We've decided to go to Thailand in february, which in itself is ridiculously exciting, but I posted a little while ago about what "going to thailand" means = Operation Fluffy Retriever #2.:D :D

I've been searching through lines/websites and umming and ahing for months, think I wittled it down to 3, maybe 4, breeders who's dogs (well, pictures of them)  I've fallen in love with. Getting Roxy was a comparitively straighforward affair, but this time round we have to make sure we get the right boy. I strongly suspect that Roxy will adore any four footed creature than wanders through our door however;)

We're looking for a pup in spring next year, and obviously with variations in seasons /breeding plans etc would it be rude to approach all the breeders I've identified, and if there's more than one breeder with plans that are similar to what we're looking for do I go on all available lists or is it better to choose one breeder and wait? I don't want to waste anyones time or mess anyone around I just want to make sure we get the right boy for us. Also the breeders I've been looking at all share similar lines (and Roxy's!) so there doesn't seem to be any huge difference between them.

It's agonising  trying to choose one/two...

I would contact all of the breeders to find out about their expected litters and have a general chat about their dogs. Ask about all relevant health tests and results. I presume you are after a golden? If so I would want to know the dogs eye pass date, hip score and or elbow grade (not all GR breeders participate in the elbow scheme). If you like what you hear I would ask to visit the said breeders before a litter, meet the dam, the breeder etc and ask lots of questions as they will of you. Do your research then decide which breeder and dogs that you really like and put your name on their waiting list.

There is nothing wrong at all in approaching more then 1 breeder.  As long as you are straight forward but what if there's no boys in the litter?  Or only two and your 3rd on the list?  It would be a watse of time then waiting for another litter, so approach any breeder who's lines you are intrested in.  Maybe you won't like them, or they won't like you (unlikely but covering all angles here)  Maybe you will see the litter and just not feel that any of those pups are for you in charecter or looks? (although golden fluff balls are hard to resist!)

So go see all these breeders, be straight with them that you are also talking to other breeders as they shouldn't get funny about it (and if they do I would question if I really wanted a puppy from them)

Good luck and also have a great trip to Thailand.  I hope to go again one day.  (But enjoy the puppy more so!!! :D )

I would contact your local GR Club they can put you in touch with breeders then you can discuss litters with them.When we were looking for our male (now 4) we rang several breeders we found no problem wanting a male as most people wanted a female.I have to say I  prefer the males they all have great character.
When we then wanted a female we went back to the same breeder as we knew the temprement of his dogs , but we had to wait nearly 12 months though as he wasnt breeding from his girl until the end of that year,but it was worth the wait!so contact as many as possible....