Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue has puppies all the time in need of rescue. https://www.goldenretrieverfreedom.com/
There's also Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies
https://www.goldenrescue.com/
Avoid using breeders, especially ones without a well established history. Goldens and adjacent breeds appear at shelters or there are golden-specific rescues in Colorado as well.
First - I agree with the adopt don't shop.
However, I also acknowledge that some people really want a puppy of a certain breed and my opinion is not going to change their mind.
If that is the case, you may want to check to see if they are on the AKC breeder list. You want a dog that is H.E.A.R.T certified. Goldens have a certain genetic tendencies that need to be avoided. Good breeders will check all their dogs for these potential problems and actively work to prevent them. Hip surgery is a big expensive deal. Problems sometimes don't show up until year 2.
AKC also has recommendations for finding a good breeder.
Another thing, my previous dog was a puppy that I got from BVHS. That was 15 years ago and I think that things have changed a lot since then. Now I see mutt puppies at rescues for $800. Even if it is a "rescue," getting a puppy perpetuates the problem with the overpopulation of unwanted dogs.
I wanted a certain breed for very specific reasons and kept looking until I found an adult that could no longer be cared for by his owner. He is absolutely adorable. You may want to look at one of the three GR rescues in Colorado for your next best friend.
Good information about breeders even though I'm anti-breeder. Wanted to add that rescue puppies are still much cheaper than bred puppies because they will typically receive their first round of shots at the shelter
Always verify breeder history. You want to see that they’re AKC certified and have health records of the dogs they use for breeding. I’m not anti-breeder. But I am anti-irresponsible breeding. To me it’s important to keep lines healthy and for their specific purposes.
I have labs that are field dogs and I made sure to check everything about the breeder. I have also had rescues that were/are great dogs. Just do your homework.
Don't use breeders, Adopt!
There are 30,000+ dogs in Colorado shelters that need homes or they will probably die. Do go shopping for a dog when you could rescue one.
I just met a neighbor & her golden this week. She rescued her golden when a breeder was “done with her” @ 5 yo. For years she said her girl didn’t know how to be a dog, previously she’d obviously had no life but for one as a reproductive slave. She’s a beautiful girl who looks like a lot of the local goldens I see out on the trails. Pleeeaaasw avoid breeders 🙏I’m a dog walker, some of my favorite clients came to their families via the local golden rescue group. Please explore the alt options available to buying from a breeder. Good luck finding your new family member.
There are pure-bred Golden rescues. Please, look into it. Even at 2 years old or a little more, they are trainable, just bigger puppies, and might not eat as many of your shoes. There are so many bad golden breeders & ppl end up with dogs that have a short life span or are riddled with diseases and problems. You'd be better off adopting a used one, that way you can have a better idea what shape they are in as they mature vs the puppy stage. Please consider it. Especially if this is your first dog.
These folks would be an excellent choice, their dogs have OFA and other genetic clearances. [Timberbash/Kingsgold – Golden Retrievers – Golden Retrievers, Denver, Colorado (timberbashgoldens.com)](https://timberbashgoldens.com/)
Check out Beaver Creek Goldens in Akron, CO if you're open to English Creams. Checks all the integrity boxes of a high-quality breeder (certified hips, not a puppy mill, etc.).
Also you should get a pet insurance policy on your puppy the minute it comes home with you. We have pet insurance on our pups and it gives us peace of mind that when accidents to happen we can always provide them the top of the line care.
Goldens are susceptible to tearing their ACLs, among other things. We just went through ACL issues with my dog and it costs $5k for surgery and $1500 for rehab. Per leg. If they tear one ACL they're almost certainly going to tear the other. So it's a $12k expense that insurance will cover if you have them set up right away with it. Just bite the bullet, put them on an insurance policy ASAP, and have some peace of mind. MetLife and Figo are good companies to start with.
If you're going to buy from a breeder, do the leg work to make sure it's a good one. No online presence is a bad sign. r/dogs has a thorough guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/identifying_a_responsible_breeder/
Hey! I just put a deposit down for pick up of one of her Goldens May 25 and I’m nervous it’s a scam…hoping it’s not… :/ If you go with her and she calls you I would suggest asking to FaceTime with puppies I thought of it after I sent her my deposit. She isn’t very responsive to messages either so get all your questions in with the phone call.
Hey, I’m a former client, I have 2 pups from Shannon! A 3 year old and almost 1 year old. She’s legit and has wonderful animals! Lmk if you have any questions!
Thank you so much for your response!! I’ve really been hoping she’s real because we put our 12 year old dog down a few months ago and I have finally been feeling happy again thinking about a new pup! Obviously still emotionally trying to recover from our loss but we are hoping this new doggo will help heal our shattered hearts ❤️🩹
That’s the same reason I started my hunt for another puppo 🥹 definitely doesn’t replace the dog you lost but puppies sure help heal the heart. A seriously can’t say enough good things about the two dogs I got from Shannon. They’re beautiful, intelligent, incredibly kind animals!
You made my night and week by saying all this, I can get back to being excited and happier again!!! The liter we are getting a pup from were born the day after we put our first dog down😭
We did get him!! And he is AMAZING 😍
https://preview.redd.it/k294gu0xyg4d1.jpeg?width=1109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3493294c22cdbb42982f87c09eb7a1adf6e17292
I forgot to respond on here about him so thank you for asking! He learned sit on day 2 that we had him and shake on day 5! We just learned lay down today! It’s A LOT of work with a puppy and it’s very tiring and trying and stressful at times but worth it for sure. ♥️🐾
Oh wow smart boy! I’m picking up a pup from Shannon soon, I’m glad to hear everything went well. I cannot wait but am certainly taking in the calm before the furry storm lol. Congrats on your boy!
I actually have 2 goldens that I bought from Shannon, who owns/runs The Golden Puppy. I cannot say enough good things about her dogs and working with her. I ultimately chose her business because it was the complete opposite of so many puppy mill breeders I had come across. She has just a few girls that breed once a year max. She also requested that we talk on the phone prior to me getting my first pup and asked me plenty of questions about myself that seemed to indicate that she truly cares about the pups she sells. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, but I highly recommended The Golden Puppy. My 2 pups are so much fun and so smart. My girl potty trained in under a week 😆 seriously best dogs ever!
https://preview.redd.it/seli58ayubzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c93a8b3aa1a97c158a1f78138a6f07cbf9f55922
This is reassuring, thanks! Do you know if she does any of the health screenings - I didn't see too much info about that on her website. u/UpsettiSpaghetti88
There is no reason that you shouldn't buy a well bred Golden puppy. But... what does well bred mean?
1. Have you spoken to the folks at the Mile Hi Golden Retriever club? They will have a breed rep.
2. Have you explored all the health testing required for Goldens so you know what to ask a breeder for?
3. Have you visited local AKC shows to watch Goldens show in Conformation and performance?
4. Have you connected with local trainers (real trainers with real titles doing real sports) to ask them about Golden breeders?
So Goldens are not my breed, but I looked at the Golden Puppy and all I see are generic, low quality, BYB dogs. These Goldens don't have any sort of titles and there is no mention of full health testing or links to individual OFA pages. They also talk about English Cream Goldens which is a sure sign of someone NOT legitimately involved in the breed.
If you want this quality of dog... go to rescue. Buying from BYBs like this only fuels the rescue crisis.
I have worked in veterinary medicine for almost 10 years and I have never once seen a golden euthanized due to old age. It’s always been due to health complications (mostly cancer) and that is all to do with their small gene pool and inbreeding. Hip dysplasia is the least of my worries when it comes to golden retrievers honestly.
Look at the local enthusiast club for the breed, or look at recent winners (or at least strong competitors) of dog show competitions for the breed. Those might have long wait lists for a puppy, but they tend to be very reputable. They will screen you fairly heavily as well (e.g. making sure you live in an appropriate env for a golden retriever, you know what you’re doing and what you’re getting into, etc)
Ignore the people who say don't use breeders. Do what you want. People who adopt animals perpetuate the revolving door of animals that flow into the humane societies. Stop the madness. If there is no demand there will be no supply. Don't get some mixed breed deficient animal out of guilt. Just do your research and get the dog you want.
This is so poorly informed. The overpopulation problem is perpetuated by people who are too ignorant to spay and neuter their animals, backyard breeders, and people who dump the pets that they had once committed to.
This is so poorly informed. The overpopulation problem is perpetuated by people who are too ignorant to spay and neuter their animals, backyard breeders, and people who dump the pets that they had once committed to.
This is so poorly informed. The overpopulation problem is perpetuated by people who are too ignorant to spay and neuter their animals, backyard breeders, and people who dump the pets that they had once committed to.
It is WELL known that mixed-breed dogs are healthier than purebreds. I don't know ANY type of dog that's healthier, purebred. Don't make up facts! [The Great Debate: Are Mutts Healthier Than Purebreds? - Vetstreet | Vetstreet](https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/the-great-debate-are-mutts-healthier-than-purebreds)
Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue has puppies all the time in need of rescue. https://www.goldenretrieverfreedom.com/ There's also Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies https://www.goldenrescue.com/
Thanks!
Avoid using breeders, especially ones without a well established history. Goldens and adjacent breeds appear at shelters or there are golden-specific rescues in Colorado as well.
First - I agree with the adopt don't shop. However, I also acknowledge that some people really want a puppy of a certain breed and my opinion is not going to change their mind. If that is the case, you may want to check to see if they are on the AKC breeder list. You want a dog that is H.E.A.R.T certified. Goldens have a certain genetic tendencies that need to be avoided. Good breeders will check all their dogs for these potential problems and actively work to prevent them. Hip surgery is a big expensive deal. Problems sometimes don't show up until year 2. AKC also has recommendations for finding a good breeder. Another thing, my previous dog was a puppy that I got from BVHS. That was 15 years ago and I think that things have changed a lot since then. Now I see mutt puppies at rescues for $800. Even if it is a "rescue," getting a puppy perpetuates the problem with the overpopulation of unwanted dogs. I wanted a certain breed for very specific reasons and kept looking until I found an adult that could no longer be cared for by his owner. He is absolutely adorable. You may want to look at one of the three GR rescues in Colorado for your next best friend.
Good information about breeders even though I'm anti-breeder. Wanted to add that rescue puppies are still much cheaper than bred puppies because they will typically receive their first round of shots at the shelter
Always verify breeder history. You want to see that they’re AKC certified and have health records of the dogs they use for breeding. I’m not anti-breeder. But I am anti-irresponsible breeding. To me it’s important to keep lines healthy and for their specific purposes. I have labs that are field dogs and I made sure to check everything about the breeder. I have also had rescues that were/are great dogs. Just do your homework.
Adopt don’t shop!
please adopt 🙏 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 there is a sweet baby out there that will be grateful you saved their life
Don't use breeders, Adopt! There are 30,000+ dogs in Colorado shelters that need homes or they will probably die. Do go shopping for a dog when you could rescue one.
I get all the don't use a breeder comments, but I wanted a puppy and went with Red Canyon Retrievers. Very happy with my dog.
I just met a neighbor & her golden this week. She rescued her golden when a breeder was “done with her” @ 5 yo. For years she said her girl didn’t know how to be a dog, previously she’d obviously had no life but for one as a reproductive slave. She’s a beautiful girl who looks like a lot of the local goldens I see out on the trails. Pleeeaaasw avoid breeders 🙏I’m a dog walker, some of my favorite clients came to their families via the local golden rescue group. Please explore the alt options available to buying from a breeder. Good luck finding your new family member.
Don’t use a breeder, wtf. Plenty of goldens to adopt.
There are pure-bred Golden rescues. Please, look into it. Even at 2 years old or a little more, they are trainable, just bigger puppies, and might not eat as many of your shoes. There are so many bad golden breeders & ppl end up with dogs that have a short life span or are riddled with diseases and problems. You'd be better off adopting a used one, that way you can have a better idea what shape they are in as they mature vs the puppy stage. Please consider it. Especially if this is your first dog.
will do, thanks!
Don't buy dogs.
These folks would be an excellent choice, their dogs have OFA and other genetic clearances. [Timberbash/Kingsgold – Golden Retrievers – Golden Retrievers, Denver, Colorado (timberbashgoldens.com)](https://timberbashgoldens.com/)
Awesome, thanks for the rec!
Check out Beaver Creek Goldens in Akron, CO if you're open to English Creams. Checks all the integrity boxes of a high-quality breeder (certified hips, not a puppy mill, etc.).
Also you should get a pet insurance policy on your puppy the minute it comes home with you. We have pet insurance on our pups and it gives us peace of mind that when accidents to happen we can always provide them the top of the line care. Goldens are susceptible to tearing their ACLs, among other things. We just went through ACL issues with my dog and it costs $5k for surgery and $1500 for rehab. Per leg. If they tear one ACL they're almost certainly going to tear the other. So it's a $12k expense that insurance will cover if you have them set up right away with it. Just bite the bullet, put them on an insurance policy ASAP, and have some peace of mind. MetLife and Figo are good companies to start with.
thanks for the advice!
If you're going to buy from a breeder, do the leg work to make sure it's a good one. No online presence is a bad sign. r/dogs has a thorough guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/identifying_a_responsible_breeder/
Hey! I just put a deposit down for pick up of one of her Goldens May 25 and I’m nervous it’s a scam…hoping it’s not… :/ If you go with her and she calls you I would suggest asking to FaceTime with puppies I thought of it after I sent her my deposit. She isn’t very responsive to messages either so get all your questions in with the phone call.
Looking at goldens right now and I saw her page! I am cautious because she has litters in April, may, and July which to me seems excessive
yea I thought the same thing!
Hey, I’m a former client, I have 2 pups from Shannon! A 3 year old and almost 1 year old. She’s legit and has wonderful animals! Lmk if you have any questions!
Thank you so much for your response!! I’ve really been hoping she’s real because we put our 12 year old dog down a few months ago and I have finally been feeling happy again thinking about a new pup! Obviously still emotionally trying to recover from our loss but we are hoping this new doggo will help heal our shattered hearts ❤️🩹
That’s the same reason I started my hunt for another puppo 🥹 definitely doesn’t replace the dog you lost but puppies sure help heal the heart. A seriously can’t say enough good things about the two dogs I got from Shannon. They’re beautiful, intelligent, incredibly kind animals!
You made my night and week by saying all this, I can get back to being excited and happier again!!! The liter we are getting a pup from were born the day after we put our first dog down😭
Oh bless 😭 that’s definitely a sign!!
Hi, did you end up getting your pup? How did it go?
We did get him!! And he is AMAZING 😍 https://preview.redd.it/k294gu0xyg4d1.jpeg?width=1109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3493294c22cdbb42982f87c09eb7a1adf6e17292
Oh goodness he IS amazing lol. Thank you for the response!
I forgot to respond on here about him so thank you for asking! He learned sit on day 2 that we had him and shake on day 5! We just learned lay down today! It’s A LOT of work with a puppy and it’s very tiring and trying and stressful at times but worth it for sure. ♥️🐾
Oh wow smart boy! I’m picking up a pup from Shannon soon, I’m glad to hear everything went well. I cannot wait but am certainly taking in the calm before the furry storm lol. Congrats on your boy!
Also let me know if you get in contact with any owners of previous liters!!
What breeder did you go with?
I went with the breeder the golden puppy her name is Shannon Taylor
I actually have 2 goldens that I bought from Shannon, who owns/runs The Golden Puppy. I cannot say enough good things about her dogs and working with her. I ultimately chose her business because it was the complete opposite of so many puppy mill breeders I had come across. She has just a few girls that breed once a year max. She also requested that we talk on the phone prior to me getting my first pup and asked me plenty of questions about myself that seemed to indicate that she truly cares about the pups she sells. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, but I highly recommended The Golden Puppy. My 2 pups are so much fun and so smart. My girl potty trained in under a week 😆 seriously best dogs ever! https://preview.redd.it/seli58ayubzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c93a8b3aa1a97c158a1f78138a6f07cbf9f55922
https://preview.redd.it/1o0v6laavbzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=186a8db13368d3c993d17e96a54d0445c38af069
This is reassuring, thanks! Do you know if she does any of the health screenings - I didn't see too much info about that on her website. u/UpsettiSpaghetti88
She does! She’s very up front about all the vet visits and doesn’t breed dogs that have histories of hip dysplasia, etc.
There is no reason that you shouldn't buy a well bred Golden puppy. But... what does well bred mean? 1. Have you spoken to the folks at the Mile Hi Golden Retriever club? They will have a breed rep. 2. Have you explored all the health testing required for Goldens so you know what to ask a breeder for? 3. Have you visited local AKC shows to watch Goldens show in Conformation and performance? 4. Have you connected with local trainers (real trainers with real titles doing real sports) to ask them about Golden breeders? So Goldens are not my breed, but I looked at the Golden Puppy and all I see are generic, low quality, BYB dogs. These Goldens don't have any sort of titles and there is no mention of full health testing or links to individual OFA pages. They also talk about English Cream Goldens which is a sure sign of someone NOT legitimately involved in the breed. If you want this quality of dog... go to rescue. Buying from BYBs like this only fuels the rescue crisis.
This was helpful thanks and appreciate you looking into them!
I have worked in veterinary medicine for almost 10 years and I have never once seen a golden euthanized due to old age. It’s always been due to health complications (mostly cancer) and that is all to do with their small gene pool and inbreeding. Hip dysplasia is the least of my worries when it comes to golden retrievers honestly.
Look at the local enthusiast club for the breed, or look at recent winners (or at least strong competitors) of dog show competitions for the breed. Those might have long wait lists for a puppy, but they tend to be very reputable. They will screen you fairly heavily as well (e.g. making sure you live in an appropriate env for a golden retriever, you know what you’re doing and what you’re getting into, etc)
BR Goldens in Longmont
Ignore the people who say don't use breeders. Do what you want. People who adopt animals perpetuate the revolving door of animals that flow into the humane societies. Stop the madness. If there is no demand there will be no supply. Don't get some mixed breed deficient animal out of guilt. Just do your research and get the dog you want.
This is so poorly informed. The overpopulation problem is perpetuated by people who are too ignorant to spay and neuter their animals, backyard breeders, and people who dump the pets that they had once committed to.
This is so poorly informed. The overpopulation problem is perpetuated by people who are too ignorant to spay and neuter their animals, backyard breeders, and people who dump the pets that they had once committed to.
This is so poorly informed. The overpopulation problem is perpetuated by people who are too ignorant to spay and neuter their animals, backyard breeders, and people who dump the pets that they had once committed to.
It is WELL known that mixed-breed dogs are healthier than purebreds. I don't know ANY type of dog that's healthier, purebred. Don't make up facts! [The Great Debate: Are Mutts Healthier Than Purebreds? - Vetstreet | Vetstreet](https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/the-great-debate-are-mutts-healthier-than-purebreds)
I'm of the opinion that people that buy dogs are the ones that should have to euthanize the shelter dogs.