Let me start at the beginning:

My family is looking for a Golden Retriever puppy. This will be the 4th Golden in our family, having lost our first, Autumn in 1994 at age 13, Jack at age 8 in 2010, and Annie this year at almost age 13. We have lots of experience with Goldens and dogs in general. We currently have a Pug in the house, my brother's dog. My sister has previously been a Vet Tech and has a Therapy Dog, and I am a Pet Sitter/Dog Walker. Our family has very much missed the spirit, joy, and love that a Golden brings to our home, and would love to bring one home.

I have been doing a lot of research on great breeders for the Delmarva area (we live in Gaithersburg, MD) and what should be seen prior to choosing. There is a problem that we keep running into, and it is quite frustrating. These excellent breeders that have everything you would ever need are just simply, excuse me for it but, too much for our budget. At this time, we could not really spend more than $800 for a puppy.

I am seeking advice, if any, on where I could find a Golden puppy in that realm. Ideally this puppy will come from a breeder that will have all the certifications and requirements that are necessary.

Thank you very much for anyone's help, I truly appreciate it.

Best advice I can offer is wait and put money away. Don't feel like you have to buy a puppy right this instant if you can't afford one right now.

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Always loved, never forgotten, all our previous boys -

Megora,

Thank you for your response. What I need to reinforce is that, it's not just now that we won't spend over our budget. Our Goldens have all been purchased for less than our current budget. We are striving to make the best decision in regards to our future Golden's health in choosing a breeder, but do not believe that health should have to equal big dollars.

With all due respect, where did you come up with the number? If it is just a number you came up with and it ends up being unrealistic for your area, which I suspect it is knowing what well bred goldens from fully cleared (hips, elbows, heart and annual eyes) parents cost on the west coast, perhaps you need to re-assess. It's worth it to wait on a puppy and save the money over the course of a couple months than compromise on health.

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To breed a litter correctly, with all the health clearances and getting titles on their dogs, it does "equal big dollars" to the breeder. A responsible breeder doesn't make any money on their litters. In fact, they lose money.

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Karen, Chance, Lucy and Savanah RB



“Everyone needs a dog to adore him, and a cat to bring him back to reality”

You realize it will be difficult to buy a puppy from even a pet store for that price. To get one like you want (and like you SHOULD want) will be next to impossible at $800. You could go to rescue but it may be difficult to verify any clearances or health issues behind the pedigree.
I wish you the best of luck in your search.

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Hank and the girls

Lucy - UDX RN MX MXJ WC CCA VCX Can CDX WC

Oriana - UDX VER WC CCA VC

Brooke - UD CCA

Waiting at the Bridge

Brandi - CDX (1992 - 2003)

Kizmet - Am/Can CD (2005 - 2007)

Keeper - Can OTCh UD RN SH MX MXJ OAP AJP WC CCA VCX OD Can AGN WC VC (1996 - 2010)

I seem to be posting a lot about my blog today, I didn't intend to however many topics have come up that I have written about. Here is one about cost, not on the purchasers side but rather the breeders How much is that puppy…say what?!? | Ramblings of a Dog Person

Just some food for thought.

Cheers & Best of luck in your search!!
Rob

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Conquerer Golden Retrievers
http://www.conquerergoldens.com

I'm in Gaithersburg too!


Sent from my iPhone using PG Free

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~Jaime~

Rosie, born 4/24/2012

AWESOME blog post. You are really posting good ones today! This is definitely a must-read!

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-Valerie

Thank you for posting that blog post Rob! After reading it I can't help but question what byb do. Not even touching the topic of clearances what other corners do they cut (I don't want to know). I know it is possible that "good" puppies still come from those litters but knowing what a responsible breeding looks like I am even more sure of my decision to wait until I find just the right breeder (I think I found her, just have to meet in person).