What to Know About Our English Cream Golden Retriever Breeding
How much is an English Cream Golden Retriever? Where are you located? Do you offer puppy training? When can I bring my puppy home? We get it—you have tons of questions! But don’t worry; we have all the answers and then some!
Our breeding program is built on years of experience and a deep love for the breed, so we know exactly what it takes to provide happy, healthy, and well-rounded puppies. These frequently asked questions are your go-to guide for everything you might be wondering, and we’re always just a message away if you need more information.
General Questions: What You Need to Know
We call Troy, Alabama, home, and so do our Goldens! Nestled on 200 acres with an 11-acre lake, our dogs have plenty of space to run, play, and live their best lives. If you ever visit, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with wagging tails and a few enthusiastic kisses.
Don’t let distance be a concern—our puppies live in loving homes all across the United States, and we can help arrange safe transport to you.
We require a $500 non-refundable deposit to hold a puppy just for you. This deposit secures your place on our reservation list, and since puppies are chosen in order of deposits received, the sooner you get yours in, the better! Take a look at our available English Cream Golden Retriever puppies to secure your deposit today!
If a pregnancy doesn’t happen or there aren’t enough puppies of the sex you requested, we’ll refund your deposit, or you can move to a later litter (that’s completely up to you).
Our puppies are $8,500, with your $500 deposit going toward the total. The remaining balance is due at the time you choose your puppy. Puppy selection begins at 6 weeks of age–right around the time they’re learning to charm their way into everyone’s hearts.
Absolutely! We know waiting for your puppy to come home is tough, so we make sure you’re part of the journey. Each week, you’ll receive a 10-15-minute video showing how your pup is growing, playing, and developing their personality.
From the moment they’re born, each puppy wears a different colored ribbon, making it easy to follow along as they grow.
Your new best friend will be ready to join your family at eight weeks old. Until then, we’ll keep you updated with videos, photos, and plenty of heart-melting moments so you can count down the days until they’re in your arms.
It’s simple! Just send us an email at southlandgoldens@yahoo.com, and we’ll send you our puppy contract to review. If you’d prefer to chat over the phone, include your phone number (with area code) in the email, and we’d be happy to give you a call!
Bringing Home Your Puppy: Training & Travel Questions
Puppy picking happens in order of deposits received—so if you’re the third person on the list for a male in our Skye/Hank litter, you’ll have the third pick of the males.
Around six weeks old, we’ll post a video breakdown of each pup’s personality—whether they’re the adventurous type who’s ready for every hike or the snuggle bug who prefers lazy Sundays on the couch. We’ll help guide you toward the perfect match for your family so you can be confident you’re bringing home the right pup.
Most of our puppies are reserved before they’re even born, so if you’re serious about welcoming an English Cream Golden Retriever into your life, we recommend getting on our list early!
Yes! If you want your puppy to have a head start on training, we offer three different training packages tailored to your pup. Because training requires dedicated time and attention, we have limited availability.
If you’re interested, check out our training programs to find the right fit for you and your pup.
No matter where you live, we have options to make sure your puppy arrives safe, sound, and stress-free.
- Pick Up in Troy, AL: We’d love to meet you in person! You’re welcome to pick up your puppy directly from our home.
- Puppy Fly In-Cabin with Us: If you’d rather not make the trip, we can arrange for one of our team members to fly with your puppy in-cabin to your nearest airport. You’ll meet them at baggage claim for pickup. This service requires round-trip airfare, a puppy ticket, and a $595 pet delivery fee.
- Fly to Pick Up Your Puppy: Want to bring your puppy home yourself? Fly in, and we’ll meet you at the airport. We also offer a $395 delivery service to bring your puppy to the Atlanta Airport for pickup. You’ll be responsible for your flight and an airline-approved pet carrier. We are happy to help guide you through this process.
- Ground Delivery: Our personal delivery service ensures your puppy arrives at your home (or another agreed-upon location) without exposure to unfamiliar animals. Whether you’d like us to meet you halfway or deliver right to your door, we can arrange a customized transport option. Contact us for a quote!
- Private Plane Pickup: If you’re arriving by private plane, we can meet you at Troy Municipal Airport (TOI), just 15 miles from our home.
No matter which option you choose, we’ll make sure your puppy arrives happy, healthy, and ready to be loved!
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage adopters to come explore our 200-acre facility—it’s one of the many ways we set ourselves apart. We take great pride in the space we’ve created, not just because it’s beautiful and spacious but also because it reflects our deep commitment to ethical, responsible breeding.
We welcome visits not only so you can meet your future puppy in person but also so you can see how seriously we take every aspect of their upbringing. From health testing and behavioral socialization to daily enrichment and gentle early training, everything we do is rooted in compassion and purpose.
We believe transparency is key, and we love it when future pet parents ask questions, explore the environment, and get a firsthand look at what positive, ethical breeding truly looks like. When you leave our facility, we want you to feel confident, not just in your puppy, but in the values and care that brought them into the world.
Health, Registration, & Warranty Questions
Absolutely! We stand behind the health and well-being of our puppies. For full details, please email us, and we’ll be happy to send you a copy of our contract. Have questions? Let us know—we’re here to help!
Yes! Our dogs undergo thorough health screenings by specialists to guarantee they are free of genetic defects. Each parent has been tested for hip and elbow health through OFA, PennHip, or FCI, along with genetic testing. You can check out your puppy’s parents’ health clearances right on our website!
Limited Registration means your puppy is officially registered, but any litter they produce won’t be eligible for AKC registration. They also won’t be able to compete in breed competitions at AKC dog shows. However, they can still participate in a variety of fun and challenging events like hunting tests, obedience trials, tracking, and agility competitions.
For those interested in Full Registration, we do offer it to approved buyers. Contact us to discuss your options!
Questions About Our Breeding Process
At Southland Goldens, we’re incredibly intentional about the traits we prioritize in our breeding program—and it’s all with one goal in mind: raising English Cream Golden Retrievers who grow into loyal, gentle, and well-rounded companions. This specific breed is known for their calm demeanor, eagerness to please, and deep devotion to their humans.
We selectively breed for temperaments that shine in family life. These traits include patience with children, adaptability to new environments, and a natural friendliness that makes them easy to train and even easier to love.
Intelligence is another big one. Our goldens are bright, responsive, and enjoy learning, which is why they thrive in training programs and bond so well with their families. Many of our dogs become great service and therapy pets due to their intelligence, calm temperament, and strong loyalty to their humans.
We also pay close attention to health and lineage. We put a great focus on breeding out common issues in the breed, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Each of our dogs comes from champion bloodlines with extensive health clearances to guarantee a long, happy, and healthy life.
Ethical breeding isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s the foundation of everything we do at Southland Goldens.
Our commitment begins long before a litter is even planned. Each of our breeding dogs undergoes comprehensive health testing through certified organizations to screen for conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and hereditary eye disorders. We’re passionate about reducing the risk of genetic health issues and improving the overall well-being of future generations.
But it doesn’t stop at physical health. We’re equally selective about temperament. Our goal is to raise dogs that are incredibly loving, even-tempered, and eager to bond with their people. We spend time getting to know each dog’s personality, and we work hard to make sure they’re stable, social, and confident—traits that are especially important for families with young children.
To us, ethical breeding means being transparent, informed, and intentional. Every decision we make is about what’s best for the dog, not what’s convenient for us.
From day one, our puppies are surrounded by comfort, care, and plenty of room to grow. They start in our dedicated puppy nursery, a cozy space designed for both them and their mom. This allows the mom to help us raise their pup, as they truly are the best trainers for their litter. Early separation between a mother and her pup can lead to behavioral or social issues, making it vital to keep them together for a happy, healthy, and confident dog later in life.
As they grow, they have access to our large turf dog run, where they can safely explore and play outdoors. We also have puppy playrooms filled with age-appropriate toys to help them develop confidence, coordination, and curiosity.
When it comes to your puppy’s health, nutrition is everything. That’s why we feed and recommend TLC Whole Life Dog Food—a premium, well-balanced formula designed to support your pup’s growth, energy, and overall well-being.
Packed with high-quality proteins, essential fats, and vital nutrients, TLC Whole Life provides everything your puppy needs to thrive. Want to learn more about why we trust it for dogs? Check out our supply recommendations and use our coupon code for $5 off your first order.
Whether you’re dreaming of cuddles on the couch or adventures in the great outdoors, our English Cream Golden Retrievers are eager to fill your home with love, loyalty, and lots of tail wags.