The World’s First and Finest Mini Golden Retrievers
Find a friend from the farm that brought you the very first Miniature Golden Retriever.
What is a Mini Golden Retriever?
A Mini Golden Retriever is a cross of a Golden Retriever, and smaller breeds, typically Cocker Spaniels, Cavaliers, or Poodles, with some even using other breeds. On average, they are 30-45 pounds, but the weights vary greatly. The first Mini Golden was created in 2003 by Kathy Burgess at GoldenQuest. Her dogs are exclusively Golden Retriever and Poodle crosses.
The reason GoldenQuest exclusively uses Golden Retriever and Poodle for the breed, is because we believe we get better temperaments and health, along with less shedding, and better longevity than we would with any other breed combination. Our breeding program is much more challenging to accomplish with these two breeds than it would be with any other, but we feel that our pets and clients are worth the extra effort. This is also why we know of no other breeder who has been able to successfully replicate our program.
We love the science, so we are very selective of all factors big and small, such as:
- Genetics
- Look
- Size
- Temperament
- Structure
- And more!
Our goal has been to not only make the
best-looking dogs but also the
healthiest. Many years of dedication and our passion for perfection has only made us better, and we will only continue to strive for growth.
The Original Mini Golden Retriever
The Simple Process of Taking Your New Friend Home
The entire process of finding and taking home your new Mini Golden Retriever can seem daunting, but we are here to make it easy.
We encourage you to check out our website and social media, research the history of the breed and ask us questions! When you are ready, here is the process:
- Fill out our Match Maker Form.
- Our Puppy Placement Specialist team will look through your answers and find the ones that would be the best matches for you.
- Our dedicated team goes over your Personalized Pet List with you, helping you choose the perfect pet for your home!
- Once you’ve made your choice, we assist in finding the best delivery option that fits you:
- In-person pickup
- Hand-carry flight escort to your local airport
- Ground delivery straight to your front door
*Getting on our Wait List for future litters is always an option as well.
"Our family owns the KC Chiefs. We have won the AFC West each year since we’ve had our Comfort® Retriever, Chief. And this year—he finally won the Super Bowl! He’s the best dog ever too! Thank you!"
- The Hunt Family
Pets of the Week 🐾
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"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us with our perfect Sadie Lady. She is so smart, friendly, and lovable. Thank you all so much for putting the time and effort into her training. You are absolute rock stars."
— The Ayres Family
The Comfort® Retriever Difference
Looking for the advantages of having a Comfort® Retrieveras your newest pet?
Advantages
- All of the fun of a Golden Retriever, in a more comfortable size (averaging at 30-45 lbs.)
- Full-time medical staff
- Hypoallergenic*
- Reduced shed*
- We fully health-test our breeding dogs to ensure they parent healthy puppies.
- Dedicated staff to perform puppy enrichment activities
- Participation in Puppy Play groups until they go to their furever homes
- Life expectancy is 5+ years more than a Golden Retriever
- Professional off site trainers, to (in their home) train your new addition, before they come home!
*When compared to a Standard Golden Retriever
Our Comfort® Retrievers are:
- Tattooed on their right ear
- Microchipped
- Spayed or neutered
- Removed of dewclaws
- Vaccinated
- Given a wellness exam by our Veterinarian and Veterinary Techs before going home
Our Comfort® Retrievers go home with:
- A 2 year health warranty (can be expanded to a 10 year warranty, simply by adding NuVet supplements and Life's Abundance food to your dog's daily routine.)
- All Health records your puppy received while at GoldenQuest®
- Spay/neuter certificate
- Veterinary well-check exam paperwork
- Collar
- Leash
- ID tag
- Rabies tag (if puppy is old enough for Rabies vaccine before time of go home)
- Transition bag of Pro Plan Sport dog food
- Clicker
- Complimentary toy
- Full support of our staff for the lifetime of your dog

Kathy Burgess, Owner & Founder
Comfort Retrievers® came from the owner Kathy Burgess’ drive to be unique – something special and different than the rest. She went on a mission to incorporate the amazing well-known personality of a Golden Retriever, but in a more convenient size, and with better health for the entire life of the dog. She developed her Health and Longevity Program which is a cornerstone of our dogs.
Meet the Team
Every dedicated member of GoldenQuest® is here to love and care for your Comfort from the moment they enter this world, to the moment they enter your arms.
"Bear was born on July 2, 2018. We love him! I drove from Toronto to Kentucky to bring him back to the big city. We now live in a condo, and he adjusted quite well! He’s very happy, smart, funny, independent, and just the sweetest boy ever. He has brought so much joy to my family."
– The Ritchie Family
Live in Kentucky? Become a Guardian owner.
The Guardian Program is for Kentucky residents who live within a 1.5-hour drive of our Mini Golden farm.
Here at GoldenQuest®, we have a wonderful program that allows all our breeding dogs to be in loving homes right here in Kentucky while still being a part of our breeding program.
The
Guardian mini goldens are co-owned between you and GoldenQuest®. We own breeding rights and pay all breeding-related costs, while you get to also enjoy your best friend!
Guardian of the Week
Opal ❤️ (SO3)
Female
Price: $500
Mini Golden Blog


Why Choose A GoldenQuest Comfort® Retriever
Health and Longevity
Pioneered by Kathy Burgess from the Very Beginning
When Kathy Burgess embarked on creating the first mini golden retriever, she quickly realized the absence of a health and longevity program specifically designed for breeders. Driven by a commitment to produce the healthiest of all breeds, she created a tailored program that exceeds even high standards in the breeding world. This program is focused on delivering not only the healthiest breeds but ensuring they lead long, joyous lives by your side.
Advanced Genetic and Health Screening
To ensure that every mini golden retriever reaches its full health potential, GoldenQuest rigorously applies advanced genetic testing and comprehensive health screening protocols. Our breeding program is specifically designed to eliminate or drastically reduce the incidence of inheritable diseases, setting a new standard of health within the breed.
Commitment to Excellence in Breeding
Our approach to breeding miniature golden retrievers is grounded in education and continuous improvement. By selectively pairing sires and dams based on superior genetic, exceptional structure, outstanding temperament and diverse pedigrees, we not only maintain but enhance the breed's quality over generations. This meticulous selection process ensures that each mini golden retriever puppy has the best possible start in life, optimized for health and vitality.
Proactive Health Management
From the moment they are born, our mini golden retrievers receive the highest level of care. This includes regular health checks, vaccinations, and preventive treatments, all administered by our full-time veterinary staff. Our proactive approach to health care ensures that all health concerns are addressed promptly, supporting a robust start for every puppy.
A Culture of "Super Dogs": Early Neurological Training for our GoldenQuest Miniature Golden Retrievers
Known as the “Super Dog” Program and standard for all of our Comfort® Retrievers, we introduce all of our mini golden puppies to training that enhances the developmental pathways starting at 4 days old. It focuses on creating puppies with higher stress tolerance, stronger immune systems, and better adaptability.
Implemented alongside ENS, we also practice what we call “Puppy Culture,” provides a holistic approach to early-stage socialization and training for miniature golden retrievers, emphasizing sound desensitization and clicker conditioning.
Enrichment and Development from Birth
- Before Birth: Comfort® Retrievers destined for whelping at GoldenQuest arrive at six weeks pregnant. Here, they enjoy a nurturing environment with dedicated spaces, regular walks, and "Tummy Time" massages to enhance prenatal health.
- Newborn to Three Weeks: Your mini golden retriever begins life with ENS to boost early development and continues with daily new object introductions, fostering curiosity and easing adjustments to new experiences.
- Structured Growth Milestones
- Two to Four Weeks: As miniature golden retrievers transition through crucial developmental stages, they receive increasing tactile stimulation and begin basic training such as recall, creating conditioned emotional responses to everyday interactions.
- Five to Seven Weeks: Advanced object interactions and social behaviors are introduced. Puppies learn important social cues within their litter and undergo a "Puppy Party" to test and enhance their confidence and social skills.
Commitment to Long-Term Success
Our approach to breeding miniature golden retrievers is grounded in education and continuous improvement. By selectively pairing sires and dams based on superior genetic, exceptional structure, outstanding temperament and diverse pedigrees, we not only maintain but enhance the breed's quality over generations. This meticulous selection process ensures that each mini golden retriever puppy has the best possible start in life, optimized for health and vitality.
Commitment to Long-Term Success
Each mini golden retriever is given ample time for cuddles and personal attention, ensuring a well-rounded start. GoldenQuest's commitment extends beyond pickup, with ongoing advice and support to help your miniature golden retriever thrive in its new home.
Training Levels for Mini Golden Retrievers
Bringing home a mini golden retriever is an exciting experience, enhanced significantly when your new puppy already understands basic obedience. We offer two optional training programs for you to explore as you discover what is best for you and your family.
Standard Training Program
Our foundational training program, conducted off-site in the homes of our trainers, provides at least three weeks of intensive training. This program is designed to give your mini golden retriever a solid start, covering essential commands and behaviors, making it ideal for first-time dog owners or those seeking a well-prepared puppy.
Executive Level Comfort Program
For those seeking the utmost in training and obedience, our Executive Level Comfort Program offers comprehensive training that goes beyond the basics into advanced obedience and behavior management. This program ensures that your mini golden retriever is adept in handling various environments and commands, making them a perfect companion for owners who need a dog that excels in both domestic and public settings.
Advanced obedience, including loose-leash and off-leash heeling, high-level distraction avoidance, public access training
Training Package | Standard Training | Executive Level Training |
---|---|---|
Duration | Minimum of 3 weeks | Customizable based on needs (minimum of 12 weeks) |
Cost | $750 per week | Dependent on length and customization |
Training Focus | Helpful head start on the basics like crate training, potty training, and basic obedience commands such as sit, down, and stay | Advanced obedience, including loose-leash and off-leash heeling, high-level distraction avoidance, public access training |
Suitability | Ideal for first-time owners or those wanting a basic foundation | Best for owners who because of their busy lifestyles want a well-trained dog but don’t have the time or desire to self-train |
Additional Features | Weekly progress updates | Heavy socialization, extensive travel training, house manners, fully crate trained |
Customization | Some available | Extensive customization options |
General Mini Golden Retriever FAQ
Find more Comfort Retriever® FAQ on our FAQ Page.
Everyone Deserves a Little Comfort®
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