Fourhead Kennels
- Franklin, TX
Meet the breeder
I'm Michael H., the breeder behind Fourhead Kennels located in Franklin, TX. At Fourhead Kennels, we ethically breed field-bred Golden and Labrador Retrievers from proven hunting and performance bloodlines. We focus on sound temperaments, intelligence, trainability, and versatility—raising dogs that excel in the field while becoming loyal, loving family companions.
Q. & A. with Michael
Why did you start breeding?
My passion for breeding began at a young age, raising cattle dogs for friends and family. That grew into building a respected cattle herd, where I learned the value of breeding with purpose. Later, I developed a passion for hunting retrievers and their remarkable abilities, leading me to focus on producing exceptional working dogs with sound temperaments.What makes your program special?
Our breeding program is built on purpose, not chance. We carefully match pedigrees, genetics, and temperaments to produce healthy, trainable puppies. Every breeding dog is fully health tested, including genetic screening and OFA certifications. Our dogs are cherished family members who live and travel with us, and we’re committed to supporting our puppy families for life.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are dark golden. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Michael
Michael 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, Michael partners with them to find the best puppy match.
Price
“Your puppy will come with AKC registration, a veterinary health check, age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip and a puppy starter kit! Your puppy will come with AKC registration, a veterinary health check, age-appropriate vaccinations, and a microchip. Your deposit helps cover upfront costs while reserving your place in that litter.”
Contract & health guarantee
Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael 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
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- Puppy starter kit
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Michael.
Breeder's location
Meet in Franklin, TX
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Austin–Bergstrom Airport
Meet in Burleson, TX
More about Michael
Club memberships
Michael is a member of Hunting Retriever Club and Golden Retriever Club of America.
Certifications & recognitions
Associate Dog Trainer, Professional Handler.
Michael has been a member of Good Dog for less than a month
Michael was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.
Michael’s links
Michael is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Fourhead Kennels 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
All breeds
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Gringo, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Gringo
Gringo is a male Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Michael decided to make him part of their program. Michael 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.
Honey, mom
Golden Retriever
About Honey
Honey is a female Golden Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Michael decided to make her part of their program. Michael 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.
Uploaded health tests
PRA, Golden Retriever 1, PRA, Golden Retriever 2, +8 more.
Parent health testing
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Excellent level
Fourhead Kennels 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.
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.
DNA Disease Panel, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), 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).
