08/09/2026
Before breeding or getting a puppy- please read this from someone with the breed’s best interests at heart-
From Mike Hamilton
Are you considering buying a 'working' Golden Retriever puppy?
As a Rescue Officer for one of the 12 Golden Retriever Breed Clubs I have had to deal with a significant number (50+) surrender/ rehoming requests in the past couple of years.
The majority of these dogs fell into the 1 and 5 year age range bracket and, with the exception of changes in family circumstances (death, divorce etc), the main reason for surrender/ rehoming was due to behavioural issues (such as resource guarding, reactivity, separation anxiety etc) - making the rehoming process extremely difficult.
In all but a handful of cases, surrendered dogs came from breeders who were churning out puppies, often with mis leading health results, who happily sold puppies to anyone, irrespective of potential owners suitability to be able to care for a young dog. In most cases, the suppliers of these puppies, had not given any training/ behavioural support or advice, and were not interested in getting involved when things started to go wrong.
Recently, there has been an increase in surrender requests form families with working bred Golden Retrievers , I suspect due to the explosion in their popularity. The most recent two dogs, were less than 24 months old, had been rehomed several times via Pets 4 Homes and Gumtree etc and came with a bag full of issues!!.
Please, if you are going to consider getting a puppy, especially one with a working pedigree, do your home work and ask yourself whether or not you can provide a puppy with the mental and physical stimulation that they need. If you can, find a breeder who actually does something with their dogs who understands, and who is an advocate, for the breed . Find a someone who is prepared to offer you ongoing support if needed, who advertises on reputable sites (GR - Sourcing Reputable Breeders, GR Owners & Breeders UK, Champdogs, Breed Club puppy coordinators etc), and who will take the trouble to ascertain your suitability for having one of their puppies.
Not meaning to stereotype, but If you are the sort of potential owner who lives in a 4th floor flat in central London, who works 5 days a week and who thinks it is acceptable to leave a bored, and consequently destructive working bred puppy tied up in the flat whilst you are at work, or who thinks it is acceptable to chase a terrified puppy with a vacuum cleaner because they have picked something up that they shouldn't- think again as you probably do not understand your role as a responsible dog owner.
Please do your homework. A working bred Golden is just so much more than a dark coated Golden Retriever. It's a highly intelligent dog that needs significant mental stimulation.
Just frustrated having to deal with dogs fcuked by irresponsible owners and by breeders who don't give a s**t were their dogs end up or what happens to them.
