Questions to ask the breeder and what answers you're looking for:
How old are the sire and dam of the litter and what health clearances do they have? OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) doesn't issue hips and elbow clearances until 2 years of age. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the Ontario Veterinary College will issue clearances at 18 months. It's not good enough for a breeder to tell you "I had them checked and they're fine" or something similar. Ask to be sent copies of the actual certificates from one of the above institutions. The sire & dam's eyes should also be cleared by CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation). Eyes should be re-checked annually.
How many litters has this dam had? If the answer is 5 litters and she's 3 or 4 years old you're probably talking to a puppy miller.
Pedigree? The breeder should provide you with at least a three generation pedigree of the litter, including photos of at least the parents (most will have grandparents photos as well) and health clearance information for the dogs in the pedigree.
What kind of guarantee or contract do you have? Most good breeders will have a contract for you to sign before taking your puppy home It should list any genetic diseases they are guaranteeing your puppy be free of and what they will do if your puppy does have one of these diseases. What will they offer you and what do they require of you? Most contracts also state that the breeder will take the dog back is at any time throughout it's life you can not keep him/her. Some contracts include that the puppy must be spayed or neutered by a certain age. Some include that the puppy must live indoors, many include a non-breeding agreement and/or the stipulations they have for lifting a non-breeding agreement ect. ect. Ask to be sent a copy of the contract BEFORE you go to pick up your puppy so you can study it closely and ask questions. If there's anything you're uncomfortable with, walk away.
How old will my puppy be when I can bring him/her home? Puppies should stay with their littermates until 7 - 8 weeks of age. Their mom and littermates teach your puppy social skills and bite inhibition.
Will the puppies be CKC registered? The Canadian Animal Pedigree Act states that no one can sell a dog as purebred without supplying the buyer with registration papers at no extra charge.
Will my puppy be vaccinated, dewormed and tattooed or microchipped? The animal pedigree act also states that your puppy must be permanently identified by tattoo or microchip. Although vaccinations and when and if to do them has become a fairly controversial subject in the dog community the majority of breeders will have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and examined by a veterinary before going to their new homes. Many have the puppies dew claws removed as well.
What will I get with my puppy? A good breeder will send you home with more than just a puppy. You'll get all the documentation talked about on this page, tons of information on how to care for your puppy, some of the food he's used to to help him with the transition and much more. Most importantly the breeder will give their phone number and email address and an invitation to contact them if you have any questions or concerns anytime.
Where will the puppies be raised? How will they be socialized? Look for a breeder who raises their puppies "underfooot". Puppies raised outdoors in a kennel won't be as well socialized as puppies raised in the house, seeing and hearing new things going on from birth. A well socialized puppy will be more confident and will cope much better with all the changes that are going to take place in his life when he moves to your home.
Will I get to pick my puppy from the litter? Many breeders will temperment test the puppies and match the right puppy with the right home. No one knows the puppies better than the breeder who has just spent 7 - 8 weeks with the whole litter. Be honest with them regarding your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog and let them assist you in choosing the puppy that is best for you.
What events to you participate in? There are exceptions but most reputable breeders (those in it for the betterment and love of the breed, not the money) will participate in CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) sanctioned events with their dogs. These include conformation shows, obedience trials, hunt and working certificate tests, field trials, agility trials, tracking tests and more. For more info on CKC events for Goldens click here. These events are fun for both handler and dog and help breeders to see how their dogs stack up against others of their breed, stay in touch with other breeders, learn about their breed and ensure that their lines are the best they can be and are maintaining the true purpose of the breed. Also, keep in mind your reasons for wanting a Golden Retriever. If you're looking for a hunting or working dog look for a breeder who does those things with their dogs.
What clubs do you belong to? Again, their are exceptions but most reputable breeders will be members of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada and/or the Golden Retriever Club of America and/or a local kennel club.
Click here for more info and a breeder list
