? QUESTIONS TO ASK A DOG BREEDER ? 1) How long have they been a breeder of Golden Retrievers? 2) Why do they breed dogs? 3) Do they own the Dam and Sire so that you can see them? 4) If they don't own the sire, do they have pedigree, clearances, photos you can see? 5) Do both parents have clearances on their hips, elbows, heart, eyes, and thyroid? 6) Are their dogs AKC registered? 7) Do they breed for AKC standards? 8) How often do they breed their dogs? 9) Ask to see the pedigree of not only the parents, but at least 3 generations back to check on the health of those dogs as well. 10) What type of temperament are they producing? 11) Do they require you to spay or neuter your dog? 12) Will you have a limited registration on your dog? 13) Are you free to participate in all activities with your dog? 14) Were any of the puppies in the litter born with any defects? 15) Does the dog come with any vaccinations, worming, microchip, etc.? 16) Ask to see the breeders' contract before you agree to purchase the dog. 17) What kind of food have they been feeding to the dog? 18) What kind of socializing have they done with the dog? 19) Has the dog been exposed to things like, children, other pets, bathing and grooming, walking on a leash, any training? 20) Ask lots of questions about the parents such as; do they have all their teeth, how is their bite, any eye or hip problems, do they have any ear or skin issues? How old are the parents, is it the Dam's first litter? 21) What is the height and weight of the parents? Do they meet AKC standards? 22) What are the congenital defects in the breed? 23) What steps have you taken to decrease health defects in the breed? 24) What are the good & bad points of the parents? Do they hold any titles? 25) Where were the puppies raised? 26) How do you evaluate the temperaments of the puppies? 27) What will you supply with your dog? 28) What requirements must a puppy buyer meet to receive one of their puppies? 29) What is the asking price of the dog? 30) Can your own vet do a health exam before you buy the dog? 31) Can you get references of previous puppy buyers? 32) What kind of health guarantee do they offer? 33) Is the breeder a member of any breed club? These questions should help you discern what kind of breeder you are considering buying a dog from. Unfortunately there are a lot of untruthful breeders out there who just want to make money and are not breeding for the betterment of the breed. Do your research and make sure you are working with a breeder that wants the very best home for their puppies. They should ask you as many questions as you ask them.