About our Goldens

Field vs Show

Not all Golden Retrievers are the same!

Field-bred Goldens are typically leaner, more athletic, and driven to retrieve, while show-bred Goldens tend to have stockier builds and fuller coats.

At Golden Gun Dogs, we specialize in field-bred Golden Retrievers with intelligence, natural retrieving ability, and a great off-switch. Our goal is to produce dogs that excel in the field and make wonderful family companions.

Driven in the field. Devoted at home.

Do field-bred Golden Retrievers make good family dogs?

Absolutely! While field-bred Goldens are known for their athleticism and retrieving drive, they can also be wonderful family companions. We prioritize biddability, stable temperaments, and a good off-switch in our breeding program. Our goal is to produce dogs that are eager to work when it's time to train or hunt but can also relax and enjoy life with their families.

How big will our Golden Retriever puppies get?

Our breeding dogs, Rory and Peanut, are both approximately 24 inches tall. Rory weighs around 65 pounds, while Peanut typically weighs 70–75 pounds. Their daughter Hazel weighed approximately 59 pounds at 11 months. We generally expect athletic, medium-to-large Goldens, although adult size varies based on genetics, sex, and individual development.

What color will our pup be?

Our puppies typically range from medium golden to rich reddish-gold, with some variation within each litter.

Field-bred Goldens often have darker coats than traditional show-bred Goldens, but color does not determine temperament or working ability. Puppy coats can also change as they mature.

We encourage families to prioritize temperament and compatibility over coat color.

Do your puppies make good hunting and competition dogs?

Hunting and retrieving ability are at the heart of our breeding program! Rory is an HRCH-titled retriever, and Peanut has earned HRC hunting titles along with Rally and CGC credentials. We strive to produce intelligent, trainable dogs with natural retrieving instincts that can excel in hunting, hunt tests, obedience, and other dog sports. Individual drive and ability will vary.

Can your Golden Retrievers become service or therapy dogs?

Golden Retrievers can make excellent candidates for service and therapy work, depending on individual temperament. Our keeper puppy, Hazel, demonstrated promising qualities while earning her AKC Canine Good Citizen title. However, service work requires specific characteristics and extensive training. We cannot guarantee a puppy's suitability for service or therapy work.

Choosing your Puppy

How do you match puppies with their future families?

We get to know each family through our puppy questionnaire, learning about their lifestyle, experience, and goals.

As puppies develop, we observe their confidence, energy, retrieving interest, and interactions.

We share our observations and recommendations to help guide selections.

Final puppy choices are made by buyers in deposit order from the puppies available at their selection time.

How does your deposit and puppy selection process work?

A $250 deposit reserves your place in our puppy selection order and is applied toward the purchase price. Selection order is determined by when deposits are received, with male and female selections tracked separately. We help guide families based on each puppy's developing personality and their goals. Deposits are nonrefundable unless we cannot provide a puppy as agreed.

Do you offer full AKC registration or breeding rights?

Our puppies are placed with limited AKC registration. Full registration may be considered for approved families committed to responsible breeding practices. Requirements include appropriate breed-specific health clearances and qualifying performance or obedience titles beyond the novice level. Full registration is subject to approval, a separate agreement, and an additional fee.

Health & Raising our Puppies

What early development and socialization do your puppies receive?

Our puppies receive Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI), beginning at three days old.

As they grow, we introduce age-appropriate enrichment, new surfaces, sounds, toys, and retrieving-related experiences.

Our goal is to build confidence, encourage curiosity, and provide a strong foundation for future training and family life.

What health testing do you perform on your breeding dogs?

We prioritize health and responsible breeding. Our breeding dogs have CHIC certifications, which include breed-recommended health evaluations, along with genetic screening. We carefully consider health, temperament, structure, and working ability when planning breeding's. Health clearances and testing information for Rory and Peanut are available for prospective families to review.

Bringing your Puppy Home

Do you offer transportation or help for out-of-state buyers?

Yes! We welcome families from across the country.

Puppies are typically picked up in Grand Junction, Colorado, but we are happy to discuss transportation arrangements with out-of-state buyers.

Flight-nanny services may be available on a limited basis depending on scheduling, airline requirements, and additional costs.

Please contact us to discuss your location and options.

What food do you feed your puppies?

Our puppies are raised on Purina Pro Plan Puppy Lamb & Rice formula. We begin introducing softened puppy food around 3–4 weeks of age, gradually transitioning to dry kibble before they go home. We recommend continuing the same food initially to avoid unnecessary digestive upset. Each puppy goes home with a supply of their current food to help make the transition easier.

What comes home with my puppy?

Every Golden Gun Dogs puppy goes home with a puppy package to help make the transition into their new family easier! This includes a supply of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Lamb & Rice food, a familiar scented item for comfort, and vaccination and deworming records. We want our families to feel prepared and confident as they welcome their new companion home.

What veterinary care do puppies receive before going home?

Our puppies have their dewclaws removed within the first few days of life. Before going home, they receive age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping. We carefully monitor each puppy's health, weight, and development throughout their time with us. Families receive vaccination and deworming records to share with their veterinarian for continued care.

At what age can puppies go home?

Our puppies join their new families at 8 weeks of age. By this time, they have transitioned to dry puppy food, received their initial veterinary care, and experienced age-appropriate socialization and enrichment. We coordinate pickup dates with each family to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home.

Contact

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