Frequently Asked

Questions & Answers

Choosing a breeder is a meaningful decision. Here are the answers we give most often.

Do you have any puppies available?
We might! The best way to find out, aside from reaching out directly, is to follow our social media pages. We post litter announcements and puppy availability there first.
I would like to purchase a puppy. Where do I start?
The puppy application is the first step. You can find it linked at the top of this page.
Explain your puppy buying process.
We begin with the puppy application. Once received, we review it carefully. If we feel you may be a good fit for one of our puppies, we will reach out to chat further. From there, we may contact references before making a final decision. If approved, you will receive an email letting you know that you have been added to our approved homes list. We do not place puppies strictly in traditional first come order. Instead, we match each puppy with the home we feel is the best fit based on temperament, lifestyle, and individual needs. Because of this, we may not know exactly which homes are the best fit until puppies are 7–8 weeks old and have completed their temperament and show evaluations. We understand this may not be ideal for waiting families, but we believe it is the best approach for both our puppies and our breeding program. If you are contacted about an available puppy and the timing is not right, you are welcome to remain on the list for future opportunities.
I want a show puppy. How do I get started?
Most of our puppies are placed in companion homes and are not available for showing. However, under the right circumstances, we may place a puppy in a show home. Please contact us to discuss your goals and experience.
Can I choose my own puppy?
We work together to choose the right puppy for your home. Once temperament and show evaluations have been completed, I typically present you with two to three puppies that I feel are the best fit based on what you have shared about your family, lifestyle, and goals. While I understand everyone is naturally drawn to certain puppies, my priority is making the best long-term match for both the puppy and the family.
Is a deposit required to hold a puppy?
No. We do not require a deposit, and there is no fee to get on our list. Payment is due in full at pickup. The only time we request payment in advance is if we are holding a puppy beyond eight weeks of age at the buyer's request or if a buyer has requested to pay by check.
How much do you charge for a puppy?
Our puppies are currently $3,500.
Do you offer any discounts or payment plans?
The only discount we offer is for returning families. When you purchase your first puppy from us, that purchase price is locked in for any future puppies. This is our way of saying thank you for continuing to choose us. We do not offer payment plans. However, we do accept PayPal and Venmo, both of which allow buyers to use a credit card for an additional processing fee.
Do your puppies come with AKC papers?
Yes. We register each puppy with AKC shortly after they go home. Registration is included in the purchase price. Your paperwork will be sent directly to you by AKC via email and mail.
Are your puppies sold on Full Registration or Limited Registration?
All puppies are sold on Limited Registration unless they are placed specifically as show prospects. This is the only exception we make. For show puppies, we remain co-owners until the dog earns its AKC Championship.
Can I breed my puppy in the future?
No. Puppies sold on Limited Registration are intended to be companions and may not be bred under the terms of our contract.
Do the parents have OFA clearances?
Yes. All of our breeding dogs have complete health clearances, including hips, elbows, heart, and eyes, along with appropriate genetic testing.
How can I verify the health certifications?
Health certifications can be verified through OFA. Simply search the registered name or registration number of the sire or dam. We are happy to provide this information upon request.
Do you sell puppies with a health guarantee?
Yes. All puppies are examined by a veterinarian before going home. We also provide a 72-hour health guarantee, allowing buyers to have their puppy examined by their own veterinarian after pickup. In addition, we provide a one-year genetic health guarantee covering serious inherited conditions that prevent the dog from being a functional companion, subject to the terms outlined in our contract. While no breeder can guarantee a dog will never develop a health issue, we work hard to reduce risk through comprehensive health testing, pedigree research, and careful breeding decisions.
Are your puppies examined by a veterinarian before going to their new homes?
Yes. Every puppy receives a veterinary examination prior to going home.
How do you socialize your puppies?
We loosely follow Puppy Culture principles and incorporate both ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction). Our puppies are handled daily from birth and raised inside our home, where they are exposed to normal household sights, sounds, scents, and activities.
At what age do puppies go home?
Our puppies typically go home during their eighth week of life. Occasionally, we may hold back more than one puppy for a short period while making final decisions regarding potential show or breeding prospects.
Do you sell puppies out of the country?
United States and Canada only
Do you sell service dogs?
No. Service dogs perform incredibly important work, and we have tremendous respect for them. However, our program is focused on producing family companions rather than dogs specifically selected and trained for service work.
Can I visit your home and meet the puppies?
To protect the health of our puppies, we generally do not allow visitors into our puppy areas. Many serious canine illnesses can be unknowingly carried on shoes, clothing, or personal items. While we understand the desire to visit in person, the health and safety of our litters must always come first.
Do you provide a written contract for the sale of your puppies? Can I review it in advance?
Yes. All puppy placements include a written contract. We typically send the contract for review before pickup day. If you would like to review a copy before submitting an application, please reach out. Please note that our contract may be updated periodically, so the version you review in advance may differ slightly from the version used when your puppy goes home.
Are you a member of any Golden Retriever or local dog clubs?
We have recently applied for membership with the Golden Retriever Club of America and will update this page once our membership is finalized. We also participate in AKC conformation events and remain committed to continuing our education and involvement within the Golden Retriever community.
How many litters do you typically have per year?
At this time, we typically have one litter per year.

Ready to take the next step?

The warmest way to begin a conversation about a Galvan puppy is through our application.