OH's uncle has just lost his Golden Retriever of 15 years.  He's devastated and wants to get another one: he doesn't do the internet so has asked us to keep eyes / ears open for any litters.  The thing is, he's 74 now, so am I right in thinking that most breeders wouldn't consider selling him a puppy?  I feel very sad for him - he's on his own as his beloved wife died about 10 years ago, they owned GRs all their lives and he can't imagine being without one.  But I know that if I were a breeder I'd be concerned about his ability to look after a dog in 14 years time.  An older dog could be an option, but how many adult GRs come up for rehoming?  I really don't think he'd consider another breed.

I think that many breeders would think that with his experience, he would be ideal for one of their older dogs that they may be thinking of rehoming.

I give my dogs a good 'dog home' but if a person like your Uncle comes along, and can give them one-to-one attention, then I seriously consider it.

If you contact a Golden Retriever Club secretary or two, there will be a lot in the country, then they may well know of someone who would love to meet him.

If he is fit enough now to cope with the demands of a youngster AND can demonstrate that he has thought about the future for his dog then he may be considered.  If he can find someone - you perhaps? - that would be willing to assist him and/or take on the dog at a later date if necessary then I'm sure there will be some breeders that will think he'll give one of their dogs a lovely home.  I suspect they may think a puppy too much to take on but we all know that homes can fall through and many dogs are rehomed in the first year

One of the problems is that, on paper, 74 can appear quite elderly, however I'm sure we all know a large number of people that seem to defy their age! 

He may actually find a good breeder is more accommodating and sympathetic to his requirements than the standard rescue homes who could have quite inflexible rules.

Oh you would be surprised how many older Goldens do come up. I would contact the breed societies and ask to be put on the list. I am sure they would snap his hand off to find a nice home for an older dog as most people want younger dogs. Also there is a site looking for homes for older dogs.
http://www.oldies.org.uk/
There are some Goldens on there sometimes.

Try googling golden retriever rescue....there is quite a few to choose from that may be able to help.

Irish Retriever Rescue have a dog on that site and often have older dogs needing a good home.

Thanks, everyone, for your helpful posts.  By a complete co-incidence OH took our working cocker to his gundog trainer for a session this evening and it turns out that the trainer's girlfriend has a four-year old GR bitch she wants to rehome.  What are the odds of that happening on the very same day OH's uncle phoned up to tell us to keep a lookout for one?  We had a quick look on the breeder's website and the bitch has had all the relevant health tests (with good results), and looks absolutely gorgeous.  OH's uncle has always had boys, but I'm hoping he'll go for this girl, she looks soooo adorable. 

I just had a look at that site, Harley.  I can't believe so many healthy dogs are put down in Ireland - heartbreaking.

Age shouldnt come into it!  There is no reason why an 80 year old shouldnt be able to rehome a dog.  My dad is 81 and alot fitter than many aged 60.  Providing the person is fit and capable of looking after a dog and can afford it then age shouldnt come into it.  There are obese people in their 20's that are not on par with many elderly people x

You're absolutely right, FooFoo.  It's reassuring to hear that breeders are willing to consider older buyers.  There was some research done recently which found that the average 50-year old is fitter than someone half their age.  I'm in my mid-30s and know 70 year olds that walk faster than I do (and I'm not slow!).  OH's uncle is very fit for his age - any dog he has would definitely have lots of exercise and his full attention. 

Hi, just wondering Rosemarie if your relative ended up taking on the 4 year old GR bitch ? I am sure whatever decision he makes he will soon (if not already) welcome another GR into his home. Best of luck to him

> but how many adult GRs come up for rehoming?

tonnes, as will all popular breeds. i think an older one would be a good plan.

has he thought about fostering perhaps? then he'd not have the commitment of one dog but get the companionship while doing good works

> It's reassuring to hear that breeders are willing to consider older buyers. 

I always consider older people for my dogs.  They are far more likely to know what they're looking for, and not buy on a whim.  And, let's face it, we all want forever homes for our precious dogs.

I would hate to think that someone would say I can't have a dog in case it outlives me!  But I do delicately bring up the question while vetting older people.  I remember one 80 year old lady - her daughter and son in law brought her to view pups.  I mentioned that, should she have one, I would want the dog returned to me if she dies.  The son in law told me to stand in the queue!!!!   It seems that some folk do consider things like this when they are genuine dog lovers.

Hi cavlover.  He's thinking about the bitch (hasn't made contact with the breeder yet) but really would prefer a dog.  He and his wife always had boys and he's quite adverse to change generally.  Selfishly I'll be quite disappointed if he decides not to have her as I thought she looked lovely, and OH met her when he took Barney for training and really liked her too.  But it's a big decision for OH's uncle, particularly so soon after the death of his oldie, so we're trying to take a back seat.
Astarte - I don't think he'd go for the fostering.  He was so focused on his last dog and they were such great companions that I couldn't imagine him having one for the short term.  It would be too much of a wrench to see the dog go.  I'm not sure I could do it either, though I have great admiration for those that do.

Sadly there are hundreds od dogs in rescue homes right here in England, Wales and Scotland. Hardly a week goes by and one rescue or another contacts the paper to try to get a few column inches to ask for help with rehoming some of their dogs or for funds to keep going.

Not too long ago I had a council (I think it was Staffordshire) contact me, to ask if we could put an appeal in our paper for help. They had so many dogs mainly staffordshire BTs and crosses in, that they were having to reconsider their policy which had always been to never put a healthy dog down but sheer numbers were making this impossible.