Frequently Asked Questions

Some people reserve a puppy up to one year in advance to be assured of getting the "pick of the litter". About 50% of puppies are sold before they are born, the rest are sold when we know exactly what sex are in the litter. We have a pretty good idea what the females will produce. We try not to oversell. If we come up short and cannot supply the proper puppy, the deposit will be moved to the next litter. These puppies are worth the wait!

It's important to know the quality you're paying for and the proven lineage behind your puppy. Purchasing an AKC-registered puppy from a reputable breeder ensures transparency—you receive official registration papers and can request detailed bloodlines to verify the champion-quality lines and health-tested heritage your dog comes from. This gives you confidence in your puppy's conformation, temperament, and long-term health. AKC registration from ethical breeders also protects you: backyard breeders (who often sell for $200–$600) offer no such guarantees, health testing, or pedigree verification, leaving you uncertain about genetic risks or quality. Breeders must comply with strict AKC guidelines to register litters, ensuring the exceptional standards you deserve.

No and yes! We often check the market for the current pricing of this breed. We are now about the same price as most other quality AKC Golden Retrievers on the market, and ours are supreme in quality coming from fantastic champion bloodlines. However there are some backyard breeders that have just one or two litters per year, these may be cheaper. Remember, you get what you pay for! Our dogs are bred for a specific market, people that want a superior quality family pet with the benefits of that "show" look. We breed for puppies that have the following qualities: calm, laid-back temperaments, smart, healthy, and that exquisite Golden blocky build. We are so confident in the health of our puppies that we offer a 2 year health guarantee against genetic moderate or severe hip dysplasia.  Click here for more details. You get more for your money with a Hearts of Gold Golden Retriever!!!

We feed the best dog food....Life's Abundance Premium Dog/Puppy Food. It is digestible for maximum nutrient absorption and each formula is nutritionally complete so more of the concentrated nutrition is retained by your dog. This means you can feed your dog less; as much as two-thirds less than other brands. Compare the Life's Abundance price and you'll see this means your cost per feeding is less than the competition. And by feeding smaller, more easily digestible portions, your dog produces less waste. This premium dog food promotes proper growth, joint and bone development, that is so important in the large breed dogs. Also the skin and coats are shiny, healthy and odor free. The best dog food cost more than the cheap foods. Our dogs never get table scraps. Vitamins..... Our dogs and puppies are given Life's Abundance supplements to ensure good health.

Quality Puppy Socialization starts at birth ~ starting with handling the puppies and getting them used to people and new positive noises and experiences. When people get our puppies they comment on how sweet they are and are not afraid of anything. This is part of the process in the early weeks of raising them to the time they go home with you. This is not your typical kennel where your puppy doesn't get handled until he goes home with you. Along with positive exposure to new people, dogs and places your puppy will come to you well adjusted, socialized and ready to join your family!

Yes! All of our dogs complete and pass their hip, elbows, heart and genetic health testing before we breed them. Breeding a quality Golden Retriever, or any dog, is really an art. You don't just grab two Goldens and start breeding them, this is irresponsible! There are many things to consider before you start breeding two dogs. Conformation, temperament, health etc, etc. If you just try to breed any dog there are other problems that can come up. Agility and hip problems to mention a couple. This takes experience and a good eye to know what to look for in your breeding dogs. At Hearts of Gold, we have made it our top priority to improve the quality of the Golden Retriever Breed in our breeding practices. This process takes experience, time, exercise, premium dog food, proper worming procedure to provide you with the best puppy possible. 

Puppy with Limited AKC registration is $2500. You may contact us directly for inquiries on getting a puppy with Full AKC registration. We accept payment by Cash or Check to help with your purchase. Final Balance Payment is required in cash when your puppy is released.

For the safety of our puppies, we do not ship in cargo. If you need to have your puppy shipped, most airlines allow you to have your puppy fly with you in cabin for an additional $100.  We have many of our Puppy Parents that find this to be a very reasonable option.  NOTE:  Be sure to check with your airline for Puppy Age Requirements as some airlines will not allow you to ship your puppy before the age of 10 weeks.  

Most all of our Hearts of Gold Puppies are sold with limited AKC Registration, however, we do give permission under some circumstances to purchase a puppy with full AKC Registration which would allow for breeding or showing of your puppy. Prices will vary depending on the type of AKC registration chosen with your puppy. Please contact Pamela at 815-751-7674 if you would like to discuss breeding rights on your new puppy.

1. We do not line breed as this affects the health and quality of the puppy you are getting.

2. We have found a combination of a sweet disposition, intelligence, health and beauty to make our dogs truly superior.

3. Our former clients love our dogs and are happy with the service we provide them, often returning for another puppy.

4. We care about our dogs and puppies, they are a part of our family.

5. The puppies are born and raised in our home and handled from day one. Pups are socialized with our other dogs and family members.

6. Puppies go home with AKC registration, proper care and feeding instruction of your puppy, all pups have: age-appropriate shots and worming done and will be sent with their health record. You have an invitation to call us with any questions regarding your puppy.

7. We accept payment by check or cash for your convenience.

8. If something changes in your life and you have to delay getting a puppy, then your deposit will be moved to another litter up to a year after you place your deposit.

9. Our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee against genetic moderate or severe hip dysplasia.  Click here for more details!

10. 7 Day Free Trial of our Puppy Training Video Course: Our popular Puppy Academy comes with 12 weeks of step by step video instruction, powerful visual aids and activity sheets that will help you transform your puppy one lesson at a time!

11. You get our honesty and integrity to back every sale---we do what's right to take care of you and your new puppy.

12. You get more for your money. See above "Do your puppies cost more than other Golden Retrievers?" There is information there about what we do that cost more to provide you with a great puppy.

13. We screen our adult dogs to assure your puppy comes from healthy, well tempered parents.

14. Lifetime support for you and your new family member from us.