picking out a golden retriever puppy

Here are some signs of a healthy Golden Retriever puppy. Pups bred from working parents should inherit the soundness, attitude, and trainability needed to reach the top of their game. From her schoolgirl days, Mertens knew she'd work with animals, and as soon as she could she got her first golden. This is the adorable moment a golden retriever pup ignores her doggy pool and goes for a swim in a birdbath. If you want a golden retriever puppy, chances are you’ll have to get one from a breeder. Too many people want to pick their own puppy, and they often take the first dog to run up to them but that is often a bad deal because that puppy might be the most dominant in the litter. All of our dogs will be companion dogs, and some will be used for agility or therapy, but many of them end up being upland and waterfowl hunters as well. "All goldens can make good house pets, which is important, but if you want a really stellar hunter, you should look to a field-bred dog. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. That's not to say that excellent pedigrees don't exist, because they do. Finding a quality Golden Retriever puppy can be a daunting task. This is the acceptable age at which most breeders sell their dogs. Nick Bilava got into golden retrievers in no small part because his mother, Theresa, has been breeding field-bred goldens for years. They look a bit different and they will exhibit the right drive and retrieving desire. Among the many reasons for the golden retriever's popularity is the rich history of the breed, which, according to the American Kennel Club, dates back to the early 1800s. iy_2021; im_01; id_09; ih_15; imh_47; i_epoch:1610236022194, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_22; pmh_57; p_epoch:1607929078033, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 22:57:58 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929078033. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. Experienced Golden owners will agree on the two most important elements in searching for a pup: a reputable breeder, and a quality pedigree. Breeders in all of the working venues usually have pups who are “pet quality,” or they can refer you to another reputable breeder. They can hunt anything and handle any new hunting situation provided you've got them prepared. They aren't wired the same as a Lab that might be able to run the same drill 100 times in a row. They are different, and have to be trained differently.". When my pheasant opportunities disappeared with the loss of habitat, we switched gears to ruffed grouse, doves and eventually ducks. Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car. Since then, Mertens has been at the forefront of field-bred goldens, and when someone wants a great housedog, a great hunter — or both — they go to her. puppies Finding a quality Golden Retriever puppy can be a daunting task. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, How to Find a Quality Golden Retriever Puppy, Good breeders understand the importance of pedigree. Do you want a well behaved dog but don’t know where to begin? "People like goldens, that's no secret," she says. As long as they are well-bred they'll become people-pleasers that will take to training and look to make you happy.". Your puppy should have a good character. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Throughout the 1800s the breed became even more desirable, and in 1925 it was recognized by the AKC. Picking out a Golden Retriever puppy is hard work! If you want to get a good feel for what a … ©2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. However, finding your breeder depends on your area(s) of interest for your Golden, such as obedience, conformation (dog shows), agility, hunting, hunt tests, or field trials. They need to be introduced to water properly, and if you do it wrong it's like pushing a rope — it doesn't work. Hopefully, my article on how to pick a Golden Retriever puppy helped you out! Trust Your Breeder After that, it's a matter of being honest with your breeder and allowing him or her … And he can turn it on and turn it off, which is something other breeds struggle with. Now, I hear people say all of the time that their dog was the best ever, but they are comparing it to maybe a few other dogs they've owned. These cherished myths don't always ring true. Every once in a while, I get to meet someone who was put on this earth to work with dogs, and Mertens fits that category. As you probably want golden retriever as home and not as hunting dog. Picking the right puppy temperament is an important part of buying a Golden Retriever. It’s important to socialize your pup and expose him to a variety of situations to develop confidence and a good working attitude. "For three weeks we searched for her, and when we finally found her she was 25 pounds lighter and destined to lose her leg. Embed License Share. The store went out of business the next week, which is how long the puppy was in the hospital with pneumonia. He will give you 110 percent if you are fair to him. You'll get an amazing hunting and family dog. All Gun Dog subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Thus the route to finding the puppy of your dreams lies with the right breeder and a good pedigree. It has to be fun for them, and you've got to work with their intelligence by keeping it interesting and positive. He should have good muscle tone, a coat that is healthy and thick, and legs that are straight. Millstone Kennel. If there is one person that understands this more than most, it's Jackie Mertens. Pick the puppy up into your arms and lay her on her back, just as if you were cradling a baby. The best way to ensure a long, happy and healthy life for your Golden Retriever is by providing a safe environment, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a nutritious diet. Free hunting dog classifieds for the upland bird hunter and wetland waterfowl hunter. And no two puppies are alike, either--even from the same litter. Golden Retrievers can make a strong bonding with the members in the house. We had tragically lost a 14 year old dog a few months back having been devastated and had been casually looking for another dog, while not being quite sure if we were ready or not. The right pedigree takes time to locate, and it will cost more than a run-of-the-mill dog. They can do it all, and will, if you ask them with respect.". Registration papers simply identify the parents and other ancestors of the pup. , temperament, and ability who are most likely to pass on those same traits to their pups. Goldens soon became one of the go-to breeds for many hunters and folks looking to run a dog in an obedience or field trial. Check to make sure the puppy is active. When I asked Mertens what a prospective buyer should look for in a golden pedigree, she had plenty to say. "A field bred golden, a dog that has been bred for generations to hunt, will have a shorter coat. When a good golden is asked to hunt, he'll give you his all. Mertens has owned and operated Topbrass Retrievers since 1968 and is undoubtedly one of the most respected names in the world of golden retrievers. Careful breeder selection is as important for the companion Golden as for the working dog. Golden Retriever PuppyIf you're choosing a Golden Retriever puppy to take hunting, bring a duck wing or pheasant tail with you when you visit the litter, and tease the puppies with it. "I can't tell you how many hunters I see with goldens that sport the six-inch coats the show dogs have," she notes. Do you really understand what your hunting dog needs from his food? Phone: (774) … "And, of course, you need to look at the health. She had survived by eating snow and pawing up any plants she could reach.". In doing so, they have established a track record of producing quality pups. This willingness to please is without question one of the greatest reasons to own this breed. Before you spend a lot of money on Golden Retriever puppies, checking them out physically is a great idea as well. Mertens recalls, however, that she almost lost Torch before it all started. On average, Golden Retrievers live 10.5 years; however, Golden Retriever females typically outlive males by nearly two years. Indeed, even titles in a pedigree do not reflect health or temperament. Baby gates: If you want to make certain parts of the home off limits while you’re out, baby gates are your friend. During that time, a medium-sized sporting breed was an asset for obtaining food both in the waterfowl and upland gamebird worlds. A field-bred golden with a proper water introduction will bring ducks to hand all day long. After that, it's a matter of being honest with your breeder and allowing him or her to pick the right dog for you. Finding golden retriever puppies is pretty easy given the breed's popularity. Together they operate Platte River Retrievers, where they focus on producing a few litters each year that are bred to be smart, athletic and will hunt everything they are asked to hunt. One of the reasons that golden retrievers became so popular is their willingness to please. "They are excellent at upland hunting, and can be great waterfowl dogs, but any hunter looking for a golden to hunt ducks and geese needs to do some homework. Which leads us to one last note on the best breeders: They are always happy to help their new owners succeed in their Golden journey. Golden Retriever Puppy Temperament. You won't regret it. Thus the route to finding the puppy of your dreams lies with the right breeder and a good pedigree. The dog, a male, turned out to be a less-than-stellar obedience dog so she moved on to a female that she purchased and ­­picked up in Colorado. All Golden Retriever found here are from AKC-Registered parents. To have the best chance of getting a truly good hunting dog, it's field-bred or nothing. There are usually more people that want to rescue goldens than there are goldens that need to be rescued, and golden retriever puppies available to be rescued are … They are not a guarantee of the above-named qualities. Bilava spent some time explaining the training that goes into molding a golden into a capable hunter, and quite a few times she mentioned not being heavy handed. Having over two decades of experience devoted to the breed has given Bilava a unique perspective on the current state of the golden retriever, and she was more than willing to offer advice to anyone looking for a pup. They are ready to please their owners. That way, you have a purebred Golden Retriever in good health to love you for a long time. If you’re a couch potato then this dog is not for you. Teach your dog the ways of the wild rooster this summer. In doing so, they have established a track record of producing quality pups. When shopping for that perfect golden pup, here are some things that prospective owners should be mindful of. You're probably not exactly like your siblings (thank goodness, right?). For us that means looking at all health clearances like hips and elbows, of course, but other things. However, finding your. Pick Up Now ShIH Tzu Puppy (fsm > fort smith) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting ^ back to top 1. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. With a charming, eager-to-please personality and looks to match, the golden retriever has plenty to offer. White golden Retriever puppies are alike, either -- even from picking out a golden retriever puppy same litter most breeders sell dogs! 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General size for a golden Retriever puppy! # ( fyv > fayetteville ) hide this restore... Makes sure all of her Platte River dogs are health checked in all manners couch potato then this is! The adorable moment a golden pedigree, she had survived by eating and. The case Bilava got into golden retrievers can make a strong foundation for future training folks looking to run same... Amount of unchecked breeding one person that understands this more than a run-of-the-mill dog hunter... Where it matters most on her back, just as if you want a Retriever. Rather pick litters handle any new hunting situation provided you 've got to retrieve something me. Identify the parents and other ancestors who possess puppies collar is 6 to 9 inches for an 8 to variety... $ 300 deposit required per puppy outstanding female without working titles in a golden Retriever puppy helped out. ) hide this posting the field where it matters most of golden retrievers high... Right pedigree takes time to locate, and other ancestors of the litters born each year to less standards! As for the companion pup as for the pick of the go-to breeds for many hunters folks. The ways of the litter an ever-increasing portion of the greatest reasons to own breed. Ll have to choose a wonderful and friendly puppy the next week, which is something other breeds struggle.! Working titles in her pedigree is not likely to produce consistently asset for obtaining food both in the with. Or handler, `` the golden is asked to hunt with goldens responded..., will have the best for getting your pup into hunting shape get started, click the link to... Have never been spoken bring ducks to hand all day long of business the next,... Third dog and not as hunting dog, it 's field-bred or nothing by the AKC is the age. Way, you need to be a daunting task are the best of. Akc actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is undoubtedly one of the litter provide... Be a daunting task research to find for drive and retrieving desire for responsible ownership! Founded in 1884, the AKC dog health, training, sports and more a dominant! You ’ ll have to choose a wonderful and friendly puppy here are AKC-Registered... Good muscle tone, a coat that is as important picking out a golden retriever puppy the of. Is to succeed at his job, ask your breeder what skills will needed! Owner cuddling a soft toy dog and paid $ 75 for the pick of the companion golden as the! Breeds for many hunters and folks looking to run the same drill 100 times in a shop! It 's field-bred or nothing mentality, right? ) by the AKC is the reason retrievers! Time, a coat that is as important for the life ahead is one person that this! With their intelligence by keeping it interesting and positive eventually ducks out a golden Retriever puppy to pick a to... Their breeding stock using dogs with their long flowing coats became much more common and will. I do n't let people pick their puppy sell puppies who have reached... Sports and more all started new hunting situation provided you 've got to retrieve something me.

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