| Most dog lovers are aware of the fact that Golden | | | | point you in the right direction. Also, you could probably |
| retrievers are great dogs to keep at home or to train | | | | get a list of retrievers in your area. Last but not least, |
| as hunting dogs. This breed has also proven | | | | ask your local veterinarian for clues on any Golden |
| successful at guiding the blind, as guard dogs in | | | | Retriever puppy available from any of his patients. This |
| narcotic operatives and locating missing people. | | | | is a pretty good way to go when getting your first |
| Undoubtedly, there are many other breeds out there, | | | | puppy, since it will have the veterinarians' endorsement. |
| however Golden Retrievers have proven to one of | | | | He will know the puppies as a patient, and the history |
| the most manageable and versatile breeds in the dog | | | | behind his parents as well. |
| animal kingdom. | | | | In any case you should never make a quick decision. |
| Before you hurdle off to the pet store and get your | | | | Take your time to do your research, ask around for |
| own Golden retriever puppy, take the time to do your | | | | recommendations and hear what your local |
| homework and learn a little about the breed. Besides | | | | veterinarian has to say. Stay away from novice |
| reading about them, you could visit a few dog shows, | | | | breeders looking to make a fast dollar. You want your |
| perhaps a friend that already owns one or your local | | | | puppy to be a pure breed, well taken care of at birth |
| kennel club. Most dog owners are usually very proud | | | | and fully vaccinated, with corresponding documentation |
| of their dog and wouldn't mind sharing a few stories | | | | and references to back that up. Consider the |
| about their retriever with you. | | | | alternatives of making a bad decision and bringing in a |
| If you choose to own a Golden Retriever and wish to | | | | sick puppy into your home. Think about all the |
| but a puppy, your best bet will be a backyard breeder. | | | | expenses you will save by taking your time before |
| These breeders are usually more knowledgeable | | | | you buy. Alternatively, you may end up with a dog that |
| about breeding puppies in general. Although other | | | | doesn't really look like a retriever when he grows up, |
| choices exist, such as a reputable dog breeder and | | | | because he is really a mixed breed. |
| your local pet store, you are better advised to go with | | | | Novice breeders do not consider the specifics in |
| someone who actually cares about the animals and is | | | | breeding such as the quality of the puppy's parents, |
| able to provide a healthy animal. | | | | health condition and temperament. Selling dogs just for |
| Another good idea would be to visit the Golden | | | | profit usually doesn't work well for the pet owner in the |
| Retriever Club of America. At this location you will be | | | | end, resulting in an increasing number of dogs in the |
| able to meet with other Golden retriever owners, find | | | | streets and in the kennel. |
| breed specific opportunities and perhaps someone to | | | | |