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Ivywest Goldens
Meet the breeder
I'm Catherine M., the breeder behind Ivywest Goldens located in Charlottesville, VA. Ivywest Goldens are healthy, well-bred, and well socialized. Golden Retrievers are renowned as the perfect family dog because of their gentle temperament and loving devotion. Our greatest desire is create a wonderful Golden puppy with the best health and temperament for your family.
Q. & A. with Catherine
Why did you start breeding?
After graduating from UVa and teaching for five years I realized that I was better suited to spending lots of time outdoors and that I could apply my interest in development and teaching to my love of Golden Retrievers. I love to research and apply my knowledge, to have deep and meaningful connections with animals and to bring joy to others...raising and breeding Goldens has been the perfect fit!What makes your program special?
At Ivywest Goldens we only breed the best to the best, with your companion's health and well-being in mind. We take extra time with our puppies to ensure they have proper stimulation and growth - physically and mentally. We provide extensive education to our clients to set them up for success and we continue to be available for help throughout the life of their furry companion.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Boy 6
Went homeMale
Girl 4
Went homeFemale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Boy 5
Went homeMale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Boy 5
Went homeMale
Boy 6
Went homeMale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Getting a puppy from Catherine
Catherine 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 $1,500 deposit and between $500 - $1,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“All puppies come with AKC registration, microchip, dewormed, thorough vet check, first vaccinations, 2 year health guarantee, they are introduced to potty training, crates, and are well socialized. I do not ask for a deposit until your puppy is born.”
Contract & health guarantee
Catherine 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 Catherine 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 Catherine directly.
Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more
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
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Catherine.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Charlottesville, VA
4155 miles away
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More about Catherine
Club memberships
Catherine is a member of Golden Retriever Club of America.
Catherine has been a member of Good Dog for almost 2 years
Catherine was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.
Catherine is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Ivywest 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
Charm, mom
Golden Retriever
About Charm
Charm is a female Golden Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Catherine decided to make her part of their program. Catherine 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.
Asher, dad
Golden Retriever
About Asher
Asher is a beautiful white golden. His parents are from Ukraine and Netherlands. He has a great boxy head, nice black features, and a large boned sturdy body. His coat is flowing and smooth. He has the best goof ball personality…always playful and ready for a romp, but also sweet and loves to bask in the sun.
Good health testing
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), Hip Dysplasia Prelims (registered with OFA), +2 more.
Amber, mom
Golden Retriever
About Amber
Amber is a beautiful darker golden. She is super sweet and calm and has great manners. When she is out and about she always sticks right by our side. Amber gets along well with everyone and is easy to please.
Good health testing
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +1 more.
Luella, mom
Golden Retriever
About Luella
Luella is the epitome of a Golden girl! She greets you with something in her mouth, is always happy, loves to eat and is always up for a game of Fetch. She has a thick white coat and the sweetest demeanor. She is super cuddly and gets along well with everyone.
Good health testing
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +2 more.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Ivywest 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
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.
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.
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.
DNA Disease Panel, 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).
