Golden Retrievers
What range of colours can Golden Retrievers be?
Golden Retrievers can range from white to a dark gold/red colour.
What is the temperament of Golden Retrievers?
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, affectionate, and intelligent temperament.
They are generally very sociable dogs, enjoying the company of people, other dogs, and even strangers. They are often described as “people-oriented.” They are known for their loving nature and enjoy being around their family members. They tend to be gentle, especially with children and elderly people. This makes them excellent family pets.
Golden Retrievers are highly trainable due to their intelligence and strong desire to please their owners. They excel in obedience and enjoy learning new tricks. They also need regular mental stimulation and exercise. They enjoy outdoor activities like fetch, swimming, and running.
Our practices as a breeder
What health testing do you perform on your breeding dogs?
We conduct comprehensive health screenings on our breeding dogs, including hip and elbow evaluations, eye examinations and genetic testing for common breed-specific conditions. If any of our dogs show any risk of genetic conditions or diseases, we do not use them for breeding.
How do you socialise the puppies before they go to their new homes?
Our puppies are exposed to various sights, sounds and experiences. They are introduced to different environments, people of all ages, other dogs and other animals. We play the radio and run the lawnmower so they won’t be surprised by different kinds of sounds. They are well-handled through interacting with ourselves and visitors, so they are used to all different kinds of people.
Can I visit the facility and meet the parent dogs and puppies?
Absolutely! We encourage potential clients to visit our facility and interact with our parent dogs and puppies to ensure a good fit.
Purchasing a puppy
What is the average wait time for a puppy?
The wait time can vary depending on demand and planned litters. Please contact us directly at any time for availability and estimated wait times.
What kind of support do you provide to new puppy owners?
We offer ongoing support, including guidance on training, health care and general well-being, to ensure a successful lifelong bond between the owner and their puppy.
Dog health
What is hip and elbow scoring and how is it done?
Like other medium and large dogs, Golden Retrievers can be susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. To address this risk, hip and elbow scoring is an important test for breeding dogs. The scoring is performed under X-ray and assessed by a specialist veterinarian. They assess the shape and alignment of the hip and elbow joints to look for signs of hip or elbow dysplasia. The joints are then scored based on their degree of abnormality. Hip and elbow scoring cannot be accurately performed until the dog is 12-18 months old. This age range ensures that the joints are fully developed and any signs of dysplasia can be clearly identified. It is not possible to perform this test on a puppy. Therefore, it is important to choose a puppy who has a good genetic history free from these kinds of genetic conditions, to lower the risk of these issues arising later in life.
What is hip and elbow dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis or pain. In a healthy hip joint, the ball (femoral head) fits snugly into the socket (acetabulum). When dysplasia occurs, the joint becomes loose, which can lead to deterioration over time.
Elbow dysplasia is another hereditary condition that affects the elbow joints, often leading to arthritis. It occurs when the bones in the elbow don’t align properly, which causes abnormal wear and tear.
These genetic conditions tend to appear later in life, and can negatively impact the dog’s quality of life, as well as causing the owner unnecessary upset and expense. It is important to do everything possible to avoid the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia by ensuring you choose a puppy with a clear genetic history.
What is DNA testing?
DNA testing involves analysing a dog’s genetic material (DNA) to obtain information about its ancestry, health, and potential genetic disorders. This type of testing is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners and breeders to better understand a dog’s health, behaviour, and lineage.
What is heart and eye testing?
Heart and eye testing for dogs refers to veterinary diagnostic procedures designed to assess the health of a dog’s heart and eyes. These tests help detect genetic, congenital, or age-related conditions that could affect a dog’s quality of life and guide preventative or corrective measures. For responsible breeders, heart and eye testing are crucial for screening dogs for genetic conditions that could be passed on to offspring.