Where can I find golden retriever puppies for sale in Washington State?
I’ve been googling for weeks, looking in the papers, and haven’t come across any that aren’t thousands of dollars. I’m also looking for the dark coated golden retrievers. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance 
I know the difference between backyard breeders and reputable breeders. I’m having trouble seeking reputable breeders. I know golden retrievers don’t need to be thousands of dollars either, unless I’m looking for champion bloodlines. I own a golden currently but that was through a friend of a friend.
Unfortunately, you’re not going to find a well-bred, healthy puppy in a newspaper or craigslist. You need to visit the breed club and contact breeders from there. http://www.grca.org/allabout/a_find5.html
What you’re looking for, at the VERY least, is a breeder who shows/works their dogs and thus titles them, and furthermore has all of their dogs screened for genetic disease (you’ll notice that by CERF, OFA or PennHip by the dog’s show win photographs, most likely). Those dogs will set you back $1,000 or more, but that is the biggest expense you’ll have, because you’re buying a healthy dog that won’t need knee surgery or cancer treatments in a few years.
Anyone else is just a backyard breeder or puppy mill, breeding dogs that may or may not resemble a golden retriever, breeding all dogs regardless of health or titles, etc. Those dogs are cheap at first but then the medical bills start coming. Never mind it breaks your heart to watch your friend become crippled due to a fatal, painful congenital disease.
As far as color, goldens ran the gamut between a creamy white and a dark copper; it really just depends upon genetics. A good breeder will be able to refer you to another breeder that has the look you’re after if they don’t have a puppy that suits you.
Best of luck to you, and I hope this is helpful!
: )
