Puppies

Here are some guidelines to help you find a puppy from a responsible breeder.  We are grateful to Ruth Turner for permission to share this advice.
1. Goldens must be at least 8 weeks old when they leave the breeder.
2. Puppies should be registered with the Kennel Club –  there is no viable reason why not!
3. A good quality puppy should cost between £1,800 – £2,300
4. Deposits should only be paid if the puppies are born and should be a reasonable proportion of the total cost.  Be wary of non refundable deposits.
5. You must see the mum with the puppies, but not necessarily see the dad.
6. You must make sure the parents are both health tested for hips/elbows and eyes, just ask for the Kennel Club name of the parents and you can look up the health results online, the link is here and here is a link explaining the health tests.
7. If your breeder says the health tests are not on the website yet, they should have certificates they can show you, don’t be fobbed off and don’t be duped into thinking they don’t need these tests – THEY DO, no matter what!
8. Make sure the breeder is giving you a puppy pack, which contains information about rearing your puppy and also a contract of sale, there are guidelines for this on the Kennel Club website;
9. A good breeder will want to meet you and your family before confirming a booking.  Expect to be asked lots of questions about your lifestyle, home set up etc.
10. Beware of some online puppy selling adverts especially on sites such as Gumtree, Pets4Homes, Pre-Loved, Camlist and local Facebook groups;  most reputable breeders do not use these sites.
11.  DO NOT agree to meet at a service station, supermarket carpark or similar location to collect a puppy.  This is a common arrangement suggested by puppy farmers.
Please take this advice seriously: during the Covid pandemic many people lost £000s because of scammers.  Unfortunately, due to lack of policing, the back yard puppy breeders did a roaring trade in expensive, often poor quality puppies (many of which have now ended up in Rescue).  TRUST YOUR INSTINCT –  you’re unsure at all – walk away!

BUYING A PUPPY, ESPECIALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME, CAN BE A MINEFIELD.  BUT WE ARE HERE TO HELP!  FOR FURTHER ADVICE, CONTACT Vicky Clarke-Gear on 01953 548125 or e-mail here

A WORD ABOUT DOODLES

Occasionally, we receive enquiries from people wishing to purchase a Golden Doodle/Spangold or a crossbreed with a similar made up name.  These crossbreeds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public that there is an advantage to owning these ‘designer dogs’ who are prone to all of the genetic diseases of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.  Speak to any groomer or vet regarding the ‘shedding’ myth and behavioural issues that these dogs can suffer from.  The attached article from the Royal Veterinary College also debunks the myth that designer crossbreeds are any healthier than their purebred cousins.  As a club, we expect all our members to undertake the basic health tests for hips/elbows/eyes and ICT as a minimum when breeding.  The Golden Retriever comes from generations of dogs with a common gene pool, characteristic appearance and temperament.  A Golden Retriever crossed with a poodle or similar is nothing more than an expensive mongrel.