I'm Heather W., the breeder behind Highlander's Goldens of Howell located in Howell, MI. Our dogs are bred for health, temperament, and intelligence. We strive to produce the best overall pets and family members. We are home-based breeders dedicated to bringing healthy, loving, and high-quality puppies into the homes and hearts of their forever families.
Q. & A. with Heather
Why did you start breeding?
My Husband and I grew up farming and in 4-H. I met my first golden just after graduating from college. I was so impressed by the service nature of Goldens that it didn't take long for our livestock breeding expertise to join in the game. Goldens have been a staple at our family farm for over 2 decades now.
What makes your program special?
We thrive on the daily care taking that comes with breeding top quality companion animals. Our American service Goldens are well known for excellent service temperament.
Our English Creams are prized for their mellow and well mannered dispositions. We find that the quality of both in one dog makes for a wonderful companion.
OFA certified with proven longevity.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include dark golden, golden, and light golden. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Heather
Heather 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 $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,700 - $2,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Each pup comes with AKC registration, veterinarian health certification, first vaccines, dewormings, training consult and follow up. Puppies are chosen by their forever families in order of deposit.”
Contract & health guarantee
Heather 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 Heather 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 Heather directly.
Highlander's Goldens of Howell 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
Good level
Highlander's Goldens of Howell 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.