We love working with reputable breeders who dedicate their lives to honoring and preserving their chosen breed. We only recommend breeders who uphold the highest standards of health, temperament, and responsible breeding practices.

Here are some of the local Charlotte-area breeders who we recommend to our clients:

Southern Soul Aussies and Miniature American Shepherds - for anyone looking to add an Australian Shepherd or Mini American Shepherd to their lives, Emilee is our go-to breeder. She competes in agility, dock diving, barn hunt, fast cast and confirmation and more with her dogs, demonstrating their versatility, sound minds and great temperaments. Their breeding stock comes from top and current champion lines with generations of health testing which include OFA's and genetic panels. We have 3 Southern Soul Aussies among our trainers' dogs, so that tells you we absolutely love these dogs!

Golden Haven - a fantastic Golden Retriever breeding program that upholds the breed standards we look for, Hannah and Jennings are committed to loving and raising Goldens with their young growing family on 14 acres. We are honored to temperament test every litter they have, ensuring pups are paired with forever homes based on their unique personalities.

Trek Goldens - we've had the honor of knowing Courtney as an incredible fellow dog trainer in the Charlotte area for over 10 years, and proudly support her Golden Retriever breeding program. She aims for excellence in every aspect of the breed, from puppy raising to hitting the show ring. This year her girl Boujee has won countless titles and has been invited to Westminster! You will be in the best of hands if you acquire a pup from her!

Seasons Gold - one of our favorite Golden Retriever breeders in the area is Kary Love of Seasons Gold. Kary has been breeding Goldens for over 30 years and strives to produce well mannered, healthy, easily trainable, social, and gorgeous companion dogs for the average dog owner. Our team also has 3 Seasons Gold dogs, we love them that much!

Tanglewood Goldens - if you prefer an English-style Golden Retriever, Joanne is our breeder of choice. She has been breeding Goldens since 1977 and plans 3 selective breedings per year using only OFA or BVA (hips and elbows), eye and heart clear parents. They actively pursue conformation points towards a show championship prior to breeding and tend to breed a calmer Golden for the companion home.

Coldwater German Shepherds - Janette does an absolute incredible job with preserving the German Shepherd breed, pairing her dogs well for both companion and working dog homes. Our trainer Rachel has 2 Coldwater GSDs herself, one who is actively in their breeding program. All her dogs are selected from imported stock of West German, Czech Republic, DDR, and Dutch working lines of German Shepherd Dogs; and are clear for hips/elbows and health evaluations. 

We are always open to helping our clients choose a breeder that we would stand behind. So if you are looking at a different breed than we have recommendations for, we are happy to help find a reputable breeder for you, as well as help you choose the right puppy to match your lifestyle (within driving distance of Charlotte, North Carolina). If you plan to go to a breeder (or rescue) on your own, here are some exercises to do to help you choose the right pup for your lifestyle!