Frequently Asked Questions
Are your dogs all "English"?
Yes. Our current breeding dogs are from English / European / Australian lines. We also love the American Goldens as you can tell from our retired dogs and previous litters.
What is the price of your puppies?
Prices vary (depending on the parent's pedigree etc.). Please contact us for specific litter pricing. Prices include worming, first vaccination, vet check, new owner binder (photos, copies of clearances, AKC registrations, titles etc.), puppy care package (food, favorite toy, small blanket with scent of Mom and littermates, collar) and a lifetime of support from us!
Much is being said about buying only from "reputable" breeders since there are so many "puppy mills" and
"commercial" kennels springing up all the time. What does "reputable" actually mean and how will I know for sure?
"commercial" kennels springing up all the time. What does "reputable" actually mean and how will I know for sure?
While not set in stone, there are some definite things to look for in a breeder and certain "red flags," as we call them, to avoid. Please visit our Reputable Breeder page for more information.
We are part of an excellent network of reputable Golden Retriever breeders. You may call or email us any time. We would be happy to answer your questions. If we don't know the answer, we will find out for you in a timely manner. And if we do not have any available puppies, we will be happy to refer you!
We are part of an excellent network of reputable Golden Retriever breeders. You may call or email us any time. We would be happy to answer your questions. If we don't know the answer, we will find out for you in a timely manner. And if we do not have any available puppies, we will be happy to refer you!
How are your puppies raised?
Our puppies are raised on our farm and in our home. I believe the imprinting process is very important, so our puppies get lots of attention from birth. We will be implementing the Puppy Culture protocols; a scientific-based way to follow the progress of the puppies.
Our puppies experience many different situations here on the farm, including running free in the grass! They will see chickens, cows, horses and of course other dogs. Also with four grandkids, there will be plenty of love to go around.
Puppies will have their appropriate vaccinations and worming. A microchip will be implanted. They will visit our veterinarian for their puppy health assessments.
Our puppies experience many different situations here on the farm, including running free in the grass! They will see chickens, cows, horses and of course other dogs. Also with four grandkids, there will be plenty of love to go around.
Puppies will have their appropriate vaccinations and worming. A microchip will be implanted. They will visit our veterinarian for their puppy health assessments.
How do I get on your waiting list for a puppy?
The first step is to complete our Questionnaire if you would like to be considered. But, please call us first. Our puppies are often spoken for before they are even born. Once we receive it, we will then set up a time to talk over the phone. If, at that time, you feel that Mystic Ridge Goldens is the breeder for you and we feel that you would make a good home for one of our puppies, you will be added to our list.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, once pregnancy is confirmed, a $500 deposit is required to hold a reservation. It will be deducted from the purchase price.
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes, up until the litter reaches 4 weeks of age. After that, refunds/transfers to a future litter will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
PLEASE NOTE: We put much time and effort into planning a litter - and into choosing the right homes for the puppies we do not keep back for ourselves. Please make sure your decision to get a Golden Retriever puppy from us (or any other breeder) is well thought out before you send a deposit.
PLEASE NOTE: We put much time and effort into planning a litter - and into choosing the right homes for the puppies we do not keep back for ourselves. Please make sure your decision to get a Golden Retriever puppy from us (or any other breeder) is well thought out before you send a deposit.
Do you sell any puppies with full registration?
Pet puppies are sold with a limited registration. Spay/neuter contract required. No exceptions.
Note: Show prospects that we do not keep back for ourselves may be sold with a full registration - but ONLY to approved show homes or experienced breeders.
Note: Show prospects that we do not keep back for ourselves may be sold with a full registration - but ONLY to approved show homes or experienced breeders.
What is the difference between full and limited registration?
Limited Registration means that the dog is registered with the AKC but litters produced by that dog are ineligible for registration. In addition, a limited dog cannot compete in conformation shows. It is eligible, however, to be entered in any other licensed or member event, including Obedience, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Agility, Rally etc.
Full registration allows the owner of that dog to show in the confirmation shows as well as breed and register the offspring with the AKC.
Full registration allows the owner of that dog to show in the confirmation shows as well as breed and register the offspring with the AKC.
When are the puppies ready to go home?
Pet puppies at 8 weeks from the day they are born (after first vaccination). Show prospects may be held back up to 10 weeks to be properly assessed.
When the puppies go home, what vetting / vaccinations have they had?
Vet protocols: 4-5 week deworm, Strongid, 7-8 week: 5 way puppy shot; (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Coronavirus ). Bordetella ( kennel cough); Fecal test deworming adjusted from test. Heart worm preventative started at this time.
We include a puppy health record that keeps track of all of their medical history for the first 8 weeks so that you can provide your vet with this information.
We include a puppy health record that keeps track of all of their medical history for the first 8 weeks so that you can provide your vet with this information.
Do you ship your puppies?
We prefer our puppies be picked up in person (at our house or at the airport).
If it's more than a 4 hour drive, the puppy can be taken onboard a flight with reservations in an approved airline carrier (a Sherpa bag for example).
In certain circumstances and under the right conditions (current weather, distance, destination), we will ship our puppies to those with prior approval. The cost typically ranges from $350 - $400.
If it's more than a 4 hour drive, the puppy can be taken onboard a flight with reservations in an approved airline carrier (a Sherpa bag for example).
In certain circumstances and under the right conditions (current weather, distance, destination), we will ship our puppies to those with prior approval. The cost typically ranges from $350 - $400.
Have your dogs been health tested?
Yes. All of our dogs must pass their clearances before being considered for breeding. For Golden Retrieves, the standard clearances are (but not limited to) hips, elbows, eyes & heart. Eye exams are done annually.
Note: We now also do DNA testing for PRA / prcd, Ichthyosis and Thyroid function.
Note: We now also do DNA testing for PRA / prcd, Ichthyosis and Thyroid function.
Are we able to come and meet you and your dogs?
Yes, we encourage confirmed puppy buyers to come and meet us and our dogs. Please call first to make an appointment. However, when puppies are "on the ground," visitation is at our discretion and never before 4 weeks of age. Be prepared to take off your shoes and wash your hands. We care about the health of our puppies!
Do you ever have any older dogs available?
We very rarely have an adult or youngster that needs to be re-homed. If that happens, we will first ask people who are on our waiting list if they would be interested. If not, we will announce the availability on our web site. However, please feel free to email us with your request and we will keep your information on hand. Sometimes there are other breeders in our network looking to place an adult.
What supplies will I need to purchase before I bring my puppy home?
For confirmed buyers, we have a comprehensive puppy packet which includes information and all paperwork.
