[GoldynGirl]

I am looking to add a golden to our family sometime this year - I saw a few discussions regarding MN/WI Breeders back in 2015/16 and wanted to ensure the info was not out of date as we are looking to purchase from a reputable breeder. I saw reviews and warnings about Muddy Goldens from a few years ago and am wondering if they are still having issues with ethics. If anyone has recommendations, please let me know!

 

[nolefan]

Do you have registered names for the dogs that are parents of the litter you're looking at? It looks like "Maggie" doesn't have a cardiologist heart clearance which is really disappointing.

I will say that WI and MN especially have way too many terrific Golden breeders to settle for a crummy breeder. You want a breeder who has a long track record of doing things the right way breeding and raising puppies and not cutting corners to save money.

 

[GoldynGirl]

The female is Pearl

Pedigree: Pearl x Bulldozer

 

[Sweet Girl]

The female is Pearl

Pedigree: Pearl x Bulldozer

Neither dog has eyes on OFA - but the breeder may have had them done. You'd have to ask. They need to be done yearly.



Both dogs have heart done by practitioner, not cardiologist.

 

[nolefan]

Both dogs have heart done by practitioner, not cardiologist.

This is a deal-killer. THey spent a ton of money getting clearances done and didn't bother to do the right thing on the heart with a cardiologist? Ugh.

 

[GoldynGirl]

This is a deal-killer. THey spent a ton of money getting clearances done and didn't bother to do the right thing on the heart with a cardiologist? Ugh.

Apologies for my lack on knowledge on this but what is the benefit beyond the practitioner if the OFA accepts both certifications, just trying to be informed!

 

[ArchersMom]

A practitioner clearance means that just a regular vet listened to the heart and cleared it. A cardiologist is what's recommended by the GRCA because they are trained specifically to evaluate hearts. OFA is actually moving away from practitioner heart exams. The newer advanced cardiac exams can only be performed by cardiologists.

 

[Tahnee GR]

A practitioner clearance means that just a regular vet listened to the heart and cleared it. A cardiologist is what's recommended by the GRCA because they are trained specifically to evaluate hearts. OFA is actually moving away from practitioner heart exams. The newer advanced cardiac exams can only be performed by cardiologists.

And this is important because SAS (subvalvular aortic stenosis) is an inherited disease within the Golden Retriever Breed. SAS can vary in severity and the milder murmurs might not be heard by a practitioner without additional training and even a more sensitive stethoscope.

 

[myluckypenny]

Would you like some other recommended breeders in those states? What are you hoping to do with your dog? That would determine if you would want more conformation lines or field lines or a dual purpose.