What To Inquire About Before Purchasing A Golden Retriever Puppy

Expert’s answer:

Before purchasing a Golden Retriever puppy, it is important to inquire about several factors to ensure you are making an informed decision. Here are some key questions to ask the breeder:

  1. Health and Medical History: Ask the breeder about the puppy’s health and if they have any medical records available. Inquire about any past health issues or genetic conditions that may be common in the breed, such as hip dysplasia or heart problems. It is important to ensure that the puppy has received appropriate vaccinations and deworming treatments.
  2. Parental Health and Certifications: Inquire about the health certifications of the puppy’s parents. Ask if both the sire and dam have been tested and certified for hip, elbow, eye, and heart conditions. These certifications can help ensure that the puppy is less likely to develop certain genetic health issues.
  3. Socialization and Temperament: Ask the breeder about the socialization efforts that have been made with the puppy. Inquire if the puppy has been exposed to different environments, people, and other animals. Socialization plays a crucial role in the development of a well-rounded and confident dog.
  4. Reputation and References: Request references from past buyers or testimonials from satisfied customers. This can give you an idea of the breeder’s reputation and the experiences of previous puppy owners.
  5. Health Guarantee and Contract: Inquire about the breeder’s health guarantee and contract. Ask what happens if you discover a serious health issue with the puppy or if you can no longer care for it. Understanding the breeder’s policies and protections can provide peace of mind.
  6. Puppy Care and Nutrition: Ask the breeder about the care and nutrition provided to the puppies. Inquire about the type of food they have been feeding them and any specific dietary requirements or recommendations.
  7. Puppy’s Age and Ready Date: It is important to know when the puppy will be ready to go to its new home. Ask the breeder about the recommended age for separation from the mother and littermates. Puppies should ideally stay with their mother and littermates until they are at least eight to 12 weeks old.
  8. Post-Purchase Support: Find out how you can contact the breeder after bringing the puppy home. A responsible breeder should be available to provide guidance and support as you transition the puppy into its new environment.

Remember, purchasing a puppy is a long-term commitment, and it is essential to gather all the necessary information to ensure you are getting a healthy and well-cared-for Golden Retriever.

Which puppy’s personality should you choose from its litter?

You can get a general idea of your pup’s personality, even though accurate temperament testing is not feasible at a very young age. Is he comfortable around people or does he cower when you approach? Does he sniff or nuzzle your hand when you hold it out and seem interested in play?

What should I know before buying a Golden Retriever puppy?

But there are 13 things I think every prospective Golden owner needs to know. They’ve got Power. dot. They were destined to hunt. dot. They Lose. dot. They Frequently Get Waxy Ears. dot. They enjoy eating. dot. The love the water. dot. They Love the Mud. dot. They aren’t conscious of their size. Similar.

Golden retriever puppies
Golden retriever puppies – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What inquiries should one make before purchasing a Golden Retriever puppy?

Get to know your breeder, your breed, and your potential puppy better by using AKC Marketplace and having this list of questions on hand. Request a meeting with the parents. dot. Have the parents had any health exams? dot. Exactly how long have you been breeding? How are your puppy socialization techniques? The puppies’ vaccination records have been cached.

Published: August 09, 2016 | 3 Minutes Updated: May 24, 2023.

A puppy purchase is a significant decision that shouldn’t be made hastily. Talking to a trustworthy breeder is the first step in finding the ideal dog for you when you’re looking for one.

Try AKC Marketplace and keep this list of queries close at hand to better understand your breeder, your breed, and your potential puppy.

Things to know before getting a golden retriever puppy
Things to know before getting a golden retriever puppy – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How do you choose a Golden Retriever puppy from a litter?

It’s important to pay attention to a puppy’s level of energy when choosing a Golden Retriever from a litter. This can help you get a good idea of the temperament the puppy will have as it gets older.

Puppies with lower energy levels are the ones to pick if you want a calm, easygoing dog. Pick a puppy with more energy if you want an energetic, playful dog.

All puppies will naturally be playful and energetic because that’s just a part of growing up, but observing their overall energy level can help you predict the type of adult dog they will develop into.

Although all puppies are cute, not all of them will get along. Some people might be more relaxed than others, and vice versa. And when you give them a toy or key, you can clearly see the difference in their levels of energy.

Should i get a golden retriever quiz
Should i get a golden retriever quiz – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Which age is ideal for purchasing a golden retriever?

I purposely did this in order for you to read it all and hopefully comprehend why you ought to heed this recommendation.

When a puppy reaches the age of eight weeks, you can bring him or her home to live with you. Until then, leave the puppy with its mother and other littermates.

Yes, experts agree that 8 weeks old is the ideal age to bring a puppy home with you and separate it from its mother and other puppies. They have already picked up a lot from their mother and littermates, but they are still very open to developing close bonds with others and being receptive to unfamiliar situations and experiences at this stage.

They’re very cute when they’re young, so you might want to get them sooner, but doing so would be detrimental to the development of your new puppy, increase the likelihood of behavioral problems, and negatively impact their entire future.

Golden retriever price
Golden retriever price – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

At what age should a Golden Retriever be purchased?

I did this so you would read it all and hopefully understand why you should heed this advice.

Before bringing a puppy home to live with you, leave it with its mother and other puppies in the litter until it is 8 weeks old.

Yes, experts agree that 8 weeks old is the ideal age to bring a puppy home with you to live. They have already picked up a lot from their mother and littermates, but they are still very open to developing close bonds with others and being receptive to unfamiliar situations and experiences at this stage.

They’re very cute when they’re young, so you might want to get them sooner, but doing so would be detrimental to the development of your new puppy, increase the likelihood of behavioral problems, and negatively impact their entire future.

Golden retriever puppies for sale
Golden retriever puppies for sale – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Which golden retrievers should I purchase: females or males?

  • Male Goldens may be more carefree and playful, whereas female Goldens are sometimes thought to be more watchful and vigilant around young children.
  • In most situations, however, you’ll discover that your particular dog’s temperament rather than the gender of your puppy will influence this dynamic.
  • A male Golden Retriever may be able to knock over small children or elderly people due to their larger size.

Although Goldens, male or female, are incredibly friendly, some family members who are unable to handle a dog of a medium-to-large breed breed may be injured by their enthusiasm.

What stage of development is the Golden Retriever puppy at?

Adolescence begins around the age of five months and lasts until the child is between two and three years old, or between eight and eighteen months. When most dogs are turned over to rescue organizations and animal shelters, between the ages of 8 and 18 months, is typically the most challenging.

Golden retriever puppies for sale $200
Golden retriever puppies for sale $200 – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What are warning signs when choosing a puppy?

Ask where the puppies were raised to make sure they weren’t kept off-site or in an outdoor kennel, says Claire. Positive indicators include the presence of food bowls, bedding, and toys, as well as the fact that the dogs are at ease and are familiar with the space. All the puppies should be tidy, alert, and clean with a healthy coat and no signs of illness, such as sneezing, coughing, or discharge from the eyes or nose”.

A reputable breeder will. let you see the entire litter where they were born. Nothing will be kept a secret from you.

A reputable dog breeder will show proof that both parents underwent the pertinent health examinations advised for their breed, whether these were physical examinations or DNA tests for specific genetic conditions.

“If your breeder hasn’t finished health-testing — if they couldn’t be bothered or they’ve avoided the costs,” says Tim, “they have cut corners and put their puppies’ health at risk, and you will have to live with the potential consequences”.

How to pick a golden retriever puppy
How to pick a golden retriever puppy – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What essential information must a new owner of a Golden Retriever know?

Goldens were created as a sporting breed that could handle a day of hunting with ease. They need to exercise vigorously and consistently every day (20–30 minutes twice a day is typically sufficient), or else they might find it difficult to take on the role of “calm house pet” that most owners expect of them. For the dog to get enough exercise, a fenced-in yard is especially crucial. A fenced dog park or walking trail are additional options. The two of you will suffer if you don’t make a plan to give your golden enough exercise every day. The younger the golden, the more exercise they typically need.

Dedicated companions are goldens. Most of them will follow you from room to room and are typically by your side at all times. They’ll lie at your feet while you watch TV and in the kitchen while you’re cooking. A golden must be close to their humans in order to be happy, so if you don’t want that much closeness, a golden isn’t for you. You should be ready to give your golden a lot of hands-on attention because they enjoy it. When it comes to their need for human attention, some goldens are borderline needy.

You might imagine letting your dog run free on the beach or play fetch in a wide-open space. They must be kept on a leash when being exercised outside of a fenced yard because sporting dogs are easily distracted by birds, animals, or moving objects.

Golden retriever puppies near me
Golden retriever puppies near me – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Which puppy in a litter should you choose?

1. Avoid becoming fixated on “Pick of the Litter”. The best “pick” will depend on the environment and circumstances the puppy will be living in, so there really is no such thing as “pick of the litter”. Based on their conformational structure, a breeder typically keeps one or two “show picks”. Puppies from “Pick of the Litter” shows are frequently brave, gregarious, and need a lot more training and management than most families are prepared for. A puppy that would enjoy and easily fit into family life should be your “Pick of the Litter” for your home. It should have a laid-back, moderate temperament.

2. Let the day be ruled by temperament and long-term observation. Following the selection of the “picks” for the show, the remaining puppies are matched with homes and families based on their temperament as observed over time by the breeder*. Good breeders or caregivers will assess the litter for temperament and potential between 7-8 weeks of age, and be able to match you and the puppy based on the evaluation results*and*their observations of the puppy over time.

3. Good breeders will insist on finding the right match. Becky Dannaker of Nipntuck Labradors, a local breeder of Labradors, says that letting the breeder choose your puppy “takes all the stress off everyone”. “People don’t have to stress about selecting the ideal puppy when they frequently visit the litter. While suggestions from individuals are welcome, please keep in mind that we have years of experience and will choose the match we believe is best for your family. She is even adamant about not labeling puppies (typically with color-coded collars) to prevent anyone—including her—from becoming prejudiced for trivial reasons before they are even old enough to evaluate properly.

4. The myth that “the puppy picked me!” should not be believed. Sitting in the middle of the mess, your mind can pull all sorts of pranks on you, making up tales that can divert your emotions from rational, analytical thought. A puppy is not “picking” you at all if it comes when called first, gnaws on your shoe, or sits on your lap. It’s possible that puppy is a tiny tyrant who rules over your body and prevents other puppies from getting to it. On the other hand, the puppy might be shy and attempting to flee the disturbance. Puppies can act in a variety of ways while you’re there that have nothing to do with you and everything to do with their temperament. Keep your ego and imagination in check.

What age do Golden Retrievers find most challenging?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What age do Golden Retrievers find most challenging?

Between 8 and 18 months Around the age of 5 months, a child enters the adolescent stage, which lasts until they are about 2 to 3 years old. The most challenging period is typically between the ages of 8 and 18 (when the majority of dogs are turned over to rescues and shelters).

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What to Inquire About Before Purchasing A Golden Retriever Puppy.
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Chelsea Vaughn

Chelsea is a former marine biologist who switched gears in her twenties to build a small house and start a business. She enjoys traveling and going on hiking adventures with her husband, their two Australian Shepherds and their African Grey Parrot.

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17 comments

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  • My nan had a golden retriever his name is chance he died of old age the best way to go tbh only known him for 5 years of my life he was a good boy RIP CHANCE fly high The reason his name is chance is because as a puppy he was found abandoned in a barn and my mum thought he deserved a second chance at life he’s a good boy not a day goes by without missing you see you someday mate ❤️

  • And will make your house feel like a home..But empty as ever when gone. Just lost my 10 year old golden retriever named Rosco. My God he was an amazing dog, I miss everything about him, but especially when he’d meet me at the door when I got home from work. Almost 2 months later and it still feels weird, I think I see him in the corner of my eye every other day, especially bc we have a beige water collector in front of our deck right behind where he’d be waiting after doing his business. Rip my Rosco man. Until we meet again. 😢

  • Without furry pets it’s not worth living… they make life so full of unconditional love, licking, fur on everything and everywhere, less bed space every night and when you don’t feel good or having down day they are always there with a paw on your leg or arm and taking care of you… My 2 cats are my emotional support team and I also get more exercise by cleaning their beautiful fur off of everything every day!!! I wouldn’t make it without them!!!

  • My golden retriever knows she’s not supposed to have socks, but she grabs them anyway but only while one of us is around to see her parading it around in guilt, almost as a taunt. I never chase her (anymore). I just go sit on the ottoman in the middle of the living room and pat the spot next to me and say, “Come here.” And she comes next to me, but by now she’s breathing very heavily through her nose and can’t sit still. I have her sit, and I say “calm” in a calm voice until she’s calm. Then, grab the end of the sock she has in her mouth and say “open” in a cheerful tone. If that doesn’t work, I say, “Go to your pen”, which she always obeys, but she can’t go to her pen unless she lets go of the sock I’m holding onto. And then she has a little 10-second timeout.

  • My Shaii Shaii eats anything she can get hold of. Shoes, glasses, socks, cushions you name it. I vacuum a whole dog off the floor every few days and that’s not the half of it. However, I could not live without my crazy spoiled rotten too energetic girl. Love her to bits. Teddy’s love and his adorable smile is well worth it.

  • I have had two Goldens over the last 20+ years and they always stole my “slippers” so I trained them to leave my slippers alone and gave them their own LOLOL When it came to me fixing our dinner they were not allowed in the kitchen BUT they would sneak around the breakfast bar and stare at me licking their chops wanting small bits of cheese, etc. Loved them with all my heart.

  • After 14 years we had to make the decision to have our sweet Cooper put down. He had good and bad days for nearly 2 years. But on that day he laid down by the back door and hadn’t gotten up and moved all day. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. To tell the vet to kill my best friend. I’m going to look at a litter of English cream pups today. I’ve had red field dogs, a flat coated black retriever. Cooper was a classic golden so now maybe a cream or white colored dog. They are all so loyal and smart. If your retriever misbehaves you need an obedience class to teach you how to interact with your dog. I’m not sure I’m ready for this…. But I sure miss the company only a golden can bring into your home…. Move out of the way! Get out of the kitchen! Get off the bed! Well, that’s what you get for sleeping in the middle of the hallway dummy! And of course the car keys are like a Calvary charge horn….😂. The sweetest pain in the ass you will ever know. Oh, and the shedding and licking🙄

  • On a serious note, PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR DOG GET THE SOCKS! I have seen too many dogs near death because they ate a sock, it swelled up with fluid, blocked their intestine, and the surgeon had to cut out a foot of dead bowel from the sock choking the blood supply. Keep a lid on your hamper and pick your damn socks up! Same goes for underwear.

  • Socks are all about training bob my old golden (rip bob) wouldn’t take anything of ours. We could leave any socks shoes cloths or even food on the ground and unless we told him he could eat it he wouldn’t. He could walk beside us with no leash through a crowded beach with 10 other dogs without even thinking about running towards them. God I miss him so fucking much 😭

  • I have 4 of them. Some of these are wrong. They DO NOT needs lot of space,they can easily live in an apartment,no problem. They also don’t need lots of exercise. Mine have a big yard and still prefer to sit or sleep near us. The hair thing is real though ….LOTS of hair,so must brush regularly. And they HATE to be alone. They are hippy dogs,the more the merrier. Don’t just get 1,get 2. Oh and also,they don’t eat your socks.

  • Messy 😂😂😂😂 Me and my exhusband ended up with a golden once. She was a neighborhood dog who really didn’t belong to anyone but was well taken care of by everyone. Well we got a boxer puppy and then she just decided that we would be her owners and they became besties. She was special ❤ She was not any of the things mentioned in this article tho haha and I had never owned a goldie before or since

  • Lol mine didn’t have a sock fetish, but when we lived in an apartment, he had lots of friends that would ask to take him places. When I lived at home with my parents, he used to steal chicken eggs, pick mangoes and make the other dogs so jealous, they wanted some too. Oh, and he was a horrible guard dog. We got robbed once and I swear he showed the burglars where all our good stuff was🙄.. he may have helped them carry in out of the house too

  • My huskies are no different, I have many a tooth holed rag that used to be a sock. The most memorable though was getting my stuff ready before going in the shower, I put on th ebed a pair of homer simpson boxer shorts, but when I got out of the shower they weren’t there, so I just assumed I had put them somehwere else but forgotten where, so got out another pair. The next day though as I was out doing poo patrol out the back, I scooped up one and as it rolled over, there was Homer looking back at me 😀

  • I’ve only ever had a pitbull, but I think he might be a special case compared to other pitbulls I’ve seen, he’s lazy, also gives no personal space, doesn’t rip or destroy but does like to move around sock and shoes he finds, and is as vocal as a husky when he hears my parents entering the house, he sounds like a baby when he does that but he’s an old man.

  • Not just Goldens that leave hair and make a mess of everything.. my lab x border collie is terrible for shedding and she’s been in season for just over a week now, so there’s blood everywhere. Double points with a cut on the tip of her ear that the scab keeps falling off of because she won’t stop shaking her head every now and then, so even more blood gets sprayed around 🤦🏻‍♂️.

  • All These Suggestions Are Very True, As I Am Finding Out These Truths With My New 11 Month Old Golden. Got Her At 2 Months. She is Full of Spit and Vinegar But Has A Heart Of Gold. HER Name is Cameron Rose aka Rose And I Love Her With All My Heart Along With Her Big Brother Little Bear Which I Got After My Brother Passed. He is a Whopping 155lbs. Twice Her Size. She is Around 70lbs. She is vfc Chewing up all her stuffed Animals. Ears and Tails first and then the stuffing. Any suggestions. Had Dogs All my Life from Sooners to Registered Purebreds. From Beagle Hounds, Labs, my last Family Member Freda Jane was half Golden and half lab. Had a Brother too out of the same Litter. They never chew their Toys up…❤🤔🙆‍♀️😇✝️☦🛐🌺💐🌹🐾🐾🐶🐾🐾🐶🐴🐴🐴💛

  • I’d never have a dog.. I was a massive dog lover but got a divorce and ended up lonely. I was living in a rental so buying a dog wasn’t an option but a homeless cat kept coming by so I befriended him (I hated cats before this happened) he turned into the love of my life. It’s like cats know who’s available because he passed away and the same week he died another homeless cat appeared ahaha I’m on my 3rd rescued kitty now. He is absolutely beautiful and I love your articles & dogs but I prefer cats 🐈 You think they don’t need you but they do & they’re very loyal friends! Treat them right and they’ll be by your side forever! Each cat has had the option to leave as they’re indoor/outdoor cats but they chose to never leave my yard! Im only writing this because my cat is holding me hostage right now If you see this call for help! I haven’t peed in at least 12 hours but he won’t get off my lap 😢 send someone S.O.S