Here are some useful links to various Internet sites to do with Golden Retrievers, their puppies and dogs in general. We hope that you will find them useful:

• You should ALWAYS see the mother of the pups to check that she has a pleasant temperament. An aggressive or badly behaved mother might mean that the puppy will behave in the same way. If possible go and visit the father too. Most responsible breeders will have no problem with you doing this and a request to do so will help to convince the breeder that their puppies are going to the right owner.
• Buying from a small breeder who raises their puppies in a home environment is probably better than buying from someone who raises their puppies in more commercial surroundings.
• Make sure that both the mother and her puppies look healthy and happy. Dogs and pups with runny eyes, sneezes, messy backsides or flea infestations should be avoided unless you are prepared for some large vet bills.
• Don't buy from car boot sales or from people who advertise lots of different breeds for sale, you will be unlikely to find them again if things go wrong. All responsible breeders will provide you with support and guidance long after you have taken your new dog home and if it turns out that owning a dog is not for you, they will help you to rehome the puppy.
• Above all REMEMBER that owning a dog is a long term commitment. Most dogs will cause the occasional period of heartache so be prepared for them, however, all dogs that are well looked after by loving owners will return the favour and provide many years of joy and happiness.