How Breeder Referral Works at the Golden Retriever Club of Greater St. Louis

The Golden Retriever Club of Greater St. Louis (GRCGSL) offers a breeder referral service for anyone with questions about finding or buying a Golden Retriever. It is a contact-and-advice channel run by club members, not a marketplace: the club does not sell dogs through this page, and the people listed are club members you call or email directly. If you are looking for a responsible starting point before you talk to breeders, this is what the club provides.

What the club actually offers

According to the club's website, breeder referral exists to answer questions about finding or buying a Golden Retriever. The page lists two club members as contacts:

You can reach either one by email or phone. The club describes these as GRCGSL club members, so expect a volunteer who can talk through the process rather than a sales line.

What breeder referral is not

• It is not a listing of puppies currently available.
• It is not a purchase transaction handled by the club.
• It does not guarantee a specific breeder, price, or timeline.

The club's stated mission is to promote the Golden Retriever breed through educating the public, and breeder referral fits that mission as an information service. Treat any recommendation as a starting point, not an endorsement you can skip verifying.

How to use it

1. Decide what you want to ask. Typical questions: how to identify a responsible breeder, what health clearances to expect, what questions to ask, and how long a wait might be.
2. Contact Kim or Suzanne using the email or phone above. Email lets you write out your situation; phone is faster if you have several questions.
3. Expect a conversation, not a catalog. The member can share guidance and possibly point you toward breeders, but you still do the outreach.
4. Verify before committing. Ask any breeder about health testing, temperament, and how they raise puppies, and confirm details independently.

Verifying a breeder yourself

Because the club does not screen transactions, do your own checks:

• Ask for health clearances on the parents and, where applicable, the puppy.
• Ask to see where the dogs are kept and how puppies are socialized.
• Ask about the breeder's involvement in the breed community.
• Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to pay before you have seen health documentation or met the dogs.

Other ways to get involved

The same club runs meetings and activities that can put you in touch with experienced owners. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month except December, July, and August, starting at 7:00 pm, at Schroeder Park, Room A, 359 Old Meramec Station Rd, Manchester, MO 63021. The club also lists areas of interest including Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Dock Diving, Fast CAT, and Agility, and it publishes a newsletter you can subscribe to by email. Attending a meeting or event is a practical way to meet members and ask breeder questions in person.

Quick answer

If you want guidance on finding or buying a Golden Retriever in the St. Louis area, contact Kim Jaeger ([email protected], 314-277-3317) or Suzanne Wakefield ([email protected], 636-677-1273). Use them for advice and direction, then verify any breeder's health testing and practices on your own before you buy.