GOLDEN RETRIEVERS 
More About Us...

     I have been involved in various activities with my dogs since 1976, but it was not until 1996 that "ACADIA" was born.  In 1998 our first litter of Golden Retrievers was whelped and in 2004 our first litter of Afghan Hound pups arrived  - a life long dream!  Over the years, I have truly been blessed with the wonderful, loyal companionship and love that my dogs have unconditionally shared with me and my family .  It has been a wonderful journey!

     My dogs are are considered to be part of our family. I, along with two of my sons, have enjoyed competing with them over the years.  We have been very successful and are proud of their achievements, but most of all, 
we enjoy their companionship - I do not and will not send them out with professional handlers. Being with our dogs has always been more important!  Our Afghan Hounds have been owner handled in conformation to their championships, while our Goldens have been owner handled for their single points and  then ring side pick up by a very well known and respected breeder, handler for their majors, meaning I am with them at the shows.   I am now semi retired from the show ring, due to my back issues, however, I still have, and will continue to have the highest standards when it comes to evaluating my dogs and breeding decisions. Between litters, besides spending time with my dogs and family, I continue my education to be able to pass along my knowledge to my puppy families.  Most recently, I have completed a course in essential oils for animals and also a certification course in natural animal care.

     Golden litters arrive once or twice per year, sometimes less.   My Goldens are never put in "foster" homes to be brought back for breeding and my litters are never raised by anyone else - if I can't do it myself, I will not do it at all!  For me, this is a hobby, but as one of my puppy owners put it:  "this really isn't a hobby for you, it is a lifestyle!" 100% of the money earned from puppy sales goes toward the care, training and showing of my dogs and the improvement of my breeding program, which in turn helps to improve the breed. 

     My puppies are bred for soundness of mind and body to be loving family companions - some going on to therapy work and competition.  My goal is that each generation will improve upon the last.  Breeding choices are carefully selected for temperament ,health, trainability, and type.  All obtain the Golden Retriever Club of America recommended health clearances before being bred.  (Click on the health links under the pictures of my Goldens who are or have been in my breeding program).  In addition, I am also DNA testing for prcd PRA, GR_PRA1, GR_PRA2 (eye diseases), Ichthyosis, types 1 & 2 (skin disease), DM (disease of the spinal cord), and NCL (neurodegenerative disorder), which further improves my ability to make better informed breeding decisions.  Based on these test results, along with the mode of inheritance, my sires and dams can be prevented from producing any genetically affected puppies. To maintain accuracy, all info on health clearances is now kept/updated on this website only.  Links are provided for clearances that can be verified on a database.  Copies of all health clearances are in my Puppy Pack.  A tremendous amount of time, effort and love go into researching pedigrees, genetic studies and caring for my puppies and adults.  There are numerous generations of health clearances in my pedigrees and  I also research available information concerning the health and temperament of littermates to the dogs in the pedigrees I am using.  Most puppies are placed in companion homes, keeping myself what I choose to compete with and/or add to my breeding program. Good health, wonderful Golden temperament, ability to be trained easily, and longevity are my main priorities.  Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

     At the 2002 Golden Retriever National Specialty, I fell in love with an English style Golden who was competing there.  Since then, I have been researching pedigrees and talking with various, long time breeders of this style of Golden Retriever to gain as much knowledge as possible.  In 2006, I acquired my first English style Golden and began blending carefully selected European/British lines with my established American lines, building on the best qualities of both, with the goal to produce quality, multipurpose Goldens with full international lineage, always maintaining my high standards.  Today, I still have my blended lines going back 5 generations to my foundation American lines, along with my established European lines.

     The English style Golden has a strong head with a typically wide back-skull, a thick muzzle with a deep stop, beautiful jet black pigment and dark eyes.  Coat color can range from cream (these are not "rare" or "white" as some breeders are advertising and selling for exorbitant prices) to a darker gold and a wave is not uncommon. Most important, these lines are giving me not only the "style" I want, but also the biddable, stable temperaments I strive to produce.


Raising Puppies

     40+ years spent gaining experience and knowledge in the sport of purebred dogs has enabled me to develop a method of raising puppies that I take extreme pride in - I call it "Attachment Puppy Rearing".  Every puppy, in every litter receives the same individual attention, regardless of whether or not they have show potential.  To give puppies a strong foundation, resulting in  loving, well adjusted adults, the following will give you an idea of what is involved:

     Puppies are whelped beside my bed and someone, usually me, is always with them, sometimes even sleeping in the whelping pen with them.  Their first week is spent just sleeping and eating except for the early neurological stimulation, a series of 5 exercises, 3-5 seconds each, which is started on day 3 and continues thru day 16.  The benefits observed in canines exposed to this Bio Sensor stimulation are:  improved cardio vascular performance, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress, and greater resistance to disease.  At the end of the first week, toe nail clipping begins.  At 3 weeks of age the puppies move from the whelping box to the puppy playpen and potty training begins.  From the time the puppies' eyes and ears open they are exposed to household activity and noises - the sounds of the clothes dryer, TV, stereo, etc.  At approximately 2 weeks of age, their eyes open and they are gently handled  and cuddled  by my immediate family.  Up until this time, they have only been handled by me, with daily cradling.  This constant human contact, first by me from the time they are born, then by family, is the time when socialization really begins.  This associates the puppy to the human scent, developing a bond which can never be broken.  At approximately 4 to 5 weeks weaning begins with the gradual introduction of solid food, and the puppies begin to associate the command "come", used with a clicker at feeding times.  Up until this point I do not supplement mother's milk unless absolutely necessary, as this will put stress on a puppy's immature digestive and immune systems.  4 weeks is also the time I begin to incorporate the Puppy Culture program which helps build a solid foundation in shaping the puppies' futures.  At approximately 5 weeks, puppy visits begin - families who have reserved puppies are encouraged to visit and play with them.  I watch how the families interact with the puppies and the puppies with them.  This, along with my knowledge of the puppies' personalities, and finally the temperament testing at 7 weeks of age, enables me to recommend which puppy I feel will be the best puppy for each family. At 5 to 6 weeks of age the puppies are capable of being separated from the dam and littermates for short periods of time.  This is when they are introduced to a crate, baths, blow drying, leash training, car rides, and basic obedience training using a clicker.  At this time they also begin eating separately in crates.  This allows them to build their confidence in familiar surroundings.  At 7 to 8 weeks of age the puppies are taken to my homeopathic DVM for a thorough examination. Puppies are ready to leave for their new homes between 8 and 9 weeks of age.  Training is available on a limited basis for puppies who stay longer.  I remain available to answer questions, no matter how trivial they may seem, give guidance, or just plain friendship.  I enjoy keeping in touch, love getting pictures, and regard puppy buyers as my extended families! 


My methods have provided us with wonderful results, whether it be.....                       



















                                        Is it a full time job?  YES!!      Is it worth it?  ABSOLUTELY!!



Reserving A Golden Retriever Puppy

 -  I put a great amount of time, love and effort into providing quality, healthy, well socialized puppies who                   will be the most compatible with each family situation and lifestyle.  
 -  Puppies are placed in approved homes only, on AKC Limited Registration, with a nonbreeding agreement.  
    To be placed on our waiting list, the first step is to submit a  Puppy Questionnaire once I have posted a 
    breeding on the "Litters" page (although I am always available to answer questions, I do not keep a waiting 
    list between litters).  The number of questionnaires I accept is based on an average litter of 8-10 puppies.
 -  When the pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound, approximately 30 days after the breeding, it will be 
    announced on the "Litters" page and the families are contacted with the good news!
 -  I request a refundable, good faith deposit of $200 once a pregnancy is confirmed in order to reserve a puppy.   
    The number of deposits I accept is based on the number of puppies seen on the ultrasound.  I do not reserve  
    the entire expected litter at this time.  I will contact the remaining families on my waiting list once the puppies 
    arrive and I know what is actually available.  Reserving a puppy with a deposit lets me know that you are as  
    serious as I am about my precious pups.  The reason I do not accept deposits on the entire litter before birth 
    is that I feel it helps prevent families from too much disappointment if it turns out that a puppy is not available 
    for them.  
 -  Deposits are deducted from the total cost of the puppy.
 -  I ask that if you find a puppy elsewhere after submitting a Puppy Questionnaire that you please let me know
    as soon as possible - there may be other families waiting to hear if there has been a cancellation and I like all 
    my puppy families to be as involved as possible from the moment of birth.  
 -  If you have a puppy reserved, you will be able to view pictures, videos, and development updates on my 
    separate "Puppy Website". The weeks of preparation are a very exciting and important time!
 -  You will also be asked to join my Facebook Group. This is a closed group for Acadia families where I post the 
    latest news, updated health info, recall info and families are encouraged to share pictures!
  I e-mail a very comprehensive "Puppy Packet" after the puppies are born and I have received your reservation 
    deposit. This includes copies of health clearances, pedigrees, the sales contract with warranty information,  
    and a manual I have put together over many years that contains various info on training, feeding, vaccination, 
    natural/alternative health care, etc. This gives you plenty of time to learn, ask questions, and get supplies. It is 
    very important to me that my efforts are continued and recommendations followed to raise a healthy Golden  
    Retriever. You are welcome to print the "Puppy Packet", especially the manual section, so it is readily 
    available to use as a reference throughout the life of your puppy.

    Deposits are 100% refundable if:

 -  I do not feel that we have a puppy that has a suitable personality for your needs.
 -  Either you or myself does not feel comfortable for any reason.
 -  You change your mind - deposit is refunded after the puppy is placed in another home if 
    reservations are canceled after puppies are born, up to 5 weeks of age (see "Exceptions").

    Exceptions:

 -  A lot of work and many years of accumulated knowledge have gone into my Puppy Pack manual, therefore, if 
    a reservation is cancelled after the Puppy Pack has been e-mailed, $50.00 will be deducted from the deposit 
    refund.
 -  If a reservation is canceled once the puppies are 5 weeks of age, the deposit is non refundable.


 *  I realize that situations can change unexpectedly, however, this special time of preparation and watching the 
    puppies as they grow and reach development milestones throughout the early weeks is missed by families if 
    reservations are canceled. I ask that you please consider what having a young puppy entails and be sure 
    that you are able to devote the time it takes to raise a puppy properly and you are ready to commit to 
    providing a "forever home", where your puppy will be a cherished addition to your family before submitting a 
    Puppy Questionnaire and sending a reservation deposit.

 *  I am here to answer all questions no matter how trivial they many seem. It is not only my responsibility as a 
    breeder, I truly enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge and am available for the life of my puppies.  With 
    continuing research through Universities, veterinarians, the internet and fellow breeders, I am continually 
    trying to learn more, and try to keep on top of and pass on the latest information on health, environmental and 
    nutritional topics, especially preventative measures, which I strongly believe in. 

 *  I ask that my puppy families agree to keep in touch, and send pictures at least yearly via e-mail or by 
    posting on the Acadia Facebook group. Not only do I enjoy seeing pictures and hearing about my puppies 
    throughout their lives, it also helps me with future breeding plans and decisions. 


*  PLEASE NOTE:  We do not ship our puppies.  You must come to pick up your puppy - I want to meet the 
    families who purchase my puppies and have the puppies meet them prior to leaving.  This is why puppy   
    socialization visits are so important.  If there are young children in the family, they must come for a 
    socialization visit so that I can observe how they interact with the puppies before I approve a purchase.  
    No exceptions!


Purchase Prices

 * Acadia Golden Retriever puppies are between $2500 and $3000, depending on expenses, which have risen 
   quite a bit.  Price is based on the overall cost involved in the breeding, along with the size of the litter, and is 
   comparable to other reputable English/European style breeders in the area.  I do not charge more for cream 
   color - all puppies are the same price.  I also do not charge extra for the foundation training I do with my 
   puppies up to 8 weeks of age.  Although it is rare, I may occasionally have an older puppy or adult Golden 
   available at different prices depending on age and training.  I offer additional puppy training at limited    
   availability.

*  I can forward your name to  reputable Afghan Hound breeders. 

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     Although we give our puppies the best possible start in life, please be aware that Golden Retrievers and Afghan Hounds may not be the right breeds for every family.  
     The Golden Retriever breed is a "man made" breed.  They were originally bred to be strong bodied water hunters able to fend with the heavy vegetation in which upland game was found. In general, Golden Retrievers can have a high activity level as puppies and adolescents and shed quite a bit.  Goldens want and need people time and owners must be able to provide plenty of attention and safe exercise opportunities, otherwise unacceptable behavior can be exhibited.  Being retrievers, Goldens also like to carry things around in their mouths and will gladly find every sock they can!
     Unlike Goldens, the Afghan Hound, as we know the breed, was "discovered" during the 19'th century.  Little is known about the breed's origin and history prior to then.  They are primarily a coursing hound, pursuing by sight.  They have highly individual personalities and are very capable of thinking for themselves.  They are very intelligent, but on their own terms - it is not unusual to see an Afghan Hound turn a door knob to open a door.     
     Afghan Hounds are not as needy for attention as Goldens but none the less, form strong bonds with their families and can be very protective of them.  

If you are considering these breeds PLEASE:

 *  Life is a gift whether it be human or animal - please make sure you are willing to make a 10+ year 
    commitment before bringing a dog into your home and family.
 *  Find a reputable breeder you feel comfortable with who will be there for you for the life of your 
    dog and be willing to follow the advise the breeder gives you.  They have years of knowledge and 
    experience to share that is not only breed specific, but also specific to the lines they are breeding.
    You must be willing to continue the efforts begun by the breeder to raise a happy, healthy puppy.
 *  Gain as much knowledge as you can about the breed you are considering and how to choose a 
    breeder.  A good place to start is the National Club web sites on our "Links" page. 

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NOTE:  I am now offering litter research services for those families who have found litters they may be interested in but are overwhelmed when it comes to what health clearances, etc., Golden Retrievers should have:
*    Did you know that, before breeding, hip and elbow clearances should be obtained no sooner than 2 years of         age?
*    Did you know that heart exams should be obtained after 1 year of age and performed by a cardiologist?
*    Did you know eyes should be examined by an ophthalmologist within 12 months prior to every breeding?
*    Did you know that the above 4 health clearances should be posted in the OFA database?
These are all part of the Golden Retriever Club of America Code of Ethics for breeders.
*    Did you know that there is DNA testing available for prcd PRA, GR_PRA1, GR_PRA2 (serious eye diseases that can occur later in life), Ichthyosis Types 1 & 2 (skin disease that can cause severe flaking), Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (neurological disease that can lead to death in young Goldens)? This testing is easily done with a cheek swab.
*    Do you know how to research longevity and prevalence of cancer in a pedigree?
A written summary is provided along with any questions that would be beneficial to ask the breeder.  Please contact me for further info.







 In the show ring -
Doing therapy work -
 Chasing the bunny -
 Having fun -
or...
Loving companionship
Posing for a catalog 
                         cover -


        Patti Covert
 E-mail Acadia Golden Retrievers
Puppy Love!!!
Having fun!
Nothing like a good roll by the seniors!
                   Our feline family
       Alexy Mi Amani Of Acadia                              &
               Majin Buu 


(Justin, Sisko, Amani and Buu are all at the bridge-we love & miss you)   


  The newest addition 
  to our family....Jet
2 of our beautiful boys - Sisko & Justin
ACADIA
PLEASE NOTE:  I am not associated in any way with any other breeder or anyone using the name "Acadia".
All photos and content copyrighted - do not copy!

This website was originally published in the year 2002.  Any other websites using the same wording have copied without permission.
Justin - 5-5-13  
12'th birthday!
From young to old, our Goldens' temperaments are such that everyone gets along splendidly!
Shayla and her snuggle buddy, Amani.
Don't forget to visit our updated "Info Links" and "Photo Gallery" pages!