Golden Retriever Adoption - Keys to Finding a Happy & Healthy Puppy
If you haven't already, make sure the Golden Retriever Breed is for you.
Adoption is a big commitment and you want to be positive that this partnership aligns with your familial and social situation.
In a nutshell, the Golden Retriever is extremely adaptable to different environments but needs plenty of exercise! It loves its master and lives to please, but does require regular grooming because of its continually-shedding thick coat.
Where to Adopt Once you are certain that a Golden is right for you, the most important question to ask before you adopt is where to find the right pup.
Or, more importantly, where can you find the right breeder? The kind of breeder your are seeking is one who demonstrates passion and expertise.
Obviously you will need to avoid those who are really out to make as much money as possible.
This may not be as difficult as you think.
Here are a couple of suggestions: 1) Go to a dog show.
Most people involved in dog shows are truly passionate about their dogs and are very knowledgeable.
Go, have a good time, meet some Golden Retriever owners, and ask them if they know of any reputable breeders.
They may be able to offer some insight into local experts.
2) Ask for referrals.
Most people know someone who owns a Golden.
Seek guidance from those people you know that have Golden Retrievers, those you meet in your local dog stores, or those you see walking their Golden in your neighborhood or park.
Upon finding a Golden Retriever breeder you feel comfortable with, implement this list of good questions to ask before adopting: Are you involved with breeding other breeds as well as Golden Retrievers? It's fine if they are enthusiastic about another breed or two.
However, some spread their knowledge too thin by attempting to be experts in several breeds and capitalizing on that financially.
You want a breeder that has mastered their breed and knows exactly how to screen for genetic abnormalities and health problems.
They should also be plugged into a solid community for their breed.
How long have you been breeding? More specifically, how long have you been breeding Golden Retrievers? Clearly, if they just started they won't be as knowledgeable and experienced as one who has a lengthy history with Goldens.
This does not mean you won't get a great pup.
You just need to proceed with caution.
Can I meet the parents? Often you will be able to meet at least one of the puppy's parents, giving you a good indication of your pup's inherited traits.
Sometimes only one parent will be on hand because frequently dogs are bred between various owners.
What are the congenital defects associated with this breed? If they can't answer this question, they are not the breeder for you! Where NOT to Adopt Clearly you should not adopt from reckless breeders who are just out to make a buck.
Asking the above questions should make it easy to reveal these unscrupulous breeders.
Puppy mills and most pet stores should also be avoided.
A puppy mill is a place that breeds puppies as quickly as possible with little regard for the dogs themselves.
This is done solely to maximize profit.
Puppies from mills are more susceptible to defects, diseases, and are often maladjusted.
Adoption is a big commitment and you want to be positive that this partnership aligns with your familial and social situation.
In a nutshell, the Golden Retriever is extremely adaptable to different environments but needs plenty of exercise! It loves its master and lives to please, but does require regular grooming because of its continually-shedding thick coat.
Where to Adopt Once you are certain that a Golden is right for you, the most important question to ask before you adopt is where to find the right pup.
Or, more importantly, where can you find the right breeder? The kind of breeder your are seeking is one who demonstrates passion and expertise.
Obviously you will need to avoid those who are really out to make as much money as possible.
This may not be as difficult as you think.
Here are a couple of suggestions: 1) Go to a dog show.
Most people involved in dog shows are truly passionate about their dogs and are very knowledgeable.
Go, have a good time, meet some Golden Retriever owners, and ask them if they know of any reputable breeders.
They may be able to offer some insight into local experts.
2) Ask for referrals.
Most people know someone who owns a Golden.
Seek guidance from those people you know that have Golden Retrievers, those you meet in your local dog stores, or those you see walking their Golden in your neighborhood or park.
Upon finding a Golden Retriever breeder you feel comfortable with, implement this list of good questions to ask before adopting: Are you involved with breeding other breeds as well as Golden Retrievers? It's fine if they are enthusiastic about another breed or two.
However, some spread their knowledge too thin by attempting to be experts in several breeds and capitalizing on that financially.
You want a breeder that has mastered their breed and knows exactly how to screen for genetic abnormalities and health problems.
They should also be plugged into a solid community for their breed.
How long have you been breeding? More specifically, how long have you been breeding Golden Retrievers? Clearly, if they just started they won't be as knowledgeable and experienced as one who has a lengthy history with Goldens.
This does not mean you won't get a great pup.
You just need to proceed with caution.
Can I meet the parents? Often you will be able to meet at least one of the puppy's parents, giving you a good indication of your pup's inherited traits.
Sometimes only one parent will be on hand because frequently dogs are bred between various owners.
What are the congenital defects associated with this breed? If they can't answer this question, they are not the breeder for you! Where NOT to Adopt Clearly you should not adopt from reckless breeders who are just out to make a buck.
Asking the above questions should make it easy to reveal these unscrupulous breeders.
Puppy mills and most pet stores should also be avoided.
A puppy mill is a place that breeds puppies as quickly as possible with little regard for the dogs themselves.
This is done solely to maximize profit.
Puppies from mills are more susceptible to defects, diseases, and are often maladjusted.
