Anyone can breed or sell AKC registered dogs. The best source is a dedicated breeder with a long-term commitment to the breed, and a reputation to uphold.
The vast majority of dogs of all breeds live long, healthy lives if given proper care and routine veterinary attention. Nevertheless, any dog can fall victim to a wide range of acquired problems, and each breed of dog has its own hereditary problems; some minor, some impairing, and some fatal. These problems multiply as a breed gains popularity and there is an increase in indiscriminate breeding, and unfortunately, the Golden Retriever is no exception. Because current knowledge of genetics is limited, genetic testing is not an absolute guarantee of soundness; however, failure to screen for hereditary defects before breeding increases the likelihood of "doubling up" on unfavorable genes, and the results are distressing for the buyer and the dog.
|
