Health & Our Philosophy
Our Breeding Philosophy
We breed for temperament, health, and quality of life — in that order. We are not a high-volume operation so that every puppy receives individual attention from birth. Our goal is to produce puppies that benefit from the enhanced genetic diversity of three breed lines — Golden Retriever, Poodle, and Border Collie — while screening rigorously for the health concerns that can affect each. With hybrid vigor working in their favor and a typical lifespan of 12 to 16 years, these are dogs built for long, healthy lives. Responsible breeding starts with knowing our dogs, recognizing breed characters, and investing in comprehensive health testing. Our intention is to pair our puppies with homes where they will be loved and cared for throughout their lives, and allowed to fulfill their potential.
Health Testing Protocol
Every parent dog in our program undergoes a rigorous battery of health tests before being considered for breeding. Here's what we test and why it matters:
Embark DNA Panel
Comprehensive genetic screening covering PRA, CEA, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), von Willebrand Disease (vWD), MDR1 drug sensitivity, and over 200 additional breed-relevant conditions. Ensures no known genetic diseases are passed to puppies.
Health Guarantee
Every puppy we place comes with a written health guarantee that covers genetic conditions for two years. We stand behind our breeding program and our dogs. If a genetic health issue arises, we work with you to make it right. Beyond the guarantee period, we offer lifetime breeder support — we are always here for you and your dog, no matter how many years go by.
Spay/Neuter Policy
All pet puppies are placed with a spay/neuter agreement. Breeding rights for some is a separate agreement and determined after much consideration. We believe in responsible pet ownership and work with each family to determine the best timing for neutering their individual puppy, taking into account current veterinary research on the health benefits of waiting until the dog is fully mature. Raising a dog for family life, for service or performance takes effort and patience and dedication. Having a plan in place for your dog will help ensure a lifetime of happy memories.
Early Socialization
From the day they are born, our puppies are exposed to a rich variety of experiences. We follow a structured socialization protocol that includes household sounds, different surfaces and textures, gentle handling by adults and children, exposure to other animals, car rides, and novel objects. By the time they go home at nine weeks, our puppies are confident, curious, and well-prepared for life in their new families.