The following resources may be found at your local library, via interlibrary loan, at your local book store, or via an online bookstore. Use the links and information provided to help you locate print resources near you.
Dog Adoption: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect "Preowned" Dog from Breeders, Dog Tracks, Purebred Rescue Organizations & Shelters
By Joan Hustace Walker
Publisher: ICS Books, 1997
This is a wonderful book for those considering adopting a rescue or "pre-owned" dog. The book outlines different places one might consider for adoption beyond simply shelters and rescue organizations, and can help ease the decision making process.
Check it out on Amazon!
ISBN: 1570340587 9781570340581
The Complete Book of Dog Breeding
By Dan Rice
Publisher: Barron's Education Series, 2008
If you choose to adopt from a breeder, it is important to know just what breeding is all about. This book is a great guide in terms of knowing what is involved in the breeding process and terminology, as well as extensive discussion on anatomy and the birthing process.
Check it out on Amazon!
ISBN: 0812096045 9780812096040
Dog Breeders Professional Secrets: Ethical Breeding Practices
By Sylvia Smart
Publisher: Dogwise Publishing, 2008
Geared toward breeders, this book is also another excellent resource for future Golden Retriever owners considering buying from a breeder. This book includes a chapter on breeding ethics ("Do the Right Thing") - a great way to educate yourself on what to look for when attempting to choose a breeder that is not only reputable, but ethical. A chapter on veterinary care is also included, so you may know what to expect from your breeder with regard to medical concerns prior to adoption.
Check it out on Amazon!
ISBN: 9781929242597 192924259X
My Rescued Golden: True Stories of Rescued Golden Retrievers and the People Who Love Them
By Marjorie McHann
Publisher: Writer's Club, 2002
This book not only includes inspiring stories from rescued Golden Retrievers and their owners, but a list of Golden Retriever rescue organizations across the country. For those considering adopting a rescued Golden, this resource is a great way to learn more about what you can expect from your experience first hand.
Check it out on Amazon!
ISBN: 0595249892 : 9780595249893
The following digital resources may be found on loan at your local library, or through interlibrary loan, as well as for purchase on websites such as Amazon.com - also included are web resources that can be viewed immediately online.
American Kennel Club: Pick a Puppy {Printable PDF!}
http://www.akc.org/classified/pick_a_puppy.pdf
This printable PDF, geared toward the American Kennel Club and AKC registration, is a wonderful take-a-long resource that you can keep with you when interviewing potential breeders on your search for your new Golden Retriever. The PDF also includes a sheet you can fill out as you interview breeders so you can take notes about things such as names, prices, phone numbers, and breeding conditions.
American Kennel Club: Find a Responsible Breeder
http://www.akc.org/press_center/facts_stats.cfm?page=responsible_breeder
This extensive fact sheet from the American Kennel Club can help you determine exactly what to look for when searching for a breeder, as well as what to expect after you've chosen your puppy.
Golden Retriever Club of America: National Rescue Committee
http://www.grca-nrc.org/
Another great resource for those interested in rescue, the Golden Retriever Club of America has compiled an ongoing list of rescue organizations across the country to help you on your quest. The website also includes special showcases of rescued Goldens and rescue organizations.
Backyard Breeder vs. Reputable Breeder - A Fact Sheet
http://www.jlhweb.net/Boxermap/reputablebreeder.html
When choosing a breeder, it is crucial that you learn to recognize the difference between an unethical, backyard breeder and a reputable breeder. This brief but thorough fact sheet breaks down the details in a side by side comparison to help make recognizing a backyard breeder easier.
