I'm Heather M., the breeder behind The Golden Virtues located in Gunnison, UT. located in Utah. We are dedicated to the health and well-being of our dogs. They receive OFA health clearances and genetic testing. We train our dogs to be well-mannered companions and capable of earning various titles. Our dogs are members of our family, that we love above else.
Q. & A. with Heather
Why did you start breeding?
Growing up with Golden Retrievers, I always knew that one day I wanted to own a breed-standard Golden Retriever and learn more about show events and important health standards. However, I had to wait until the timing was financially right. After much time and research, I now have the opportunity to love, train, and work with my favorite breed.
What makes your program special?
We do OFA health testing, and DNA genetic health testing and take the time to train our dogs so they are good citizens. We strive for champion lines, by going to international shows. We only want the best for our dogs, and love them as our children.
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.
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Heather
Heather 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 $500 non-refundable deposit and $3,200 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“AKC limited registration Golden Retriever puppy, immunizations and deworming up to date, a small bag of food, a stuffed toy and a few extras. A deposit secures your spot on our waitlist and priority in puppy selection by order received. Refunds only if our female doesn’t conceive or due to an issue from The Golden Virtues.”
Contract & health guarantee
Heather 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 Heather 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 Heather directly.
The Golden Virtues 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
Faith, mom
Golden Retriever
About Faith
Faith is a female Golden Retriever almost 5 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Heather decided to make her part of their program. Heather 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.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
The Golden Virtues 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.
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).