Hello, I am new to this forum and this is my first post.
We are looking for reputable Golden Retriever breeders in Western and Central New York. We prefer a light colored puppy. I've seen several breeders listed on this site; but other than having the appropriate clearances, what else should I be looking for? Has anyone been extremely happy or unhappy with a particular breeder? I would appreciate any guidance given. Thank you in advance.

There is a big show in Hamburg, NY Weds thru Sunday. It maybe a good place to see the actual dogs and meet
breeders. Off the top of my head, Nitro, Gosling, Gotta Be are all in Ny.


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

I've never been to a dog show before. Will breeders have the time to talk to me?

You can walk thru the grooming area and talk to the exhibitors, breeders, and handlers. They might ask you to come back after the Goldens show. Sit ringside and see which dogs you like and then approach them afterward. They won't bite! I'll be there!


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

We have a three year old golden named Freyja (our third) who is an absolute charm. She came from Kathy Hearn's kennel at GottaBeGoldens (www.gottabegoldens.com) which is now based in Ontario, NY on the east side of the Rochester, NY area. Freyja was one of nine gals in an all female litter; we've met several of Freyja's sisters and they are all great! Kathy was highly recommended to us by the Golden Retriever Club of Western NY (www.grcwny.org) and still keeps in touch with us.

Another breeder we used in the past were Dan and Shirlet Petko at Happy Acres in Lockport NY (near Niagara Falls). They are reputable breeders and the two dogs we got from them (Amber and Cosi) were great but both came down with cancer (although different types). We were talking to them when we decided on Kathy's pups - mainly because Kathy had female pups available.

Attached Images

 

Thank you phelmers for the recommendation. I sincerely appreciate it. I've been talking to a few breeders; and what a coincidence, I actually spoke with Kathy yesterday afternoon. She was very pleasant. I'm anxious to see meet Kathy and her Goldens.

I would also like to thank CarolinaCasey for mentioning the dog show in Hamburg.
I'm going to try to make it and hopefully meet a few of the breeders. Thanks again.

CarolinaCasey,
Email me and I'll tell you about the dog show.

I looked at Gotta Be Goldens website, and found a lot of information, what I didn't find was the Health Guarantee. I would recommend asking the breeder. Does the guarantee require the return of the puppy (not good, as breeders know you won't return the puppy after it has been in your home), or reimbursement of puppy costs towards treatment. I also don't like to see breeders pushing NuVet products, especially if they don't tell you they get a kickback everything you order, or that you must use them in order for the puppy to be guaranteed. Not saying this breeder does that, just something to ask, and decide if you can live with the answer.

Good luck with your puppy search

Dear Millie's Mom,
Thank you for your insight. I'm new to this and appreciate any advice given.