A lot of people look at golden retrievers, and see how popular a breed these dogs are.
The puppies are cute, cuddly and can sell for upwards to $1000 each! This is where their common sense ends, and they decide to go into the business of breeding golden retrievers without knowing the responsibilities and sacrifices that such a job entails.
Most people just go into the business with the end profit in mind, without even considering the health and welfare of the animal.
Breeding retrievers is no laughing matter.
You should be prepared to spend a ton of your own money before you see any profit, and you have to be ready for sudden visits to the vet, a lot of noise (golden retrievers are loud barkers, if the mood strikes them) and golden whirlwinds of destruction around your home, unless you plan to keep them stuck in cages from puppy to adult stage.
If that's the case, better stop planning to breed golden retrievers.
There are several things that you may want to consider when you're going into the golden retriever breeding business, such as: •Expenses: Even if you plan to charge an exorbitant amount for each of your pups, you'll have to spend a significant amount of cash before you start profiting from breeding.
You'll have to pay to get a section in your home ready as the breeding area, that is cages, pens and other accessories such as water and food bowls, kennels, etc.
•Training: Golden retrievers are very strong and active dogs right from the puppy stage, and if that strength and energy is not directed properly, these puppies could grow up into bad mannered adults.
Many people who have no experience with golden retrievers are frustrated because their dogs grow up into noisy, uncontrollable and hyperactive adults.
You will have to spend a lot of time socializing your dogs in all life stages so that they are comfortable around people.
This is especially important for puppies that need good socialization before being sold off to other homes.
•Health: Golden retrievers, like all other breeds, have health issues that their breed is genetically predisposed to.
Before you start breeding, make sure to have your breeding stock screened for genetic diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
Even puppies that come from seemingly healthy parents should be checked.
Each puppy will cost you around $400 in genetic testing fees.
•License Fees: If you really want to be a reliable and trustworthy breeder, you should get yourself recognized by the local dog breeding authorities.
This means applying as a member, making sure your dogs have legal papers, getting a litter ticket and papers for each batch of puppies that you have, and a whole lot of other fees.
You'll have to shell out money at different intervals, from yearly updating of canine club membership, to getting papers for your puppies.
In the end, you really have to realize that breeding golden retrievers is not a good source of profit, and you will only really do it well if you have a passion for the breed.
The profit is only secondary to the joy and achievement one feels in knowing that you were able to contribute to the betterment of such a great dog breed.