Not only is the Golden Retriever likely the best ever family dog, but it is also a gorgeous, fun-loving and lovable breed of dog. None wants to adopt or purchase a Golden Retriever from a breeder that is not reputable, honest and caring. The breeder needs to know what they are doing, plus much more information.
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As the person looking to own a Golden Retriever, there are also many things that you should be aware of and different types of questions to ask the prospective breeder before you actually agree to any purchase.
Since breeding dogs is the way that a breeder earns his or her living, they want to run the business properly. Honestly, and in a way that will continue to bring them business and good reviews. The dogs that are bred at a reputable location will be healthy and intelligent, and of the best quality that the breeder can produce.
Not every breeder is like that. There are many who run what are called ‘puppy mills. The puppy mills are simply locations that breed dogs with no care about the genealogy, the breeds or the health of the animal.
When you are serious about wanting a full-breed Golden Retriever, you want to be sure that you are getting the best you can for your money. You are responsible for the research done, responsible for asking the questions and being sure that you get those questions answered. If you do not take this responsibility on your own shoulders, then you are just as at fault as the illegal breeder.
It is no different when you go to purchase a vehicle, you want the best you can get. The difference is that you will not have a vehicle cuddling up with your family. The Golden Retriever that you choose, however, is going to be right next to your kids, all over your home and the Golden is going to become a very large part of your lives.
Signs of a Backyard Breeder
One bit of important information if you are searching for a legitimate Golden Retriever Breeder, if they are advertising and selling on CraigsList or eBay, they are not a registered, licensed Breeder.
This person will likely not have a facility that they will take you to. For that fact, a legitimate breeder is going to arrange to have you come to the facility, not arrange a meeting in some store parking lot.
The backyard breeder will also not have any registration for the Golden you want to buy.
Ten Signs of A Good Breeder
If you have concerns in regards to the legitimacy of the breeder you are in contact with, be aware that as a legitimate business, they care about the Golden Retrievers they produce, they are not going to let the Golden be sold to someone they do not trust, someone that may have negative intentions. The breeder is going to ask all prospective buyers a slew of questions, just as you should be asking the breeder.
In order to feel assured that you are getting a good temperament, and a healthy Golden Retriever, you need to first do the research, ask the questions, visit the location, and speak with the breeder.
Be sure there is a registration, ask to see the breeder’s license, inspect the facility and ask for the medical records, any genetic testing that was done and all veterinarian visits.
Another factor in what should be your decision making, is to ask the breeder for registration, and license, ask how many females are in the breeding group, and how many pregnancies is each one allowed to have per year?
Questions To Ask the Breeder
- Are the puppy parents certified?
- Can you meet the puppy's parents?
- What preventative care do you use for the parents?
- Have the puppies been socialized?
- Have the puppies had vaccines?
- Do you have references?
- Do you have a breeder’s contract?
- Do you carry a guarantee?
- Will any pups from the Golden I purchase be able to be registered?
- Will they take you on a tour of the facility?
- Do they have recommendations for training or any recommended trainers?
Top Breeders on the East Coast
North Carolina
Gaylan’s Golden Retrievers
There is a rather bittersweet story as to how this husband and wife team began breeding Golden Retrievers. They were actually on a farm ready to purchase a horse. The owner laughed at them when they stated how much they were willing to spend on a horse. Feeling sad and dejected while on their way home, the husband decided to get a dog, a Golden Retriever in particular. The rest as they say is history.
Gaylan’s Goldens has been in business for 20 years now and they are one of the top breeders in the United States.
Their main focus is not on just breeding the best Golden Retriever, but also on training them as Multi-purpose dogs.
Over the years, Gaylan’s has produced over 100 Golden Retrievers that are titled, and Gail Watkins has received the ‘Gold Level AKC Breeder of Merit award.
Other reasons that this group is listed as one of the top breeders include:
No puppy leaves the grounds without a warranty and a sales contract.
They always inspect the breeding stock before allowing any reproduction, this is a complete check for many various diseases.
They sell Goldens for Companionship, Competition and as Working Puppies.
The breeders can be reached through Gaylan’s Golden Retrievers or through their website.
Maryland
Liberty Run Golden Retrievers
Liberty Run Golden Retrievers have been around for many years. They have been breeding Golden Retrievers for 24 years and are continually successful in producing healthy, intelligent and calm Golden Retrievers.
To continually rank at the top of the Breeders list Liberty Run is inspected yearly through the Humane Society and also Carroll County Government.
Their breeding practice is self-limited and they have only 10 adult Golden Retrievers for the breeding.
Liberty Run boasts strongly in regards to their kid-loving and non-aggressive Golden Retrievers. Liberty Run is known for its own State of the Art facility that is loved by Veterinarians, the Humane Society and the AKC.
Liberty Run can be contacted through their own website
Virginia
East Coast Goldens
East Coast Goldens are AKC registered and they guarantee their Goldens are genetic disease-free. The Goldens that are produced here is kind, loving, intelligent, disease-free, obedient and easy to train.
East Coast is even eager to boast that their Golden Retrievers are especially patient with children.
East Coast is always on hand to discuss your needs, your wants and all concerns. They are also there to help make sure that you and your family are choosing the right type of Golden Retriever for your family.
Of all the breeders that have been researched by us, East Coast is the top breeder willing to provide the OFA Certification, there is a health guarantee.
However, they do also have a Pet only, Limited Registration. This means that once the Golden Retriever is purchased, a registration contract is signed stating that no litters resulting from the purchased Golden Retriever are not able to be Registered.
Maine
Royal River Goldens
They’re certified and part of the American Kennel Club’s recognized breeders with a dedication to breeding the healthiest and well-behaved puppies. They also have clearances for their dogs regarding their hips, heart, and eyes which provide the confidence you want against genetic defects. On their website, you can browse upcoming litters and what their availability is.
While the waitlist may not always be open, you can watch to see when it may open back up for the next litter. Each puppy is raised inside the home and exposed to a lot of socialization for the best results. They also engage in early neurological stimulation to have happy, healthy, and well-behaving puppies. Continued training is required for these puppies even after they go home to their forever families.
With a commitment to supporting adopting families not only as they welcome a new puppy, but as they raise it well, they are also available for support when needed later in the dog’s life. Puppies are assigned to families based on a Puppy Questionnaire that is completed before purchase. Families don’t get to choose their puppy from the litter. To get started, you can submit an inquiry to add to their waitlist, or you can connect with the team at Royal River Goldens directly.
Massachusetts
Sapphire Goldens
Sapphire Goldens is a small-scale family-run business that is a breeding facility that is owned by the Kuaranen family.
The family breeding business began in 1994 when the first litter was born. They now produce three litters of puppies each year.
The female Golden Retrievers that are used for breeding came from all champion pedigrees and had won in local kennel shows.
They ensure that all the dogs born in their location have clearances for eyes, hips, heart and elbow clearances. They are also bred specifically to be family-loving and have gentle temperaments.
Sapphire Goldens is associated with the American Kennel Club, Golden Retriever Club of America and the Yankee Golden Retriever Club.
Sapphire Goldens can be contacted through their website.
