Breeding a Golden Retriever is not an easy or money-making task, as some people might imagine. Properly and successfully breeding a Golden Retriever requires a lot of knowledge of the breed standard and health issues, experience with the breed and a strong passion to produce dogs that exemplify the breed standard. Those who breed Golden Retrievers for the money, for the "cute puppies" or just because they want to, are actually harming the breed more than they know and should be informed why they should stop. If more and more people breed willy-nilly, the health, dignity and standard of the breed will be watered down until finally; there are literally hundreds or even thousands of poor quality, unhealthy Golden Retrievers out there.
If you believe you are able to contribute to the betterment of the breed, then the first step you should take is to learn the breed standard according to the American Kennel Club, or the AKC. The AKC is the governing body on breed standards, and you can find the Golden Retriever breed standard on the AKC website or in books.
Once you've memorized the breed standard by heart, it's time to look for your breeding stock. You should decide whether you want a bitch, a stud or both. A bitch is the female dog, and getting one would require that you also take care of the puppies when you breed. A stud is the male dog used in impregnating a bitch, and if you don't want to take care of puppies, or don't have the time, then it's more advisable that you get a stud. Once you find a breeder (make sure that the breeder is reliable, reputable, has years of experience in breeding the Golden Retriever and is willing to help you learn to become a breeder yourself), then you should examine the puppies, and the parents of the puppies. Usually the parents will give you an idea of how the pups will look when they mature. Also, if you want to breed, you need to make sure that the dogs and their puppies have legal papers, so that your own puppies in the future can be registered. If they have, don't use their dog as your breeding stock. Go find another breeder.
Ask the breeder if the parents have any congenital defects because your dog will pass these on to its pups.
Suppose that you've chosen to get a bitch, the bitch must be at least 2 years old before you start breeding her. The same goes for a stud; he must be at least 2 years old before he fathers any puppies. This will give the puppies a better chance of being born healthy, and increase their chances of survival. Wait for a sign that the bitch is 'on-heat', such as a swollen vulva. Find a suitable stud for the bitch, and make sure that they are not related.
Only experienced and professional breeders perform 'in-breeding' (ie where the bitch and stud are related), and even then it's very risky. Once you've had your bitch mated and there are signs of pregnancy, such as swollen nipples and engorged tummy, then wait around 59-63 days. That is the normal gestation period of Golden Retrievers. Watch the bitch closely for any signs of trouble or complications before, during and after the pregnancy.
Remember, money and "cute puppies" are not good reasons to breed Golden Retrievers! Make sure you have the experience, the knowledge and the passion before attempting it!
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