Our Story
Golden Heart Golden Retrievers is a multi-generational, family-based breeding program located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. With roots in animal husbandry dating back to 2000, the family behind Golden Heart brings decades of experience in raising and caring for animals—from livestock to companion dogs.
Raising well loved and cared for dogs has always been apart of this family.
Golden Retrievers have always been the pet of choice early in Valerie & Sarahs youth. In later years, the family diverted to breed Yorkies, Biewers, and Cavalier Spaniels; showing Yorkies and Biewers in IABCA dog shows and developing a strong foundation in ethical breeding and breed standards.
Valerie & her daughter Nicole would travel all over the east coast competing in dog shows, from Canada to Florida. They brought home quite a bit of ribbons too. 🙂
Eventually, they made their way back to their favorite breed of pup, these gorgeous golden retrievers.
Pictured below is the family farm where Val & Sarah were raised.
Today, Golden Heart includes Valerie, her daughter Nicole, and her sister Sarah...
...three women each raising Goldens on their farms and homesteads, with the daily help and socialization of their children.
The result is a loving, hands-on approach to puppy rearing, with dogs that are well-prepared for family life from the start.
Meet Valerie – Cream & English Goldens
Valerie is one of the founding breeders behind Golden Heart and the original Golden Retriever lover in the family. With decades of experience raising animals—both farm animals and companion dogs—Valerie has a true maternal instinct when it comes to breeding.
Val's Litters
Take a look at some of the beautiful Golden Retriever puppies raised by Valerie! These past litters showcase her gentle Cream and English-style Goldens—known for their calm temperaments, sturdy builds, and loving personalities. Each puppy was raised with care on the homestead, surrounded by children, animals, and plenty of early socialization.
Meet Nicole – Medium & Traditional Reds
Nicole is Valerie’s daughter and part of the next generation of Golden Heart. Raised in a home full of dogs, show rings, and farm chores; Nicole now raises medium and traditional red Golden Retrievers on her own family homestead.
Nicole's Litters
Take a look at past litters raised by Nicole and her family, where every puppy is nurtured with care, play, and plenty of love on their Shenandoah Valley homestead. These pups are well-socialized by Nicole’s young children and introduced early to homestead sights and sounds, setting the foundation for a smooth transition into their forever homes.
Meet Sarah – Dark Red Goldens
Sarah is the proud breeder of dark red Golden Retrievers, known for their rich coats and loyal temperaments. Like Valerie, she was raised around animals and has years of experience raising livestock and pets alike.
Sarah's Litters
Explore past litters lovingly raised by Sarah and her family in the Woodstock, Virginia. Sarah specializes in rich dark red Golden Retrievers and focuses on raising well-adjusted, family-ready pups with a strong start in socialization and enrichment.
