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Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale
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Golden Retriever puppies are probably the cutest creatures on the face of the Earth. Even more than with any other purchase, you must be very careful when buying one. The Golden Retriever puppy you get is going to be an integral member of your family for a long time. She will undoubtedly have a special place in your heart forever. So do the due diligence now and research your options thoroughly.
Generally speaking, there are four different ways of obtaining a Golden Retriever:
1. Animal Shelter or Golden Rescue Organization
When possible, adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization is an excellent idea. It is a truly noble deed which helps an animal down on his luck. We recommend this highly.
 Photo courtesy of Gözde Otman |
It is important to note, however, that there may be some pitfalls in this -- primarily that it is often difficult to have any information about the animal's past. A puppy may be originally from a puppy mill (see below), or an adult dog may have been abused or neglected. Dogs may not have been properly socialized and so have a difficult time adjusting into your household. As a result, when adopting from a shelter or rescue, there are some factors left to chance.
That being said, if you have any inclination to adopt from these organizations, we highly recommend it. You will be doing a beautiful dog a tremendous service (and you will likely get an exceptional companion in the process).
2. Puppy Mill or Pet Store
Although there are plenty of extremely solid breeders out there, there are also numerous unscrupulous greedy people who have Golden Retriever puppies for sale. There are many horror stories of people repeatedly over-breeding Golden Retrievers with no regard to the health of the mother or offspring.
These people all too often do not have the breed's best interests at heart. They treat Golden Retriever puppies only as commodities to be bought and sold with no regard for their well-being. Such "puppy mills" often provide Golden Retriever pups for sale to pet stores. Please do not get a puppy from puppy mills. Such commercialization of these wonderful dogs should be wholly discouraged. Avoid falling into this trap (more on this in
breeders
section).
3. Backyard Breeder
The term "backyard breeder" typically refers to owners of Golden Retrievers who don't spay and neuter their pets. They then end up with a litter. At times backyard breeders can be just like puppy mills. At other times, the problem is not so much about greed. The issue is that the mother (dam) and father (sire) of the litter have not been assessed in any way. The Golden Retriever puppies for sale may not have come from parents suitable for breeding. The puppies may harbor health problems, temperament inconsistencies, and so on. So while not as bad as a puppy mill or pet store situation, a backyard breeder will not be able to provide you with reliable puppies.
4. Reputable Breeder
Good breeders of Golden Retriever puppies will only breed those dogs that conform most closely to the breed standard. Further, they will have both parents checked out for genetic health problems common in the breed (e.g., hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease and eye disease). Reputable breeders breed female Goldens only intermittently and judiciously so as to optimize the offspring and ensure the mother's good health (see the Breeders section). The Golden Retriever puppies for sale at the breeder will likely be top-notch in every way.
| IMPORTANT NOTE: Although many people are inclined to look for Golden Retriever puppies for sale, you should consider adopting an adult as well. Puppies are indeed very adorable but there is a lot of time and effort involved in training puppies. While you don't get to enjoy the puppy fuzzies, you also don't have to deal with puppy-specific issues such as teething, chewing, and the dreaded toilet training! And if you think there will be less bonding going on when adopting an adult--think again! One of the most amazing things about Goldens (which is not true of many other breeds) is that they form emotional bonds with everyone throughout all stages of their lives. As long as the owner devotes the necessary time and energy, an adult Golden will bond as fully as a puppy will. |
When getting a Golden Retriever puppy, it is best to steer clear of puppy mills, pet shop puppy sales and backyard breeders that have Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Adopt a Golden from a shelter, or go with a reputable breeder.
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