I'm Joan D., the breeder behind Aquest Goldens located in Crofton, MD. I produce top-quality pups that will continue to excel in their chosen field, whether showing or as an active companion. My puppies are structurally sound, healthy, intuitive, and have wonderful temperaments. I raise all of my dogs with love in my home. I have high expectations for my puppies and make sure to place each one with an enriching and loving family that will match their temperament and personality.
Q. & A. with Joan
Why did you start breeding?
I am purposeful in everything I do regarding my dogs, including careful selection of breeding dogs and extensive health testing. My goal is to produce healthy dogs with great temperaments, working drives, and conformation that are exemplary representations of the breed.
What makes your program special?
My dogs are bred to produce healthy, sound, and versatile pups. My ultimate goal is to produce athletic and well-structured canines that can excel within various performance venues and have the ability to be the greatest family companions. I can provide extensive knowledge and guidance for any family looking to bring home one of these wonderful dogs. I love what I do and truly want the very best for my puppies and their forever families.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Joan
Joan has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Connect with Joan to learn more details about pricing.
Contract & health guarantee
Joan may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Joan offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Joan directly.
Aquest Goldens meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Aquest Goldens reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Golden Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia (Preliminary), Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
OFA/CHIC DNA Repository, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 1, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), PRA, Golden Retriever 2, PRA, Golden Retriever 1
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).