Kelly & Monty (NJ) at a dog friendly resort on Lake Champlain in Vermont
Health:
We screen for more than the reccommended health issues for our breed. It is important that buyers keep their puppies at a lean, healthy weight, especially
during growth phases which is through 18 months of age. The Golden Retriever Club of America has outlined the main health issues here:
common hereditary problems that may be encountered in Goldens. Even though the parents as well
as every dog in several generations have been screened free of disease, the problems are still in the breed and can occasionally still arise -- especially
joint issues if a dog is raised overweight. We also keep track of any heath anomalies, to make sure there isn't a pattern of anything. We screen for many issues, but
there are health problems are in the breed,
and it is very important that we keept track for our breeding program.
The average price for a well bred, 8 week old golden retriever puppy, with at least 4 consecutive generations of EVERY
golden in their pedigree having the required health clearances of that time, is usually around $1,500 depending on what
part of the country you are in. The breeder should compete in AKC events with their dogs, titling their dogs they use in
their breeding program. If the breeder does NOT actively compete in any AKC venue to prove their dogs ability, and their
breeding stock does not sport ANY titles before or after the sire or dams name? You should be paying much, much less as
health clearances on just the parents typically do not cost that much compared to the price of ONE well bred puppy.
If the parents of the puppy do not carry the four recommended clearances: OFA hips, elbow, CERF eye & Cardiologist heart clearances -- you may be paying for joint problems in the future.
Reputable breeders have over 4 generations of EVERY dog in the parents' pedigree having health clearances. These are listed in the OFA or K9 Data databases and should
be easily found. Puppies older than 8 weeks will have an at-cost addition which includes vet care and training.
Well bred goldens have consecutive generations of EVERY dog in it's pedigree having health clearances. Do not be fooled into paying boutique prices for poorly bred puppies based solely on marketing of color. All golden retrievers should be tested for hips, elbows, eyes and heart. Prelim clearances have a high percentage of clearing at 24 months of age, but of the parents are older than 2 years of age --- if they only have prelim hip & elbow clearances....that is not considered having all health clearances if the dog is over 24 months of age. Final OFA's are full clearances as OFA has established 24 month of age the best age to evaluate breeding stock for joint disorders. Clearances are very inexpensive compared to the cost of a puppy, there is no excuse to not have final OFA hip and elbow clearances.
COLOR:
There is only one golden retriever, and "white"
or "platinum" is not an option listed on an AKC registration paper. AKC only registers golden retrievers as "light golden, golden and dark golden."
As someone who has shown dogs in Europe and attended the largest dog show in the world, the World Dog
Show, reputable golden retriever breeders in Europe will not sell well bred breeding stock to breeders who
advertise "white" or "cream/creme" golden retrievers or people who don't show their dogs. Reputable breeders do not market their goldens by color.
Temperament:
We are very proud of the temperaments of our dogs and puppies and work hard to only breed dogs that are in keeping with the expected temperament in our
standard. We only breed dogs who's temperaments are what we would want to live with in our house. We are always hearing from our puppy people and their veterinarians praising the temperaments on our goldens. Temperaments are a result of the
parents and their background, the way we raise our puppies, and the care their families that then raise them. Some people actually
expect goldens to behave, react, and think like humans -- they are dogs which need training to shape their behavior.
Mattiaci Le Rouge, AKA Lily Ulitin of CA shown Above
All puppies are socialized with children from birth, and other dogs before they leave for their new families. They are outgoing, confident and crate trained
from our every day work we do with them. The work we do with them and the attention we give them makes the transition to their new homes easier on both the
puppy and new family. By the time they join their new families, puppies are crate trained and started on basic manners. Our puppies leave pre-spoiled for their new homes.
Tommy & Harley in IL
Puppies need continuing socialization after they are transferred to their new home. Puppy Kindergarten classes, followed by a basic
obedience classes are usually available. Always thoroughly screen the trainer you are going to make sure you have similar training philosophies. Positive training methods are best,
which can include Clicker Training for those with good timing and coordination. Watch a class before you sign up for classes and make sure you are comfortable
with methods, how dogs are controlled, how much individual attention clients receive and if the current clients are pleased with their progress.
"Buddy" Witkin in CO, shown above
Breeding:
All of our dogs going to homes that are not going to be shown or competing in higher level competitive events are sold on a spay/neuter contract
and AKC limited registration. AKC limited registered dogs can compete in any AKC event and junior
showmanship except for conformation events meant for breeding stock. We do not sell any dogs on full registration unless they are sold on show
contracts and will be shown. We do sell dogs on full registration for those wanting to title the dog in higher level of obedience and field
events, but only if the home has prior experience and can prove prior titled dogs such as a UD, SH or MH.
Shown Above: Mattiaci Turin of Stormy Point with her owner Jan (CENTER) at the January 2008 Florida circuit.
Housing & Training:
Goldens are people dogs. They require human interaction, physical touch and attention. They do not do well if left crated for long periods of time, or are left
in the back yard to live. Goldens are one of the easiest breeds of dog to train, as they love any activity with their owner and their food motivation. Our
goldens are only trained with a soft cotton slip leash, positive motivation and food -- a chain collar is not required.
Grooming:
Goldens require regular grooming: bi-monthly ear cleaning, occasional brushing, combing and trimming. There are 4 main tools used when grooming any golden: metal comb, pin or slicker
brush, nail trimmers and any pair of sharp scissors for trimming hair on their feet and ears. Their ears should be cleaned monthly and hair removed around the base.
It is simple enough to groom your golden daily yourself, however, if you must use a groomer make sure that dogs are not left to be over heated in cages or left noosed on grooming
tables unattended. If you live locally, I am available to groom your golden.
Lily Ulitin of CA shown above with her little boy.
Stud Service:
We do not offer public stud service to pet bitches.
Boarding:
We recommend doggy daycare as necessary, however, be very wary of any boarding facility that allows dogs to run in packs. These facilities may take
your puppy to the vet after they've been attacked by another dog, but your puppy may never be the same in dog social dog situations.
Boarding is available at Mattiaci at the rate of $10/day, you provide the food. Dogs are bathed the day before they are due to go home.
Jamie & Chase, VA
Return policy:
We want any dog that we bred returned to us, for any reason, at any time of it's life to ensure a lifetime home placement. We've only had 4 in 25 years due to:
sickness, death, moving and lifechange -- never the dogs' fault.
Shown Above: Chloey and baby (PA)
ClickHEREto return to the main page:
Mattiaci Golden Retrievers.
