WHAT ARE COMMERCIAL BREEDERS?
Commercial breeders are ppeople/companies that have more than just a couple litters a year and have many litters annually year in and year out. While they might not breed dogs if they could not make money, that is often not the only consideration. We have acquired dogs from commercial breeders and would do so again.
Some of these breeders go back to a time when many of the best kennels developed impactful breeding programs because they were able to support large numbers of dogs. Indeed some of these people started with some of the foundation dogs of our breed. Others started as hobby breeders having occasional litters, and now have four to ten litters a year, which certainly moves them into this category. Some of them like to be able to constantly be showing their own dogs and that means they need to breed often.
Those of us who see Goldens more as pets and companions, and who tend to house dogs in our living rooms and on our beds, are distressed by large numbers of dogs spending most of their hours in kennels or crates. But some of these breeders have been involved with Goldens for many years. Some have their best dogs exhibited by top handlers with a view toward achieving their Championships and more, and of course the monies from their puppy sales goes to fund this activity. Some of the dogs from these kennels have won top honors at dog shows.
Since commercial breeders do treat this as a business (they will always have business cards available), consumers are usually protected in dealing with them. These people would not be successful without good customer service and customer relations. Some of the larger operations employ a staff of people to care for the dogs. And even those who don't have paid help, do not stint on care. These dogs are their assets and their livelihood.
Commercial breeders typically get all the necessary eye, hip, elbow and heart clearances that are recommended by the Golden Retriever Club of America. Many of these breeders are active in the National and local Golden Retriever Clubs and some are AKC judges.
In reality, small scale breeders, hobby breeders, breed for themselves. So serious hobby breeders will never produce enough dogs to meet the requirements of those who want Goldens. And these commercial operations are far superior, for dogs and people, than the puppy mills and backyard breeders.
Note: None of the dogs shown in this website are from commercial breeders.