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A pedigree dog is the offspring of a dam and sire
of the same breed, which is eligible for registration with a recognised
club or society that maintain a register for dogs of that description.
With over 200 pedigree dog breeds to choose from you will
of course want to ensure that you take the necessary time to choose the right
breed for you, whatever your circumstances happen to be.
All pedigree dogs carry a
breed
standard – a picture in words that describes each breed of pedigree
dog - for their likely character and health needs. Consider what job your
intended breed was designed to do, and whether you can cope with the innate
behaviour that will accompany it.
All pedigree breeds are divided into seven Breed Groups:
As your puppy will become such an important
part of your family, it is wise to take time in choosing the right
breeder. Because of the recent rise in popularity of the breed, many
people breed for the wrong reasons. Make the right choice and choose a
breeder with the Golden Retriever as a breed and the puppies they
produce's interest at heart.
Please remember
that the best things in life are worth waiting for. Golden
Retriever puppies do not sit on a shelf; it is more likely than not that
you will have to go on a waiting list if you wish to purchase your puppy
from a reputable breeder.
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Always buy from a
breeder where you can see the mother/dam with her puppies and
preferably the father/sire as well. This will
give you an idea of how the puppies will turn out. If the breeder
does not own the stud dog, ask to see photographs of him.
Also ask the age of the mother as female should ideally not be
bred from anymore when they reach 8 years of age & should NEVER be
bred with if they are younger than 18 to 24 months.
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Make
sure that both the sire and the dam of the puppies have the
appropriate health clearances. This should include Hip and Elbow
certificates as well as current eye certificates. Ask to see the certificates.
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Always
ask for a copy of the eye certificates for BOTH sire & dam
and the certificate must not be older than 12 months (only valid for
12 months). For more information about eye problems and the eye
certificates, contact the
Johannesburg Eye
Hospital for more information.
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Always ask for health certificates of BOTH
sire & dam and review the health scores. Please refer to
HIP & ELBOW grading document for
an explanation.
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Always ask for copies of the parents' pedigrees -
both MUST be KUSA registered.
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Reputable breeders will have their puppies checked out by their
veterinary surgeon and have them vaccinated prior to sale.
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Most reputable
breeders will ask you to
sign a sales contract, stipulating any
restrictions.
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Check
out the puppies' living quarters. Are they scrupulously clean?
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Is
the breeder making provision for proper socialisation of the litter?
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Are
the puppies happy and out-going, with clear eyes and skin?
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Reputable breeders
screen their owners carefully, don't
feel offended if they ask what seems like personal questions.
Remember that you would like to purchase your puppy from someone
that is concerned with the future of any puppy that they sell. This
process more than likely will involve an interview.
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Most reputable breeders are involved
with their dogs in some sort of competition, whether it be
showing,
working,
obedience etc. These breeders have the interest of the
breed at heart and probably breed for the betterment of Golden
Retrievers as a breed.
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Beware of general advertising of
litters - most reputable breeders will have a waiting list for their
puppies.
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Do your homework. Buy, or borrow from
the library, all the books you can on Goldens. Reputable breeders
will appreciate your interest and you are better equipped to ask the
right questions.
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Reputable breeders will be more than
willing to use puppy owners from previous litters as reference, or
even other breeders.
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Never purchase a puppy younger than 7
½ weeks. Although mostly weaned by 6
weeks, socialisation with their litter mates is crucial from 5 - 7½
weeks. Taken from their litter earlier than this could cause
behaviour problems later in life.
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MOST
IMPORTANT: The Breeder MUST be KUSA registered. NO
other organisation is recognised with reputable pedigrees.
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