OUR STORY

It all started in 2014 when Joel Sandberg's golden retriever, Dakota, turned 11. During a routine checkup, Dakota's vet was amazed by his vitality and suggested that despite his age, he'd make an excellent stud. Though Joel had never considered breeding before, the idea of passing on Dakota's genes was intriguing. After careful consideration, he decided to partner with another breeding program, and Dakota studied his first litter. This marked the beginning of Retriever Buddies – a name coined by Joel's young son Cole, who's now is represented in the company's logo.

Years later, Dakota's legacy lives on through Retriever Buddies. Joel discovered his true calling in breeding golden retrievers that enrich people's lives through their temperament, health, and loving nature. He approaches breeding with unwavering dedication, focusing on both physical traits and personality to produce exceptional puppies.

Today, Joel remains the driving force behind Retriever Buddies. His genuine love for the breed shows in every aspect of his work – from the meticulous care he provides to his dogs to the countless hours spent ensuring each puppy gets the best possible start in life. For Joel, this isn't just a breeding program; it's a passion project that brings joy to families across from coast to coast.