1. I just want a pet. Why do I need to talk to a breeder and WHY are dogs from breeders
so expensive?
"Just a pet" encompasses an awful lot! You want your pet to be healthy - no crippling hip
problems, no potentially fatal heart defects, no chronic skin and ear problems, and most
of all - you want that golden temperament that you've heard so much about! There are no
guarantees in dog breeding, but as with most other things, a person's skills improve with
experience and study. A responsible hobby breeder knows that breeding means much
more than putting two intact dogs together and waiting 9 weeks for puppies. It involves
carefully researching pedigrees, screening for defects, proper care of the dam (mother)
while she's pregnant and skillful handling of the new puppies during the critical first 8
weeks of life.
Finding a responsible breeder who has become a student of the breed and has the level of
knowledge necessary to make good decisions significantly raises your chances of finding
the healthy, stable pet you are looking for.
As far as expense, you are adding a new member to your family for the next 10-15 years.
Now is not the time to penny pinch! The breeder you are seeking will have considerable
expense involved in the selection, raising, competition and screening of her dogs. A pet
store puppy often costs as much as a well bred one and a "bargain" puppy from the
newspaper is frequently NO bargain when you take into account the possible costs
involved with serious medical or temperament problems.
2. What are the main differences between a male and a female?
Temperamentally, there is little difference between the sexes in Goldens. Neither sex is
harder to housetrain, and both are equally intelligent and affectionate. Both are excellent
with children, and both make excellent companions. Problems of aggressiveness, which
males of other breeds may exhibit, should not occur in the Golden. Sex-related behavior
such as mounting and marking may be exhibited by some male Goldens, particularly if
other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. Neutering a male
before a year of age will not only help to alleviate these problems, but will also eliminate
the risk of testicular cancer. Since there is no responsible reason NOT to spay a bitch
(unless she was bought from a serious hobby breeder specifically for showing or
breeding), the estrous cycle in the female need not be a consideration.
3. How do I find a golden retriever puppy?
Goldens are the second most popular AKC breed and well-bred litters are in high
demand. Many breeders have a waiting list but most will be happy to talk with you about
any upcoming litters.
Golden Retriever rescue groups also may have a waiting list but all of the Goldens that
come through their programs should be already spayed and neutered, up to date on
vaccine and heartworm tested. They have the further advantage of being evaluated by the
rescue so that they can be matched with potential adoptive homes based on activity level,
age and any training needed.
4. Do Goldens shed?
Absolutely! Goldens shed a little all year round and twice a year they lose most of their
coat. Anyone intent on a hair free home, should reconsider getting a Golden. Their coat
requires brushing of at least once a week. Their hair can be long and can become matted
if it isn't properly cared for. A thorough grooming to trim the hair on the paws, tail, and
around the ears needs to be done on a monthly basis.
5. I work. How can I properly raise a puppy?
Working should not prohibit you from raising a puppy, however a puppy does demand
extra time and attention, you will need to make provisions to care for your puppy. Caring
for a puppy brings responsibilities and obligations that need to be considered. A puppy
turns into a dog and a Golden will eventually grow to be between 65-80 lbs. and stand
21-26" high. This puppy will need to be cared for on a daily basis for the next 10-16
years, this will become a family member, (living/breathing) not an item or thing that is
disposable.
A puppy needs the following:
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A puppy needs to relieve himself every 2-4 hours, until they are at least 6 months
old. Puppies generally defecate 5 to 6 times a day and urinate even more.
You will need to get up during the night to take your puppy out. An easy way to
figure out how many hours a puppy can be expected to control their bladder is to
take the puppy's age in months and add 1. For example a 4-month-old puppy will
need to go out every 5 hours.
Housetraining a puppy can take at least 6 months. With a daily time commitment
of every 2-4 hours.
A puppy will benefit from a socialization class at around 12-14 weeks old and an
obedience class after 6 months. Even people who adopt older rescue dogs can
benefit from a class to help them teach the dog what is expected of him.
Puppies require a minimum of three 20-minute low-impact aerobic play sessions
per day and older dogs need regular exercise on a daily basis. A tired puppy is a
calm puppy.
If the time constraints of raising a puppy seem too much, an older rescue dog may better
fit your needs.
6. I have children, how are golden retrievers with children?
Goldens can be wonderful family dogs, however parents need to be aware of a few
precautions.
First and foremost, children need to be taught how to interact with a dog and goldens are
no exception. Each year many children are victims of dog bites and this can be due to
ongoing mistreatment of the dog by children or because the dog and family were not
properly matched by the breeder or rescue. A responsible breeder or rescue organization
will make sure that any puppy they place with children is temperamentally suited for an
active family.
Many Goldens become homeless due to the fact that an adult has added a Golden to the
family for the wrong reasons:
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As a gift to a child with the expectation that the child will be the primary
caretaker.
To play with the children and keep them occupied, giving the adults more free
time, without plans to supervise the interactions.
Adding a Golden Retriever to the family can be wonderful, but adults must understand
the responsibilities that are involved. The feeding, grooming, exercising, formal
obedience lessons, etc are the entire family's responsibility but must be supervised and
coordinated by an adult. Being the primary caretaker for a dog is not a job that can be left
to the children.
You should be certain that your busy life leaves time for an active Golden Retriever
before you purchase or adopt one.
Recommended reading: "Childproofing Your Dog" by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah
Wilson
7. How are goldens with other pets?
Each dog is different and some goldens relish time with another dog and others are more
solitary. However, even if the dog is more solitary it is VERY important to socialize your
puppy when they are young and continue to do so throughout their lives. Socializing
means exposing your puppy to a variety of other puppies and dogs, people, places, things,
sights, smells and sounds. Rescue goldens are evaluated with other dogs and cats before
they are placed, giving you a good idea if they will get along with any other pets they
might be exposed to.
8. Are they easy to train?
Goldens are generally easy to train; however training takes time and repetition. It is
highly suggested that you sign up for an obedience class. Methods have changed
throughout the years and training in general will help to bond you and your golden.
Learning how to communicate with your dog will ensure a successful relationship.
Goldens respond very well to positive reinforcement of good behavior. Use treats and
praise to train, never harsh punishments.
9. What about spaying and neutering?
The GRCA Public Education Committee wrote "The Case For Spaying And Neutering":
"Many reputable breeders sell 'pet' quality puppies with the agreement that the animal
will be neutered. These puppies are sometimes sold at a lower price than the "show
prospect" puppies, even though they have the same excellent pedigree and have received
the same care and attention.
The basic disposition and temperament of your dog WILL NOT be changed by removing
his or her reproductive capability. Neutering a male can make him more tolerant of other
males, but neutering will not, by itself, turn your golden into an obese, lazy animal, that is
the result of excess food and insufficient exercise.
Benefits of spaying include not having to worry about accidental breeding, the stress and
inconvenience of confining the bitch in season, risky "mismating" shots, and unwanted
puppies. The spayed bitch will not develop uterine infections or tumors of the
reproductive system, as do so many older unspayed bitches.
The American Kennel Club permits spayed and neutered goldens to participate in all
phases of obedience, tracking, field work, agility and junior handling, but not in most
conformation classes."
10. How much space do they need? How much exercise do they need?
Goldens are energetic dogs, bred to spend long hours in the field. Exercise requirements
will depend largely on the age and condition of the dog. Young, healthy dogs will require
several aerobically paced walks or interactive play sessions per day. Space need not be a
major factor, as it is generally considered a myth that big dogs need room to run. Most
dogs left alone, outdoors, will nap rather than exercise. Goldens require mental
stimulation, as well as regular exercise; if your life-style is sedentary, or you don't have a
few hours a day to interact with your dog, a Golden may not be the best choice.
11. How big do they get?
A well-bred male will stand 22"-25" high at the shoulder and weigh between 65-75 lbs.
Females stand 20"-23" at the shoulder and weigh between 55-65 lbs. However in reality
there are many goldens that range outside of the standard.
12. How long do they live?
A well-bred, well-cared for golden lives 10 -12 years on average.
13. Can we raise two puppies at one time?
Yes, but this will be twice as much mess, time, training, and expense. An important part
of adopting a golden is the continuing financial responsibility. Routine veterinary care
and food range from $800 to $1200 per year for one dog that has no health issues. Yearly
shots, heartworm preventative, flea/tick treatment throughout the summer, grooming and
feeding a premium food add up quickly. This does not include any emergency medical
treatments or surgeries that a dog may need at some point in his/her life. Many breeders
will not sell two puppies at the same time, worrying that the arrangement is not in the
puppy's best interest. Some recommend that you consider a puppy and then an older
rescue dog or that you wait until your puppy is at least 6 months old before getting
another.
14. Will my golden make a good outdoor dog?
If you are planning on having your Golden Retriever as the only dog in your family it is
not recommended for them to live as an outside dog as they are very people orientated
and are miserable being separated from the family they love! A lonely golden may bark
incessantly, dig up the back yard or continuously escape to roam the neighborhood.
15. I have heard that a good hunting dog should be kept outside in a kennel or they aren't
good for hunting, is this true?
This notion is an old and outdated myth. The best hunting dog you will ever get will be
happiest when he has bonded closely to you and is living inside your home as a well
loved pet. Again, goldens are miserable when left alone for long periods of time.
Goldens, when sharing the home with their family, will bond with their owners and work
hard to please them in the home and the field.
16. What health problems are seen in goldens?
Goldens, unfortunately, are subject to a number of health issues. Canine hip dysplasia and
elbow dysplasia can occur as can several eye problems such as Progressive Retinal
Atrophy, Uveitis and Cataracts. Goldens can also have a serious heart defect known as
Sub Aortic Stenosis. Other problems include allergies and chronic skin and ear problems,
epilepsy, swallowing disorders, hypothyroidism and temperament issues.
To lower your chances of encountering these problems, goldens should be purchased
from responsible hobby breeders or reputable Golden Retriever rescue organizations.
Responsible breeders will screen parents for genetic disease and have health information
on many, if not all the dogs for several generations back. Rescue groups will have adult
dogs checked by a veterinarian, will investigate any apparent problems and will give
adopters all health information they have discovered so an informed decision can be
made.