Sunbuilt Retrievers

Sammye D.

Breeder of Golden Retrievers

  • La Porte, TX

Meet the breeder

I'm Sammye D., the breeder behind Sunbuilt Retrievers located in La Porte, TX. Sunbuilt Retrievers' success in placing successful service dog prospects originates from the hard work of incredible breeders before us, like Bergin Univeristy, Assistance Dogs International, and Breeders of Merit in show / conformation lines and sports.

Q. & A. with Sammye

  • Why did you start breeding?

    After founding and running service dog nonprofits, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find the right temperament and health for a service dog prospect. I am building a breeding program focused on trainability, temperamental and structural soundness for work and companionship. Quality puppies are hard to find so I am excited to continue creating an exceptional service dog purpose-bred line.
  • What makes your program special?

    Well bred is not the same as purebred. Our puppies' parents and the parents of their parents (and so on) have had health clearences, genetic testing and titles proving our dog’s are the best of the golden retriever breed and are breeding worthy. We go above and beyond to set up for success even before leaving us! We are here to support our families for life AND are certified dog training experts!
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies are 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 Sammye

Sammye 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 between $3,500 - $4,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“Puppies have AKC registration, health warranty, shots, deworming, microchip, early socialization, crate & basic obedience, and potty training with a Certified Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA.). There is a reservation fee of $1,000.”

Contract & health guarantee

Sammye 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 Sammye 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 Sammye 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
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Initial potty training

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Sammye.

Breeder’s location

Meet in La Porte, TX

Other pick-up locations

More about Sammye

  • Club memberships

    Sammye is a member of Space City Sport Goldens, Greater Houston Golden Retriever Club, and Golden Retriever Club of America.

  • Certifications & recognitions

    American Kennel Club Canine College, Whelping and Medical Intervention Course Completed (AKC), Animal First Aid Certified, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T., Canine Nutritionist, CHIC Certified, Avidog Transformational Puppy Rearing, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Puppy Culture Breeder, CCPDT-KSA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers), CCPDT-KA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers).

  • Sammye has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years

    Sammye was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.

  • Sammye’s links

Sammye is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Sunbuilt Retrievers 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

Excellent level

Sunbuilt Retrievers 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 Dysplasia (Preliminary)

    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 (Preliminary), 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.

  • 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.

  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), Golden Retriever Type, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 2, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Golden Retriever Type, Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type, DNA Disease Panel, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 1, 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).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Sammye to bring home their puppies.

  • MB

    Melissa B.

    Verified owner · May 2023

    We got our Lola (formerly Latte) from Sunbuilt Retrievers and couldn’t be happier! Sammye was so easy to work with, patiently answered every one of my hundreds of questions and was so accommodating before and after getting Lola. Everything Sammye told us about Lola- her personality, temperament, etc were all spot on. Lola is the best dog and the perfect dog for our family! We feel like we’ve hit the jackpot! I will recommend Sammye and Sunbuilt Retrievers to anyone I know looking for a dog .

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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.

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.

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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