Isn’t he cute?

Thursday, September 25th 2007, was a great day. That day we could take Quincy Onix, our third Chihuahua home.

A few months ago we had to say goodbye to our second Chihuahua, Chicco. He had a heart disease, that was so serious, that there was no quality of life anymore and we had to let him pass away. It was a very sad day and he will always be in our remembrance.

We were very lucky that we found a breeder with a nest of Chihuahua puppies, who had still some of them available. We chose Onix, as the breeder named him, and we were allowed to visit the puppy when he was 5 days old! It was a two hours drive through the Netherlands, but is was worth it! On our way home, we could think about the name we would like to give the new doggy and we had to do this the same day for the registration of the puppy. We decided for Quincy, so his name is now officially: “Quiny Onix from Crosita”

After five weeks, we did visit Quincy again and made some nice pictures. And later, on Thursday 25th, we could take Quincy home! Of course, the breeder had a hard time, she had taken care of a nest of seven puppies very intensively and had to let go most of them, but we were very happy.
On the way home, Quincy was very relaxed, not upset at all! After one hour driving he started to whine a bit. So we stopped the car and put him on a puppytrainer and YES he did pee! Great isn’t it? We came home in the evening, so Quincy had not much time to grow accustomed to us and our house, but nevertheless he was very quiet that night. He only started whining twice to go on the puppytrainer! It is a great job, the breeder did, Quincy is a very easy dog, that adjusts very quick and easy.

Now after one week, he feels completely at home, is a very happy dog, learning very quick to do his business on the puppytrainer. He sleeps a lot, including the whole night, has tons of toys to bite in, but his favorits are our socks and hands! Who cares! It is our dog and we are very HAPPY!

The beautiful Golden Retriever is a great family pet, they are friendly for children and very obedient. This breed is often used as a working dog too, they make great guide dogs for the blind or disability aid dogs. They are also used as tracking dogs for finding missing people or to detect narcotics. Although there are many dog breeds the Golden Retriever is one of the most favorite dog breeds that you can get.

Before you buy a Golden Retriever Puppy, you should take some time to learn a bit more about the breed. Ask various owners of a Golden Retriever about their dog, most owners will be happy to share their enthusiasm about their dog with you. You can visit a dog show to meet Golden Retriever owners, or go to a kennel club near you.

Ask a specific Club of this breed for a list of reliable breeders in your neighborhood. If these breeders don’t have any Golden’s for sale themselves, they will be more than willing to help you find what you’re looking for. Sometimes local member clubs are looking for new owners when a dog needs to be replaced because owners cannot take care of their dog anymore. If you are not specifically looking for a puppy, and a bit older dog is welcome in the family, this might be a good option too.

Whatever you do, and how eager you are to buy a Golden Retriever, never rush into buying, have a little patience. By taking time to make a decision you will find the right puppy for you. It is always better to buy yourself a healthy puppy from a reliable breeder or a hobby breeder who know and care a lot about the breed then a puppy from a puppy mill.

Be aware that there are less reliable breeders, who are just looking for the profits, they don’t care about breed standards and temperament. When you buy a dog from them you could be ending up with a Golden Retriever of poor quality, with poor health or with disqualifications in breed.

If you decide to buy from a quality breeder, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. When you get your puppy, you should always think long term. Your Golden Retriever pup will grow up, will be your companion and a great friend for life. With this in mind it is well worth to take the time to find yourself a healthy dog.

Author: Isabella Vreeken
Owner of Dogs Gifts and Care.