When you’re trying to pick a hunting dog, there’re a multitude of factors to consider. Probably the most important is the breeder you’ll be buying from. It’s the breeder you’ll have a contract with, the breeder you’re giving your money to and ultimately the breeder who is responsible for ensuring your pooch gets the best possible start in life.Look for a breeder who is well established, and has a good reputation with the local community as well as in the wider ‘dog breeder’ circles. Choose a breeder who focuses on a particular kind of retriever – some breeders will breed just about anything, and you’re not interested in ‘just anything’, you’re interested in a great dog that gets results. Your chosen breeder should provide appropriate certificates to show that the sire and dam of the litter are free from hip, eye, elbow and other common health defects.Also, aim to find a breeder with good show and hunt trial credentials. Some breeders do not show or trial their dogs, and there’s nothing wrong with that providing the pedigree they can offer is beyond reproach. However, a breeder who also hunts, or enters their dogs in competitions, has a vested interest in ensuring the pups they produce meet exacting standards.
