LIFE IS BETTER WHEN IT'S GOLDEN
+ why we're different
.jpg)
More Than a Breeder — Contango Goldens
At Contango Goldens, we raise happy, healthy Golden Retrievers in beautiful Sonoma County. Our dogs are DNA tested, OFA certified, and also evaluated through PennHIP to ensure the very best in hip health.
We focus on genetically diverse lines and raise our puppies on our family farm—alongside cats, goats, fresh air, and plenty of room to explore. With lots of love, early socialization, and true country living, our pups grow into confident, well-rounded family companions. Many of our dogs have even gone on to become service dogs, thanks to their temperament, intelligence, and steady nature.
Life truly is golden here, and we’re honored to share it with you.
Our Commitment to Ethical Breeding
We raise a limited number of litters each year so that every puppy receives individual attention, socialization, and early neurological development.
Our adult dogs are members of our family. They are not kept in commercial kennels, and we carefully plan each litter with health, temperament, and long-term wellbeing in mind.
Our Health and Standards
AKC Registered & OFA Certified
All of our adult dogs are AKC registered and have undergone appropriate OFA health certifications prior to breeding. This includes evaluations for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes to help ensure we are producing healthy, structurally sound Golden Retrievers.
We believe responsible breeding begins long before puppies are born.
Veterinary Care & Vaccinations
Every puppy receives:
-
Veterinary examinations
-
Age-appropriate vaccinations
-
A structured deworming schedule
-
Health records provided at go-home
Our goal is always that each puppy leaves our home strong, healthy, and ready to transition confidently into yours.
Early Neurological & Sensory Developments
From their earliest days, our puppies are gently and intentionally introduced to the world around them.
We incorporate structured early stimulation practices (often referred to as Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Socialization protocols) which may include:
-
Exposure to a variety of surfaces such as grass, carpet, stone, and natural outdoor terrain
-
Gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth to promote comfort with grooming and vet care
-
Introduction to age-appropriate sounds to build resilience and confidence
-
Guided exercises to discourage early food guarding behaviors
-
Daily interaction with people to build trust and social ease
These early experiences help lay the foundation for a well-adjusted, confident companion.
on the way to a check up!
.jpg)
lifetime support ❤︎
.jpg)
Bringing home a Golden Retriever is a joyful transition — and sometimes an overwhelming one.
I want our families to know they are never alone.
I try to readily be available by phone to answer questions, offer guidance, and support you as your puppy grows. Many of our families stay in touch for years, and that relationship is something I value deeply.
— Annette
LET'S SEE IF
WE'RE THE
RIGHT FIT ❤︎
Bringing home a Golden Retriever is a long-term commitment and a meaningful decision. We take great care in placing our puppies in homes where they will be loved, supported, and thoughtfully raised. Our process is designed to ensure the right fit — for your family and for our puppies.
.jpeg)
MEET
Annette
Contango Goldens began the way many good things do — with family.
We raised five children on our farm in the hills of Petaluma, and before we ever considered breeding, we had Golden Retrievers simply as our own beloved pets. They grew up alongside our children — patient, gentle, joyful, and endlessly loyal.
We fell in love with the breed because of who they are at heart. Goldens are steady and affectionate. They are wonderful with children. They adapt incredibly to the energy of your home — whether that’s a busy household with little ones or a quieter season of life.
As our children grew, I felt called to share that gift with other families.
But only in the right way.
From the beginning, my goal has never been quantity. It has always been quality — raising healthy, well-tempered Golden Retrievers with intention, care, and respect for the breed. Each puppy that comes through our home is deeply loved. I may have raised five children, but in many ways, I become the mother of every litter we welcome. Their earliest weeks matter. The way they are handled, spoken to, guided, and nurtured matters.
One of the greatest joys of this work is watching where our puppies go!
Over the years, Contango Goldens have become beloved family companions, therapy dogs, and even service dogs for children with disabilities. Knowing that a puppy raised here on our hill is bringing comfort, confidence, and companionship to someone who truly needs it is something that touches my heart more than I can say.
And the relationship doesn’t end on go-home day.
I treasure the updates — the puppy-to-adult photos, the funny stories, the notes about being stopped on walks because of how beautiful and well-mannered they are. Those messages mean everything to me.
Loving a Golden Retriever is something special. It enhances your life in ways you don’t fully understand until you experience it.
It has been one of the greatest blessings of ours.
— Annette
