On the one hand, I think it's a good thing because only people who seriously want the responsibility of a dog will adopt one. On the other hand $1500. for a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder? Come on!
They tell you to adopt from a shelter or from a reputational breeder and I looked at the shelters but they have not Golden puppies so I try to do the responsible thing and go check out the breeders and they're all so ridiculously high I couldn't possibly afford one. I can afford about $500, which to me, sounds like a reasonable price for a pup.
But since I can't afford one from a breeder and shelters don't have any, I guess I have to go the backyard breeder route. Or buying one from a newspaper ad.
If anyone knows where I can adopt a Golden Retriever puppy for $500 or less from a good breeder than please let me know. I'm a good dog Mom. I love my dogs soooo much and they're treated very well. I've had both my dogs since they were puppies and one is 7 years old and the other is 8 years old. So, the puppy will have a home for life.

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Thank you!!!!

$1,500 for a pet quality animal is a bit much, i agree, however $900-$1,200 isn't unreasonable in my opinion.

When dealing with a reputable breeder you're dealing with someone who put a LOT of money and effort into their dogs to make sure that any pups produced are quality and healthy. The money they make does not allow for profit and you end up with a dog that has a good genetic guarantee (usually four years or life) and you'll have better assurance that the dog won't grow up to be some messed up animal that doesn't even look or act like a GR.

However if you go the cheap route and buy from a BYBer or newspaper then you're supporting people who breed unhealthy, unsound pet-quality animals for fun/profit and you'll end up with a sub-standard dog that may end up with hip dysplasia or any number of genetic conditions the BYBer failed to test for. You may also end up with a dog that have traits that you DON'T want in a GR - such as wrong color, size, proportion, temperament, etc etc.

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

If you don't want to get a pup from a responsible breeder, then at least give it some time and look for a shelter or breed rescue over the course of a couple of months. There will always be pups/dogs coming and going. I do not find there to be ANY good reason to support irresponsible breeding....

Owned by Mutt

Purebred puppies from reputable breeders are expensive. The better quality the dog, the higher the price. Quality isn't cheap. My sister recently bought a pet quality Airedale Terrier puppy for $1,000. The puppy is AKC registered, the parents are fully health tested, she got a written bill of sale from the breeder, was provided with a ton of information about caring for her new puppy, got a 1 year health guarentee...all from a breeder that has been breeding for 20 years!

Puppy prices depend on the costs of raising them. As X-rays for hip and elbow dysplasia, evaluation by OFA, eye exams and certification by CERF, thyroid checks, cardiac testing and other necessary medical tests, campaigning for championships and performance awards all cost more money every year, but are necessary to demonstrate that the parents of the pups are worthy to be parents of the next generation, puppy prices will go up. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Junk puppies cost junk prices.

You could look into golden retriever rescue in your area - you can foster dogs, or adopt from there. There aren't always puppies, but there are plenty of adult dogs that need homes (even just a temporary foster home) and if you avoid backyard breeders and pet stores it discourages breeding of puppies that won't have a chance to get a good home.

You can be buying a dog from a backyard breeder and still pay $1500 for it. But, for the most part, you get what you pay for. Please don't buy from a pet shop, newspaper, or breeder. Try a Golden Retriever Rescue before you encourage greedy, money-hungry people to breed more sick puppies.

Why not talk to a few reputable breeders and see if they have an older show prospect puppy that failed to make the grade? They usually will place them in a pet home on a spay/ neuter contract for a reduced rate, (sometimes FREE!) but don't expect it to happen overnight.

$500, you are going to get backyard breeder garbage. A well bred Golden pup from a reputable breeder will cost about $900-$1500+.

Newspaper adds aren't always backyard breeders.