Responsible Dog Breeding
Mountain View Goldens is a responsible breeder, devoted to breeding healthy Golden Retriever puppies that are intelligent, affectionate, and physically and behaviorally stable. We work with a reproductive veterinarian during the breeding process to ensure the health of the mother and litter, and all of our dogs are genetically and OFA-tested.
AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.
As a breeder with the American Kennel Club’s Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program, we uphold the program’s values of health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition. We certify that our breeding stock is health tested in accordance with the AKC Golden Retriever requirements, and uphold the AKC’s tradition of breeding purebred dogs that are happy and healthy. We comply with all AKC Care and Conditions Policies, participate in AKC-approved continuing breeder education, and accept responsibility for the health and well-being of the Golden Retriever puppies we produce.
OFA Testing
Our dogs undergo Orthopedic Foundation for Animals testing to ensure the health of their hearts, hips elbows and eyes. These health tests include radiographic hip and elbow dysplasia screening, DNA-based genetic test results, and soft tissue examinations for cardiac, eyes, patellar luxation, and more. The testing methodology and the criteria for evaluating the test results have been independently established by veterinary scientists from their respective specialty areas, and the standards used are generally accepted throughout the world. Animals are examined by a veterinary professional and the results are submitted to the OFA database.
Genetic Testing
Our dogs undergo Embark genetic testing to screen for Golden Retriever-specific genetic health risks, including Degenerative Myelopathy DM, Golden Retriever Progressive Retinal Atrophy 1 GR-PRA1, Golden Retriever Progressive Retinal Atrophy 2 GR-PRA2, Ichthyosis ICH1, Ichthyosis ICH2, Muscular Dystrophy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy prcd, Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome CMS, Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 NCL 5, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Brittle Bone Disease, Retina Dysplasia and/or Optic Nerve Hypoplasia.
Canine Good Citizen
Many of our dogs have passed the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. The CGC is a 10-skill test that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to owners. The test is administered by an AKC-approved CGC evaluator, and considers the dog’s appearance and grooming, as well as their ability to accept a friendly stranger, sit politely for petting, go out for a walk on a loose lead, walk through a crowd, obey sit and down commands on cue and stay in place, and come when called. Dogs are also evaluated on how they react to other dogs and to distraction, as well as supervised separation.