Family-owned Breeder in Raleigh, North Carolina
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At Alpine Sky Goldens our goal is to breed exceptional quality Golden Retrievers. We are a breeder that leverages bloodlines from globally respected breeders with a preference for the Canadian/European-style Golden Retrievers (sometimes called English Creams). We are also proud members of the Golden Retriever Club of America and the Tarheel Golden Retriever Club. Both organizations hold breeders to rigorous ethical standards, and we are committed to upholding their Code of Ethics through responsible breeding practices that put our dogs and the breed first.
Our selection process focuses on temperament suitable for therapy dog work, which is our passion, as well as for lifetime family members/companions. All of our adult dogs are certified Therapy Dogs with Canines for Service and we prioritize families that follow the therapy dog path. We are also intentional about having outstanding pedigrees and all the important genetic health clearances to reduce the chances of passing on medical conditions to our pups.
In addition to ensuring both parents have genetic health clearances, we carefully match for dam/sire with the following desired characteristics in mind: loving, gentle, and sweet temperaments; big-boned, blocky heads, complemented with jet black pigment on their nose and paw pads; and striking creamy coats (we lean towards the easy-keep style).
Our puppies are whelped and hand-raised in our home, where they receive special care and abundant love daily. With the help of our dedicated puppy helpers, we work with each puppy individually leveraging Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) for the first 3-16 days of the puppies’ lives.
Watch video of our puppy helper demonstrate ENS & ESI
Once weaned, we take them outside multiple times per day, so they have the concept of “potty outside” before they go to their forever homes. Then we progress to early socialization protocols where we introduce the puppies to a variety of new experiences, including the “kitchen walk”, the puppy wagon, car rides, sound desensitization starting fireworks, thunderstorms, construction noises, sirens and more. We also introduce various human interactions with people all ages, crate training, an array of interactive toys in their indoor/outdoor play area to stimulate their curiosity and neurological development. And multiple times per day they practice sitting before they get pets, food, puppy wagon to outside, or anything positive. This hardwires manners at a young age and minimizes jumping up, etc.
Together, these intentional practices create a strong foundation for puppies destined for therapy work, while also preparing every dog to thrive as a confident, well-adjusted, and deeply loved family companions.
All of our dogs are cherished family members, living with us kennel-free in our home. When we’re not spreading love at therapy dog events in our community, they’re by our side on everyday adventures—hikes, boating, swimming, camping and more. Even on vacations, we choose dog-friendly accommodations, so they can join the fun. We take them to dog-friendly stores, breweries and restaurants (check out the BringFido app for ideas).
If you’re in the Triangle area, be sure to say “hi” if you see us out and about!
Fall family photo 🍂🍁🐶🧡
🐾 Sky’s boy pups 🐾
🩵 Six-week-old Sky pup 🩵