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Helping finding puppy/breeder DFW

3.3K views 9 replies 9 participants last post by  Heart of Goldens  
#1 ·
We are a family of 4 in Dallas (kids 7 and 11). We have a 12 year old King Charles and just recently had to give up our 14 month old Goldendoodle (back to the breeder) due to a nasty bite on myself and aggressive behavior towards our children. We loved him very much and we were all devastated to have to come to that conclusion.

We are interested in a Golden Retriever and want to make sure we don't make any mistakes. What temperament traits should we be looking for? We are certainly willing to all do the appropriate training required and recognize that we were probably not strict/diligent enough with our goldendoodle.

I am also struggling with the breeder websites since most don't seem to have up to date information. Are the most reputable ones waitlisted for many litters out? We are not in a rush, but would prefer not to have to wait a year either. We have contacted a few that look promising, but only one has responded. Is it possible to choose a partially trained puppy that is older?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
#3 ·
What about a year old that already has basic training?There are a few breeders in Texas who offer older puppies/dogs have you thought about that option?
Other then that it might be difficult to find a reputably breeder who will give you a 8 week old puppy. I'm not saying this to be harsh but if you look at it from the breeders perspective they do not wont to place a puppy in a home where it could be a potential risk to its self and other family members
 
#5 ·
Search this forum for recommended breeders in Texas or surrounding areas. Read through this forum and learn about the health clearances and how to check on that. I did a search in all surrounding states and filled out numerous puppy applications, as well as sent personalized emails to all the breeders. I didn't hear back from everyone but many breeders won't get back to you until they have confirmed pregnancies, which I'm starting to find out now! I would try to narrow down to a few breeders and at least get on their wait lists. It will go by quicker than you think.
 
#6 ·
Email all the breeders on the GHGRC or the Austin version of the GRC. I’m sure Dallas Fort Worth has their own golden retriever club. You can also go on the AKC marketplace and then post here for specific breeders or pairs to be evaluated.

The spark notes version for recognizing a good breeder is 4 core health clearances, hip, eye (yearly), elbows, and heart evaluated by a cardiologist. They should do genetic testing and it’s a bonus if they show their dogs.