I'm Mellisa B., the breeder behind Archwind Retrievers located in Belle Plaine, MN. We love our animals, they are a part of our family. We strive to better the breed and produce intelligent hard working field dogs with excellent health and longevity. They are well rounded and train in everything from obedience to agility to field work and hunting.
Q. & A. with Mellisa
Why did you start breeding?
We have mentors that helped us with whelping and dog training and learned a lot from them. I like having many resources with experience to contact if needed.
What makes your program special?
These dogs are raised in our home and our kids help too, we have a hobby farm and room to run and play. We like to advertise these dogs for being well rounded, they train and compete with all 4 of our family members. And as Goldens are known for, intelligence, trainability and so loveable. Our dogs have high drive and energy, so we like to make that clear too because this is a purposely bred trait.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl
Went home
Female
Girl 5
Went home
Female
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Mellisa
Mellisa 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
Puppy prices include a $400 refundable deposit and between $1,400 - $2,100 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“All puppies are the same price. Limited registration with an option for full if the dog passes all required health certifications listed on the puppy contract.”
Contract & health guarantee
Mellisa 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 Mellisa 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 Mellisa directly.
Archwind Retrievers 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 dogs
Twister, mom
Golden Retriever
About Twister
Twister is a female Golden Retriever over 8 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Mellisa decided to make her part of their program. Mellisa has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Ember, mom
Golden Retriever
About Ember
Ember is a dark red golden retriever with a wavy coat that dries quickly and is easily brushed after a day in the field or the water. She is 55 pounds and an average build. Her temperament is a typical wanting to please golden type personality. She truly enjoys training and working, although her favorite is field work! She is a great family and house dog and responds well for any of us that train her.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Archwind Retrievers 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
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.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA), Brucellosis, Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 1, PRA, Golden Retriever 1, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type
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).