So You’re Looking for a Stud Dog
This world doesn’t need more Golden Retrievers, it needs better Golden Retrievers.
One of my goals as a breeder is to attempt, to the best of my ability, to improve quality with each litter I produce. By that I mean I try to produce puppies that are better than their parents. There are responsibilities inherent in creating new lives, whether I am breeding one of my own bitches or accepting outside bitches for breeding to one of my stud dogs, and I accept those responsibilities with great seriousness. I try to protect those new lives by giving them the best possible start… from the "quality control" of the physical and mental soundness of the parents to ensuring the pups’ placement into suitable homes.
The following list represents my basic requirements for bitches to be bred to one of my males. I know very well that the quality of many bitches will be below that of my males, and I respect the owners of those bitches for wanting to improve on what they have. I can be very lenient when it comes to some faults, but there are certain other types of faults on which I cannot and will not compromise. I have the reputation of my stud dog to consider as well as the generations of dogs which may descend from my stud dog and your bitch. I evaluate each bitch on a case-by-case basis and will give yours thorough and fair consideration. I promise.
In general, my requirements are:
Bitches must be permanently identified with either a tattoo or microchip.
Possess no "disqualifying faults" as defined by the current American Kennel Club Golden Retriever Breed Standard.
Possess either an OFA, GDC, or PennHip hip dysplasia clearance. (Elbow clearance highly desirable and recommended.)
Possess eye and heart clearances performed by board-certified veterinary specialists.
Display no faulty temperament traits (excessive aggressiveness or shyness).
No familial history of known hereditary disorders such as epilepsy, entropion, SAS, etc.
For natural breedings, proof of current rabies (within 3 years) and distemper/parvo/kennel cough (within 1 year) vaccinations, and a recent (within 30 days) negative brucella test are required. (Other health clearances MAY be required in some cases.)
A copy of your bitch’s 3-generation pedigree (minimum... 5-6 generation preferred).
A good videotape and/or photos of your bitch if I am unable to go over her personally prior to agreeing to the breeding.
A copy of the puppy sales contract you will use. Note: Puppies sired by my stud dogs must be sold/placed directly into their new homes by the breeder, NOT sold to or displayed in any retail establishment such as a pet store. Every reasonable attempt (interviews, home visits, etc) must be made to ensure the new owner(s) are suitable and prepared to own a Golden Retriever puppy before agreeing to a sale. All puppies sired by RDO stud dogs sold as "pets" MUST be sold on AKC Limited Registration.
I reserve the express right to refuse to service your bitch at any time for any reason.