Looking for a Golden?
What about English Creams and Doodles?
What is an English golden? What is the GRCA's position on goldendoodles? How do I groom my golden? Find these answers here!
Puppy or Adult?
If you don’t have the time or energy for all that is needed to properly raise and train a puppy, does that mean that you are destined for life without a Golden Retriever? Not necessarily. There are some great options.
How do I Find a Reputable Breeder?
Responsible dog breeders work hard to produce healthy, socialized puppies, interview potential buyers, do home checks, and remain resources for buyers for the lives of those dogs. Learn what to look for when searching. Learn more here!
How do I Find a Responsible Rescue?
The National Rescue Committee of the GRCA provides coordinating and networking services for golden retriever rescue programs as well as developing literature and resources. Click below to find out more information and find a golden rescue in your area.
Take Your Time
Buying a Golden Retriever is a lifelong commitment and not an impulse decision. Puppies are cute, cuddly and full of antics. Hopefully, that helps carry you both through the period when puppies piddle in the house, surf kitchen counters, dig holes, jump up on people, chew your favorite possessions, run away and other annoying puppy habits! Puppies need a substantial investment of time and training for their first two years to become happy, well-adjusted adults. If you have the time to devote to raising a puppy, this can be a joyful and bonding experience.
Do Your Homework
Keep in mind that your puppy's purchase price is just a small percentage of what you spend over your dog's lifetime. Think ahead for the life of your dog, imagine more than a decade of expensive veterinary bills and you will appreciate the importance of choosing a puppy whose sire and dam have been screened for health issues which have a hereditary component. This requires documentation beyond simple AKC registration. AKC registration does not mean anything more than the fact that the sire and dam of your puppy are both golden retrievers. It does NOT indicate health, temperament, structural soundess or breeding quality. The best source of a healthy, well-socialized puppy is a conscientious breeder with a long-term commitment to the breed and a reputation to uphold.
Look for Breeders Complying with the Code of Ethics
The Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) encourages careful and selective breeding of Golden Retrievers that possess the appearance, structure, soundness, temperament, natural ability and personality that are characterized in the standard of the breed, and to do all possible to advance and promote the perfection of these qualities. The GRCA Code of Ethics recommends that animals selected for breeding should:
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Be of temperament typical of the Golden Retriever breed; stable, friendly, trainable, and willing to work;
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Be in good health, including freedom from communicable disease;
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Have verifiable clearances for hips and elbows from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA);
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Have a heart clearance from a board-certified Cardiologist recorded in an online approved database; and
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Have a current (within 12 months of breeding) eye clearance from a board-certified ophthalmologist recorded in an online approved database (usually the OFA).
GRCSDC Puppy/Litter Referral
The GRCSDC offers a puppy/litter referral service. If you are looking for a golden puppy, feel free to contact the GRCSDC by e-mail at GRCSD@aol.com for a referral to a litter bred by a reputable breeder, if available. Club members who are interested in listing their litter with the GRCSDC for referral must provide copies of all health clearances to the GRCSDC via email.
Consider Rescue
And because even golden retrievers go to the pound, the GRCSDC operates a Rescue Service for unwanted and homeless golden retriever puppies and adults. If you would like to adopt a homeless, yet very loving golden, (or know of a golden who needs a home) please contact our rescue by telephone at 619-449-1991 or the GRCSDC by e-mail at GRCSD@aol.com for details.
