Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy?

I just bought one a few weeks ago for 1500.00 dollars. This breeder was part of the golden retrievers parent club, showed the dam/sire in AKC events even winning titles. She had extensive genetic testing on the parents, OFA scores, etc.. And she was an AKC breeder of Merit.

All pups came with a microchip, and screened for any health issues.

And a 5 generation pedigree for each parent

And I was on a waiting list for one of her pups for nearly 4 months. (Most good breeders do not have puppies on the spot, ready to buy)

You should see if these breeders are part of a parent club, show their dogs (conformation or agility), had genetic testing on them, ask the breeding history of the female.

For 400 dollars, if this person is truly a reputable breeder than he would become bankrupt selling that cheap. Ask for copies of pedigrees, and health testing. Take this paperwork to a trusted vet/or other knowledgeable source and see what they say.

Different breeders can charge different prices for the same breed of puppy. It could be that the more expensive dog comes from a better line than the other puppy.

I would spend time with each of the puppies and see which one steals your heart.

If you want a pet, get whichever one you want.

Dogs are either pet quality or show quality. The more expensive dog may be show quality. I would ask the breeders.

The more expensive one could come from champion lines.

Go to the American Kennel Club website and see if either one of the breeders are listed with the AKC as reputable breeders.

http://www.akc.org/

Honestly, as a dog trainer I believe in rescuing dogs in need before buying a dog. There are so many dogs that just need a good home. With this economy some dogs end up in a shelter because their owners can't afford them or have to move and can't take them.

But back to your specific question. Both breeders might be just as good and produce puppies just as good. Maybe you should ask for references and their vets names and numbers. People that are both happy and unhappy are usually willing to give you their opinions.

Consider rescuing a golden retriever from a Golden retriever rescue

Before buying from any breeder you need to make sure that the dam and sire have had all the gentic health test done by a vet . For GR that includes hip scoring as the breed is prone to hip dysplasia which is a serious health problem and can mean major and very expensive surgery. The breed will have proof of the hip scores. I would never recommend buy a puppy that seems cheap as reputable breeders all charge about the same so why if you produce quailty health puppies sell them cheap. It usually mean something not quiet right. Breeding quailty puppies is not cheap. Reputable breeders put in alot of money and time to make sure they produce healthy quailty puppies. You need to pay a fair price for a good puppy. In long run can save yourself alot of money and heartache.

$400 is fine, many great dogs have been bought for $120 only, and have grown to be very healthy and have better genetics than the ones who sell the pups for $700.

You are right to be concerned, my advice is to go meet the mother and father of both kennels, talk to the breeders and pick one. The money is not that important and it doesn't mean that by buying a cheap dog he is worse.

I love labs and had a great experience with them, they are cute, loving and understanding. Make sure that you start training them as soon as you get them. And I mean like potty training and basic commands like sit, and working on their behavior.

Here are some sites to help you with your pup:

http://www.pethealth101.com/breeds/labrador_retrie... <--Labs Health

http://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/puppy-proofing-yo... <-- taking it home

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/labrado... <--Lab training

I hope i've helped!!

xoxo!!

Go to the shelter. Do not support breeders when they are contributing to the horrible epidemic of overpopulation of dogs. They are selfish enough to breed their dog for money. They don't care, they get their money, while a dog sits in a shelter just to be killed because the family that would of been perfect for this dog went for the puppy.

No, los criadores suelen cobrar mas caro unos que otros para tener más ganancias.. pero hay otros que teniendo los mismos requisitos que otros criaderos venden sus cachorros a precios más razonables o moderados.