shouldbuygolden2

Should you buy a Golden Retriever?/ Buying a Golden Retriever (Page 2)

5. Provide you with a record of the dates and types of shots and worming done, feeding instuctions, a 3-5 generation pedigree, and a "blue slip" to apply for registration of the puppy in your own name with the American Keenel Club. Sometimes the "blue slip" is not available at the time you take your puppy home. If this is the case, have the breeder state on a dated, signed receipt of payment that the application will be sent to you as soon as possible. The registered names and AKC number of both parents, date of birth of the little, and puppy's color and gender should be indicated. You can then contact AKC with complete info should there later be a problem with the papers.
6. Give you written instruction on feeding, training, and care. This site is designed in part for that reason.
7. Be able to show you proof that both the sire and dam of the liter have had their eyes examined by a Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist within the last year, have had ther hips x-rayed and read as normal by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and have had their blood tested for freedom from von Willebrand;s desiease. The breeder should also be willing to answer your questions about any other possible hereditary problems.
8. Ask you what kind of dogs you have had in the past, and what happened to them; whether or not you have a fenced yard; andwhenther or not the dog will be allowed to be a house dog and a member of the family. Sincere breeders will be a bit hesitant to sell you a puppy until they know more about you, what you are looking for in a dog and what "lifestyle" you have in mind for your dog. A puppy returned is a traumatic ecperience for all concerned, so the breeder who is always willing to accept a puppy back will try to make vertain that a Golden is the breed for you.
9. Be able to give you references: the names of people who have purchased puppies in the past, the names of other breeders, and the veterinarian who provides care for the breeder's dogs.
10. Provide some sort of written contract and/or conditions of sale. Any warranty of quality or health of the dog, and any warranty against development of hereditary problems or show-ring disqualifications in an animal intended for showing or breeding, should be in writing. The warranty should be absolutely explicit, and a signed copy should be provided to each party.
Both pedigree and registration papers are provided by repuable breeders at NO extra cost. The practice of charging extra for papers is forbidden by the AKC. This should be reported. This should not be confused with withholding papers until the dog has been spayed/neutered, which is how puppies not purchased for showing./breedeing are sold by many repuable breeders.
11. Make it clear that his/her responsibility continues long after you have taken you puppy home, and in fact as long as the dog is alive. Many dedicated breeders will ask that the dog be returned to them, or placed with new owners who meet their approval, if ever for any reason you are unable to keep the dog. They'll cheerfully be available for advice whenever needed, and can ease your way over many tough spots.
If your breeder meets all of these requirements you are in good hands. If you find youself with a negative response to any of these requirements, think twice and discuss the situation with someone else. DON'T be impulsice and DO ask questions.

Picking your Puppy
Once you have found a breeder that you trust it's time to thik about a puppy again. Take your time. You might have to wait weeks or even months to find the right litter to be whelped, and it can be well worth the wait. If you are fortunate, and more than one litter is available at the time, you can compare puppies, pedigrees and parents. You may be asked to put a deposit of $50 or more on the litter of your choice if the puppies are not yet 7 weeks old. Good litters seldom go begging, and it is not uncommon for a choice litter to be completely spoken for by the time the puppies are 7 weeks of age and ready to go to their new homes.
   Be sure that the breeder knows if you want tehd og for a particular purpose other than just as a companion(such as show prospect, a competition obedience dog, and/or a hunting dog), and have the breeder help with the selection of the puppy. Very few litters have more than a few real "show prospects" ion them, but a "pet-quality" puppy from a well-bred litter has all the potential of growing up to be a sturdy, healthy Golden of proper size and temperament.
   Almost all Goldens are appealing, but you need to look for more than just "cuteness." They should be sturdy in build with straight legs. They should feel firm and muscular, and be squirmy and active at first when picked up, but be willing to relax and accept being held and cuddled for a short time. Coats should be clean and thick; eyes, nose and ears free of discharge or irritation; and the puppies shouldn't be pot-bellied. Gums should be pink, not pale. Dark pigments around the eyes, with black nose and feetpads is preferred, although this might not be important to you in a dog that is to be a companion only. White markings are not correct in a show or breeding animals, but again, this does not affect the puppy's usefulness otherwise. Golden puppies are born much lighter than their adult color, evn a very pale colored puppy will probably become a good golden shade if the ears show the proper golden color.
   If the breeder offers you seceral puppies to select from, take each of the puppies you are considering away from the rest of its littermates and observe its reaction to its environment and to you. Puppies at 7-8 weeks of age should be willing to explore their environment, and although perhaps a little bit cautious at first, they should investigate new objects and be fairly self-assured. Speak to the puppy and see if it will follow you as you move away. Roll a ball or other toy to see if it has the instinct to watch, chase, carry and possibly even return to you with the ball. Some puppies are slower to develop the retrieving instinct than others, but you should not consider a puppy who does not show some interest in or awareness of a moving object. See if the puppy exibits the type of personality you would want to live with. Perhaps too bold, brash puppy that never stops getting into things would be too much for you, and the more easy-going fellow who's agreeable and a bit more receptive to your guidelines would be a better coice.
   While observing the puppies, observe the dam as well. Any shyness or aggresion on her part is indicative of a poor temperament, and the puppies might well inherit these undesireable traits. A Golden Retriever mother should be watchful and patient with her puppies, and should be happy to show them to you. If the father is available, ask to meet him too.