As a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America, I follow a strict Breeder's Code of Ethics. I strive to produce dogs that are of excellent temperament, intelligence, and that are true to type as described in the breed standard. All dogs in my breeding program are screened for hip and elbow dysplasia and are certified normal by the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals. I screen for heart abnormalities with a Board Certified Cardiologist and annual eye clearances are performed by a Board Certified Ophthalmologist.  I also genetically test for diseases that affect Golden Retrievers (including prcd-PRA, GR-PRA1, NCL, and Ichthyosis).

I perform temperament testing using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test.

Why is health testing important?

A reputable breeder will always have completed extensive health screenings on every dog they breed to ensure that their puppies will not be affected by genetic health issues. A great many puppies from disreputable sources have inherited structural problems which stem from poor breeding practices. Genetic diseases, joint problems, and structural faults can be mild or severe, from slight to crippling. Hip dysplasia, for example, can be severe enough to warrant expensive hip-replacement surgery or serious enough for euthanasia. By only breeding from healthy parents with significant history of health clearances in their pedigree we are stacking the deck vastly in favor of producing healthy offspring. At the end of the day, whatever your plans are for your dog, you surely want a healthy animal.

Whether your next puppy ultimately comes from me or elsewhere, I ask that you only purchase from a breeder that abides by the GRCA Code of Ethics.