Finding a reputable dog breeder can be challenging. With dozens of puppy mills lurking everywhere, it can be difficult to find a legitimate breeder you can trust. But if you’re in the Rocky Mountain region, you should consider the best Golden Retriever breeders in Colorado I listed here.
We researched and vetted these breeders to ensure that they produce healthy Golden Retriever puppies. All of the 8 breeders we listed here are GoodDog-certified and/or offers Goldies that meet AKC standards.
See which of these breeders can be found near you:
1. Peyton Goldens (Elizabeth, CO)
If you’re looking for the best Golden Retriever breeders in Colorado, you should head straight to Peyton Goldens. Beth Villery is the breeder behind the name, and she’s located in Elizabeth, Colorado.
Beth is an Avidog Associate and an AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T. Her dog breeding business is also a member of the Mile Hi Golden Retriever Club as well as the Golden Retriever Club of America. All of these are proof that she’s a legitimate breeder who produces healthy puppies.
Moreover, Beth whelps all the Golden pups in her bedroom. Also, the litter will be raised inside her house like her own pets. With this, you’ll receive a Golden Retriever that’s been desensitized to various sounds, smells, textures, and environments.
Peyton Goldens specializes in the European and English Cream type suitable for families, competition, and even therapy work. Beth ensures that each pup passes a stringent health check, including comprehensive genetic testing.
Puppy cost: $3,000
Waiting time: Around 12 months
Breeder contact info: 303-681-1657| beth@peytongoldens.com
2. Rainbow Goldens (Durango, CO)
If you’re looking for show-quality Golden Retriever pups, you should consider Rainbow Goldens. Marcy LePique is the breeder behind the business, who also happens to be a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America. She’s also affiliated with Valle del Sol Golden Retriever Club.
Marcy has been breeding dogs for 40 years now, which says a lot about her expertise and knowledge. With this, you have to reserve a pup ahead even before the litter has been born since Rainbow Golden pups are in demand.
Moreover, Marcy ensures that all her pups are well-socialized, desensitized, and versatile. She also exposes all the pups to various stimuli, textures, scents, and animals. Marcy only sends the puppies home 10 weeks after birth to give the litter enough time to bond.
Puppy cost: Please contact the breeder
Waiting time: at least 6 months
Breeder contact info: https://www.facebook.com/marcy.lepique
3. Gower Goldens (Howard, CO)
Gower Goldens is located in Howard, Colorado, which started as a small dog kennel back in 1984.
Deborah Gower is the breeder heading the pack. She’s a Golden Retriever Club of America and Austin Golden Retriever Club member. She’s been breeding Golden Retrievers for 36 years now, which proves her expertise.
Also, rest assured that each pup she produces are well-raised. The litter is whelped in her bedroom and raised inside the house. The puppies also undergo noise desensitization, animal, adult, and children socialization, and more.
Aside from being family pets, some of the Goldies Deborah breeds are also members of the Therapy Pet Pals Of Texas. They’ve also produced sporting Golden Retrievers.
You’ll receive a health guarantee to ensure that the puppy is free of any illnesses or congenital defects. Each Golden puppy from Deborah will undergo genetic testing, OFA, OFA CAER, and dysplasia tests.
Puppy cost: $2,500
Waiting time: at least 6 months
4. Ocotilla Goldens (Colorado Springs, CO)
For those in Colorado Springs, the Ocotilla Goldens is one of the reputable breeders to consider. Karen Lamb is the breeder here, who’s in charge of training, raising, and placing healthy Golden pups to aspiring owners.
The Golden Retriever puppies from Ocotilla Goldens are great family pets. They also excel in various sports, making each puppy versatile and well-rounded.
Aside from that, Karen is a certified AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Scent Work Instructor, Alliance of Therapy Dogs Evaluator, and AKC Good Canine Citizen Evaluator. Karen is also an AKC Breeder of Merit. To add to her roster is her experience as UKC and AKC competition judge.
Moreover, Karen is a preservationist breeder who focuses on maintaining the qualities of the original Chesapeake Bay Retriever. She also sends each puppy home with an AKC registration, microchip, club registration, and a toy or blanket with littermates’ scent.
Puppy cost: $2,000 to $2,500
Waiting time: at least 6 months
Breeder contact info: (719) 200-8191 | goldenlamb1@gmail.com
5. Glacier Goldens (Eckert, CO)
Clark and Leah Martin are the people behind the Glacier Goldens in Eckert, Colorado. Clark is a veterinarian who first fell in love with the breed about 40 years ago. He and his wife are focused on producing show-quality Goldies with unbeatable temperament and personality.
Moreover, all the Golden Retrievers from Glacier Goldens came from championship bloodlines. Rest assured that you will get a beautiful and healthy Golden that will rock the show.
I also like that Glacier Goldens is a small breeding business. All the pups are whelped and raised inside the house. And since Clark is a vet, rest assured that each puppy receives the best care they could ever get.
So far, they have five active dams and sires. These are dads Cecil and Boomer, as well as moms Chrissy, Lindsey, and Vanna. Clark and Leah retire the dogs once they have reached a certain age.
Puppy cost: $2,000 to $3,000
Waiting time: more than 12 months
Breeder contact info: +1 970-260-8229 | lpreul@gmail.com
6. High Plains Goldens (Sterling, CO)
If you’re looking for cheaper puppies, you should contact High Plains Goldens. While the cost of each puppy is lower than other breeders, breeder Joyce Regier ensures that they are all in good health. She started breeding Goldies in 2016 and has since produced 1 to 2 litters a year.
Joyce is focused on producing Golden Retrievers that will be excellent companions. Also, one of her puppies went on to become a service dog and another as a therapy canine.
High Plains Goldens is a small-time breeder, so waiting time can be pretty long. This is to ensure the health and quality of the litter and its dam.
The Golden Retrievers from this breeder are raised around 3 kids, farm animals, and adults. The pups are properly desensitized to various stimuli so that they will come home to you with an excellent temperament.
Puppy cost: $1,400 to $2,000
Waiting time: at least 6 months
Breeder contact info: 970-520-8527 | jtregier@yahoo.com
7. High Country Golden Retrievers (Wellington, CO)
The High Country Golden Retrievers is a family-owned business located in Wellington, Colorado. The Tarbett family is behind the field-bred Goldies that came from championship bloodlines. Whether you’re looking for a companion, a hunting retriever, or a service dog, this is the breeder to contact.
High Country Golden Retrievers aim to produce not just beautiful puppies but also dogs that will live long. This is why all the pups from them are health-tested to ensure that each one is in good shape.
So far, the Tarbett family has planned puppies, which can be reserved early. This will secure your slot since their puppies are popular in the area.
Each pup comes with a 26-month health guarantee and a microchip. They are also socialized and desensitized to various stimuli. Rest assured that the Goldies that come from this breeder will thrive as family members.
Puppy cost: $2,300 to $2,500
Waiting time: around 3 months or more
Breeder contact info: +1 970-214-2778
8. Shelby Burleson’s Golden Retrievers (Berthoud, CO)
My last pick is Shelby Burleson from Berthoud, Colorado. She breeds both Golden Retrievers and Jack Russel Terrier dogs.
What Shelby offers are farm and family-raised dogs at Tempus Fugit Farm. Aside from dogs, the farm is also home to horses and other animals. This means that the Golden Retrievers are well-socialized and desensitized to different stimuli.
Take note that Shelby is very conscious about where her puppies go. She will screen applications to ensure that the puppy will match the family and home setup of those interested in getting them.
Overall, the puppy you will get is covered by a 1-year health guarantee for all genetic problems.
Puppy cost: $1,200 to $3,500
Waiting time: around 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find a reputable Golden Retriever breeder?
A: The best way to find a reputable breeder is to check with your local Golden Retriever club. You can also refer to the AKC website or the Good Dog Breeder’s list. These platforms screen and recommend breeders that meet their standards.
Q: What is a good price for a Golden Retriever puppy?
A: A purebred Golden Retriever costs around $1,500 to $3,000. Other breeders can offer as low as $500, though you should always look for a health certificate. If you want to save money, you can adopt a Golden Retriever from a shelter instead. This will only cost you $50 to $300 at most.
Q: Why are Golden Retrievers so expensive?
A: Aside from the high demand, Golden Retriever puppies have a high price tag because of the care the litter requires. Also, each Golden pup undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it’s in the pink of health.
Q: How can you tell if a Golden Retriever is purebred?
A: A purebred Golden Retriever should have a legitimate AKC certification. This is proof that the dog has undergone tests and proper breeding to be considered purebred. You should also try to meet the parents of the puppy as well as their individual certifications.
Q: How do you check if a breeder is a puppy mill?
A: If the breeder doesn’t have a sale contract or doesn’t conduct some form of screening, it might be a puppy mill. The lack of AKC registration is also a red flag aside from extremely low puppy costs.
Final words
Finding the best Golden Retriever breeders in Colorado isn’t easy. We’ve stumbled upon a few puppy mills before, and we don’t want you to be their next victim. The breeders I listed above are certified and legitimate, which means that the puppy you’ll get has excellent health and personality.
But before you get a Golden Retriever, make sure that you’re prepared for its personality and needs. In the long run, a dog isn’t just a pet but a family member.
