Facts and Questions
Q. Where are your puppies raised?
A. Our Golden Retriever puppies are farm-raised in Vermont. They are nurtured indoors and are showered with attention and love every day.
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Q. Are the puppies well-socialized?
A, Absolutely! Our puppies are very well socialized. They are brought up in a lively home environment and interact with humans daily.
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Q. What health care do the puppies receive?
A. Each puppy has their first veterinary 'well puppy' appointment and receives all necessary initial vaccinations and de-worming at 4, 6, and 8 weeks.
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Q. Can I inspect the puppies before selecting one?
A. Yes, the puppies are available for inspection and selection. You can also opt for a virtual viewing via Facetime.
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Q. How long have you been breeding Golden Retrievers?
A. We have been breeding Golden Retrievers for nearly 20 years, 15 years in Lake Tahoe, California, and the last four years in Vermont.
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Q. What is the breeding pair like?
A. We currently have a male English Cream Golden Retriever (ECGR) and a female Mahogany Golden Retriever. They are both OFA certified, ensuring genetic health.
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Q. What is the process to secure a puppy?
A. Secure your desired puppy with a $200 non-refundable deposit (cash, check, or Venmo) at the time of selection. The remainder of the purchase price is due upon pickup.
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Q. What happens if I can't go through with the purchase after paying the deposit?
A. If you cannot complete the transaction, the deposit can be applied to a puppy from a future litter.
Q. What should I know before choosing a breeder?
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A. We advise all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. It's essential to ensure you're sourcing your puppy from a responsible, dedicated breeder.
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Q. What can I expect from a Gilfillan Golden Retriever puppy?
A. Our puppies are bred from AKC-registered parent dogs known for their exceptional health and temperaments. They are socialized from a young age, ensuring they are confident, friendly, and well-adjusted.
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Q. Are your puppies socialized?
A. Our puppies are raised on our farm, where they are exposed to a variety of experiences and stimuli. They interact with humans daily and are introduced to different environments, sounds, and experiences to aid in their development.
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Q. What does "AKC registered" mean?
A. AKC registered means that our dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), a reputable organization that maintains a purebred dog registry. This ensures the pedigree of our Golden Retrievers.
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Q. What is the average lifespan of a Golden Retriever?
A. Golden Retrievers typically live between 10-12 years. However, lifespan can be affected by many factors including genetics, diet, environment, and overall health care.
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Q. What is the temperament of a Golden Retriever?
A. Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and tolerant attitudes. They are great family pets and are patient and gentle with children. They are also intelligent, trainable, and are often used as service or guide dogs.
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Q. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
A. Golden Retrievers are active and fun-loving animals; they require lots of exercise. Daily walks, playtime, and access to a safe outdoor area are essential to keeping a Golden Retriever healthy and happy.
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Q. How should I prepare my home for a new puppy?
A. Puppy-proofing your home is a crucial step before bringing home a new puppy. Remove toxic plants, secure loose wires, and make sure small objects that a puppy could swallow are out of reach. It's also beneficial to have a designated space for your puppy, complete with a comfortable bed and toys.
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Q. What should I feed my Golden Retriever puppy?
A. A balanced diet is crucial to your puppy's development. It's best to feed them high-quality puppy food recommended by your vet. As they grow, their dietary needs will change, so it's essential to continually update their diet.
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Q. When can I take my puppy home?
A. Puppies can usually leave their mother and littermates at around eight weeks old. We'll provide specific dates and times when your puppy is ready to join your family.
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Q. How can I reserve a puppy from Gilfillan Golden Retrievers?
A. Please get in touch with us through our contact page for information on reserving a puppy. We require a deposit to hold a puppy and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q. What is the temperament of Golden Retrievers?
A. Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, reliable, and trustworthy nature. They are outgoing, eager to please, and get along well with strangers and other animals.
Q. How often should Golden Retrievers be groomed?
A. Regular grooming is essential for Golden Retrievers. They should be brushed weekly to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Bathing can be done every 4-6 weeks or as needed.
Q. What kind of food should Golden Retrievers eat?
A. Golden Retrievers should be fed a balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies need food specifically formulated for growth, while adults need food to maintain their energy and health.
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Q. How much exercise do Golden Retrievers need?
A. Golden Retrievers are an active and fun-loving breed—they need lots of exercise. Puppies need several short play sessions each day, along with a couple of short walks. Adult Golden Retrievers require more than an hour of physical exercise daily.
Q. Are Golden Retrievers good with children and other pets?
A. Yes, Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle, playful, and affectionate nature, making them excellent pets for families with children. They also typically get along well with other pets.
Q. How to potty train a Golden Retriever puppy?
A. Consistency and a routine are key when potty training. Regularly take your puppy outside to the same spot and praise them when they go. Avoid punishments for accidents and clean up thoroughly to remove scents.
Q. When do Golden Retrievers stop growing?
A. Most Golden Retrievers will stop growing by the time they're 18 months old, although they might fill out and mature up until they're about two years old.
Q. Are Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic?
A. No, Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. They have a dense double coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavily with season changes.
Q. When do Golden Retrievers' ears stand up?
A. Unlike some breeds, Golden Retrievers' ears don't stand up—they hang down. If a puppy's ears are standing up, they might have some other breed in their genetics.
Q. What should I do if my Golden Retriever is overweight?
A. If your Golden Retriever is overweight, you should consult with your vet about a healthy diet and exercise routine. Reduce calorie intake and increase physical activity, ensuring that weight loss is gradual and not sudden.