Puppy FAQ

Thinking about getting a puppy or a dog?
Sources:
1)Pet Store - Pet stores selling puppies are banking on the impulse buyer who falls in love with the puppy in the window. Their concern is not long term assistance to you (other than hoping you'll be talked into hundreds of dollars in accessories and food.) Most pups are obtained from breeders or puppy mills who are simply breeding for the purpose of making money, not for the well being of the puppy's future, its health or maintaining breed characteristics. Many pet stores even sell pups for more than what breeders charge and offer less guarantees.
2)Backyard Breeder - This is a term for people who breed dogs (purebred or mixed breed) mainly for the prupose of making money. Usually they have not performed any preventative health tests on the sire and dam. There is no contracts offered to prevent un necessary breedings and no contracts for protecting you the buyer. BUYER BEWARE.
3)Breeder- Serious breeders are committed to maintaining the integrity of the breed. The scale that they breed on can vary, however they should still follow standard ethics common among purebred dog breeders. Here is a checklist to ask when purchasing from a breeder. the higher price that many breeers charge is often due to the fact that the cost of raising, training, competing, health tests, stud fees etc. are greater. You should however get in return a puppy with less probability of health defects and will conform closely to the breed standard to prevent physical health issues from arising.
GRCAB Breeder Directory
4)Animal Shelter - With very careful selection you can obtain a dog that has been surrendered to an animal shelter. Research as much as you can about the dog. Why was it turned in? (Read between the lines too, don't brush it off). What is the breed background behind the dog? Are you prepared to deal or have access to professionals to deal with any issues that arise from this pet? Adopting a pet from a shelter can be a wonderful thing, but should be done with eyes wide open. If you are looking for a shelter dog that is more breed specific, than you should look into a breed rescue club so you don't put unrealistic expectations on a pet.
5)Breed Rescue Club - Breed clubs offer the best of two worlds. The dogs in breed rescue groups are only one type of breed such as just poodles or labs or shitzus. If you want a specific breed because of it's characteristics, but want to adopt an animal that needs a home than this might be for you. Most of these dogs go through foster homes first of breeders who are familiar with the breed. They often start dealing with any temperment or training issues so you know full well what you are getting into. These dogs will be spayed or neutered and most foster homes help you along with any arising issues after adoption.
Golden Retriever Rescue Club of Alberta

Pricing of Golden Retriever Puppies
After talking to a few breeders you may find the prices of the puppies from GRCA breeders will often be higher than what you may find in the newspaper, on the notice boards or at the pet stores. Breeders command higher prices for their pups due to the knowledge, dedication, and committment they make to the breed, their breeding programs and to the health and well being of the puppies sold to you. The high costs and time devoted to researching bloodlines, health testing, daily maintenance such as feeding, grooming and vet fees, competing in shows and trials, traveling,training, and reproduction costs can be overwhelming and more than not the breeders do not break even. However, ultimately the result of their work reflects in healthy dogs that are a proper representation of the breed and loving companions for those that own them.
Please bear in mind that a couple hundred dollars in price difference between breeders may occur and as this is a lifelong companion the trust and comfort you feel with the breeder should take priority. In Alberta you will likely find most puppies sell for between $800-$1500.