These facts are listed here to assist you in understanding the Golden Retriever a little better. Please feel free to ask your breeder additional questions, but these are questions we are frequently asked.
So, to help save time .....
That's a yes. A Golden is double-coated and they shed the undercoat to coincide with the seasons. Do they shed a lot? That's an individual dog issue. Regular brushing usually looks after loose, stray hairs.
Each dog's energy levels are different. Where some dogs need to have an outlet for their energy (romps in the park) other dogs are quite content with a stroll around the neighbourhood with you. Goldens, by nature, are a fairly active, but tractable dog and easily trained. They need effort on your part to be sure that they are adequately exercised and trained. Therefore, the answer to this question really depends on you and your dog.
Generally speaking, this would be a "yes". However, how dogs interact and treat children is directly proportionate to how children interact and treat them. As breeders, we are responsible for producing dogs with sound temperaments. As parents, you are responsible for ensuring that your children are respectful of dogs. Discuss this with your breeder. It is an important issue.
There are no medical problems or anomalies that are specific to Golden Retrievers. There are, however, problems that are specific to dogs. Therefore, Goldens are not exempt. Some of the problems that a Golden may be predisposed to are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, heart anomalies, and eye anomalies. Speak with your breeder about this. They are best able to counsel and advise you regarding their 'lines'.
If your breeder is selling you a puppy on a CKC Non-breeding agreement this is a responsible breeder. If the breeder is also insisting on a spay/neuter agreement, this is a responsible breeder. If your breeder is asking that you to allow them to see the dog prior to spay/neuter, this is a reasonable request. In a litter of puppies, there are only a few that would be deemed to be suitable for potential breeding. By putting restrictions on the puppy at the time of sale, the breeder can be assured that you are as serious about this as he is.
This is an issue to be discussed with your breeder. However, most breeders give a limited two-year guarantee on their puppies. Be sure that you understand the guarantee and contracts that you sign.
