Golden Retrievers: What You Should Know Before You Bring One Home & how to choose a Good Breeder

Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world—for good reason. They’re loyal, gentle, smart, and generally a joy to have around. But behind that sweet smile and feathered tail is a breed with a rich history, different types, and a few important health considerations that every prospective owner should understand. Choosing a good Golden Retriever breeder doesn't have to be scary.

A Little Golden History

Originally bred in Scotland in the 1800s, Golden Retrievers were created to be the perfect hunting companion. A man named Lord Tweedmouth (yes, really) wanted a dog that could retrieve waterfowl over land and water, with a soft mouth and an even softer heart.

He crossed a Yellow Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel, and after some refining, the breed we know and love today was born.

Types of Golden Retrievers

There are three main types of Golden Retrievers, all equally lovable but with slightly different looks:

• American Goldens – Taller, with a leaner build and often a darker golden coat.

• English (or British) Goldens – Stockier with a blockier head and usually a lighter cream-colored coat.

• Canadian Goldens – Typically taller than both American and English types, with a thinner coat. All three share that signature friendly demeanor, but they may differ slightly in temperament, energy levels, and coat thickness.

• Also noteworthy is the "show-line" Goldens in America and Canada. They typically have a shorter, blockier build with a lighter coat.

Our family has had the immense pleasure of having American "field" American show and European "cream" Goldens as a part of our family. All were wonderful, but we all deeply prefer the American Dark red Golden Retrievers.

Two red old Goldies!

What Do Goldens Do Best?

Golden Retrievers thrive when they have a job. They’re famous service dogs, guide dogs for the visually impaired, search-and-rescue workers, therapy dogs, and champions in obedience and agility rings. Their eagerness to please and high intelligence make them one of the most trainable breeds out there. We have had Goldens trained to run out scents, find antlers. trained in therapy work and be work companions.

Health Testing:

Why It Matters Before buying a Golden Retriever puppy, it’s essential to ask the breeder about health testing. Responsible good breeders test their dogs for a range of genetic conditions to help ensure that puppies are set up for a healthy, happy life. These are not just “nice-to-haves”—they’re the difference between a thriving pet and heartbreaking (and costly) health problems.

Preventable Genetic Diseases in Golden Retrievers

1. Ichthyosis (ICH): This inherited skin condition causes thick, scaly skin that flakes like dandruff. While not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and requires lifelong maintenance. Breeders can test for it, and dogs that carry the gene should not be bred together.

2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disease that eventually leads to blindness. There’s no cure, but it is completely preventable through genetic testing of parent dogs.

3. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): This is a progressive spinal disease, similar to ALS in humans. Dogs lose mobility over time, leading to paralysis. Again, breeders can test for this gene and avoid pairing carriers. When breeders test and make responsible breeding decisions, your puppy’s chance of developing these diseases is essentially eliminated.

Orthopedic and Cardiac Concerns Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

These painful joint conditions happen when the joints don’t form properly. It can lead to early-onset arthritis or even require surgery. Treatment can cost anywhere from $3,000–$7,000 per joint, not including ongoing care like physical therapy or pain management. Responsible breeders have their dogs’ hips and elbows x-rayed and evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP. Cardiac Issues Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is a common congenital heart defect in Goldens. It can cause sudden death in young dogs and is usually undetectable without proper cardiac testing. Breeders should perform a cardiac echocardiogram or have a board-certified veterinary cardiologist evaluate breeding dogs.

It is so painful to see your best friend suffer from preventable diseases.

The Bottom Line:

Choosing a good Golden Retriever Breeder Prevent Heartbreak Getting a puppy from a breeder who does OFA hips and elbows, cardiac evaluations, and genetic screening for ICH, PRA, DM (and more) means your puppy has the best possible start.

It may be tempting to skip the research and buy a cheaper puppy, but the long-term costs—emotionally and financially—can be devastating. Treating severe hip dysplasia, managing blindness, or handling chronic skin disease can cost thousands of dollars and significantly impact your dog’s quality of life. With proper testing, though, the chances of your Golden developing these conditions are near zero.

Golden Retrievers are pure sunshine in dog form. When bred responsibly, they’re healthy, stable, and well-suited for just about any home. If you’re thinking of bringing one into your life, do your homework, choose a breeder who prioritizes health testing, and set yourself up for a life full of golden memories. Because a Golden is not just a pet—they’re family. And like any family member, they deserve the best! best start you can give them.