As Good As Gold
Dedicated Breeders of Quality Golden Retrievers
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About Us
Experienced Breeders
Karel and Christine Baayen are avid lovers of Golden Retrievers. As Good As Gold has been breeding since 2012. But have been involved in Dog training and animal behaviour for 30 years. They have enjoyed getting to know each of the families that have been chosen by our puppies and their families. As Good As Gold Dogs live in a country setting, training constantly and living life to their fullest.
Happy, Healthy Bloodline
Our dogs come from various bloodlines to make sure that their history does not cross. We have some from the Southern States to breed our very best American Reds. Some of our lines are European to introduce our English Creams. We feed our puppies top of the line large breed food to set them up for life.
When puppies go to their homes we ensure they are healthy and happy with first vaccinations, 6 doses of deworming, vet checks with Sherbrooke Animal Hospital, 6 weeks of pet Insurance, puppy classes and breeder support.
A Furever Friend
Our Dogs are active and not for the faint of heart. They are bred to work hard for their families. If time is spent in their training, they can help with day to day tasks. They are great with children as they are introduced early. Our puppies are socialized early and often and start training immediately for potty training, manners and behaviour.
But Puppies are brutal those first few months...They are teething boundary testing toddlers that will push you to your limits. Be prepared lol
Why do Puppies Cost What They Cost?
Our Puppies cost $2500
Ok so now you are freaking out. $2500 dollars....for a purebred Golden Retriever Puppy.
The thing that you have to realize is that puppies are not just born there are a ton of things that go into breeding of two dogs.
First we have too decide what direction we are going. Reds, creams, registered, not registered. We also have to be careful about pedigree lines. We do not want kissing cousins.
Now, there is the cost of purchasing, shipping and raising the potential parents. Then once old enough usually about 2 years of age, we have to do testing. Hips, elbows, heart, eyes and genetics...pra1/2 and ict...you are looking at a couple of thousand dollars just for that and travel to different cities
Now there's training on top of that. Yes I am a trainer but...you know some people have bigger and better methods so we go learn those too. Because believe it or not that confidence level and trainability is passed from parent to puppy.
Then the breeding...what if they don't like each other (yup thats happened) you have to do it with other methods. Thats a discussion over wine...trust me.
Now we wait 62 days...and more X-rays and ultrasounds at 45 days
Maybe we might have to do a c-section which for us is that last time we breed that female. I will not put a dog through multiple surgeries.
Now we have potentially 8 to 10 puppies maybe less. There are 24 hour care with these little muffins. Moms get tired too.
Theres lots of food, toys, special temperament testing....You name it for 8 weeks.
Theres many other administrative things that come with puppies that cost unfortunately. Lists, websites, social media and ckc registration, microchips, vaccines, deworming, fencing. I could list forever.
But when you are deciding your budget that works for your family on a puppy. Remember that sometimes when you go to the breeder that takes the time to spend the money on your puppy you won't have to spend it later on in its life.
Make sure you also put together a budget that includes an emergency. Insurance can also help with that.
Trust me when I tell you breeders who are dedicated to the breed and your puppy are not pricing their puppies to make it out of reach They are priced to better the breed and have the very best puppies for the families that are right for them.
Yes prices go up as our fees increase.…just like at your job cost of living goes up and so does your salary.
For those that need to know for comparison. We do have our OFA's we are part of CKC and the Golden Retriever Club of Canada and use genetic companies for our genetic components.
Tthere is an additional charge for me to communicate with CKC...Yes they are that difficult. Something that should take minutes takes months or even a year.
Registration will take place when a spay or neuter has taken place with proof.
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