Legacy Retriever Project
- Golden, CO
- Responds within a few hours
Meet the breeder
I'm Aaron R., the breeder behind Legacy Retriever Project located in Golden, CO. We’re breeding Goldens with a rare gene variant associated with longevity. Your pup may be slender. We’ve studied canine genetics and consulted experts and the scientific evidence supports our theory. I’ll ask for occasional health updates — your dog is part of something meaningful!“.
Q. & A. with Aaron
Why did you start breeding?
We have a lovely rescue dog, and we volunteer foster for a local animal shelter. Growing up purebred Goldens, we wanted the same joy for our kids. Searching high and low for a truly well bred dog like the ones we grew up with, disappointed with the lack of purpose bred low volume breeders. Coupled with the health problems endemic to the breed, we embarked on the path to doing something about it.What makes your program special?
Our focus is on improving genetic diversity. We are part of The Companion Dog Project and support the nonprofit Functional Dog Collaborative, to whom a donation is made with the proceeds of each puppy. This network provides a wealth of resources and expertise to support our journey with insight and guidance from the scientific community, the animal welfare community, and experienced breeders.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.
Cork
ReservedMale
Pick 10
ReservedMale
Luke
ReservedMale
Scout
ReservedFemale
Mili
ReservedFemale
Mochi
ReservedMale
Atlas
ReservedMale
Pick 3
ReservedFemale
Jethro
ReservedMale
Pick 7
ReservedMale
Orange Girl
Went homeFemale
Purple Girl
Went homeFemale
Peanut
Went homeFemale
Callie
Went homeFemale
Sophie
Went homeFemale
Muri
Went homeMale
Zoey
Went homeFemale
Nugget
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Aaron
Aaron 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
"Price includes AKC registration, vet check, deworming, vaccinations, microchip, Genetic panel, snuggle puppy and completion of Puppy Culture, a formal socialization and beginning training course. All puppies are the same price regardless of size or color. Puppies are reserved in the order that the deposits are placed. We may extend discounts at our sole discretion."
Contract & health guarantee
Aaron 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 Aaron 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 Aaron directly.
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
- 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
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- Initial potty training
- Toys
- AKC registration
- Basic obedience & manners
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Food & treats
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Aaron.
Breeder's location
Meet in Golden, CO
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Denver Airport
Meet in Denver, CO
More about Aaron
Club memberships
Aaron is a member of The Dog Aging Project , The Functional Dog Collaborative , and The Companion Dog Project .
Certifications & recognitions
Puppy Culture Breeder, Midwoofery.
Aaron has been a member of Good Dog for 10 months
Aaron was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2025.
Aaron is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Legacy Retriever Project 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
Litter and program updates
Aaron R.
Litter update on 09 Mar •…We’re selectively breeding for a gene variant that produces lower levels of a hormone called IGF-1. In dogs, lower IGF-1 is associated with longer lifespan. Most large breeds carry the version of this gene that produces more IGF-1 — but a small number of Goldens still carry the ancestral “small” variant, and that’s what I’m working with. Your puppy has one or two copies of this variant. I’m tracking the health and longevity of dogs from this program over their lifetimes to see if it makes a meaningful difference. What this means for you: ∙ Your dog may be slender. ∙ I’ll ask you to share health updates over the years — this data is the whole point of the project I have studied canine genetics extensively and have consulted with experts in both genetics and veterinary medicine to design this program carefully. The science behind it is real and well-established in canine genetics research. You may just be giving a longer, healthier life to your dog — and helping prove it for future dogs too.
Finn and Lucy's litter
Aaron R.
Litter update on 08 Mar •Picks 9 & 10 are available again!
Finn and Lucy's litter
Aaron R.
Litter update on 07 Mar •11 healthy bundles of love were born today!
Finn and Lucy's litter
Aaron R.
Program update on 28 Feb •Only a week to go!
Aaron R.
Litter update on 30 Jan •We have puppies!!!
Finn and Lucy's litter
Aaron R.
Litter update on 10 Nov 2025 •It’s heartwarming to hear from our puppy families 💕
Finn and Lucy's litter
Aaron R.
Litter update on 07 Nov 2025 •…Exciting things happening behind the scenes at Legacy. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Lauren from Co Pilot Golden Retrievers! Lauren’s puppies have jaw dropping genetic diversity, we’re so impressed that we’re bringing one of her puppies home soon! Lauren ALSO found our unicorn sire, who has a very specific genotype that we’re trying to preserve. Amazingly , she didn’t need to look far because he was born in her program last year! We’re so happy to have another breeder join us in our mission to find the path to brighter futures for Golden Retrievers ⭐️ https://www.gooddog.com/breeders/copilot-golden-retrievers-colorado
Finn and Lucy's litter
Aaron R.
Litter update on 14 Aug 2025 •
Odie and Lucy's litter
Aaron R.
Program update on 22 July 2025 •…Pups started ENS and ESI today, then took a well deserved nap. ENS protocols require being disciplined and consistent but the benefits last their whole lives!
Aaron R.
Litter update on 21 July 2025 •…We’re very excited about this special litter! Parents were selected for excellent pet temperament and genetic expression of IGF1 regulation. Puppies have genetic haplotype that research shows are linked to longer lifespans. Research suggests inheriting even one copy shows intermediate effects. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3168604/#Fig1 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2789551/
Odie and Lucy's litter
Parent dogs
Lucy, mom
Golden Retriever
About Lucy
Lucy is the best girl! Athletic but has an “off switch.” She’s always down for a swim or game of fetch but settles down indoors. She LOVES kids! Her specific variant of the IGF1 gene, often referred to as the "small dog haplotype“ is uncommon among Golden Retrievers and is associated with longevity.
Good health testing
PRA, Golden Retriever 2, PRA, Golden Retriever 1, +7 more.
Parent health testing
Legacy Retriever Project 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.
Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type
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.
Full Embark Panel, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), DNA Disease Panel, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type, 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).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Aaron to bring home their puppies.
- SR
Stephanie R.
Verified owner · Nov. 2025
We brought home our golden puppy, Doppler, a few months ago and we couldn't have asked for a better dog or better breeders. Aaron and his wife, Stephanie, were FANTASTIC! Both were super responsive and answered all our questions. We got to meet Doppler several times before we took her home which made a big difference I think. Doppler has been a fantastic addition to our family. She gets along great with our older dog, 2 kids (4 & 7), and cat. She's healthy, playful, and loves everyone. She does like to eat the deer poop, which is hella gross, but no dog is perfect. =) Overall I would highly recommend! Also, Lucy is a beautiful dog and fantastic mom.
Erin K.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
Aaron and Stephanie were absolutely amazing as breeders and the first family to our baby girl. Sofie is just the sweetest girl and I can tell that she has learned many wonderful things from her first parents: being calm, sitting pretty, and basically potty trained. Their attention to detail, continued communication, and just ultimate love for all of their puppies, Lucy and Hazel is a testament to their dedication to do this the right way. They went above and beyond and continue to be there for my husband and I if we have questions.I highly recommend these two if you are looking for a new fur baby. Who knows...I might go for a second in a year! 😁 Thank you so much Aaron and Stephanie! Erin and Matt Kehret
Alex M.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
I cannot recommend Stephanie and her family enough for anyone looking to bring a puppy into their home. From the moment we connected, they were exceptional in keeping us in the loop with consistent communication, sending us heartwarming messages and adorable pictures of our puppy. It truly made the wait so special and exciting. Their home is a nurturing haven, filled with love and care, where the puppies are raised in an incredible environment. You can feel the warmth and dedication from Stephanie and her family, who shower the puppies with attention every single day. It’s clear they aren’t just breeders—they’re a family passionate about giving these pups the best start in life. Unlike other breeders where you might feel disconnected, Stephanie welcomed us to visit and play with our puppy, allowing us to build a bond long before bringing her home. Those moments were priceless and made the transition so much smoother. Thanks to Stephanie’s amazing work, our puppy adjusted perfectly to our home, making the entire experience seamless and nothing short of wonderful. This puppy was a gift for my daughter’s 7th birthday, and the expectations were high. Stephanie not only met but exceeded them. She was genuinely thrilled when we shared that the puppy was for our daughter’s special day, and her joy and care for both the puppies and the families they join shine through in everything she does. Stephanie is an extraordinary person who pours her heart into ensuring each puppy finds a loving home. We’re beyond grateful for her and this unforgettable experience!
Julie C.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
My kids and I had wanted a puppy forever! Unfortunately as a military vet and a single mom it was never the right time. You guys made our dreams come true!! We couldn’t be happier with how sweet our peanut is and how well she was raised until she came home to us!
Lindsay H.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
Our family loved working with Golden Legacy Retriever Project. From the beginning there was open communication and transparency. It was so special to meet our puppy before taking her home and starting the bonding/socialization process. Since bringing our girl home, she has been nothing short of amazing! In a busy house with 4 kids and a cat, she is confident, happy, and has taken any new situation in stride. The puppy culture training was such an important start to our dog's life. Thank you Golden Legacy, you guys are awesome!
Andrew G.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
I had such a wonderful experience working with Golden Legacy Retriever Project. From the very beginning, it was clear how much love, time, and care they put into raising their puppies. Every step of the process felt thoughtful and professional, but also warm and personal. The breeders went above and beyond to make sure the puppies were well socialized, healthy, and happy before going to their forever homes. You could really see how much they genuinely cared about the dogs—not just as pets, but as beloved family members. Now that I have my puppy, I can see the results of that early love and attention every single day. She’s playful, confident, and already such a sweet companion. I’m so grateful for the effort they put into giving her the best possible start in life. If you’re looking for a breeder who truly prioritizes the well-being of their dogs and their new families, I can’t recommend Golden Legacy Retriever Project enough. They made the whole journey a joy, and I’m so thankful I found them!
