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Anyone know this breeder, Takoda Dogs out of Michigan City, IN?

8.1K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  Claudia M  
#1 ·
My husband and I are looking for a male English Golden Retriever puppy and are possibly interested in this breeder. We are located in West Michigan and would prefer not to travel a significant distance or have a dog shipped.

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I didn't see anything about OFA Elbow certifications so I called and inquired. The woman said there were no issues in their lines so didn't see a reason to check. I said it was required by the GRCA and didn't understand why that was done the same time as the hips? She repeated about the lines and I said responsible breeding would check just to make sure. She said I convinced her and she would call her vet and have Piper tested. She expects to breed her with Quinn-Jrs Goldens when Piper goes into heat in the next few months.

We have been looking or a puppy for months now and keep running into issues like this that make us walk away. All of our American Goldens have had major health issues. Miles passed before 2 from sub aortic stenosis. We lost our boy Wilson in January at 11 to a squamous cell nasal tumor after he miraculously recovered from cutaneous lymphoma at age 6. Sherman is still with us at age 9, but he's had two bouts of mast cell cancer and has ruptured both of his CCLs. We just want a healthy family dog, but are having a hard time finding the right puppy. Thank you in advance for your help.
 
#2 ·
I think your gut feeling to ask the question shows you know this is a red flag. Just from a purely logical perspective, how do they know there are no elbow issues in their line if they don't check their breeding stock? It makes me wonder what other corners they are willing to cut for the sake of saving a few bucks - because why else wouldn't you do the elbow xray if you are doing hips?

I think you can do better and find a breeder who routinely does OFA hips, OFA elbows, annual eye clearances and a heart clearance by a board certified cardiologist.
 
#3 ·
Whinnie,
I am sorry for the losses your have suffered and the difficult issues you have faced.

It is a sad fact that this breed we love so much does come part and parcel with some serious health issues. It is believed that we face these issues because the dogs that were the foundation of the breeder carried these genetic predispositions. And it seems the more we learn about cancer (human and canine) the more it looks we will all get it if me live long enough.

Reputable breeders should be honest and open about these health concerns. They should also be doing everything they can to avoid them. That means doing the testing put forward by the GRCA if they are in the US. It sounds like you have done your home work and are looking for clearences on Hips and Elbows. They should also be getting a heart clearences by a cardiologist and having eyes examined yearly. Unfortunately, there is not a reliable cancer test.

My suggestion would be to shop the breeder and not the type. Based on your post it sounds like health is your main priority. Why not focus on finding a breeder who matches that criteria first?

Well bred English style goldens are out there, but there is a lot of greeders out there pushing English creams with out clearences and touting them as healthier, less at risk or free from cancer. It is simply not true. All goldens go back to the same foundation and all are at risk.

If you prefer a certain color or style, you may have to extend your search and be willing to travel.

There are quite a few well respected, reputable breeders of English style dogs in Canada, especially the Onterio area.

Good luck in your search.:D
 
#4 · (Edited)
***Edit Begin***
When looking at the breeder's website and K9Data.com, I misread the callname on K9Data...I originally interpreted as Canuck being bred before she was 2; as it turns out, Canuck's Reflection is Wrigley, not Canuck...Canuck was born in January 2007. So, it does not appear Canuck was under 2 before being bred...my mistake; however, I still think there's better alternatives for breeders in the region.
***Edit End***
 
#5 ·
Whinnie, Very sorry for your problems. I lost a very great Golden this Feb. After that lost, I started looking for a breader that has done the work for, good, soild Goldens. The breeder I found is Kyon Kennels in Canada. As it turned out, they bread English Goldens. I live in Northen Mich, it was a long drive, but I now have, a great pup, that I believe will have the best chances of a long healthly life with us.

Good Luck
 
#8 ·
I live in the same county as this "breeder" and have never heard of them or their kennel. No one I have asked in our area has either and we are all quite involved in several different areas...confirmation, obedience, agility, field to name a few. I am glad you decided to continue your search. A puppy buyer shouldn't have to be the one to school a responsible breeder.