I have had the pleasure of having golden retrievers and they are an absolute joy! I currently have an 11.5-year-old golden, and I am looking to welcome another golden to my home! For years I used to keep up with several reputable breeders’ websites, and I enjoyed watching the dogs succeed in a variety of events. But I haven't been looking for the last year or so, as my Lucy girl has been keeping me busy and has gone through $4,000 worth of surgeries. Even though it has only been a year, I feel so behind! And I want to research all of my options! I would love to see which breeders you all recommend...

Just more information about me and what I'm looking for...

I have a great amount of experience working with dogs. I have been a dog training instructor for group and private lessons, competed in rally-obedience, and participated in therapy dog work after my dog passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) tests.

Most of all, I am looking for a healthy puppy with a great temperament whose sire and dam have hip, elbow, heart, and eye clearances through the OFA and CERF. I plan to return back to rally and obedience with the puppy, and I would love to enter the confirmation world as well. And maybe give agility a try! As far as this dog will take me!

I am from Oklahoma, but I am open to any US breeder. Since I have an interest in doing confirmation, and I know that there is a lot to learn, it would be nice to have a breeder around my area (driving distance: Texas, Kansas, SW Missouri, Arkansas, etc) that would be willing to work with me. But this is not necessary, as health, temperament, clearances, and obedience are greater priorities to me.

Also, I am not in a huge rush. I want to do my research, and I am willing to wait for the right puppy, from the right breeder.

Sorry for the long post, and thank you in advance for your thoughts!

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"Lucy"

I know you're aware of Sharon Bolton from your previous thread and the fact that you're looking for a pup where there are clearances which knocks out 99% of the breeders in Oklahoma. Not sure how soon you're looking to pursue a pup but GRCA Nationals will be in your backyard (Wichita Falls) in Oct. Have you contacted the COGRC in OKC? There are also equivalent clubs in Missouri & Texas--again if you're looking to stay in the region.

Yes, Oklahoma doesn't give me a whole lot of options... the only breeders I've considered in Oklahoma are River Run Goldens and Goldens of Benden.

I haven't contacted the COGRC yet. I'm very aware of them, and I plan to contact them before purchasing a puppy. But as we know, Oklahoma doesn't offer much. So, I just wanted to see what recommendations I could get from this forum, as you all will know more about the breeders that live in your state/various areas.

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"Lucy"

River Run would give you performance, not sure about competitive conformation. I know the club had a trial back in November--wouldn't hurt to figure out the show schedules in the region and see the dogs in action as opposed to relying only on their assistance for breeder referrals.

If you do a search for Missouri on the forum, there are several breeders mentioned and of course like Oklahoma, you're battling puppy mill/BYB territory.

I have contacted each region on the puppy referral page from GRCA.org, and I have contacted my state's golden retriever club. I received only one reply from a kind lady in Oregon, and I greatly appreciate her responses. I e-mailed (1 of the 2--that I'm aware of) reputable breeders in my state (Oklahoma) two days ago, and I am still waiting on a reply. So now what? Google and e-mail the random breeders that appear to be reputable? I'm slightly disappointed, because it makes me realize how many people and families are relying on their local club for guidance, receive none, and then purchase from the newspaper or pet store because they don't know any better.

I'd like to ask again, does anyone have any breeders that they recommend? Driving distance for me is Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Colorado. Thanks for your time!

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"Lucy"

I received this from a friend in OK who is contemplating another golden who in turn received these names from a member of the OK GR Club: in addition to the Bolton's and Meister, Dave/Joyce Kinghorn in KC (Chatham Goldens) or Judy Word in Plano (Bravo Goldens).

There is also Dogwood Springs in North Texas and Goldenwind in Plano...if you search the forum for Missouri, you'll several other reputable kennel names come up.

I have no personal affiliation with any of these breeders--names to consider, but you will need to still do your homework.

Sorry you're having a touch time. That is disappointing you haven't had much luck. These are off the top of my head---

Try...
Confetti
Heritage http://www.heritagegoldens.com/
Chatham
Docmar
Venture
Prariewyn
Mariah


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

It is beyond driving distance but I would recommend Lisa Hartfield at Webshire kennel in Larsen Wi. I cant say enough good things about her and her dogs.

Thank you for all of these referrals! I will check them out

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"Lucy"

Move to Canada and I will help you out Seriously though, you sound like an excellent owner and best of luck in your search! I always feel a sense of joy when I see an owner wanting to do the research, and ok with waiting. Kudos!

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