Below are some frequently asked questions that we are asked. If you have another question that is not on this list then please e-mail us at pups@RGoldens.com or call 540.354.3356.

1. What makes Recherche Goldens different from every other breeder of English Creme Goldens?
   Recherche Goldens breed for conformation, health and temperament. CONFORMATION: Our English Creme Goldens have the best pedigrees of almost any breeder in the US and the world. Multiple World, International, European and literally dozens of country champions are in our dogs pedigree (Please review their pedigrees on Our Stud & Our Dams page). HEALTH: All our Goldens are tested for their hips, elbows, eyes and hearts. We are OFA, BVA and CERF cleared to breed. We also guarantee our pups against these and other health defects with up to a 2 year warranty. TEMPERAMENT: Our Goldens were chosen not only for their incredible pedigrees and health clearances. Each of our Goldens exemplify the wonderful temperament of the Golden Retriever. Just as important, we concentrate an enormous amount of time socializing and training each puppy from our litters. Since we are not a kennel but hobby breeders we can adequately train and socialize each puppy. We provide a breeding program that is superior to almost all breeders in the world. We have not taken short-cuts in any area of breeding. For more information on our distinctions please visit the About Us page.
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2. What does it mean to "socialize" a puppy ?
   Puppies go through a critical period of socialization between five and twelve weeks of age. During this period of time they mature very rapidly. If isolated from external stimuli and not exposed to the outside world, they can grow up to be fearful adult dogs. Litters of puppies raised in an isolated location such as a barn, a garage or a dog kennel often have little exposure to humans except those feeding them. If puppies never leave their confined, isolated quarters where they have been raised, they may never experience any external stimuli such as automobiles, strangers, loud noises or children running and playing. If puppies are not socialized at an early enough age, it makes little difference if they have been raised by a breeder, a private family or in a vacant building; the outcome will usually be the same. Puppies that receive little or no human handling between the ages of five and twelve weeks of age often remain fearful when exposed to new situations. Meeting their new family for the first time, the car ride to their new home, their first trip to the vet, and meeting children, strangers or other dogs for the first time can be extremely frightening for these puppies.  How does Recherche Goldens get our puppies socialized so they grow up to be well-adjusted, adult dogs that are comfortable meeting strangers, children and other dogs? The key is to make sure our puppies get exposed to everything they may ever be exposed to during their lifetime, while they are very young. Once again, the critical age of socialization is between five and twelve weeks of age. If not exposed to new situations during this critical period, your puppy may always be fearful when exposed to new things in the future. Recherche Goldens consistently have the puppies interact with strangers and our other adult dogs. They are not confined in a cage for 24 hours a day. They are raised in our home and handled consistently by us and by several people. Charity is a piano teacher and because of that every puppy is handled by many curious and careful children. Every puppy is accustomed to hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, automobiles, pianos and other loud noised by the time they leave Recherche Goldens. Enrolling your puppy in a Puppy Pre-school or a Puppy Kindergarten through Recherche Goldens will also have many added benefits in socializing and training your puppy.
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3. What does the acronym titles stand for in the Golden's pedigree?
   Paws Village has the most complete listing of the International titles we have found. You may see all the titles and what they stand for by CLICKING HERE.
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4. What does it mean to "dew claw" a puppy?
   Dew clawing is the process of removing the front inside claws of a puppy typically at the age of 2 or 3 days old. It is a very safe procedure much like cutting the umbilical cord. Many Goldens when they get older will have their dew claws caught on fabric and will have it injured. Having an adult Golden dew clawed is a very painful and expensive procedure. Many problems can be avoided if the breeder would spend the extra money and dew claw the pups at a very early age.
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5. How does the puppy selection process work?
   Puppies are picked in order of deposits received (exception being the 1st picks of each gender for training). We do not require our buyers to select their puppy until they are 5-6 weeks old. This gives the puppies time to develop physically and emotionally. Every puppy from birth is marked with a separate colored collar so that we can observe and note the personalities of each puppy as they are growing. By 5-7 weeks of age they have enough of a distinct personality to share with the buyers. Though we have never had a "bad" puppy in a litter there are still distinct personality traits that some buyers desire. At 5-7 weeks of age we will give the personality descriptions (Using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test) of all the females to the earliest female depositor and the males to the earliest male depositor. Once they make their choice we go down the line based on which buyer placed their deposit first. Pictures are posted of the litter at 1 day old, 1 week, 3 weeks old, 5 weeks old & 7 weeks old on our Available Pups page through Facebook. A copy of all the puppies pictures will be given to each buyer on a personalized CD.
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6. Is your dog registered and if yes, to what registry?
   Yes. Our dogs are dual registered with the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of their country of origin. Information about the AKC can be found on their website. The AKC (American Kennel Club) is the only registry that Recherche Goldens would recommend buying a Golden from in the US. Many of the others do not have the standards that AKC have. Buyers receive a copy of their limited registration AKC paperwork when they pick up their puppy. The final copy will be mailed to the buyer after we receive proof of spay/neuter. Each of our Goldens have had their DNA Profile completed with the AKC. This may be seen on each individual dogs webpage.
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7. What is the difference between "limited" registration and "full" registration?
   Limited Registration means that the dog is registered but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration. A dog registered with an AKC Limited Registration shall be ineligible to be entered in a breed competition in a licensed or member dog show. It is eligible, however, to be entered in any other licensed or member event. These events include: Obedience, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Agility and Earthdog. Breeding is a very complicated and serious decision. So many people have decided to breed dogs because of the financial benefits. An ethical breeder does not breed to make income- they breed to advance only the healthiest Goldens to the happiest homes. Hip Dysplasia and many other eye and heart diseases have been spread by irresponsible breeders. Because of the intense dedication it takes to breed appropriately, 99% of our pups will only be sold as pets. BEWARE of any breeder that is willing to advertise selling FULL registration to ANYBODY that pays extra. Once again, that breeder is not breeding for the betterment of the breed but simply for profit. As a rule of thumb, if a breeder is breeding for profit then they will cut-corners in every way possible to save money.
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8. What health clearances do your dogs have?
   Each of our Goldens have had their hips and elbows checked by the OFA, Penn Hip or the BVA (British Veterinary Association). They also has been checked by Virginia Tech's Regional College of Veterinarian Medicine by an ophthalmologist yearly and a cardiologist/veterinarian and has been cleared with the OFA for their heart and the OFA/CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) with their eyes. For individual information please see their individual webpages.
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9. What kind of puppy food do you feed your pups?
   What we put into our dogs is as important as what we put in ourselves. For this reason, Recherche Goldens have taken seriously what puppy food is the best for our puppies. We do not feed our pups food that can be bought from Wal-mart. In fact our puppy food that we buy may be some of the most expensive puppy food you can buy but we believe it is the best. We have chosen, with much research, Honest Kitchen Embark. Honest Kitchen Embark is a grain free, low carbohydrate dog food. The ingredients are: Hormone-free USDA turkey, organic flaxseed, potatoes, celery, spinach, carrots, coconut, apples, organic kelp, eggs, sesame seeds, bananas, cranberries and rosemary. Honest Kitchen is made by a manufacturer which manufactures human food. Honest Kitchen is the only pet food they manufacture. All the ingredients are human grade and domestic. Also, all the products do not contain wheat gluten, soy or corn. The Whole Dog Food Journal placed a great report on Honest Kitchen that we encourage you to read (CLICK HERE). Every buyer will receive a free Honest Kitchen Puppy Pack which includes valuable holistic healthcare information for puppies, brochures and samples of their puppy food. An interesting video that you may want to watch on Honest Kitchen can be found by CLICKING HERE.
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10. Can we come and visit your dogs and see your facility?
    YES! This is a very commonly asked question that is asked of breeders. The answers that are given by other breeders quite frankly are shocking. Many breeders refuse for you to visit their kennel until the pups are 6 weeks old. By that time the buyer has already committed emotionally and financially to that breeder. Recherche Goldens understands that parvo and other diseases are a very serious threat. On the other hand, simple precautions can be made to eliminate the threat. We ask that if you choose to visit Recherche Goldens please do not visit another kennel before hand. Also, please try to stay away from any unfamiliar dog just in case they have any diseases. Many breeders hide behind trying to protect their dogs from hiding their facilities. Golden Retriever Club of America recommends that you find a breeder who has nothing to hide and is actually desirous of meeting with you. Recherche Goldens simply ask that you make an appointment out of courtesy before coming to visit.
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11. When's the earliest we can pick up our puppy?
    Every puppy is completely weaned and eating hard puppy food by the time they are 5-6 weeks old. On the other hand, we require our pups to be at least 8 weeks old to be picked up or shipped.
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12. How much do your Goldens cost?
    Recherche Goldens are not the Wal-Mart of Golden Retrievers. We have the highest quality Goldens and therefore are  much sought after. We typically have most of the pups sold before they are born. Those that buy from us are more concerned about their vet bills (which run much higher many times than the cost of the puppy), their home repairs from a bad behaving pup, and most of all, the heart break of caring for an unhealthy Golden Retriever. Buying a dog should never be like buying a vehicle. The decision on what dog you will have for 10-15 years should NEVER be based on price alone. Our females are $3200 and our males are $3500 which includes dew claw removal, health certificate, microchipping, 4 dewormings, puppy shots, health examination, Honest Kitchen Embark Puppy Packet, NuVet Starter Kit, Puppy Training Packet, Puppy Picture CD, copy of their AKC paperwork, 2 Year Health Warranty and a lifetime of support. The first pick of males and females from every litter are selected by Recherche Goldens and each Golden goes through our Puppy Kindergarten class. These are the creme of the cream of the crop! Each trained puppy will be potty-trained, car trained, crate trained and go through our complete obedience classes with us and a professional trainer. For those that want want the cuteness of a puppy but don't desire all that work, this is the perfect solution. Our first picked trained puppies are $5900 for a male or a female.
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13. How much does it cost to ship a puppy?
    Recherche Goldens uses Delta/Northwest Airlines to ship their puppies. They have proven to be very trustworthy and have taken care of every puppy we have shipped and every puppy we have received. All of our current adults have been shipped in by Delta Airlines from Europe and all have been treated with the utmost care. Delta/Northwest also allows Recherche Goldens to ship a puppy and have the buyer pay for the shipment upon arrival. The average ticket anywhere in the continental US for a Golden puppy at 8 weeks old is around $220-$260. Insurance can be purchased for an additional $20-$30 if you desire. We do ask that you simply pay Recherche Goldens $135 for a decent travel crate and for the mandatory Interstate Health Certificate.
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14. What type of shots and tests are given to each puppy?
    Each puppy is examined by the vet just a few days after birth and their dew claws are removed and they are microchipped. Each puppy is then dewormed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks & 8 weeks old. Right before pick-up each puppy is given their "puppy shot." The puppy shot is Duramune Max 5 which is the vaccine for coronavirus, parvovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 (and hepatitis) plus four leptos.
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15. When should I go to my veternarian after picking up my puppy?
    Each of our puppies come with a warranty that requires you to have your puppy checked by a vet within 72 hours after picking up your puppy. Your vet will need to check for any communicable diseases during that period. Your vet will also recommend a time to get follow-up "puppy shots." Most vets recommend puppies to be revaccinated every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks old.
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16. What type of warranty do you provide?
    We provide up to a 2 Year Health Warranty. Details about what is covered, what is not covered, and how it is covered can be found on our Warranty Page.
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17. Do you provide an extended warranty?
    Because we highly recommend NuVet vitamins, we will extend our warranty for an additional year if you order online by clicking on the NuVet Lab logo or through our reference number (85927) so that we can track your use for 2 years. Dysplasia and other health defects is not only about genetics. It has as much to do with diet and proper antioxidants as anything else. NuVet makes it easy for the breeder to track those who continue to use their product and thereby allowing us to reward them by extending their warranty.
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18. What is NuVet?
    NuVet is a powerful antioxidant that gives a tremendous boost to the immune system to prevent skin and coat problems, and creates a defense against over fifty major diseases, including hip and elbow dysplasia, and extending the life span of your dog.  Please take time and CLICK HERE to read about NuVet.
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19. How do I train my puppy?
    Every buyer will receive our Puppy Training Manual to help answer common questions on training your puppy. You may see and print out the training manual by CLICKING HERE. Recherche Goldens do offer an extended and extensive training program for an additional cost.
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20. What do I need when picking up my puppy?
    We recommend that your bring a small travel crate, some large bath towels, a small collar, a basic leash (NOT a retractable leash because they fear them at first), paper towels, garbage bags, some chew toys, water and a food and water dish.
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What is your address and other contact information?
You can find that information and direction on how to get to my home by going to the Contact Us page.
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What's the difference between English and American Golden Retrievers?
The most obvious difference is the lighter colored coat. AKC penalizes for a light colored coat but the British Kennel Club doesn't. As a result many English Goldens have a light creme coat. English Goldens also have blockier heads, a more leveled topline and a more square and bigger muzzle than American Goldens. Most importantly, English Goldens have almost a 25% less chance of getting cancer and outlive American Goldens by almost 2 years on average. The vet bills incurred by a dog having cancer pales in comparison to the price difference between American and English Goldens. Many people pay upwards to $10,000 trying to save their beloved American Golden from cancer. We encourage every person to visit our English Golden Retriever page to see more of the differences.
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I have questions about the Golden Retrievers as a breed:
Information on Golden Retrievers temperament, care, history and health can be found in detail on the English Golden Retriever page.
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What do I do if I can no longer care for my Golden?
It is our policy that if you can no longer care for your Golden because of a move or because of financial difficulties then you must return you Golden to Recherche Goldens. This goes for the entire life of the animal. We will either find a good home for your Golden or care for him/her ourselves. Goldens purchased from Recherche Goldens should never be sent to an animal shelter, a rescue or given to someone else without prior approval of Recherche Goldens.
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Do you provide stud service for your male?
Yes we do to approved females. Max is an incredible stud with an unbelievable pedigree and the best temperament of any Golden we've met. He is a gentleman around the ladies and makes a great father. Most breeders choose to breed in person which is very easy with our large fenced in pastures. Artificial insemination can be shipped chilled overnight is also available for those that live all around the world.
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Are you on Facebook?
Yes! Facebook is a great way for us to keep everyone posted quickly as well as post many extra pictures. Also, being friends will also give you the opportunity to post pictures, comments and questions. That way, we can truly be a "life-time of support." CLICK HERE to request to be friends with Recherche Goldens!
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Do you have an Extended Training Program?
Yes. Recherche Goldens has the right to the first pick of the males and the females and enrolled them automatically in "Puppy Kindergarten." To see the prices of the 1st Pick Trained puppies see question #12. Recherche Goldens also offers "Puppy Preschool" and "Puppy Kindergarten" to any puppy.
Puppy Preschool
AGE: Begins at 6 weeks of age and continues until the puppy is 10 weeks of age.COST: $1000 (Needs to be paid prior to training at 6 wks old)
TAUGHT: The puppy will be completely crate-trained, leashed trained and also almost 100% potty trained. Recherche Goldens will spend an extensive amount of time socializing them and teaching them to listen to their master. We will place them on a sleeping and feeding schedule according to what the buyers decide. We will even work with the time changes. For example, if an owner on the West Coast wakes up at 7 am to potty and feed their dog then Recherche Goldens will immediately put the puppy on a 10 am potty and feeding schedule (3 hour time difference). A schedule will keep puppies potty trained and well behaved.
Puppy Kindergarten
AGE: Begins at 6 weeks of age and continues until the puppy is 12 weeks of age. COST: $1750 (Needs to be paid prior to training at 6 wks old)
TAUGHT: Everything with Puppy Preschool PLUS: Basic obedience training including, come, sit, stay, down, wait , heel, & walking up and down stairs. They will learn right from wrong. Included with all of the above your pup will learn about riding in a car. We take the pups out on field trips to various safe location, where they socialize with a variety of people & new experiences in order to  prepare them for the outside world with their new families. While in training your pup will continue to live in our home with us. We teach the pups not to bite at hands, feet or clothes,   and that digging & barking are not allowed. During the course of obedience training, your pup will also learn  to be groomed, bathing, blow drying, nail trimming , teeth brushing & ear cleaning.
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Do you sell the "pick of the litter"?
Yes we do. The first pick of our males and our females are automatically enrolled in our Extended Puppy Training program called "Puppy Kindergarten." We call these pups our "Chien Supérieurs" (translation from French: "Top Dogs.") We start with a pup that has outstanding conformation, a sweet temperament, calm disposition & high intellegence.  We  begin professionally training the Chien Supérieurs at 6 weeks old and end at around 12 weeks of age depending on every Chien Supérieur's individual capacity.  With years experience in training, we train your puppy  to be an excellent companion. When they are placed in a home, they will be potty trained, crate trained,   walk on a leash, & basic obedience training including, come, sit, stay, down, wait , heel & shake. They will learn right from wrong.

Included with all of the above your pup will learn about riding in a car. We take the pups out on field trips to various safe location, where they socialize with a variety of people & new experiences in order to  prepare them for the outside world with their new families.

While in training your pup will continue to live in our home with us. We teach the pups not to bite at hands, feet or clothes,   and that digging & barking are not allowed. During the course of obedience training, your pup will also learn  to be groomed, bathing, blow drying, nail trimming , teeth brushing & ear cleaning.

Ideally, training time is about 6 weeks, although some pups take less time & other a bit more. It all depends  on the pups personality & how quickly they pick up their obedience training. They are all individuals and we take that into account with their training.

Please read answer #27 for more information about what is taught. The cost for our Chien Supérieurs are $5900 each. An initial non-refundable deposit of $1500 is due to reserve a Chien Supérieur.
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How do I reserve a puppy?
1. Read through this FAQ page- We have designed this page to be as informative as possible. Even if you choose not to go with us we believe reading through every question and every answer will help you in your search for the right breeder and Golden Retriever.

2. Fill out our online questionnaire (www.RechercheGoldens.com/Questionnaire.html)- BEWARE of any buyer that won't ask you questions except how to pay for your dog. They are obviously only breeding for money and not for the betterment of the breed.

3. If approved place your deposit- Notice that Recherche Goldens does not have a BUY NOW button. If you see this on a breeders webpage RUN AWAY! These breeders obviously do NOT have the best interest of their dogs in mind but their own pocket books. Those breeders are simply glorified pet stores who don't care about anything but the Almighty dollar. After we receive your questionnaire, we will review it carefully. Typically we will get back with you within 24-48 hours. If you are approved then we will give you the directions to place your $500 deposit with credit card, debit card, PayPal, or cashier's check/ money order. Please do NOT send money until you have filled out the questionnaire and have been approved.
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