At Retriever Buddies, our pedigrees come from field lines. The primary difference between show and field Golden Retrievers is their purpose and the way they are bred. Show Golden Retrievers are bred primarily for conformation, which means that they are bred to conform to a breed standard in terms of physical appearance and movement.

Show Golden Retrievers are often larger and have a fuller coat than field Golden Retrievers. They may have a calmer demeanor and may be less energetic than field Golden Retrievers, as they are not typically bred for working ability.

Field Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, are bred primarily for their working ability, such as hunting, retrieving, and other field sports. They are typically smaller in size and have a leaner build than show Golden Retrievers. Field Golden Retrievers have a higher energy level and need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They may also have a shorter and less dense coat, which makes them better suited for working in the field.

Many people may wonder where this name came from. Over 9 years ago, when Joel began his breeding journey, his son Cole was entrusted with the task of naming the breeding program. It was during that time that the name "Retriever Buddies" was chosen. Our logo takes inspiration from a timeless image depicting a boy similar to Cole and his dog. This emblem symbolizes the pure love and unbreakable bond that we share with golden retrievers, as well as the profound connection that all our families have with their own goldens.

At our breeding program, we strive to match the right puppy with the right family based on temperament testing and lifestyle considerations. We carefully select a puppy or a few puppy choices that we believe will thrive in your family's environment and meet your needs and expectations. We understand that having a say in the gender of your new golden is important to some people, so we are happy to accommodate that preference.

However, please keep in mind that we prioritize temperament and lifestyle factors in our selection process to ensure that you get the best match possible. We have spent a considerable amount of time with the litter since birth, and we have conducted temperament testing to evaluate their individual personalities and behaviours. This allows us to offer a more informed and objective assessment of each puppy's personality. Our priority is to ensure that you get a happy, healthy, and well-suited puppy that will become a beloved member of your family and bring joy to your home for years to come.

At Retriever Buddies, we take immense pride in our commitment to raising our puppies in a loving home environment in Calgary, Alberta. From birth to adoption, our puppies receive unparalleled care and socialization. All of our dogs, including those in our breeding program, are considered family members and never relegated to outside kennels or cages. Some of the dogs in our breeding program are even placed with trusted guardian families or co-owned with Joel to ensure they receive the utmost care and attention.

Yes! Our community of Retriever Buddies owners stretches across BC and Alberta, and even extends to the eastern provinces, with the majority of our beloved puppies happily residing in the thriving Lower Mainland, BC, Vancouver Island or around Calgary, Alberta areas; rest assured that, Joel, frequently travels to ensure seamless transportation of our precious puppies to their eagerly awaiting families out in BC.

At Retriever Buddies, dog nutrition is of high importance. We believe in a Biologically Species Appropriate diet. We firmly believe animal protein should be at the forefront of dog nutrition. Therefore all the parents and puppies are fed a balanced raw diet.

Founded by veterinarian and nutritionist Dr. Ian Billinghurst, the principle of raw feeding is to feed dogs the diet they evolved to eat—a raw diet composed of meats and greens that are fresh, uncooked, and wild. We strongly encourage all families to do their research when choosing what to feed their golden. You can check out our resources page for more information on raw feeding.

The debate between fixing early and waiting is an ongoing debate in the dog community, but for golden retrievers, there is quite a bit research to show that early spay/neuter can potentially have negative impacts on their health and development, including increased risk of joint issues, obesity, certain cancers, and other health issues. At Retriever Buddies, we prioritize the health and well-being of our puppies, which is why we require all of our families by signed contract to wait at least 1 year before spaying or neutering their puppy. This allows the puppy to fully develop and reach maturity before undergoing surgery, which can help reduce the risk of certain health issues later in life.

Additionally, we believe that it's important for our families to have the opportunity to assess their puppy's individual temperament and behaviour before making a decision on whether or not to spay or neuter. We encourage open communication with our families regarding this topic and are happy to provide resources and guidance to help make the best decision for their puppy. If you want to learn more about the impacts of early neutering please check out our resources page.

We breed AKC or CKC-registered golden retrievers that have undergone genetic testing and possess sound temperaments. We are proud of our reputation for producing healthy, well-rounded puppies. All of our puppies come with their first set of vaccinations and records, deworming treatment, and a pre-home vet wellness exam, as well as a 2-year health guarantee. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information on pricing, as several factors such as shipping and transportation may impact the cost.