One of the most popular and beautiful dog breeds is the Golden Retriever. This breed has been consistently in the top ten popular dog breeds for a number of reasons. First, Golden Retrievers can be trained to perform a variety of tasks including hunting, tracking, retrieving and even acting as guide dogs for the blind. Second, Golden Retrievers are neither hyper nor aggressive and this makes them excellent pets for families and children. Third, Golden Retrievers are aesthetically pleasing. They have thick golden fur, expressive brown eyes and an elegant carriage.

Developed by a Scottish Lord in the 1800s, Golden Retrievers are the result of breeding various water spaniels, bloodhounds and the Irish Setter. The resulting breed has resulting characteristics of all. Any Golden Retriever breeder can tell you that Golden Retrievers love water, are skilled at hunting and tracking and make excellent companions. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in 1925 and has set specific characteristics each Golden Retriever must meet to engage in AKC competition. Due to their many excellent traits, Golden Retrievers have been champions in competition many times over.
A Golden Retriever breeder will attempt to breed dogs with the best breed specific traits. A cream to light gold colored coat is preferred. Intelligence, trainability, an even temper, tracking and hunting skills, and overall health and beauty are the standard for this breed. Because the breed is prone to health problems like hip dysplasia, eye disease, cancer and obesity, breeders must have all dogs medically screened. Breeders do not mate dogs found to have medical or behavioral conditions. A Golden Retriever breeder will be able to educate potential buyers on the pros and cons of the breed to make sure buyers and Golden Retrievers match. They may also urge buyers to look into rescued Golden Retrievers. These are purebred Golden Retrievers that have been abandoned or neglected. They can be bought for a much lower price and often need loving homes even more than purebred puppies.

Unfortunately, the popularity of the Golden attracts unethical breeders who wish to make a profit with no regard for animal health and well-being. These backyard breeders sell unhealthy and uncertified Golden Retriever puppies to pet stores and/or unsuspecting buyers.
It is never acceptable to buy a Golden Retriever from a pet store. Pet store puppies have been shipped (and often sedated) across the country and put up on shelves like other store merchandise. These puppies have spent their entire lives in cages, receiving little to no socialization and there is no guarantee where they have come from. AGolden Retriever breeder that brokers or sells to pet stores should be avoided and reported. These puppies have most likely come from puppy mills or puppy auctions and may have significant health and behavioral problems.

Good breeders want to see puppies go to loving, permanent homes. They want to interview buyers and have buyers interview them. Breeders who sell to pet stores don't know what type of home their puppies will go to and never meet buyers or see their puppies again. The only good places to buy Golden Retrievers are from respected breeders with references and their own kennels or from rescue centers, which are often run by knowledgeable breeders.

ReputableGolden Retriever breeders would never sell puppies to a pet store. If you are looking for aGolden Retriever information, this article offers sound advice.