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The golden retriever is a much-beloved breed. People love their gentle spirits and kind personalities. They make wonderful family dogs, and they tend to be pretty healthy, overall. If you want to bring home a golden retriever puppy, then you should have no trouble finding a breeder in your area. This is a common breed, and in most regions, there are at least a few people who breed goldens. But what questions should you ask as you speak to the breeder? What things are most important to know before bringing home one of these pups? Take a look.
How large are the parents?
People often think of golden retrievers as being large dogs, and many certainly are. But there are some bloodlines that are smaller in size and would generally be classified as medium dogs. The best way to predict how large a puppy will be is to consider the size of its parents. If a puppy has a 50-pound mom and a 60-pound dad, for instance, you can expect that puppy to be around 50 to 60 pounds. It's not an exact science, but it's a good guideline. Asking this question will help ensure you get a dog that is the size you desire.
Are the pups AKC registered?
The American Kennel Club registers dogs. If you want to show your golden retriever, you will want the pup to be registered. Otherwise, it's not as important. The fact that a dog is registered does reassure you that the parents are who the breeder says they are. But beyond that, if you are only keeping the dog as a pet, whether it is registered or not is not a huge factor. Dogs who are registered typically sell for a lot more, so keep that in mind when setting a budget.
Do the parents have any trouble with eczema or ear infections?
Golden retrievers do tend to be pretty healthy as a breed. However, some are at an increased risk for ear infections or eczema. Ask the breeder if the puppies' parents have either of these conditions. If they do, you don't necessarily need to turn the puppy down. But you should not expect to pay top dollar for the puppy, and you'll want to be on the lookout for signs of these conditions as they grow older.
Asking the questions above will help ensure you know what you're getting when you buy a golden retriever pup. These can be lovely dogs, but it's still important to ask questions and be an aware customer.
Contact a breeder to learn more about golden retriever puppies.