| Should You Buy A Golden Retriever?/ Buying a Golden Retriever (Page 1) |
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| Making an Intelligent Choice Golden retrievers have quickly become one ofthe most popular pure dog breeds in America. Although originally bred for hunting, goldens have shown great versatality, and they accel in other areas as well. They have been used by authorities to search out exposives, and have proven to be tremendous Seeing-Eye Dogs. However, in recent years, goldens have made their greatest impact as family pets. The popularity of the golden retriever, to an extinct, is very much a reflection of our modern society's concept of the perfect family dog. It is a very attractive breed that requires a minimum amount of grooming to keep it in "show" form. Goldens are reasonably clean, and they are easy to maintain in top physical and mental health. They also possess the ideal temperament for a family dog. Goldens are "people" dogs. They are a friendly, gentle, and eager breed that truly need human companionship. Anyone who takes the time and effort to establish a positive rapport will be rewarded with a friend that will do anything to please his or her master. Goldens are easy to train because they really love to learn. Their favorite time may well be the training session. This breed has the ability to learn practically anything a human can teach a dog to do. This trait has made them a popular hunting dog as well as a dominent force in the obedience ring. Although these qualities can be found in all golden retrievers, the owner must be sure that they are developed and become part of the dog's personality. Bring out the best in your dog will take time, energy, patience, and understanding. To buy, or not to buy, a golden retriever is an important decision. Many people who buy dogs are not aware of the responsibilities that come with dog ownership. This lack of awareness usually results in an unhappy relationship for both dog and owner. Therefore, before you buy a golden, carefully consider the following points: - First and foremost, are you looking for a watchdog? If the answer is "yes," a golden retriever is not the dog for you. As started earlier, goldens are known for their gentleness, an undesireable trait in a watchdog. A golden retriever may bark at the stranger at the door, but his taill will wag as an invitation to play. - Do you have the time, energy, and patience to raise a dog properly? If you buy a golden puppy, would you be willing and able to adjust your schedule to fit your puppy's needs? - Are you willing to devote some of your free time to the dog? Do you travel of weekends or long vacations? Are you willing to travel only in areas where your golden can come along? Remember that although dogs can withstand the stress of travel faily well, they are prohibited in many hotels and motels. - Do you understand the long-term comitment involved with owning a dog? A dog should never be purchased impulsively, especially because goldens can live a 12 yrs. or more. - Do you have a large yard, or a park nearby where the dog can get it's needed exercise? A golden is a remarkable breed and can adapt to many living quarters that are sensible for a medium-size dog. However, because the golden is bred for hunting, exercise is an important part of it's physical and mental well-being. - Finally, can you afford to keep a golden retriever? Aside from the initial expenses to buying the dog and necessary supplies, the cost of feeding may go up to $40 per month. And don't forget annual expenses such as visits to the vet. You should carefully consider these questions before you buy a golden retriever. The Golden Retriever Club of America can help with any additional questions you might have. Remember, owning a dog of any breed is a serious responsibility. If you do not care for the dog properly, it's health and happiness will suffer, and you will not experience the pleasure and satisfaction of raising a golden retirever. |
| Choosing a Breeder Choosing a reputacle breeder is important. Since it would be almost impossible for you to know what the puppy you buy will grow up to be physically and emotionally, you must rely on your faith in the person from whom you are buying the puppy. There are 3 options open to you in choosing this person... 1. PET SHOP OR DEALER-the worst possible choice. THe puppies are pooly bred and raised. They are thought of as merchandise and sold for high profit. The high profit results because little has been put into the breeding and care of the puppies. Pet shops rely heavily on impulsive buying, which is no way to add an addition to the family. 2. BACKYARD BREEDER-also a bad choice. Maybe it's just for money they are having puppies. Usually the breeder knows little about the standard or history of the breed, and less about good care. The annual breeder does not have eye examinations done by a Board-certified veterinary opthalmologist and does not have hip x-rays sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in Missouri, or blo9od tests to the Dept. of Health in New York. The backyard breeder is not aware of breed problems. Usually, this person's only goal is to produce puppies, and when the "fun" is over, to sell them. 3. SERIOUS HOBBY BREEDER-the best choice. The serious hobby breeder regards his/her dogs as even more than a hobby, although the true fancier does not expect to profit. When someone is involved with dogs for the enjoyment of each induvidual animal, for the challenge to produce the finest animals possible, the results are superior. These breeders acknowledge responsibility for every puppy produced, and stand behind every dog they have bred. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Unquivocally, your choice should be int he ranks of SERIOUS HOBBY BREEDER. IT is an interesting fact that poorly bred puppies from pet shops and backyard breeders are sold for the same amount or even more money then those purchased from a serious hobby breeder. But the question is: How does one recognize a serious hobby breeder? Listed below are a few requirements that the breeder should meet before you purchase the puppy. Don't be afraid to comfront them with these requirements. It is your right, and you can rest assured that the breeder will respond with responsibility and pride. The breeder should: 1. Belong to the Golden Retriver Club of America, a local golden retriever club, or an all-breed club. Ideally he/she should belong to all 3; however, sometimes this is impossible. The reason for this requirement is that this sort of participation idicates depth of involvment. This breeder is exposed to other points of view, learns more about the breed and modern breeding pracitices, and is kept up to date on AKC rules and regulations. 2. Be involved in showing his/her dog in the breed ring, the obedience ring, licensed field work, or in a combination of all 3. The reason for this is that it m,eans that the breeder is not breeding in a vacuum. The breeder who does not participate has no idea how good his/her dogs really are, and is deprived of the oppertunity to share info and ideas with others. Showing provides the competition which encourages breeders to produce better dogs. The breeder who competes wants to prove how good his/her dogs really are and is putting his/her breeding program on the line. This breeder is not relying on just a pedigree to indicate quality. Even if you do not want a competition animal, you deserve one that was the end result of a carefully planned litter, a puppy which recieved the same care as a potential champion. The breeder who competes in organized activities is known by others and has a reputation to uphold. This breeder will be as careful and honest in selling you your pet puppy as in selling show stock. 3. Be able to show you a clean environent, healthy, well-socialized puppies; and a dam with a good temperament. You should avoid: a) a breeder who lets you handle a very young puppy, as there is a real risk of transmitting disease before they are vaccinated; b) shy, whimpering, fearful puppies; c) puppies with dull coats, crusty or running eyes, sign of diarrhea, rashes or sores on their abdomens; d) signs of neglect, such as lack of water, pans of uneaten food, and dirty conditions; e) a breeder who will sell a puppy under seven weeks of age, as early seperation from the dam and littermates can be very detrimental both psychologically and physically. 4. Give you a period of time in which to alllow you to have to puppies examined by a veterinarian to determine its state of health, so that both of you are assued as to the condition of the puppy at the time of sale. If a problem should arise, it can then be quickly resolved. |