10 Best Golden Retriever Breeders (2024 Updated)

Given the Golden Retriever’s outstanding beauty and popularity in the United States, it’s no wonder why Golden Retriever breeders are never out of business. If you’re looking for a breeder, this article is for you. 

In addition to their charm and wits, Golden Retrievers are extremely loyal dogs, making them great overall family pets. This explains why fanciers everywhere are always searching for reputable Golden Retriever breeders.

To help narrow down your search, we have rounded up some of the best breeders of Golden Retrievers in the United States. The breeders listed here are hand-picked for their reliability and dedication to breeding. 

10 Best Places to Buy Golden Retriever Puppies

More and more breeders specialize in Golden Retrievers, thanks to the ever-growing demand for the breed. As such, it can be challenging to find which breeders to trust and which to steer away from. 

Fortunately, this guide is here to ease your search. Read along to learn more about our picks for the best Golden Retriever Breeders specializing in different types and shades in the United States.

1. Good Life Goldens – North Carolina

Good Life Goldens is a well-known breeder specializing in breeding and selling Golden Retrievers. Their breeding program is focused on the health and welfare of their dogs.

To ensure the quality of their pups, breeders at Good Life Goldens keep their breeding stock in check. This entails performing tests on their dams and sires to ensure that they are free from genetic issues and defects. 

This keen attention to detail is indicative of their aim to produce high-quality Golden Retriever puppies. On top of health, early socialization and training are also prioritized by Good Life Goldens. 

This helps them produce well-adjusted puppies that are suitable for most households. That said, you can expect dogs from this breeder to fit easily at home.

As a testament to their high standards, Good Life Goldens is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a Breeder of Merit.

This acknowledgment is only given to breeders who exhibit responsible breeding practices and make noteworthy contributions to the improvement of a particular breed.

If you’re interested in learning more about Good Life Goldens, head over to their website, where you will find in-depth information about their breeding practices and health testing procedures. 

Good Life Goldens Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Good Life Goldens
• Address: Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
• Phone: (828) 883-2089
• Email: goodlifegr@aol.com
• Socials: Facebook, Instagram

2. Emerald Acres Golden Retrievers – California

Emerald Acres Golden Retrievers is a breeder with over 40 years of breeding experience. Patricia Greene, the founder and main breeder at Emerald Acres, has shown several of her dogs to the countless show rings.

Taking a look at her past as a dog enthusiast, Patricia’s involvement with dogs began in 1974 with Yorkshire Terriers. Shortly after, in 1979, she acquired her first Golden Retriever. 

Since then, Patricia has delved into breeding Goldens and has established herself as one of the best to ever do it. Having Patricia’s years of expertise, 

Emerald Acres is unsurprisingly one of the top Golden Retriever breeders. This breeder places a high priority on producing physically and mentally sound dogs with delightful personalities. They ensure that their dogs are not only healthy but also a joy to live with.

As with other reputable breeders, their breeding stock undergoes comprehensive health testing, including tests for hips, eyes, elbows, heart, and thyroid. These tests ensure that their puppies are free from any genetic issues. 

On top of that, their dogs are raised in a pristine and clean environment as members of the family. They are provided with ample space for exercise and socialization.

Emerald Acres Golden Retrievers Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Emerald Acres Golden Retrievers
• Address: P.O. Box 760, Rosamond, CA 93560
• Phone: (661) 256-3663
• Email: petewrk@earthlink.net

3. Storybrooke Golden’s – Virginia

If you’re looking for a reputable Golden Retriever breeder in Virginia, look no further than Storybrooke Golden’s. This breeder specializes in breeding high-quality Golden Retrievers and has been in the business since 2000.

One of the things that set Storybrooke Golden’s apart from other breeders is their focus on dog training. From the time their puppies are born, they are socialized and desensitized accordingly to prepare them for rehoming.

Additionally, this breeder also excels in customer service and transparency. They provide guarantees for all puppies they sell, including a written bill of sale detailing the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller.

To further demonstrate their commitment to responsible breeding practices, Storybrooke Golden’s participates in conformation, rally, and obedience events with AKC as well as the United Kennel Club (UKC). 

On top of all that, they also offer an extensive socialization program to prepare puppies to become service or therapy dogs.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Golden Retriever from Storybrooke Golden’s, check out their website for more information on their breeding practices and health testing procedures. 

Storybrooke Goldens Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Storybrooke Goldens
• Address: Stafford, VA 22554
• Phone: (256) 605-3699
• Email: storybrookegoldens@gmail.com

4. Ozark Mountain – California

Ozark Mountain is a breeder that has been raising and rehoming Golden Retrievers since 1998. They specialize in breeding Golden Retrievers that are easy to train and well-mannered. 

If you’re looking for a Golden Retriever that is raised for performance, such as for obedience tasks, agility, tracking, therapy, and service work, Ozark Mountain is the breeder to check out.

As with most reputable breeders, puppies from Ozark Mountain are born and raised inside the breeder’s home. Their dogs undergo house and crate training as early as a few months old. 

Basic commands like sit, kennel, off, wait, and come are taught early on to all dogs from this breeder. This is a welcome add-on, especially for first-time pet owners.

Additionally, all puppies from Ozark Mountains come with a complete medical record, pre-travel health examination, and veterinary health certification. 

Puppies are also microchipped under AKC Reunite for protection from loss, theft, or accidental separation. Puppies are also provided with all age-appropriate vaccinations and dewormings before they are rehomed.

Finally, Ozark Mountain provides a puppy care package that includes a daily feeding schedule along with the pup’s current diet, feeding times, and potty routine.

Ozark Mountain Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Ozark Mountain
• Phone: (417) 593-9149 
• Email: OzarkMtnGoldens@hotmail.com
• Socials: Facebook and Instagram

5. Old Lyme’s Golden Retrievers – Connecticut

Old Lyme’s Golden Retrievers is a Connecticut-based kennel that breeds healthy Golden Retrievers from successful working lines. 

Led by Carmen Kuegler, a trusted breeder in the space, this kennel raises some of the best family and performance dogs out there. 

Founded in 2001, Old Lyme’s Golden Retrievers has established their ground as one of the best producers of Golden Retriever dogs. Their goal of raising happy and reliable working dogs is evident in every litter they produce.

All their dogs come from dams and sires that show great potential to be successful agility, obedience, or rescue dogs. In other words, if you’re looking for a trainable dog, get one from this breeder.

As members of several breeding clubs and supporters of the AKC, the Golden Retriever Club of America, and the Hunting Retriever Club of America, this Golden Retriever breeder sticks to the best breeding practices.

On a side note, Old Lyme’s Golden Retrievers provides a health guarantee with every puppy sold. Due to high demand, however, their waitlist is always stacked.

Visit their website for more information about their breeding program, available puppies, and AKC pedigree information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them.

Old Lyme’s Golden Retrievers Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Old Lyme’s Golden Retrievers
• Address: 18 Griswold Point, Old Lyme, CT
• Phone: (860) 326-9489
• Email: oldlymesgolden@gmail.com
• Socials: Facebook

6. Show Me Goldens – Missouri

Show Me Goldens is a small, home-based breeder located in Fair Grove, Missouri. This breeder specializes in breeding healthy and happy Golden Retrievers and French Bulldog puppies. 

Kelly Sisco, their main caretaker and dog breeder of Show Me Goldens, has been breeding since 2014. Despite being relatively new to the breeding space, she has proven her commitment to raising lovable companion dogs.

All dogs from Show Me Goldens are bred from parent dogs who participate in various canine sports and activities such as scent work, rally, obedience, and conformation.

This increases the likelihood that their puppies have sound temperaments and are suitable for therapy or service work.

Puppies from Show Me Goldens are raised using the Puppy Culture Protocol, ensuring they are well-socialized from an early age. 

As with most reputable Golden Retriever breeders, Show Me Goldens offer a health guarantee and a written bill of sale along with every pup purchased from them.

If the buyer cannot keep a puppy, Show Me Goldens requires that the puppy is surrendered to them under all conditions. 

Puppies from this breeder also come microchipped and are up to date on all immunizations. Moreover, each Golden Retriever pup comes with AKC’s Puppy Protection Package. 

Show Me Goldens Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Show Me Goldens
• Address: Fair Grove, MO 65648
• Phone: (417) 209-0961
• Email: showmegoldens@gmail.com
• Socials: Facebook and Instagram

7. Golden Meadows Retrievers – California

Golden Meadows has been a top Golden Retriever breeder for more than two decades and counting. Their breeding program utilizes top-level Golden Retrievers selectively bred from the highest quality dams and sires. 

Aside from producing some of the best Golden Retrievers in the country, Golden Meadows Retrievers also breed Vizsla dogs. 

Dogs from this breeder are guaranteed descendants of champion bloodlines. In addition, their dogs are trained early on, ensuring wonderful personalities and top-notch trainability.

They have been awarded the Breeder of Merit title by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and they have shown their Golden Retrievers to conformation competitions hosted by both the AKC and the International All Breed Canine Association.

Golden Meadows Retrievers is the breeder to check out if you reside near the state of California. You can get one of their available dogs as early as eight weeks old. 

It’s also worth mentioning that this breeder is the go-to option for pet owners looking for therapy dogs and service animals.

Golden Meadows Retrievers Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Golden Meadows Retrievers
• Address: 12085 Clinton St, Moorpark, CA 93021
• Phone: (805) 532-2314
• Email: gldnmeadowsret@aol.com
• Socials: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

8. Farmsteads Puppy Paradise – Maryland

Farmstead’s Puppy Paradise is a family-owned and operated breeder with over 20 years of experience. Located on over 200 acres of land in Southern Maryland, they specialize in breeding Golden Retrievers, among other breeds.

Breeders of Farmsteads Puppy Paradise are dedicated to the health and welfare of their dogs, providing age-appropriate vaccinations, bi-weekly deworming rounds, and complete vet examinations before rehoming. 

In addition to a properly cared for pet, you will also be getting a puppy package should you decide to buy a dog from Farmsteads Puppy Paradise.

Their puppy package includes vaccination and deworming records, complete veterinary health reports, and some puppy toys and accessories to help you get started with your new Golden Retriever. 

This breeder also offers a 2-year congenital health warranty along with each puppy. Further, their customers also get lifetime breeder support. 

To purchase a puppy from Farmsteads Puppy Paradise, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot on their waitlist. This is on top of the actual purchase price, which is roughly $4,000 per puppy.

It’s also worth mentioning that Farmstead’s Puppy Paradise pre-screens families to ensure that their dogs are rehomed to deserving and loving families. That said, be sure to brush up on the ins and outs of dog adoption.

Farmsteads Puppy Paradise Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Farmsteads Puppy Paradise
• Address: 39146 Middleton Lane, Clements, MD 20624
• Phone: (301) 475-2449
• Email: farmsteadkennelsmd@hotmail.com
• Socials: Facebook

9. Heart of Gold Retrievers – Wisconsin

Hearts of Gold Retrievers is a small family-run breeder located in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Breeding since 2004, this breeder pays close attention to the health and disposition of their puppies.

They specialize in breeding English Cream Golden Retrievers and usually have available dogs all year round. 

As a reputable breeder, they are responsible enough to test their breeding stock against health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, cancers, allergies, seizures, and eye problems.

This way, you can rest assured that the dog you are getting from them is free from genetic problems.

On top of health, Hearts of Gold Retrievers also prioritizes their dogs’ temperament. As early as puppyhood, their dogs are whelped and raised in a home-like kennel facility and given plenty of attention daily.

They also potty train and crate train their dogs before rehoming them, making it easier for new owners to train their pets.

Should you get a dog from this breeder, expect to receive a written health guarantee and lifetime breeder support. Your dog will also come equipped with an AKC Microchip ID along with the necessary paperwork. 

Heart of Gold Retrievers Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Heart of Gold Retrievers
• Address: Two Rivers, WI 54241
• Email: heartsofgold@tm.net

10. Crystal Glen Kennel – Colorado

Established in 1976, Crystal Glen Kennel is a very experienced breeder. Their breeding program focuses on producing Golden Retrievers that can compete in the show ring and performance events and also be reliable family pets.

To improve the bloodlines of their Golden Retrievers, they have taken the best of the best from different countries, including Europe, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

In their 40 years of experience, they have already produced more than 50 American Champions, on top of their numerous Canadian Champions and dogs with performance titles, as well. They are also an AKC Breeder of Merit and a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA).

Being selective breeders, they only produce 1 to 3 litters per year, and they stringently screen the potential owners of their puppies to ensure that they get the best quality of life that has been started by the kennel.

Crystal Glen Kennel also offers puppy training that lasts for 1 to 2 months. This covers basic obedience and commands, crate, and housebreaking. They also offer a crash course lasting just two weeks.

Crystal Glen Kennel Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Crystal Glen Kennel
• Address: 720 W. Willox Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80524
• Phone: (970) 472-5378
• Email: goldens@crystalglen.net

Other Sources to Find Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale

If the recommended breeders currently don’t have puppies available, you can always look at other reputable sources to find Golden Retriever puppies for sale.

The list below is a round-up of some alternative sources to find Golden Retriever puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a platform run by the American Kennel Club themselves. To ensure that the standards of the breed are upheld, all breeders listed hosted on this platform are background-checked by the AKC. Check out their website from time to time to find Golden Retriever puppies for sale.
• Good Dog – Good Dog is a popular marketplace for dogs. It is renowned for its dedication to bringing reputable breeders together on a single platform. You can locate listings for Golden Retriever pups for sale using Good Dog’s intuitive search feature.
• Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is another online platform that brings reputable breeders together. Their goal is to make it easier for aspiring pet owners to source their dogs from trusted breeders. Check their listings from time to time to see if they have the Golden Retriever you’re looking for.

If you’re on a budget, you can also try looking for a Golden Retriever at a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Doing so will save you a lot of money and will also help a dog in need.

How Much Does a Golden Retriever Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses 

If you go to a responsible Golden Retriever breeder, you should expect to pay anything from $500 to $2,000 for a healthy Golden Retriever puppy.

The price of your puppy will depend on a number of factors, including its pedigree, health, lifestyle, and location. The price may even reach upwards of $3,000, especially for dogs born from champion bloodlines.

Aside from the price of a Golden Retriever dog itself, here are other expenses you need to consider:

Keep in mind that the actual costs of the items listed above may vary widely depending on the prices in your area. The estimated price can be reduced if the breeder provides some of the items on the list.

On top of these initial expenses, you also need to consider the recurring cost of owning a Golden Retriever. This includes dog treats, dog food, vet visits, and more. 

How Do You Find the Best Golden Retriever Breeders in Your Area?

The popularity of the Golden Retriever, along with the high demand for this breed, makes finding one a bit challenging. This results in a long waiting list and expensive purchase prices.

Fortunately, you can do the following to increase your luck in finding a Golden Retriever breeder in your area:

• Reach out to shelters or rescues in your area. More often than not, rescue organizations and shelters know a thing or two about reputable dog breeders. Try your luck by reaching out to pet fanciers in your local shelter and rescue and asking them if they know some trustworthy Golden Retriever breeders in your area.
• Join Golden Retriever online groups. Connecting with other Golden Retriever enthusiasts is now easy, thanks to social media groups. By joining these groups, you can reach out to other people for breeder referrals. Just make sure to do your own due diligence before transacting with anyone.
• Attend dog shows and competitions. Dog fairs and competitions are typically where breeders and owners come together. Attending these events will increase your chance of networking with other Golden Retriever fanciers. You’re also likely going to meet trustworthy breeders at such events. 

If you’re having trouble finding a reputable Golden Retriever breeder in your area, incorporate these suggestions in your search. Hopefully, with a bit of patience and perseverance, you’ll eventually find the breeder you’re looking for.

For more tips on how to find responsible Golden Retriever breeders, watch this video: 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find the Best Golden Retriever Breeder?

There are a lot of things to factor in when you’re looking for the best dog breeder. Ideally, you should look for a breeder who has already proven a thing or two in the pet industry. 

A breeder with extensive experience, good customer feedback, and who has received much recognition is the one to go for. 

To narrow down your search, you should only consider breeders recommended by the national breed club of the breed you’re interested in.

How Do You Tell If a Breeder Is a Good Breeder?

Firstly, a good breeder will be more than happy to talk about their breeding program. They will boast about their dogs’ health, temperament, and lineage.

Secondly, a good breeder takes all essential measures to guarantee the health of their Golden Retriever puppies for sale. This includes vetting their dogs, performing health tests on their breeding stock, providing the proper nutrition, and ensuring that their pups are within the ideal weight for their age.

Finally, a good breeder will continue to care for the well-being of their animals after they have been sold. They commit to maintaining contact with the new owners all through the pup’s life. 

What Questions Should You Ask a Breeder When Buying a Puppy?

Initially, you should inquire about the experiences of the breeder, the puppy’s vaccination history, as well as its vet clearances. A trustworthy breeder will be more than happy to discuss this with you.

Next, ask how the puppies have been socialized with people and other animals and if they have been in different places and situations. It is also wise to ask if their puppies have been desensitized to common noise.

Finally, ask them for customer testimonials, health guarantees, and other contracts.

As an experienced breeder of Golden Retrievers myself, I also highly recommend that you also ask the breeder to view the parents of the puppy you are interested in to visually check if they are in good health and, at the same time, personally experience how they behave.

Also, ask to visit the facility so you can view the environment where the puppies are raised. This will help you assess what type of care was given to the puppies.

How Do You Know If a Dog Breeder Is Scamming You?

If the breeder requests payment in advance or through an unsafe payment method, this is a telltale sign that they are scamming you.

Another red flag is if the breeder won’t let you visit the breeding grounds. A reliable breeder will be delighted for you to visit their facilities, meet their puppies, and get to know them more.

Lastly, scammers frequently advertise pups sold at absurdly low prices. Real breeders will charge a fair price for their dogs, taking into account the cost of keeping them healthy, getting them vetted, and training them.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to be thorough in your search for Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Be sure that the breeder you’re dealing with is trustworthy and well-established in the industry. 

Given the popularity of Golden Retrievers, you will not have a hard time looking for breeders specializing in the breed. However, be sure to steer away from backyard breeders and puppy mills. 

Keep in mind that you should practice your own due diligence when looking for reputable breeders for Golden Retrievers. Do not blindly follow recommendations from questionable sources. 

If you found this Golden Retriever breeder guide helpful, please let us know by leaving a comment below.