Buying a golden retriever puppy in Colorado isn’t like picking one up at a pet store. Most people calling about golden retriever puppies for sale get surprised when they hear about deposits and waiting lists. The conversation usually goes something like this: “We have a litter planned for spring. The deposit is $500, and you’re number seven on the list.”
Wait – number seven? For puppies that don’t exist yet?
That’s how it works with quality breeders. The deposit system confuses first-time buyers, but there are solid reasons behind it. Here’s what to expect when putting down money for a golden retriever puppy in CO.
Why the Deposit Exists
Raising a litter of golden retrievers costs serious money before the puppies even arrive. Health testing for the parents runs several hundred dollars per dog. Pregnancy care, whelping supplies, puppy food, vaccinations, veterinary checks – it all adds up fast.
Golden Retrievers Make For A Great Family Dog
The deposit confirms buyers are serious. Without it, people say they want a puppy, then vanish when it’s time to actually pick one up. That leaves a breeder with unsold puppies and wasted time trying to find homes at the last minute.
For buyers, the deposit locks in the price. Golden retriever prices in Colorado have been climbing, but once that deposit is down, the agreed price stands.
How Much to Expect
Deposits for golden retriever puppies in Colorado typically fall between $300 and $500. Show-quality puppies sometimes require higher deposits, closer to $1,000.
This isn’t the full purchase price – just a portion. Total costs for golden retrievers from reputable Colorado breeders usually range from $2,000 to $3,500. The deposit holds the spot. The balance gets paid at pickup.
Some work with flat amounts. Others calculate deposits as a percentage of the total price. Either way works fine as long as everything’s spelled out clearly from the start.
Timing Matters
When deposits get collected depends on where things stand with breeding plans.
Before Breeding Happens
Deposits often open before breeding even takes place. A breeder planning a spring litter might start accepting deposits in November. Seems backwards – paying for something that doesn’t exist.
But demand for well-bred golden retrievers in CO outpaces supply. Breeders know the litter is happening and roughly when. They also know ten families will want puppies when only six are available. Taking deposits early keeps everything organized.
After Pregnancy Confirmation
Some wait until the vet confirms pregnancy via x-ray, usually two weeks before birth. This cuts down on uncertainty but means moving fast deposits open since spots disappear quickly.
After Birth
A few hold off until puppies are born and the litter size is confirmed. You will get confirmation when the puppies are born.
What You’re Actually Buying
The deposit secures a puppy from a specific litter. Details vary on how that plays out.
Most deposits buy a place in line, not a specific puppy. First deposit holder gets first pick at 8 weeks when personalities start showing. Second deposit gets second pick, and down the line.
Some breeders handle it differently. They evaluate each puppy’s temperament and assign matches based on what families described in their applications. The deposit still guarantees a puppy – just not necessarily the pick of the litter.
Gender preferences complicate things. If a litter has four males and two females, but four families requested females, the math doesn’t work. How this gets handled should be clear before any money changes hands.
Color preferences rarely get guaranteed. Golden retrievers range from almost white to deep reddish gold. Predicting exactly what shade a puppy will be as an adult is tough.
The Application Comes First
Money doesn’t get accepted from just anyone. Applications happen before deposits.
Expect questions about housing, yard setup, work schedules, experience with dogs, household members, and what the puppy’s life will look like. This isn’t nosiness – it’s making sure puppies go to appropriate homes.
Approval might take days or weeks. Once approved, the deposit invitation comes and the spot gets secured.
Get Everything in Writing
A contract should outline every detail:
- Deposit amount and how to pay it
- Total price and payment schedule
- What happens if the litter is smaller than expected
- Health guarantees
- Spay/neuter requirements
Read it carefully. Ask questions about anything unclear. This protects everyone involved.
Payment Methods
Personal checks still work, although the breeder will ask the buyer to send the check two weeks in advance before the puppy goes home, so your check will clear.
Credit cards are uncommon. But some breeders accept credit cards. The buyer will, of course, have a 4% fee.
Whatever the method, get a receipt. Email confirmation, written documentation, a copy of the check – something proving payment happened.
After the puppies are born
Breeding date gives a rough timeline. Dogs gestate for about 63 days, so breeding date plus two months equals “puppy goes home” dates.
Weekly photos and videos keep buyers connected during the 8-week wait. Watching the puppies grow makes the process easier.
- Pick day happens at 8 weeks. Buyers either choose their puppy or learn which one they’re getting. Some breeders allow you to pick your puppy.
Getting Ready for Pickup
The deposit was just the beginning. Final payment is typically requested 2 weeks before pickup day to ensure everything clears.
Pickup happens around 8 weeks. Golden retriever puppies shouldn’t leave before this age.
Supplies need to be ready. Crate, food matching what the breeder uses, bowls, toys, collar, leash. A vet appointment should be scheduled within a few days of bringing the puppy home.
Most breeders send puppies home with a packet – feeding schedule, health records, and registration paperwork.