Yankee Breeders’ Referral Litter Listing Policy Yankee Golden Retriever Club offers the Breeders’ Referral as a service to member breeders, stud dog owners, and prospective puppy owners. Acceptance of a listing does not guarantee placement of puppies, and does not constitute endorsement by YGRC or any of its members. Neither the Yankee Golden Retriever Club nor its Board of Directors assumes responsibility for the quality, health, soundness, or temperament of any litters listed.
Yankee Golden Retriever Club recommends that a fully executed, written purchase agreement setting forth all the terms of purchase be obtained before possession of a puppy is transferred to a purchaser. YGRC members may list litters, older puppies, and adult dogs with the Breeders’ Referral Listing and in the newsletter if the breeder/stud dog owner has been a member of Yankee Golden Retriever Club for a minimum of one year, and submits the following:
Copies of akc registration certificates, thereby verifying that both the sire and dam were over 2 years old at the time of breeding. Eye clearances on both the sire and dam, issued by a veterinary ophthalmologist who is certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Clearances must be current during the time the litter is listed. Eye clearances on dogs under 8 years of age are valid only for one year from the date of issue. cerf certificates will be accepted. Hip clearances on both the sire and dam. Dogs must have final ofa Certification or PennHip Distraction Indexes below the median done at or after 6 months of age, with no radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia. Final heart clearances on both the sire and dam, issued by a veterinary cardiologist who is certified by the acvim (Cardiology). A Litter Listing Agreement, completed and signed for each litter listed.
	Yankee’s Breeder Referral program provides prospective Golden Retriever owners with information to assist with the purchase of a carefully bred Golden Retriever Puppy or adult dog. Puppies and dogs listed in the referral program are from parents who have passed a number of important health tests for hereditary disorders, especially those of the hips, eyes and heart.

In order to participate in the program, breeders must meet the following criteria:

• The breeder must have been a member of Yankee Golden Retriever Club for a minimum of one year.
• AKC registration certificates must be provided, thereby verifying that both the sire and dam were over 2 years old at the time of breeding.
• The breeder must provide eye clearances on both the sire and dam, issued by a veterinary ophthalmologist who is certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Clearances must be current during the time the litter is listed. Eye clearances on dogs under 8 years of age are valid only for one year from the date of issue. CERF certificates will be accepted.
• The breeder must provide hip clearances on both the sire and dam. Dogs must have final OFA Certification or Penn Hip Distraction Indexes below the median, done at or after 6 months of age, with no radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia.
• The breeder must provide final heart clearances on both the sire and dam, issued by a veterinary cardiologist who is certified by the ACVIM (Cardiology).

To contact a Yankee Golden Retriever Club Breeder Referral Volunteer, please call or e-mail the one closest to your home. Our volunteers will do their best to help you and your family in your search for a Golden Retriever by providing you with the names and telephone numbers of breeders who have most recently submitted the required information listed above.

We are pleased to take this opportunity to provide you with information about the Golden Retriever and to assist you in acquiring a Golden, should this be your choice. Please use the materials below to help determine if a puppy, older dog, or a rescue dog will meet your personal preferences and fit into your lifestyle.

With the increase in popularity of the Golden Retriever has come a corresponding decrease in the overall quality of some Goldens being bred. AKC papers alone are no indication of the quality of a puppy. An AKC registration form is comparable to a birth certificate, nothing more! Responsible breeders look for breeding stock that best exemplifies the breed standard. Each breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club has a written standard that describes the ideal size, color, and temperament of each breed, as well as correct proportion, structure, and movement. Click here to read the Golden Retriever Breed Standard.

In looking for a Golden puppy, you will notice that prices vary widely. Discuss costs and other issues with all the breeders you are in contact with. Be sure the breeder you choose is someone you are comfortable with; as the breeder he/she will be there to help and advise you throughout the life of the puppy. 

We wish you the best in your search and encourage you to read the following articles:

• Are You Ready for a Dog
• Is a Golden Retriever the Right Dog for You?
• Acquiring a Golden Retriever
• Don’t Buy That Puppy in the Window
• How to Select a Breeder
• About Rescue