Golden retriever puppies
So you have picked out "your" choice from a reputable breeder of golden retriever puppies. If you have not already chosen your pet, it is time to do some sleuthing and reading about dog breeding and breeders. You should contact the American Kennel Club--or equivalent--for help and do some internet website searching for additional information.
Golden retriever puppies are a delight to behold. It is true that all puppies are cute and playful, but the nature of the breed is such that companionship, love, and energy are especially evident. In a healthy dog of good stock, its coat will be thick, its gums a healthy pink, eyes, nose and ears healthy and without irritation or discharge, with straight legs and without a pot belly. It should be very energetic when first picked up, but willing to settle down and be petted for awhile.
At six to eight weeks of age, golden retriever puppies will be interested in exploring and investigating new things in their world. The breeder will have begun the socialization process, so the puppies should view visitors as something to be welcomed. They can be cautious, but you will want to be sure that your choice is self-assured and not afraid of shadows. Does it lope after a tossed ball? Will it watch, give chase, and maybe even return it to you? These are all characteristics of a ?retriever? and will manifest early in their development.
Golden retriever puppies and adults are diggers and runners and require a healthy daily dose of exercise as adults. You will not want a golden if you have a prize garden with award-winning plants that would not benefit from the romping of a fairly large dog! As puppies, goldens need to be allowed a good romp followed by a healthy nap. Until their bones and muscles are strong enough, they should not be run hard or taken for walks. A yard romp does best and will give them the attention and exercise they crave.
The breed does have some health problems. At the age of seven, hip displasia can show up. Depending on its family history, this can be mild or severe and possibly fixed by diet and exercise or surgery. Eye problems of the breed center around cataracts, eyelids and eyelashes. Some lines suffer from heart disease, but its occurrence is not excessive in the breed. Most of these problems can be handled by your vet, although their appearance may disqualify your pet from having golden retriever puppies of its own, to help keep the breed trouble free.
Golden retriever puppies will grow up to be wonderful family pets with great capasities for love--for everyone. While they make good watch dogs, do not expect your pet to be a good guard dog. They may well announce the arrival of someone to the home, but they are as likely to welcome an intruder as enthusiastically as a friend!
