You have decided to welcome a golden retriever into your family. Congratulations! You are about to embark on a magical, exciting, life-changing, at times frustrating, but ultimately rewarding journey.  We have put together some tips to help you locate a registered breeder of purebred goldens and explain what pedigree papers are and why you need them.

What are pedigree papers?

When you pick up your new golden retriever puppy from a registered breeder, they will have pedigree papers. These are also called "pedigree certificate", "registration certificate", or "breeders papers". Think of these as your puppies' birth certificate. Pedigree papers have on them:

• The breed
• The microchip number
• Details of the puppy's sex, colour, country of birth and birthdate.
• Details of the puppy's parents, grandparents and great grandparents.
• The breeders name and registration number
• The date the puppy was registered and the date the pedigree papers were issued. 

Pedigree papers are not issued by federal or state governments, local councils or the RSPCA, but a body known as Dogs Australia (Formally ANKC). Dogs Australia is the only internationally recognised registry in Australia that can issue pedigree papers for purebred dogs. 

Why are pedigree papers important?

Pedigree papers are proof that your dog is a purebred golden retriever. Because they include details with a minimum of three generations back. You can be sure your puppy is actually a golden retriever. 

NOTE: A pedigree dog and a purebred dog are not always the same thing. A pedigree dog is simply a purebred dog with the papers to prove it. Mixed bred dogs such as a "groodle" don't come with pedigree papers. This is because they are born form multiple breeds.

How pedigree papers reveal the character and health of your puppy

By knowing your puppy's pedigree, you can better prepare for the quirks, personality and health conditions that come with a golden retriever. Ethical registered breeders will breed their dogs, so they have good temperaments and display certain characteristics that are true to the golden retriever. this means you have a better idea of what to expect as your puppy grows up. 

Pedigree papers provide evidence that certain health checks important for the health and welfare of the golden retriever have been done on the parents of your puppy. This includes at least tests for hip and elbow dysplasia and eye issues. 

Pedigree papers prove your breeder is legitimate and abides by a code of ethics.

By providing pedigree papers, a breeder is guaranteeing that they are a member of a legitimate breeding body of purebred dogs, which is Dogs Australia for Australian breeders. Dogs Australia has certain obligations and ethical standards that breeders need to meet when breeding their dogs. 

This means you can rest assured that your breeder breeds their puppies by stringent standards. As a result, you new puppy will have the best chance of growing into a happy, healthy dog.