Buying your puppy
Buying a Golden Retriever Puppy should be an enjoyable experience for you and your family; however there are many things that should be considered before you proceed . When choosing your puppy you are looking at adding a new member to your family which is a very important step in your life.
It is easy to fall in love with a little ball of fur thrust at you… but if you are to live an average of 13 years with your new companion you must be happy with everything. It’s worth travelling anywhere in the country and waiting a few extra weeks or months for the right puppy!
To enable you to have the best chance of obtaining a healthy, well adjusted puppy it is recommended that you buy your puppy from a responsible caring breeder and that the pup has been bred from health tested parents.
There are a number of intensive volume breeders who may have little regard or consideration for the basic needs and care of the dogs concerned. There may be many reasons why you are considering a Golden Retriever, you may be looking for a pet that is good with children, be interested in a dog for showing or working and hopefully the club will be able to guide you through this process .
When you contact your chosen breeder, it may be that the litter is not old enough for you to see, and it is quite likely not old enough to take home. Many breeders encourage new owners to visit several times as the puppies are growing. This gives time for you to ask any questions you may have and to see the mother interacting with them. It also gives you time to be certain that a Golden Retriever is really the breed for you.
When you visit, you should see the puppies in their normal environment. They should not be brought to you in a different part of the premises. They should be kept in clean accommodation and be pleasant to handle. You should see their mother with them, she should show no sign of fear or aggression to you and the puppies should be confident and be happy to meet you.
With your puppy you should get a diet sheet and a copy of the pup’s pedigree. You should get the Kennel Club Registration document, which should be signed on the back by the breeder. Just because they are Kennel Club registered does not mean the breeder is not a puppy farmer. Please ring or email for advice.
You should sign the Registration Document on receipt and send it with the relevant fee to the Kennel Club to have the registration transferred to your name. It is recommended that you insure your new puppy. An insurance company such as that of Petplan or The Kennel Club Pet Insurance are recommended. As with many insurers you may very well get what you pay for and if a company limits how much you can claim for yearly, or over a dogs lifetime, it may not be right for you.
By law since April 2016 your puppy should have been microchipped by the breeder but if he hasn’t then take him to your vet for this as soon as possible. Also enquire if the puppy has had any vaccinations when he comes to you. Some breeders would rather the puppy has his first vaccination with his new owner while others have their own vet check the puppy over and give the first vaccination. Enquire on when and with what your puppy has been wormed. Expect full support from your puppy’s breeder.
The parents may have been checked for the following hereditary diseases.
Hip Dysplasia -
- The best score possible is “0” the worst is “106”
- The breed average is currently circa “19”
Elbow Dysplasia -
-The best score is “0” worst is “3”
Eye Certificates -
- Valid for 12 months and should be checked to see the current eye status.
-The certificate should be in force at the time of mating.
-The BVA/KC Certificate, should state the animal is “Clear/Unaffected” from - Inherited Eye Disease, for the following conditions: MRD, GPRA, CPRA, HC.
European Certificates should state that the animal is “Free of evidence of
Inherited Eye Disease”.
- AHT DNA tested/certified for PRA1 and/or PRA2 (Clear/carrier).
This is a once in a lifetime test.
Remember that as far as hereditary diseases are concerned, there are no guarantees, except for where a DNA test exists (as with PRA) for parentage.
You can also use the Kennel Club ‘Mate Select’program to check health results for the ancestors/relatives of your potential puppy:
Breeders should be prepared to help with any problems you may experience. They should be responsible for all litters they breed. Many will insist on the dog being returned to them if you are unable to keep it and/or will help in the rehoming, or should at least be informed should ownership change.
The Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria makes no warranty as to the quality or fitness of any puppies offered for sale and can accept no responsibility for any transaction between the purchaser and vendor arising from the publication of the listing.
Before you buy, the Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria suggests that you consider why you want a dog. Remember a Golden Retriever has a life expectancy of anything from 12 to 16 years so this is a long term commitment for yourself and the family. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you look at any pups. Is someone around during the day? A young puppy needs company. Someone "coming in at lunchtime" will never work. He is inquisitive and willing to play and learn. Your flooring and woodwork are in serious danger if someone is not around to use the NO word! He will have to start toilet training right away. This means taking him out when he wakes and after each meal. It will be to your advantage if he is encouraged to use a particular area of garden to do his business. Without attention it will be virtually impossible to toilet train, and a puppy or indeed an older dog will become stressed and destructive if left alone for long periods. Is your garden secure? It is so important that your garden has adequate fencing.
A young puppy is naturally curious and will explore any hole or gap he can find. Put your mind at rest and have this checked out. Remember some plants and daffodil bulbs are poisonous so make sure that these are out of reach. Are the children old enough to take on the responsibility of a dog? Although Golden Retrievers make excellent family pets, and chosen with care from the right breeder, will be happy with young children, the younger members must realise that the puppy is an animal and not a toy. He is a long term commitment and not a whim, so discuss this thoroughly before you go to view a litter. A good breeder will want to meet the whole family and make any suggestions required to help you.
Do you have a good veterinary practice in your area? Unfortunately the cost of your puppy does not stop after the initial purchase price! Your breeder will probably have had the litter checked by their vet before they leave for their new homes, but will advise you to take him along to your vet to have him checked again shortly after bringing him home. Make contact with your vet before purchasing and ask about their immunisation programme and any other relevant points. Remember a trip to the vet will always cost you money, even if it is just for a yearly check-up. OK, so you've done all that and you still want to go ahead.
Here is some advice that we would strongly recommend you to follow. Where will you buy your puppy? Go through a Golden Retriever Breed Club. You should find that you will get some sensible friendly advice on what you should look for when you go to view a litter of puppies. They will probably be able to give you contact numbers of breeders.
Most clubs will have a litter box which is a list of their members who have litters available. The Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria have this available . A good breeder will always want to meet you before agreeing to sell you a puppy. The breeder should be able to provide you with copies of up-to-date hip certificates, elbow eye certificates for both sire and dam of the pups. These certificates are issued when the parents have been submitted for the necessary hip x-rays and eye examinations. They are absolutely essential as it is extremely important that the sire and dam of the litter are sound and have no hereditary conditions that could be passed on to their progeny. No responsible breeder would dream of breeding without them being in place. They will be willing to show you these certificates (originals not photocopies) and explain more about the scheme should you require. Always see the mother with her puppies.
Never let a breeder bring a puppy to you. You should, if possible, see the whole litter. The mother should be a happy outgoing bitch. The area where the pups are should be clean and well managed. Puppies that have been brought up in a clean environment will be so much easier to toilet train. A good breeder will spend time answering questions. Never think that anything you want to ask will ‘sound daft'. Remember, breeders started from a first puppy themselves so will never think a question is silly and would rather you asked than go away and worry. They will also give you advice on any particular interests you may have such as showing, working, obedience or agility training.
Most importantly they will help you with advice on socialising. A lot of this will have been attended to long before the puppy leaves the litter. A good breeder will have spent most of the first eight weeks of the puppies' lives down on their knees playing with them. This is so important and establishes the bond between dog and human. Remember dogs are pack animals so have to be taught right away, that people are their friends and part of their world. Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs with so much to offer, so enjoy your new puppy.
Buying a Golden Retriever Puppy should be an enjoyable experience for you and your family; however there are many things that should be considered before you proceed . When choosing your puppy you are looking at adding a new member to your family which is a very important step in your life.
It is easy to fall in love with a little ball of fur thrust at you… but if you are to live an average of 13 years with your new companion you must be happy with everything. It’s worth travelling anywhere in the country and waiting a few extra weeks or months for the right puppy!
To enable you to have the best chance of obtaining a healthy, well adjusted puppy it is recommended that you buy your puppy from a responsible caring breeder and that the pup has been bred from health tested parents.
There are a number of intensive volume breeders who may have little regard or consideration for the basic needs and care of the dogs concerned. There may be many reasons why you are considering a Golden Retriever, you may be looking for a pet that is good with children, be interested in a dog for showing or working and hopefully the club will be able to guide you through this process .
When you contact your chosen breeder, it may be that the litter is not old enough for you to see, and it is quite likely not old enough to take home. Many breeders encourage new owners to visit several times as the puppies are growing. This gives time for you to ask any questions you may have and to see the mother interacting with them. It also gives you time to be certain that a Golden Retriever is really the breed for you.
When you visit, you should see the puppies in their normal environment. They should not be brought to you in a different part of the premises. They should be kept in clean accommodation and be pleasant to handle. You should see their mother with them, she should show no sign of fear or aggression to you and the puppies should be confident and be happy to meet you.
With your puppy you should get a diet sheet and a copy of the pup’s pedigree. You should get the Kennel Club Registration document, which should be signed on the back by the breeder. Just because they are Kennel Club registered does not mean the breeder is not a puppy farmer. Please ring or email for advice.
You should sign the Registration Document on receipt and send it with the relevant fee to the Kennel Club to have the registration transferred to your name. It is recommended that you insure your new puppy. An insurance company such as that of Petplan or The Kennel Club Pet Insurance are recommended. As with many insurers you may very well get what you pay for and if a company limits how much you can claim for yearly, or over a dogs lifetime, it may not be right for you.
By law since April 2016 your puppy should have been microchipped by the breeder but if he hasn’t then take him to your vet for this as soon as possible. Also enquire if the puppy has had any vaccinations when he comes to you. Some breeders would rather the puppy has his first vaccination with his new owner while others have their own vet check the puppy over and give the first vaccination. Enquire on when and with what your puppy has been wormed. Expect full support from your puppy’s breeder.
The parents may have been checked for the following hereditary diseases.
Hip Dysplasia -
- The best score possible is “0” the worst is “106”
- The breed average is currently circa “19”
Elbow Dysplasia -
-The best score is “0” worst is “3”
Eye Certificates -
- Valid for 12 months and should be checked to see the current eye status.
-The certificate should be in force at the time of mating.
-The BVA/KC Certificate, should state the animal is “Clear/Unaffected” from - Inherited Eye Disease, for the following conditions: MRD, GPRA, CPRA, HC.
European Certificates should state that the animal is “Free of evidence of
Inherited Eye Disease”.
- AHT DNA tested/certified for PRA1 and/or PRA2 (Clear/carrier).
This is a once in a lifetime test.
Remember that as far as hereditary diseases are concerned, there are no guarantees, except for where a DNA test exists (as with PRA) for parentage.
You can also use the Kennel Club ‘Mate Select’program to check health results for the ancestors/relatives of your potential puppy:
Breeders should be prepared to help with any problems you may experience. They should be responsible for all litters they breed. Many will insist on the dog being returned to them if you are unable to keep it and/or will help in the rehoming, or should at least be informed should ownership change.
The Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria makes no warranty as to the quality or fitness of any puppies offered for sale and can accept no responsibility for any transaction between the purchaser and vendor arising from the publication of the listing.
Before you buy, the Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria suggests that you consider why you want a dog. Remember a Golden Retriever has a life expectancy of anything from 12 to 16 years so this is a long term commitment for yourself and the family. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you look at any pups. Is someone around during the day? A young puppy needs company. Someone "coming in at lunchtime" will never work. He is inquisitive and willing to play and learn. Your flooring and woodwork are in serious danger if someone is not around to use the NO word! He will have to start toilet training right away. This means taking him out when he wakes and after each meal. It will be to your advantage if he is encouraged to use a particular area of garden to do his business. Without attention it will be virtually impossible to toilet train, and a puppy or indeed an older dog will become stressed and destructive if left alone for long periods. Is your garden secure? It is so important that your garden has adequate fencing.
A young puppy is naturally curious and will explore any hole or gap he can find. Put your mind at rest and have this checked out. Remember some plants and daffodil bulbs are poisonous so make sure that these are out of reach. Are the children old enough to take on the responsibility of a dog? Although Golden Retrievers make excellent family pets, and chosen with care from the right breeder, will be happy with young children, the younger members must realise that the puppy is an animal and not a toy. He is a long term commitment and not a whim, so discuss this thoroughly before you go to view a litter. A good breeder will want to meet the whole family and make any suggestions required to help you.
Do you have a good veterinary practice in your area? Unfortunately the cost of your puppy does not stop after the initial purchase price! Your breeder will probably have had the litter checked by their vet before they leave for their new homes, but will advise you to take him along to your vet to have him checked again shortly after bringing him home. Make contact with your vet before purchasing and ask about their immunisation programme and any other relevant points. Remember a trip to the vet will always cost you money, even if it is just for a yearly check-up. OK, so you've done all that and you still want to go ahead.
Here is some advice that we would strongly recommend you to follow. Where will you buy your puppy? Go through a Golden Retriever Breed Club. You should find that you will get some sensible friendly advice on what you should look for when you go to view a litter of puppies. They will probably be able to give you contact numbers of breeders.
Most clubs will have a litter box which is a list of their members who have litters available. The Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria have this available . A good breeder will always want to meet you before agreeing to sell you a puppy. The breeder should be able to provide you with copies of up-to-date hip certificates, elbow eye certificates for both sire and dam of the pups. These certificates are issued when the parents have been submitted for the necessary hip x-rays and eye examinations. They are absolutely essential as it is extremely important that the sire and dam of the litter are sound and have no hereditary conditions that could be passed on to their progeny. No responsible breeder would dream of breeding without them being in place. They will be willing to show you these certificates (originals not photocopies) and explain more about the scheme should you require. Always see the mother with her puppies.
Never let a breeder bring a puppy to you. You should, if possible, see the whole litter. The mother should be a happy outgoing bitch. The area where the pups are should be clean and well managed. Puppies that have been brought up in a clean environment will be so much easier to toilet train. A good breeder will spend time answering questions. Never think that anything you want to ask will ‘sound daft'. Remember, breeders started from a first puppy themselves so will never think a question is silly and would rather you asked than go away and worry. They will also give you advice on any particular interests you may have such as showing, working, obedience or agility training.
Most importantly they will help you with advice on socialising. A lot of this will have been attended to long before the puppy leaves the litter. A good breeder will have spent most of the first eight weeks of the puppies' lives down on their knees playing with them. This is so important and establishes the bond between dog and human. Remember dogs are pack animals so have to be taught right away, that people are their friends and part of their world. Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs with so much to offer, so enjoy your new puppy.
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