Where you buy your puppy from is a hugely important decision.
It has ramifications in terms of cost, how healthy your dog is likely to be and ultimately your happiness.
The choice ranges from the friend of a friend who is selling a puppy, through to getting a pedigree animal from one of many accredited breeders of golden retrievers.
Let's get the easy one out of the way.
Never buy from a classified ad or the man down the pub.
You run a real risk that your dog will have come from a puppy farm.
These dogs are bred purely for profit.
They are overbred, many of them are unhealthy and they usually live in appalling conditions.
The pups are taken away from their mothers prematurely and distributed to dealers.
This traumatises the dog, gives him the worst possible start, and increases the risk of behavioural and health issues.
The fact that the dog may have a pedigree is irrelevant.
If you're tempted, at least ask to see the puppy with its mum.
If you receive a convenient excuse, at least you know who you're dealing with.
Don't do it.
Unfortunately, these dealers also operate through some pet stores.
Go instead to a genuine dog breeder to give yourself the best chance of adopting a dog which will enjoy a long and happy life.
The Kennel Club (KC) in the UK, by way of example, will introduce you to accredited breeders, or breeders selling puppies which are KC registered.
They also offer a "Find a Puppy" service.
KC equivalents in other countries offer broadly similar services.
Accredited breeders must agree to follow KC recommended breeding guidelines.
These are all designed to protect and promote the wellbeing of the breed.
They have a health screening scheme; they ensure that puppies are seen with their mothers; they answer your questions about your chosen breed; and they'll give you written information about socialising and training your puppy.
You will also have a point of contact throughout your dog's life, designed to ensure that you and your dog have the best of relationships.
Or you could go to your local KC registered Breed Club, which are also excellent.
These are run by breed enthusiasts, who will recommend legitimate dog breeders to you.
In the UK, all Breed Clubs registered with KC are required to adopt the KC code of ethics.
So, what can you reasonably expect from a KC accredited golden retriever breeder? They will always give you the opportunity to see the puppy with its mum, and its brothers and sisters.
This will help you gauge your puppy's likely temperament and characteristics; They will let you see all of the puppies together and also handle them, not just the one you are interested in; If your puppy is advertised as KC registered, you will get the registration certificate; A sale contract which sets out your mutual responsibilities to the puppy.
The breeder will explain any endorsements relating to your dog's health.
This is sometimes done to protect the breed against genetic weaknesses being reintroduced; Written advice on things like feeding, worming, immunisation, training and exercise; If you have bought a pedigree dog, details of its ancestry; Copies of any health certificates for the mum (dam) and dad (sire); And details of vaccinations your puppy has had, and needs.
At the other end of the spectrum from puppy farms, the purpose of the KC Accredited Breeder Scheme is to raise the standard of breeding and give everyone the best possible chance of adopting a puppy which will live a healthy, long and happy life.
This empowers you to make the right buying choice, distinguishing between genuine breeders interested in the dog's welfare, and those who intentionally disregard it.
You could buy your dog from a classified ad or pet shop, and get a perfectly good dog.
You are however taking a risk.
You can't tell just by looking at the pup.
Because your dog will be so involved in your family life and affections, don't take that risk.
At the very least, give your local Breed Club a try.
Invest wisely in choosing, training and caring for your golden retriever.
Then look forward to many happy days.