The decision to bring a Golden Retriever into your home is one that will have a profound effect on your life. Any way you look at it, 75 lbs of hairy dog can’t help but make an impact. Make sure you are ready for the time and commitment needed before taking the plunge. Examine all the pros and cons. If dog hair bugs the hell out of you, a golden is perhaps not for you. Cleaning dog vomit with bits of tennis ball in it turn you off? Oh, oh. It could happen. Ah, the joys of golden companionship. Seriously though, you really do need to think this decision through. A dog of any kind is a lifetime commitment and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly. I breed infrequently, and only after I have given careful thought and consideration to the process. All parents of Coppermoon puppies have their 4 primary clearances (heart, eyes, hips and elbows), and we also avoid breeding dogs that have serious allergies (hotspots, skin allergies), poor temperaments not reflective of the breed, or other issues that may affect the quality of life for future offspring and their owners. My breedings at this point are primarily outcross and I am in the process of incorporating lines into my breeding program that I admire and which I feel will establish a good foundation for the future. I do not believe a championship is the sole indicator of a quality Golden Retriever, although I do attempt to finish my breeding stock in the conformation ring. That said, I have bred some of my nicest dogs from unfinished stock that had certain qualities I wanted to keep in my breeding program. I believe in looking at the big picture. Please refer to my “Litters” page for information on any upcoming plans for puppies, and always, consider rescue…especially an older Golden who may need a final loving home to rest his weary head. Contact the Golden Retriever Club of Alberta (www.grcab.com) for information on rescue dogs in our province, or your local rescue organization.