Buying a Puppy
So you thought about it over dinner last night or it's a few days before Christmas, and you think, "Let's get a puppy!" -- Not Exactly. Take a step back and think through the implications of expanding your family with a four-legged creature who sheds...
Hey, if you've "been there-done that", that might qualify you to jump in head first again, but we offer these suggestions to ponder in deciding if the time is right to add a Golden Retriever (or any animal for that matter) to your home...
A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.
Rearing a puppy and living with them throughout their lifetime is a significant commitment. It's not because "they'll be so cute under the tree", or "I know she'll take care of it". The joys of owning a pet can be wonderful, and good for you too! Pet owners, especially dog owners, tend to live longer, healthier lives!
Is the timing right? Are there other things we should do to prepare?
Certain life circumstances you might be dealing with right now may keep you from devoting the necessary attention and care to a puppy. For example, we tend to advise against buying a puppy if you have very young children at home, especially infants. You've got your hands full already, how can you devote the proper amount of attention to both? If there is a toddler or very young children (under age 4) in the home, such children may not understand how to treat a puppy and could injure themselves or the dog. Lastly, we prefer a fenced backyard to ensure the dog will be confined when he or she is let out.
What can I expect to pay for a well bred puppy from a reputable, serious-hobby breeder?
Realize that the price you pay to buy a puppy will be a small part of total cost of ownership over the life of your dog. Also, many factors affecting breeders influence prices such as:
Prices vary considerably around the U.S. reflecting these and other local issues. In Florida, you can expect to pay perhaps $1,000 or more for a puppy.
What major health clearances should I be aware of about the sire (father) and dam (mother) of a litter?
Despite some expectations that breeding and health are cut and dried issues of exacting precision, breeding and genetics is truly a blend of art and science. Breeding should be left to a trained, experienced breeder who plans and executes matches after researching pedigrees and attributes of a sire and dam that will be most complimentary. Simply because two dogs happen to "have papers" (are purebred dogs) is by no means the total criteria by which to judge whether dogs are good specimens of the breed and may be bred! Golden Retrievers are subject to genetic problems reputable breeders try to avoid and reduce in their breeding programs.
Generally, there are three primary health areas Golden Retriever breeders should have evaluated:
Hips
Larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers are somewhat more prone or at risk than smaller breeds of having or developing hip dysplasia (malformation of the rear hip joint and the tip of the leg bone). Hip X-rays should be evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Since a Golden Retriever's hips are not finished developing until about age 2, OFA provides hip evaluation/ratings of dogs age 2 or older.
Dogs having an OFA rating below that of "Fair" should not be bred. Despite the parents of a litter having "Fair" or better ratings, it is not uncommon for puppies/dogs to occasionally have or develop hip dysplasia. That said, it is very possible for a dog having hip dysplasia to never display clinical signs of the condition over most of their life. Since most people who buy a puppy as a companion pet don't typically have the dog's hip evaluated, a dog with a mild case may very well live a long, active life without anyone knowing of the condition.
Eyes
Inheritable eyes diseases such as prematurely developing cataracts are a risk that must be checked annually. Since this condition can arise at any time, a dog who is in a breeding program should be examined by an ophthalmologist veterinarian annually. Breeders should be able to show you a copy of a dog's Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) form (or the vet's report of examination), within the last year, that the dog's eyes were cleared.
Heart
A breeder should be able to produce reports from vets specializing in cardiology who examined the parents of a litter and that no signs of improper heart function or conditions such as sub-aortic stenosis (SAS) were detected. Hearts do not require examination more than once.
Other
The puppies themselves should be examined by the breeder's vet for general health, and some locales (such as Florida) require a health certificate be provided to a puppy buyer indicating its general good health and the initial inoculations (shots) it received.
How long is the gestation period for Goldens? How long until they can go to their new homes?
The gestation period (time from conception to delivery) for Golden Retrievers is approximately 9 weeks (63 days). Once the puppies are born, puppies should not be released until at least 7 weeks of age, according to Golden Retriever Club of America guidelines. Some jurisdictions, such as Florida, require the puppy be 8 weeks of age prior to release.
Anything else I should expect from a good breeder?
You should expect a reputable breeder to ask you some questions about your experience with Goldens, rearing a puppy, and the home environment in which the puppy will live to determine if your situation sounds right for the puppy.
Often, breeders will execute a contract or agreement of sale with you outlining the terms under which the puppy or dog is sold. You may also receive or may ask for things such as:
What if we want a golden retriever, but we're not so sure we're up for going through all the "puppy rearing" stuff?
Definitely okay to feel this way too! You may be interested to purchase an adult dog we may have available, or adopt an older dog that may be currently being foster-cared for under a Golden Rescue program. Please consider this as a viable option for providing a loving, new start for a great dog that's in need of a new home. Visit Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Rescue's website to learn more about Golden Rescue and some great dogs in need of a loving, new home.
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3 males from one of our recent litters...