Legacy Retriever Project

Aaron R.

Breeder of Golden Retrievers

  • 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.

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, 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 $500 non-refundable deposit and $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“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.

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
    • 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 about 1 year

    Aaron was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2025.

  • Aaron’s links

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

Parent dogs

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.

  • Full Embark Panel, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), DNA Disease Panel, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type, 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.

  • LJ

    Lauren J.

    Verified owner · May 2026

      • +5

    Aaron and Stephanie were amazing to work with from start to finish. They were always willing to answer any of my questions no matter how big or small. You could really tell how much care they take with each of their litters in making sure they are practicing safe, ethical breeding and also making sure each family is the right fit for their puppies. We would love to work with them again and would recommend them to anyone looking for a forever fur baby.

    Julie S.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    Aaron and Stephanie are awesome. They are so great at communication and shared photos and videos throughout the process so we felt like we already knew our pup. We did a meet and greet day to pick and cuddle and it was awesome. These folks really love dogs and care about giving them a healthy and happy start!! Pup had all the first steps for potty and crate training on pick up day. He is a doll!

    Marci R.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    I knew immediately that Legacy Retriever Project would be the perfect breeder for us because of their knowledge of Goldens, genetic testing, and what factors go into breeding a healthy dog. They communicated everything throughout the process and were so knowledgeable about everything they did during Lucy’s pregnancy, the birth, whelping, and early puppy training and socialization. All 11 puppies were gorgeous and healthy. We are thrilled with our puppy and cannot believe the care and thoughtfulness their whole family put into the puppies and Lucy. We loved that there was another older female dog who helped the mom care for her puppies. We would have loved any one of the puppies in this litter. This is my fourth Golden Retriever and after just two full days with our puppy I can see a huge difference in this puppy compared to our previous Goldens. I think the early neuro sensitivity training and Puppy Culture philosophy makes a huge difference and I’m so grateful full Legacy made the effort to do this work.

  • Hope L.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    Great communication from Aaron and Stephanie throughout the whole process. Highly recommend working with them to get yourself a great pup. We are so grateful for our little guy. Looking forward to litter group meet ups down the road!

    Deepan B.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    Aaron and Stephanie with Legacy Retriever project were amazing to be in contact with during the process of bringing our new puppy home. They were so easy to talk to and were transparent about everything. I was so eager to be with my puppy before bringing him home and they were super flexible with allowing me to come see him multiple times. The amount of love they have raised with these puppies is evident. Not only did they provide excellent care to these puppies but what they are trying to do here with the Legacy Retriever project is amazing and inspiring. If you are considering getting a golden retriever, these are your people!

    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.

Photos

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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.

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