Golden retriever breeder recommendations?

[PWCorgi]

but the wait for a companion puppy from them is at least 2 years. but I am on the list just in case

It would still be considered a companion puppy with it being a service dog? O.o

[Fran101]

Originally Posted by PWCorgi

It would still be considered a companion puppy with it being a service dog? O.o

Yup. If you aren't show or breeding or I think a field/hunting home in some cases, you are considered a companion home since the puppy would be a SD prospect, then a SDIT and then maybe a service dog.
Plus the puppy is a companion first/mainly. Since she may or may not graduate the program

Some breeders classify classify service dog prospects with working homes (another list for service dogs, competitive obedience prospects, agility prospects and other homes) and some breeders put SD prospects/homes in another list all together, but in this case, I'm on the pet/companion list

Its understandable. All breeders have different ways of placing puppies in homes so its very case by case and breeder by breeder

[PWCorgi]

Weird. Obviously I don't have a lot of experience with this, but I would think they'd be better classified under working/performance since they are going to be doing a job and are going to need a certain level of focus and a certain temperament to be able to complete those tasks.

[PWCorgi]

And I still think you should get a corgi

[Fran101]

Lol usually if a breeder does have a working dog list, thats where I would go.

but in the case of "hunting homes" "breeding homes" "companion and everyone else"
lol I'm with companion!

and I do love their tiny lil legs! lol

[Shai]

Another breeder in the NE (New Hampshire) to check out is Milbrose...they breed pretty infrequently but their last litter was 2 years ago so it might be worth asking. Otherwise she may be able to give you ideas on where to look based on your requirements as she's very open and has been involved in Goldens for a while. www.milbrose.com

[SpringerLover]

Originally Posted by Aleron

I know a litter coming up that should be really nice. I think the litter will be whelped in OH but I could be wrong. I know the sire very well and he is a super cool dog. The breeder of both dogs is well respected, shows and does some performance. Of course, all health testing is done too. If you are interested in more info, let me know

This is the sire:
YouTube - MPP 4H Rachel & Bandit Agility Practice Run Three 2/09

YouTube - Bandit Singles: UFLI Flyball Championship 2010

I know Bandit! He's a pretty awesome boy!

[SpringerLover]

Originally Posted by PWCorgi

It would still be considered a companion puppy with it being a service dog? O.o

I would contact Gayle directly and ask about a service dog prospect. It may change things.

[Doggie07]

I highly recommend both of these breeders:

Located in California:

Shadalane Golden Retrievers

Located in Tenneesee:

Cobblestone Goldens

I hope you'll consider them and good luck!

[lizzybeth727]

Originally Posted by PWCorgi

Weird. Obviously I don't have a lot of experience with this, but I would think they'd be better classified under working/performance since they are going to be doing a job and are going to need a certain level of focus and a certain temperament to be able to complete those tasks.

I think it depends on breed a bit, too.

For example, if you're looking at a "working" border collie, that'll be a dog that can herd all day.... or at the very least will need to be in a highly active sport, such as agility/flyball. Most people DO NOT want a service dog that's so active.

With retrievers, a "working" dog would generally be a hunting dog. I've met many GOOD hunting retrievers, and none of them would make good service dogs.... also too high energy.

If you're looking at, say, a companion breed, such as a bichon, a "working" dog would be a sport dog, a dog decently good at agility or rally. A "working" bichon would probably have a great service dog temperment, as they're more focused than "pet" bichons, but not so intense as the working BCs.

Basically, when you're looking at SDs, you don't necessarily want a high energy, high drive dog. About 80% of a service dog's job is to lay still, so you need a dog that's content doing that even in highly distracting places.