Hi all

Sorry about starting a new post I am not registered and just a guest.

I hope I have not upset anyone over the colour, I didn't mean too. I prefer the vanilla colour and course disposition is important, oh and hip problems did not know about that one. I recently lost a dog to diabetes she was a lovely black and white border collie 15 years old, so loving and kind. I do want another dog, not just now though, as she can't be replaced - I am thinking about getting another dog in the next year, so I will have plenty of time for research.

Anyway thanks for everyone for your comments.

John Cavanagh

Why don't you register with us, it's free, and painless too:)
I have a pale gold (some would say white) Golden Retriever, many breeders have the paler coloured pups, rather than the more traditional deeper golden colour. As long as the parents have been health checked for hips etc, then you should end up with a lovely dog, however dark/pale the coat is; and don't forget that usualy the coat will get darker as the dog gets older.

liberty :)

Hi John
Yes, why not register.
I also have to agree with you. I think the pale colour is lovely. I dont think you have upset anyone, dont worry. And people are always going to have different oppinions on things. At the end of the day, get the dog which makes you happy, and as I say, they are beautiful dogs, especially the pale ones.
And I must emphasise the importance of having both parents hip scored. Its worth spending a bit more on a quality pup..plus it would save you money in the long run without all the vet bills for hip and elbow problems.
Good luck!
Steph
:)

You are entitled to your choice and opinions. The only thing I will say about the very pale Goldens is that we are seeing more eye test failours than with the darker colours

Best wishes, John

Thanks for the information.

I do not know how to go about getting a dog's hip scored. You see, my Katie was a pet and was never bred for show or competitions. I would like to learn more about the breed?

If possible can you recommend a good book on retrievers and what to look out for - Just so I don't keep asking dumb questions.

Thanks I appreciate the advise from everyone

Jay-cee

   

Hi Jay-cee

Hip scoring is somethign that you would have done to adult dogs, so the pups wouldnt have been done, but BOTH parents should be.
It is basically an x ray taken of the dogs lower end (i.e his hips and legs) and it determins the quality of the hips. Some breeds are very prone to hip displacia and to reduce the chances of having this problem, you would find out how good the hips are from both parents. Hips should be perfectly aligned.
Some breeds are more prone to it than others, retrievers are on of those breeds.
It has nothing to do with whether it is just a pet or whether you show it, it is to ensure a healthy dog.,.

Hope this helps, sorry in a bit of a rush so babbled a bit
:)

You could type it into google, then you would find out loads.
RE: Breeders, make sure they are KC reg, make sure they have had health checks and have PROOF (i.e, certificates), make sure the stud is of good quality (a good breeder would select one that had a good pedigree with champs in it, and was one itself. Stud dogs are not as black and whiteas some peolpe think, it is vital that they are good quality)

Hi,

Some useful reading would be

Golden Retriever -The Breed Standard Illustrated  by Wendy Andrews
Golden Retriever by Sally Stewart
The ultimate Golden Retriever by Valerie Foss,

That should get you started hope it helps :-)

Briony :-)

Hi all

Thanks

You've been great.

Jay-cee