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Is a deposit required?
Yes, after your application is approved and you wish to be on the wait list, there is a $50 fee to be added to the wait list.  After the pregnancy is confirmed, I start taking deposits, $200, to be placed on the "reserved" list.  These fees go towards the total purchase price of the pup.   Why deposits?  Because so many people ask to be on the waiting list and then they change their mind.  Sometimes the wait list is long, and I take a lot of time contacting people who are no longer interested.  Serious buyers don't mind being on a wait list and waiting for the right puppy to be born.

How big will the adult dogs get?  And should I get a male or female?
One thing to consider when selecting a male or female puppy should be the weight and height of an adult Golden Retriever. Males measure about 23 – 24 inches  in height at withers (shoulder) and weigh approximately 85 to 95 lbs. Females stand 21-1/2 – 22-1/2 inches at the withers and weigh approximately 65 to 75 pounds at maturity. The difference in temperament of a male and a female is not noticeable, they are both very sweet and easy to train.

 

Should I crate train?

YES ! Crate training is the best way to house train your golden retriever.  I will provide information on this, but there are lots of good training videos on youtube and general information online about crate training.  Feel free to start reading up on this.  It is a great way for your pup to learn that the crate is a safe place, and you don't have to worry about what they are getting into at night.  There are wonderful youtube videos on every aspect of training, I have looked up many "problem" behaviors and found ways to train on them.

 

What size crate should I get?

My adult goldens sleep in a 36" long x 22" wide x 23" tall crate.  For a bit more room, a 42" crate is also a good option, especially if you know the sire and dam are larger, stockier goldens.  You will want to start out with a smaller one for the puppy, or get one with a divider that can be adjusted as the pup grows.

  

Can I come visit the kennel?

Yes, you can come visit the dam pretty much any time.  The only sire I own is Rocky, so you can meet him.  Occasionally, I use another sire, that is not on site, and may live out of state, so you couldn't meet him.  I will restrict visits of the pups unless you are on the "reserve" list.  There is such a huge concern over Parvo until pups are fully vaccinated that I will be very careful about visitors.  You may be asked to leave your shoes outside, wash your hands, not wear any clothing that has had other animals touch it, and not bring animals to my home.  You are welcome to see my whelping and kennel area, along with my other dogs, so you can evaluate conditions for yourself.  My pups are raised in my living room so they get lots of socialization and attention.  

How do we pick a puppy?

It is generally best to let the breeder pick the pup for you.  You have told me what you want in a dog, what your activities are, children in the home, other dogs, etc. and I will pick the best personality that I think will fit your home.  Some pups are really full of energy and play constantily with their play mates, this pup may be best suited for a home with other dogs and children.  Some pups are more solitary and play more alone, they may be better suited for single homes with no other dogs or children.  We consider all these things.  Sometimes, I may have the new owner pick their puppy.  If that is the case, then puppies are picked in the deposit order.  You can come pick your pup in person, or by photos and videos.  I have done several video chats so people can see pups "live."  Generally pups are not picked until about 6 weeks old, when they can start to see the personalities.  We ask that you pick quickly, so that the next person in line can pick.  Everyone is excited to pick quickly so they can get individual pictures of their pup, and not just pictures of the entire litter.   

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What is health testing?

Genetic testing is done on the parents, so the pups are essentially screened for the most common golden retriever genetic problems.   It is important to know the parents are genetically clear of many diseases.  A parent may be a carrier of a specific genetic disease, this is ok, as long as they are not bred to another genetic carrier.  We want to provide pups with the best possible health clearances, so they are not affected by these diseases.  Other health clearances include, hips and elbows, eyes, heart, and many of the genetic diseases common to golden retrievers.  All these things are carefully screened to help provide a very healthy pup!  Please consider that all these health clearances on the parents are very expensive.  This results in more expensive pups, but hopefully will save money on vet bills in the long run, and provide the new owner with a wonderfully healthy puppy.  So if you are shopping for a less expensive pup, please look carefully at the health clearances of the parents, buying a "cheap" pup can really break your heart and your bank down the road.

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Do you offer Full Registration?

No, full registration is allowing the pup to be used for breeding.  I only sell my pups with Limited AKC registration, which means they are for pet homes, not sold with breeding rights.  I require spay and neutering within 12 months, or upon the recommendation of your vet.  My pups are not to be bred intentionally or unintentionally.

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What is the difference between an American Golden Retriever and an English Cream Golden Retriever?

AKC recognizes both as simply Golden Retrievers. The term “English Cream Golden Retriever” is used in the U.S. to distinguish dogs with very recent genetic lines from European kennels vs those from generations of American lines.  Today, English Golden Retrievers can be found around the world, but to be a full English Golden Retriever, the dog must have European lines from both parents' sides.  Studies show that the English Golden Retriever is a healthier dog than the American Golden Retriever.  The English Golden has lower rates of cancer.  The English golden retriever has a 19 month longer life span than the American Golden Retriever. Additionally, English Goldens have been rigorously tested for multiple generations to weed out dogs with higher genetic tendencies toward chronic issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia.  The English Golden Retriever will reach a height between 20-24 inches. Their heads are  larger and blockier than that of their American counter-parts.  Any shade of white, cream, gold, or dark red is acceptable to be called a golden retriever.  English Golden Retrievers are very loyal to their families. They are great with kids and other household pets. They are also very obedient, intelligent and trainable.

What should I think about training?

You should check with your local vet and pet stores and sign up for training.  You will enjoy your pup if he/she is trained and listens to you.  A well trained pup will give you so much enjoyment.  I also recommend youtube training videos, there are so many topics to help you with training or correcting bad behaviors.  Goldens love treats, so invest in quality treats, and reward often for good behavior.  Positive reinforcement is the way to train a Golden.

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