Our Breeding Program
We put a significant amount of time into raising our puppies with the Puppy Culture program and have had amazing results! Puppy Culture is a science based puppy raising system that produces dramatic improvements in the temperament, socialization, intelligence, and trainability of your puppy that lasts for the rest of his/her life!
Sassafras Goldens is proud to offer such an exceptional program with each of our litters! As breeders, we strive to provide every puppy with an enriching environment that has been proven to develop a more confident and easily trained dog. Our goal is to set each puppy up for success! However, Puppy Culture has allowed us to take our socialization protocols to the next level. For us it was an obvious decision to add this valuable tool to our program to further our puppies' development and well-being. We cannot stress enough the importance of early socialization that starts with a committed breeder and we take this responsibility very seriously. As a result, you will take home a puppy that is confident, outgoing and will adjust quickly to new situations.
More information about the Puppy Culture program can be found here.
Our puppies are wormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. When puppies are 6 weeks old, they receive their first set of shots from our veterinarian. Puppies also receive their first physical/health check at this visit and are microchipped through AKC Reunite. All vet records from this visit will be sent home with new owners when the puppy leaves at 8 weeks of age. We also send puppies home with a health and training guide to help ensure new owners are informed on their puppy’s future health requirements.
We are currently accepting deposits to reserve a male or a female. Puppies are selected in the order that deposits are received when they are 6 weeks old. For example, the first person to place a deposit on a male from a particular litter will choose from all the males in the litter. The second person to place a deposit will come visit next, and they can select their puppy from the remaining males. This process continues until all males have been selected. However, we keep families updated with pictures and video of the entire litter long before selection day! We choose to wait until puppies are 6 weeks old to be selected for two reasons. First, puppies are not vaccinated before 6 weeks old and the risk of disease is too great to allow new families to visit our home prior to vaccination. Second, a puppy’s unique personality does not become clear until he/she reaches 6 weeks of age. By selection day, we are able to tell major differences between each puppy that can determine which puppy would be the best fit for your family. We always encourage new families to select their puppy in person. However, if distance or scheduling prevents this, selection can take place through pictures, video, and Facetime guided by our knowledge of each individual puppy. Puppies are then able to leave for their new homes when they turn 8 weeks old.
We are very excited about the great things taking place at Sassafras Goldens! We take pride in our breeding program and every puppy that we produce. Reviews from previous puppy buyers have been extremely positive, affirming that our methods are producing phenomenal dogs!
We are happy to provide references upon request and posted reviews can be found on our website and social media.
Our current price for both male and female golden retriever puppies is $2,500. In addition to everything mentioned above, this price includes limited registration with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and lifetime breeder support. A nonrefundable deposit of $200 is required to reserve a puppy and this amount is deducted from the total purchase price. The remaining balance of $2,300 is due when the puppy is picked up at 8 weeks of age. A bill of sale will also be completed at this time.
Thank you for your interest in Sassafras Goldens. We look forward to sharing our beloved goldens with you and your family! Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
How often does Sassafras Goldens have puppies?
Our breeding program is very small and, as a result , we only have a limited number of puppies each year. Currently, we are only breeding about twice a year resulting in a Fall and Spring litter.
What registration is included with a Sassafras golden puppy?
Our puppies are sold with limited AKC registration. Limited registration simply means that the puppy will not be sold with breeding rights. Breeding and raising puppies is a huge commitment that requires time, knowledge, and experience. Offering only limited registration helps to guarantee that our puppies will not be bred irresponsibly.
What vet work does each puppy receive before leaving?
Every puppy is taken to the vet when they turn 6 weeks old for their first physical exam. Our vet checks each puppy for hernias, heart murmurs, and any other physical abnormalities that might affect the health of the puppy. A fecal test is also done on each puppy to make sure that he/she is free from any intestinal parasites. Puppies also receive their first set of vaccines at this visit. All results and procedures are documented on an individual health record that will go home with the puppy.
How do we socialize and train our puppies?
We work hard to make sure every puppy leaves us ready to take on the world! Our family is filled with children and animals that help us safely socialize every litter. In addition, each puppy goes through the Puppy Culture early socialization and training program. More information about this program can be found here.
How and when are puppies selected?
Puppies are picked out by their new families when they are 6 weeks old in the order that deposits are received for males and females. We encourage new families to come select their new puppy in person. However, if this is not an option, we are more than happy to help you select your puppy through picture, video, and our knowledge of each puppy's individual personality.
How much does a Sassafras Golden puppy cost?
Price should never be the most important factor when choosing a breeder but we understand it is an important one! We currently sell our AKC golden retriever puppies for $2,500. This includes our training and socialization protocol, vet check, first set of vaccines, worming, and our health guarantee. A deposit of $200 is required to reserve a puppy (if your application is approved) and will be deducted from the total balance.
Albany, Ga.