questions for the breeder
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.
If the breeder is responsible then they will be happy to answer any questions about their breeding practices, their dogs or their breeding choices.
Talk to several breeders, so you get a sense of what separates the really dedicated breeder from the so-so one. Print a copy of the questions off for each breeder so you don’t get them missed up.
Questions to ask before you visit
Will you be able to see all the puppies?
It’s advisable to see where puppies are born and raised to ensure the conditions are good.
Will you be able to see the mum?
You should always be able to see the mum with her puppies.
It’s not uncommon for the male dog to not be around, but be sure to ask about him. The breeder should be more than willing to let you meet the parents if at all possible. The parents are the best reflections available of what the puppies will be like as adults if no older siblings are around.
How old is the mum?
The mum should be older than 18 months and should not have had more than four litters in her lifetime – including this litter.
Was the birth natural or a caesarian
A dog should not have had more than two c-sections.
Will you be able to meet the dad?
The breeder usually doesn’t own the dad, but she might be able to see him. If not, the breeder should have all is details for you to see.
Will the puppies be vet checked, vaccinated and wormed before leaving for their new homes?
Puppies should be wormed at 2, 4, 6 & 8 weeks of age and started heart worm prevention. Puppies should have received their first round of vaccinations and been checked over by a vet. The breeder should provide you with a vaccination certifcate.
Questions to ask during your visit
What are mum and dad's temperaments like?
Are they the typical temperament that you would expect from a golden retriever. As this can help you determine the general temperaments of the puppies.
How have the puppies been socialised?
The most critical time of a puppy’s life is between 0 – 63 days, has the breeder been providing the puppies with age appropriate physical and mental socialisation.
What experiences has the breeder provided or plans to provide for the puppies before they go their new homes?
Before the puppies go to their new homes, they should have been exposed to a range of experiences that involves all of their senses – touch, smell, sound, taste, sight etc..
Have the puppies been around children?
It is advisable that puppies are exposed to children before they leave the breeders home.
Is there a puppy buyer's contract?
This is a must and will list the breeder’s responsibility and your responsibility to the puppy
Can you view the parents pedigree papers?
If you are buying a golden retriever, these should be available and will tell you about your puppy’s family tree.
Can you see the health certificates of mum and dad
It is important that you know what inheritable diseases the breeder should of screened for and that they have the health certificates for mum and dad for these diseases.
Will you receive written puppy care advice with your puppy
Responsible breeders will provide you with written advice on diet, exercise, worming, immunisation, training and what to expect for the first few months with your puppy.
Can you return the puppy if needed?
A responsible breeder will take back and rehome a puppy should there be any reason that you can no longer look after the puppy.
What food is the puppy raised on?
It is useful to know what food the breeder recommends, switching a pippy to different food can upset tummies. Most responsible breeders will send the puppy home with a bag of food.
Is the puppy microchipped
It is a legal requirement that the puppy is microchipped before coming to you.
What age will the puppy be when they come home with you?
Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old before leaving their mum and littermates. Leaving earlier than this can cause behavioural issues.
next step
One you’ve found your potential puppy, it’s important that you find out more about the health of its parents. it is important that you find out what health tests are relevant to the golden retriever and what your breeder has done to avoid producing dogs affected by these conditions.