeding schedule, and other helpful hints that will aid you in caring for your new pup. The breeder should supply you with this, and other information. A good breeder will allow you to have a pup checked at a veterinarian of your choice (at your expense) to reassure you as to the physical condition of the pup.

FINAL CONSIDERATION

GOOD TEMPERAMENT is of the utmost importance in a Golden Retriever. Indeed, it is the hallmark of the breed!! Animals with bad temperaments, either too shy or too aggressive, should never be bred. No exceptions!!!