Question 1

What health testing do your breeding dogs receive?

Accepted Answer

Our breeding dogs complete the health clearances recommended by the Golden Retriever Club of America and required to receive a CHIC number. We also complete all relevant DNA testing through Embark to screen for inherited conditions known to affect Golden Retrievers.
Health results are not simply kept on file—our dogs' OFA records are published, linked on their individual profile pages, and independently verifiable through the OFA database. We carefully review each dog's orthopedic, cardiac, eye, and genetic results before making any breeding decisions, with the goal of producing healthy, structurally sound puppies with the best possible foundation for a long, active life.

Question 2

Do I get to pick out my puppy?

Accepted Answer

We match each puppy with the family we believe is best suited to their temperament, energy level, natural ability, and intended lifestyle. A brief visit or video call offers only a small snapshot, while we spend 6–8 weeks observing each puppy in many different situations. We also complete a formal temperament assessment at approximately 6½ weeks of age.
Using those observations and test results, we consider each family's goals and preferences when making placements. Temperament and suitability come first, but we also do our best to consider preferences such as sex, size, and color.
Please note: FBGR reserves the right to retain a male or female puppy from any litter for our breeding program.

Question 3

What food do you use?

Accepted Answer

We feed our dogs Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance All Life Stages 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula. Your puppy will be fully weaned and eating dry kibble at the time of pickup—no need to soften or wet it.
If you'd prefer to switch foods, we recommend buying a small bag of this same formula to transition slowly. A gradual switch helps avoid digestive upset.
More detail, including a link to the formula, is on our What We Use page.

Question 4

What size carrier do I need for travel?

Accepted Answer

A standard airline-approved soft or hard carrier will work well. Our puppies are typically under 10 lbs at 8 weeks old. If you'd like to ship a new carrier to us ahead of time, we're happy to introduce your puppy to it before they travel.
We also highly recommend Gunner Kennels—our go-to for safety, durability, and long-term travel use. They're crash-tested and built to last a lifetime. We personally use the Intermediate size for our Goldens and can help you purchase one with our affiliate discount. See What We Use for details.

Question 5

What supplements do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

We recommend NuVet Plus K-9 Wafers, especially during your puppy's first year of growth and development. NuVet uses a patented cold-processing method to preserve key vitamins, enzymes, and minerals.
NuVet is sold directly to consumers, not in stores. Order through our What We Use page (nuvet.com/56496). We do receive a small bonus when you purchase through that link—thank you for supporting our program!

Question 6

Can I still get on the waitlist or put down a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Our paid reservation list is currently full, and we are not accepting new deposits. We pause new reservations when we cannot provide a responsible estimate for future puppy availability.
Breeding dates, pregnancy success, litter size, sex ratios, breeder retains, and family preferences all affect timing. If you would like to be contacted when we begin accepting new applications, please join our Puppy Interest List. That list does not reserve a puppy or a waitlist position.

Question 7

How do I pay for my puppy and deposit?

Accepted Answer

We accept:
• Cash
• Venmo
• Zelle
• Personal Check (must be received at least two weeks before pickup)
• Credit Card (additional processing fees apply)
Note: We do not accept personal checks on puppy pickup day.

Question 8

When can my puppy go home?

Accepted Answer

Puppies are fully weaned by 6 weeks and are eligible to go home as early as 7 weeks. That said, we typically recommend pickup between 8–9 weeks, which gives them extra time for social development.
If you need us to keep your puppy beyond 9 weeks, we're happy to accommodate. A boarding fee will apply.

Question 9

Do you ship puppies?

Accepted Answer

No, due to airline changes post-COVID, we do not ship puppies via cargo. We highly encourage families to pick up their puppy in person at our farm.
If you're flying in, we can meet you at the Salt Lake City airport for a $120 fee, depending on availability. Please confirm flight plans with us before booking. We generally avoid Sunday travel, but exceptions can be made with prior notice.
If flying isn't an option, we can refer you to trusted ground transporters or flight nannies. Coordination and payment for these services are the responsibility of the buyer.

Question 10

Is my deposit refundable if life circumstances change?

Accepted Answer

Deposits are non-refundable at any time. We ask that you only place a deposit if you're confident you'll be ready to bring a puppy home within the next year.
If your spot comes up and you're not ready, you can defer to a future litter. However, if you commit to a litter and back out after the puppies are 5 weeks old, your deposit will be forfeited and a new deposit will be required for future litters.

Question 11

I don't hunt—are your puppies still a good fit?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! While many of our families are hunters, nearly 50% of our puppies go to active, non-hunting homes. Field-bred Golden Retrievers thrive when they have mental stimulation and a job—whether that's hiking, running, playing fetch, or just being a loyal family companion.
They're eager to please, highly trainable, and love people—especially kids! That said, they do need an outlet for their energy. Whether your goals are hunting, agility, obedience, dock diving, or simply having an adventure buddy, our Goldens can do it all.

Question 12

Do you offer training?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer professional board-and-train programs through Utah Bird Dog Training, typically beginning around 6 months of age. Your dog will come back to us for customized training ranging from basic obedience to advanced gun dog and retriever work.
We recommend letting your puppy go home with you first to bond, potty train, and socialize—then return to us at the ideal time for training. If you'd like us to raise and train your puppy beyond 8 weeks, you would pay for the puppy first and then begin monthly tuition.

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