Cross Breeds

What makes some Golden Retriever puppies $300 and others as much as $1400?

Can I get a good, pet quality Golden for $300?

Public Comments

1. You can get a good quality golden for $300. Just make sure you look around at the place you are think about getting one from first it can help you a lot in your decision on where to get one. Also make sure you find out as much information about the place you are getting the puppy from first. Good luck with your new baby.
2. big differences, first, do you want a registered dog? there is one price increase, second is the amount of health testing that has gone into the lines, byb just use the dogs on their property, no plan for improving the quality of the pups they are producing, no concern for genetics, is there hip dysplasia, heart condition, eyes.... and of course titles put on the parents- be they conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, field, all of that increases the value of a dog and its progeny. good breeders breed for quality, it takes money, maybe they had the female shipped to be bred, the stud fee is often as much as a pup (in dobes it usually starts at $1000 and goes up from there). the old saying you get what you pay for applies in dogs.
3. "Can I get a good, pet quality Golden for $300?" Sometimes. Not all Golden's are equal, and the breeding can change the price of the pup dramatically. The normal Golden litter advertised in the newspaper are from parents that have never been anywhere or done anything, they are just pets. When you get into the pricey ones you will find that the parents are show champions or field trial/hunt test titled dogs. Often with years and years involved in developing the particular blood line.
4. you can get a good one for free. it really depends on who ya get it from. some breeders price their dogs outrageously high. some are better people though. as long as the dog has been well takin care of, you should be fine. check the classifieds in the paper.
5. Bloodline!
6. Yes you may be able to get a good pet quality Golden for $300, but it will probably be more expensive than that. You can also get a really bad quality dog for $1400. What is important to you since you want a pet is the health and tempement of the parents. So you want this: 1) Health checks: when you find a litter that you like, look on the ofa site www.offa.org and look up the parents. they should both be on there as tested for hips, heart, elbows, and eyes (CERF) 2) Meet at least the mother and she should be friendly to you and happy. 3) The puppies should be bright eyed, lively, and happy. They should be up to date on their vaccines and worming. Then find out what the price for those dogs may be.
7. The problem is "good" and "quality"- you can definately get a pet golden- but you are running the risk of some major issues if you go the cheap route-your $300 goldens come with no health testing, no screening, no health guarantees, and questionable parentage. If you don't want to find a reputable breeder and pay for a dog that has parents that are proven, have been health tested, and has a guarantee attached, then I would look at www.petfinder.com or find a local golden rescue in your area- Those would be my only 2 choices.
8. a $14000 golden retriever pup better be coming from a championship blood line! remember your buying your dog from a human and sometimes greed is more important than anything else. certain breeds regularly cost upwards of $1500 but that because some breeds of dogs only have one pup at a time. however much you spend and whomever you buy from, make sure you do your research. parents on site is important! proof of bloodline is important as well. if anything seems "off" check out the next breeder on the list. you may also want to consider adoption. i realize this word is taboo but it saves an innocent life as well making sure your getting a dog that fits your personality and lifestyle. good luck and use some good ole common sense and all will work out. but $1400 for a regular ole dog that will be regular ole pet is absurd!