How to Choose a Golden Retriever for Breeding

Breeding golden retrievers takes education and dedication to advancing the breed through responsible practices. Take the time to select a healthy dog with a strong pedigree who exemplifies the best the breed has to offer. Be proud of the puppies your golden retriever produces since the quality of your dog as a breeding partner depends on his offspring.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find a reputable golden retriever breeder. Ensure the breeder is serious about promoting the breed, provides a clean and healthy environment for her dogs, and provides good references from other dog buyers. Ask if the breeder shows his dogs in the obedience or breed ring, hunting trials or a combination of show events. Ask the show results for both the sire and dam.

2. Examine a golden retriever's pedigree for the past five generations if you are using the dog for breeding. Ask for American Kennel Club registration and have the pedigree documentation examined by an expert in dog breeding.

3. Ask for proof that the sire and dam of a puppy have had their hearts and eyes examined by a board-certified veterinary specialist. The puppy also needs to be x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia. Explore any history of hereditary problems common to the golden retriever breed including but not limited to seizures, allergies or hypothyroidism with your breeder. Choose a different dog if either the sire or dam has a family history of inheritable defects. Breeding dogs with a family history of inherited defects is discouraged.

4. Choose a dog that exemplifies the breed standard and that has a good temperament. Pick a golden retriever who has a kindly expression, has dark brown eyes and stands between 21 1/2 to 22 1/2 inches tall if it's a female, or 23 to 24 inches tall if it's a male. Look for a rich, thick, water resistant coat in shades of gold. Learn about AKC breed standards on their website and seek an experienced golden retriever exhibitor or breeder to assist you in evaluating if a dog or his ancestors exemplify the breed standard.

5. Check if the golden retriever is a female. If so, she needs to be at least two years old and in good health before attempting breeding. Find out if the dog you choose is free from parasites and has a current inoculation record. Explore the background of the golden retriever you choose as a breeding partner for your dog as thoroughly as you would explore the pedigree of a new puppy.

Resources

• Visit the Golden Retriever Club of America's website for more on breeding Golden Retrievers.
• Visit the American Kennel Club website to find breed standards for Golden Retrievers.