Health:  Every dog and their owner deserves the healthiest life possible.   To this end, only those adults who have passed all requisite tests as stated by the Golden Retriever Club of Canada and the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Toronto Codes of Ethics will be bred.   These tests are extensive and expensive but absolutely imperative and eliminate known Golden Retriever effected illness.  So many illnesses are preventable now with DNA testing, Elbow and Hip X-rays, Annual Eye Checks and Cardiologist conducted Heart exams.

 

What health checks do you do on your breeding adults:  All our potential breeding dogs go through the full health checks required under the Golden Retriever Club of Canada.   These are annual eye exams, hip and elbow x-rays once they are two years old and the growth plates have closed.   Hearts are tested for Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) by echogardiogram (some breeders only test by auscultation (listening) but this has been proved to miss some cases of SAS.   DNA is also tested for genetic health issues known in goldens.    Results are published by the dogs' owners on the K9data.com website including links to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) database.

 

What is OFA and why does it matter:  The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is essentially a database of all dogs tested for health issues and registered.  The Canine Health Information Center | OFA:  Founded in 1966,they promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease. The OFA website and databases provide the tools needed, whether you are a veterinarian, breeder, or prospective animal owner.

 

Why is it important to have a dog from a Show Dog?  So often we hear people say, oh I just want a pet not a show dog.   Well, breed clubs write sometimes extensive breed standards which help breeders in their programs and allow preservation of the breeds.  Those who show their dogs have them considered under a number of different judges against this breed standard.   Those that are considered closest to the breed standard are awarded points.   These points add up to a Champion or Grand Champion status.  (The levels are Champion, Grand Champion (which is the aim of most reputable breeders), Grand Champion Bronze, Silver, Gold and Excellent.   Anyone who does not show their dogs may know that their dogs are not up to the standard set by those who have spent years and years breeding and teaching others about the breed.   

 

 

Fencing:  A secure fenced area accessible from your home is a prerequisite for all our puppy homes.  The fence does not have to be expensive, but it has to be secure. Invisible/electric fencing is not considered secure. Applications will be declined if you do not have a securely fenced yard. There are no exceptions. This is for the safety of the puppy. 

 

Goldens in an appartment/condo: Golden Retrievers are an active breed.   They should be allowed to grow and develop with a safe outdoor environment of their own.   This precludes any puppies being sold to those who live in appartments or condos.

 

Can I choose my puppy? Even in one litter the temperament and energy level of puppies can vary considerably.   The Questionnaire potential puppy buyers fill out provides us with information for us to match you with the best puppy for your and your family.

 

Shipping:  Our puppies will not be shipped.

 

Breeding Contracts:  Our puppies are sold on a Non-Breeding Contract.  Any buyer who expresses an interest in breeding with our dogs in the future will be subject to further discussion and checks.

 

Are your puppies registered:  All our puppies are Registered with the Canadian Kennel Club under No Breeding Contracts.   Puppies sold that are not registered are often not from health checked parents or from non registered Breeders (aka Backyard Breeders).

Visits

How Puppies are Raised

Is it the right time to get a puppy

Other animals in the house already

Vet

Spay/Neuter

English Cream Golden Retrievers

 

Harnesses and Halti collars:  In the last few years the popularity of harnesses on dogs has increased considerably.   Unfortunately, harnesses of any kind have been proven to alter the gait of a dog and actually cause harm in joint development and later joint issues.  Golden Retrievers are among the easiest dogs to train so should not need a harness.   Dogs pull because they want to get somewhere and do not respect the person walking them enough to behave.   We do not recommend harnesses and do expect all of our puppies to be properly trained to walk without one.