For the average family, knowing how to navigate through all the good information vs the bad misinformation on the web is a real challenge. The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds which, unfortunately, makes it a very desirable breed for puppy mills and backyard breeders since there is a large demand for Golden Retriever puppies. Websites claim to breed dogs with better health, more desirable traits, more genetic diversity, better trainability. It is enough to confuse anyone. When looking at websites, always consider the motivations of the breeder. Are they a serious hobby breeder who is concerned about preserving the Golden Retriever breed or is the breeder trying to make a business from selling puppies?

 

When reading that a breeder does all health checks make sure that they truly are doing all the screenings that are recommended by the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA), hips (after 24 months), elbows (after 24 months of age), eye (annually) and heart (after 12 months of age by a board-certified Cardiologist).