Ivywest Goldens

Catherine M.

Breeder of Golden Retrievers

  • Charlottesville, VA

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.

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, 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.

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. The remaining balance is $500 - $1,500, 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.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

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
    • 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 over 2 years

    Catherine was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.

  • Catherine’s links

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

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.

  • 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).

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Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.