We chose a breeder based on her website, Facebook page and a phone conversation. She didn't have a company or a large breeding operation. Her priorities were clearly her family and her dogs. The puppies were born and kept in her home. They were well socialized by her family. She had a ranch up in the mountains. Also the price, She could have gotten a lot higher price than she was asking, so she obviously wasn't in it just for the money. The dogs were from a line of active hunting dogs, not just kept for breeding. We just had a good feeling about her, and we love our golden beyond words. Maybe the story of our experience will help you.