Down South Goldens
- Fair Play, SC
- Responds within a day
Meet the breeder
I'm Candace Y., the breeder behind Down South Goldens located in Fair Play, SC. At Down South Goldens, we are passionate about raising happy, healthy puppies in a loving home environment. Our golden retrievers are more than just pets—they are family. From birth until the day they join their forever homes, we dedicate ourselves to nurturing and caring for each puppy.
Q. & A. with Candace
Why did you start breeding?
Hi! Animals have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my parents owned and operated a successful Golden Retriever breeding program for over 20 years. When they decided it was time to retire, my sister and I couldn't imagine letting such a special legacy come to an end. Together, we have made that dream possible!What makes your program special?
At DownSouth Goldens, we are more than breeders—we are lifelong Golden Retriever enthusiasts carrying on a family legacy that began over 20 years ago. What makes our program special is our commitment to quality over quantity and our dedication to raising exceptional English Cream Golden Retrievers.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are light golden. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Georgia
Went homeFemale
Dolly
Went homeFemale
Dixie
Went homeMale
Stripes
Went homeFemale
Liberty
Went homeFemale
Knox
Went homeMale
Adams
Went homeMale
Tex
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Candace
Candace has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
After buyers complete the application and screening process, Candace partners with them to find the best puppy match.
“At DownSouth Goldens, we carefully match each puppy with the family that best fits their personality and temperament. By getting to know our families and spending daily time with our puppies, we can help ensure each puppy is placed in a home where they will thrive and become a beloved lifelong companion.”
Price
“Our puppies are the result of careful planning, exceptional bloodlines, and dedicated care from birth. The $2,800 price includes AKC registration, champion bloodline pedigree documentation, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, a thorough health examination, and ongoing breeder support.”
Contract & health guarantee
Candace 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 Candace 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 Candace directly.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Basic obedience & manners
- Food & treats
- Toys
- Puppy starter kit
- Initial potty training
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Candace.
Breeder's location
Meet in Fair Play, SC
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Greenville–Spartanburg Airport (Roger Milliken Field)
More about Candace
Certifications & recognitions
Whelping and Medical Intervention Course Completed (AKC), Licensed Veterinary Technician.
Candace has been a member of Good Dog for less than a month
Candace was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.
Candace is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Down South 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 dogs
Irina, mom
Golden Retriever
About Irina
Irena is a large, broad-built English Cream Golden Retriever with excellent substance, strong bone structure, and a beautiful light cream coat. She has the classic blocky head and sturdy frame that make English Goldens so desirable. Beyond her impressive appearance, Irena has a calm, loving temperament and a gentle nature, making her a wonderful companion and an outstanding representation of the breed.
Milo, dad
Golden Retriever
About Milo
Milo is a beautiful English Cream Golden Retriever who has a gorgeous light cream coat, a sweet personality, and a playful spirit. Friendly, loyal, and eager to please, they're the perfect family companion and love spending time with people.
Parent health testing
Good level
Down South 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 (rDVM, not registered), 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 (rDVM, not registered), 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 Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA), 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 (rDVM, not 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.
Vet Wellness Exam
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.
