River Rock Goldens
Meet the breeder
I'm Tara D., the breeder behind River Rock Goldens located in Virginia. My mission in breeding Goldens is to set each family and puppy up for success from day one. My goal in breeding Goldens is to always breed for the betterment of the breed and to "The Standard" as set forth by our parent club, The Golden Retriever Club of America and AKC and to place all around happy, healthy Goldens with families to succeed in any venue they wish to pursue.
Q. & A. with Tara
Why did you start breeding?
I got my first Golden over 10 years ago, when we as a family decided to add another dog. We had a mini Schnauzer named "Pepper Ann" but she was more like a cat in a dog suit. I started looking on the internet and taking quizzes and reading every breed on the AKC website. There it was, " The Golden Retriever," and I was in love. Then I started getting involved with training and our first golden received her CGC through AKC. I started getting interested in conformation and attended some shows and began looking out for what I liked in a Golden and eventually met the people who have helped shape me into the breeder I've always hoped to be.What makes your program special?
When I begin to plan a breeding, I do extensive research on pedigrees and chat with friends and other owners. I spend hours researching pedigrees and talking with stud owners to find the perfect breeding for my program. Since every aspect of the dog is important, I also do genetic testing on my breeding dogs to ensure the healthiest puppy possible for your family.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Tara
Tara 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 $2,800 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Contract & health guarantee
Tara 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 Tara 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 Tara 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 Tara.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Virginia
More about Tara
Tara has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years
Tara was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Tara is a trusted Good Dog breeder
River Rock 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 health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
River Rock 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.
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.
PRA, Golden Retriever 2, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), OFA/CHIC DNA Repository, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 1, PRA, Golden Retriever 1, Animal Genetics Panel, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type
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).
