Golden Retrievers
Golden Retriever Puppy
Perhaps the most photographed dog in the world, the Golden Retriever puppy is a little ball of fluff and joy. Playful and loving, the Golden Retriever puppy will be your friend for life. Puppy love and Golden Retrievers seem to go together like the proverbial horse and carriage. The Golden Retriever is the number one breed in America today for a family pet. They have sweet dispositions, are loyal, intelligent and become loving family members.
Because of their enormous popularity, Golden Retriever puppies can be somewhat expensive. Expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of $600 from a reputable Golden Retriever breeder. Take time to find a reputable Golden Retriever breeder and keep in mind that impulsive buying is not the way to find a 15 to 20 year family member. Resist the temptation to buy that cute little Golden Retriever puppy in the window of a pet shop unless you are absolutely sure who the breeder was. Reputable breeders will usually be available for consultations on health and training issues.
When considering a Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that they like lots of exercise and they will grow into rather large dogs weighing between 60-75 pounds. If you live in an apartment and are gone most of the time, the golden retriever may not be the right dog for you. Please take some time to select the right dog for your lifestyle and your budget.
Among the undesirable traits that Golden Retriever puppies purchased form non reputable breeders exhibit are temperament problems, including aggression, shyness or hyperactivity. Hip dysplasia, eye problems causing early blindness, heart defects that can severely shorten life span and autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease and cancer are also becoming prevalent. Responsible breeders do all they can to avoid these problems by researching pedigrees and screening parents for certain inherited problems before breeding.
Finding a reputable Golden Retriever breeder is only part of the process in finding your special golden retriever. Being a responsible golden retriever owner is a big part of the total ownership experience. Ask yourself if owning a golden retriever is right for your lifestyle and financial circumstances. Are you capable of giving the golden retriever puppy enough attention and exercise? (Golden puppies need several hours of both every day)! Can you live with a golden retriever who sheds and drools? Are you financially able to spend the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including but certainly not limited to: vaccines, heartworm testing and preventative, spaying or neutering and annual check ups?
Some children need an animal as a special friend and for these children there is no substitute for the golden retriever.
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