Choosing A Breeder

Always purchase a puppy from a registered breeder – where you can see the mother and siblings of your puppy.  You will be able to see first hand the temperament of the mother and the conditions in which the puppies are being raised and socialised.

A registered breeder in Victoria must be a member of DOGS Victoria, the controlling body for pure breed dogs.  Breeders must comply with the DOGS Victoria code of ethics.  A breeder who is also a member of the Golden Retriever Club of Victoria must comply with that club’s code of ethics as well.

Pet Shop or Dealer

Purchasing a puppy from a pet shop or dealer is a poor choice.  DOGS Victoria does not allow members to sell their puppies to a pet shop or dealer so the puppies in a pet store come from sources other than registered breeders.  These puppies are often poorly socialised and have no paperwork such as a pedigree or the parent’s health certificates.  There is no opportunity to meet the puppy’s parents.

Backyard Breeder

A backyard breeder is also a poor choice.  This breeder has little knowledge of the breed and the hereditary defects in the breed.  The puppies’ parents are unlikely to have been screened for hereditary defects such as hip dysplasia and eye defects.

Registered Breeder

A responsible breeder will interview you.  He will want to know if you have owned dogs in the past, whether the puppy will be a part of the family, what lifestyle the dog will have, if you have adequate fencing and time for a dog.  He will stress that a dog ownership is a lifetime commitment.

A responsible breeder will have a long involvement with the breed.  You will be able to see this by the books, photos, sashes and awards that are displayed in his home. 

He will be able to tell you about the health problems in the breed and explain the health certificate results.  He will have a good knowledge of the ancestors and relatives of the puppies and will be able to tell you many things about the dogs in the puppy’s pedigree.

The responsible breeder will belong to a Golden Retriever club and perhaps other dog clubs.  This shows a depth of interest in the breed.  If the breeder is involved in showing, obedience, tracking or retrieving all the better, he then has access to other breeders and knowledge, he is more likely to be up to date on hereditary problems, he has a social network of colleagues to ask for advice and he has a reputation to uphold.

Many breeders accept responsibility for their puppies long after purchase.  They are willing to help with advice and any problems that may arise as the puppy matures.    They see their responsibility continuing for the life of the dog.  The breeder is the first person you should contact if your circumstances change and you are unable to keep your Golden Retriever.

 

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