I finally chose to get my new puppy from Ken and Trudy Blanchard's Ginger Goldens because they fit every criterion of the highest possible standards, ethics and responsibility in breeding.

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Both Ken and Trudy are active members and officers of the Golden Retriever Club of Northern California. At the time of this writing, Ken is the current president. Ken is also a licensed obedience judge. As members of the GR club they are actively involved in promoting ethical breeding and research to maintain the highest standards in health, genetics and temperament of the breed.

Ken and Trudy have been breeding goldens for over 25 years. Although their dogs have conformation, obedience and hunting titles, they are primarily beloved members of the family. They share their home and even their bed with them and they are not relegated to living outdoors or in kennels. They are part of the household. They breed infrequently and concentrate on intelligent, good looking and wonderfully temperamented puppies.

Trudy and Ken only breed dogs that pass every health clearance (for Goldens it would be hips, elbows, heart and eye) and temperament test possible. Ken and Trudy exceed the standards and criteria I describe below as the only acceptable means of selecting a breeder.

1. The breeder is very knowledgeable about the breed's health, temperament and structure. They are members of their breeds local or national club so they stay informed on the latest research and findings concerning their breed. The dog's health and temperament are a priority over its conformation although they are aware of maintaining the breeds standard.

2. They do not breed the dog before it is 2 years old. Many genetic problems do not manifest until the dog is 2 years old. Their stock is tested not just once, but yearly for genetic problems and if a problem is seen, the dog is not bred. They will be able to present to you certification that their breeding stock is free of known genetic problems of the breed for multiple generations. A super good breeder such as Ken and Trudy will follow as much as possible, the health and temperament of all their puppies for their lifespan and even request that the new owners test their dogs when they mature to be sure a genetic problem doesn't suddenly manifest. If anything shows up, then the dog is not bred again to prevent the genes from spreading to future generations. And no dog is bred season after season after season, unless of course it's a male dog just donating his sperm.

3. They will interview you to make sure you will be a responsible owner and that you're well equipped with information and referrals for help with grooming, training, etc. They will not sell a puppy to a home where there's a good chance the puppy will be neglected or mismanaged. They will assist in selecting a puppy for your needs and lifestyle and may even refuse to sell you a puppy no matter how much compensation you offer.

4. They will not sell littermates to the same household.

5. They will make you sign a contract stating that if for any reason you cannot or will not keep the puppy, regardless of the reason, you are to return the dog to them or they must approve of the new home the dog goes to