It’s hard to find honest breeders who actually know their dogs. We work hard to know each puppy as an individual and match them to the right kind of home, whether that’s a quiet lapdog life or a competitive agility partner. We don’t breed to sell—we breed to place the right dog with the right family.
Raising Goldens the Right Way
why we do this
Bred with intention, raised on our Iowa farm, and socialized by four of the best puppy playmates under age twelve!
Spending real time with our puppies helps us know them well—and that’s what allows us to place them well. It’s not just about structure or drive. It’s about the right pup in the right home.
Why It Works
Taylor and Kaleb run the day-to-day, and if you reach out, we’re who you’ll talk to. But the real puppy socializers? That’s our four kids. They’re hands-on, all-in, and have the sharpest eye for personality of anyone on the farm.
Who You’ll Meet
Appelgate Goldens began with a boy and a bird dog dream. Kaleb saved up to buy a golden retriever with the bloodlines to hunt pheasants like his dad’s dog. That puppy became Rose—the first dam in our line—and in 2004, her first litter made the dream real.
Where It Started
We’re located just outside Marshalltown, Iowa—170 acres of timber, hills, and farmland that roll out toward the Iowa River. In the summer, it’s all corn and soybeans. In the winter, it’s a blanket of snow. No matter the season beauty abounds here.
We farm for a living: pigs, corn, soybeans. And in between, we raise goldens—not as a side hustle, but as part of the same commitment to work hard, do it right, and produce something worth being proud of.
Where We Live
Meet the appelgates
We’re here long after go-home day. You’ll leave with a vetted health guarantee and the peace of mind that we’re in your corner.
Ongoing Support
We don’t do “pick of the litter”—we do best match for your home. Whether that’s high-drive or laid-back, we guide you to the right fit.
Purposeful Placements
At 7 weeks, we use the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test and daily observation to understand each pup’s personality.
Aptitude Testing
Puppies are born and raised right here at our family farm with our kids so they’re handled, socialized, and used to real life from day one.
Raised on a farm
Every pairing is based on proven genetics, health clearances, and compatibility of temperament.
Thoughtful Pairings
Our program is hands-on, heart-led, and structured to give each puppy the best possible start.
how we raise our puppies
Since 2004, we’ve been thoughtfully and responsibly breeding golden retrievers with a focus on health, temperament, and purpose. These four generations of girls represent the heart of Appelgate Goldens—each one selected not just for her pedigree, but for her personality, work ethic, and the value she brought to our own family. We trust their pups will bring that same kind of joy and steadiness to the families they join.
five Generations of Appelgate Legacy
meet our girls
Rose
mae
molly
Tess
emmie
deceased
Deceased
deceased
retired
active
Foundation dam
2nd generation dam
3rd generation dam
3rd generation dam
4th generation dam
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jada
coming soon
5th generation dam
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A product of Topbrass lines, Rose brought with her a pedigree rich in performance and temperament. She held OFA clearances for hips and elbows, and more importantly, she passed on traits that matter most—loyalty, work ethic, and heart. Though she’s no longer with us, her impact is felt in every generation we raise. Rose was our beginning, and her spirit continues to shape the future of our program.
the matriarch of a thriving legacy
Rose was the cornerstone of Appelgate Goldens—the dog who started it all. She was the kind of companion who connected instantly with everyone, whether it was a wide-eyed toddler or a weathered carpenter on a job site. Rose embodied steadiness, intelligence, and an unwavering desire to be close to her people. Her gentle nature made her a natural matriarch, and many of our best dogs trace their lineage back to her.
personality & Legacy
- Being wherever her people were—no matter the task
- Making fast friends with anyone, young or old
- Shadowing her humans like it was her full-time job
- Passing on her loyal nature to every one of her pups
Favorite things:
February 4, 2002 - August 25, 2012
Life span:
Ronakers Rose of Topbrass "Rose"
meet our girls
Bred from champion lines—out of Rose and Rustgold’s Mountaintop Ace “Ace”—Mae embodied the qualities that matter most in both performance and family settings. With OFA-certified “Good” hips, “Normal” elbows, and CERF-clear eyes, her structure and health were just as sound as her instincts. Her athletic 60-pound build and correct conformation made her a striking and functional example of the field-style golden. Mae’s life started unexpectedly—born outdoors on a cold May night and nursed back to health with round-the-clock care—but she grew into one of the most capable and resilient dogs we’ve ever known.
Rooted in Proven Bloodlines
Mae brought together the drive of a true field golden with the steadiness of a loyal family dog. Always attentive to her handler and eager to work, she excelled at marking, retrieving, and quartering. Her obedience and athleticism made her a natural in the field, and she passed those qualities along to multiple generations at Appelgate. Mae's balanced temperament, trainability, and birdiness made her the kind of dog we wish we could clone.
personality & Legacy
- Pickup rides with the windows down
- Sprinting through fields, loving life
- Laser-focused retrieves—always to hand
- Napping in the shade after a good day’s work
Favorite things:
2008 - 2024
Lifespan:
Appelgate's Midnight Mae Miracle "Mae
meet our girls
Molly was the daughter of Mae and General Bernard of Shannon, carrying forward excellent structure, sound health, and the hallmark golden retriever spirit. She was AKC-registered and passed her OFA screenings with strong results: hips rated “Good,” elbows “Normal,” and eyes and cardiac both clear. Her build was sturdy and correct—good angulation, straight back, ideal tail carriage, and a normal bite. At around 60 pounds in working condition, she was a beautiful example of the field-style golden retriever. Molly’s legacy lives on in the dogs that follow her.
Rooted in Proven Bloodlines
Molly was the definition of what we love in a golden—steady, affectionate, and effortlessly sweet. She was easy from day one and earned her nickname “Water Queen” with grace, always first to leap into any water she could find. Her heavier field coat, striking golden color, and calm temperament made her a standout not just in our home, but in our entire program. She was gentle with our children, reliable in the field, and a joy to raise from start to finish.
personality & Legacy
- Splashing in anything wet—ponds, puddles, wading pools
- “Swimming” in circles with her nose under the water
- A good game of fetch, especially with duck bumpers
- Being wherever the people are—content, loyal, and always watching
Favorite things:
2010 - 2023
life span:
Appelgate's Calm Molly "Molly"
meet our girls
At just ten weeks old, Tess suffered a severe leg injury, shearing the head off her femur. We opted for surgery at Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine, where a dedicated team performed a complex procedure. After eight weeks of confinement and extensive rehabilitation, Tess made a full recovery, showcasing her resilience and strength. This experience deepened our bond and solidified her special place in our hearts.
A Remarkable Journey:
Tess has been a cornerstone of our breeding program, known for her high drive, eagerness to please, and remarkable temperament with kids of all ages. She has this innate sense of how to mother and be gentle like we’ve never seen in another dog. From a young age, she exhibited a love for water and retrieving, often bringing us "gifts" like sticks and other treasures she found. Her loyalty was unmatched; whether I was fixing fences or planting corn, Tess was always by my side.
personality & Legacy
- Water retrieves (she loves water)
- Being outside with us—especially while fixing fences or planting corn
- Watching the family through the basement window
- Bringing us treasures like sticks (or anything she thinks is important)
- Being involved—she never wants to be left behind
Favorite things:
January 13, 2015
Birthdate:
Appelgate's Hidden Copper Treasure "Tess"
meet our girls
From the beginning, Emmie showed all the hallmarks of a dog meant to lead the next generation—clear-headed, highly biddable, and beautifully built. As the daughter of Torch and Lucy (Tess’s full sister), her pedigree is packed with dogs who have both performance titles and real-world hunting experience. Emmie has inherited that versatility, but it’s her nurturing nature and easygoing temperament that truly make her shine as a mother. Her puppies are confident, athletic, and people-focused—just like their dam.
A Strong Pedigree with a Gentle Soul:
Emmie is everything we hoped for in continuing Tess’s legacy. With stunning structure, a willing spirit, and an intuitive temperament, she’s been a standout from the beginning. Whether training or just lounging with the kids, she adapts seamlessly to her environment—focused when working, relaxed at home. Her cheerful, “can-do” attitude makes her a joy to raise and an asset to our program.
personality & Legacy
- Carrying rocks and other little gifts in her mouth to give to anyone she sees
- Running and playing with our kids in the yard
- Learning new things—she’s eager to please and easy to train
- Relaxing after a long day of play (she’s a cuddler at heart)
Favorite things:
May 12, 2020
Birthdate:
Gridiron's Northern Embers "Emmie"
meet our girls
Jada carries forward the tradition of excellence in both form and function. Named in part by our daughter Maggie, Jada is a blend of legacy and love. As a daughter of our carefully selected pair, she brings together proven hunting lineage and family-friendly temperament. Her pedigree is rooted in performance and versatility, perfect for homes that value both companionship and capability. Whether retrieving pheasant wings or snoozing in the sun, Jada brings joy and heart to everything she does.
A Strong Pedigree with a Gentle Soul:
Jada is already reminding us so much of Tess. She’s got that same cool, calm demeanor around the house, but when it’s time to work, she works. Smart, focused, and eager to please, she’s already started her training alongside our oldest, Liam. Her intuitive nature makes her a joy to live with, and her drive makes her an exciting prospect in the field. Jada is a beautiful continuation of the legacy we’ve worked hard to build: structure, brains, and heart, all in one golden package.
personality & Legacy
- Splashing in her water dish. She lives for water and doesn’t mind getting a little messy
- Cuddling with the kids (especially after a good splash!)
- Napping—this girl knows how to relax
- Retrieving pheasant wings like a pro
- Encouraging her siblings to play (she’s a natural instigator in the best way!)
Favorite things:
April 12, 2025
Birthdate:
Appelgate’s Jaded Northern Mary “Jada”
meet our girls
We place puppies through an application-based process and only raise 1–2 litters a year. Your application should be thoughtful and thorough—think of it like a resume. One-word answers usually won’t be considered. Once you’ve submitted, be sure to text, call, or email us directly—Google doesn’t notify us when new applications come in, so we may not see it right away.
We don’t do first-come, first-served. Instead, we spend eight weeks observing each puppy and use the Volhard Aptitude Test to match based on personality, energy level, and home environment. Our goal is the right fit—for both you and the puppy.
All of our breeding dogs are fully tested for hips, elbows, heart, eyes, thyroid, and a full genetic panel. We’re happy to share clearances and pedigrees for every dog in our program.
Yes—and it’s one of our program’s strengths. Our four kids are involved in raising every litter, which means your puppy is socialized, handled, and used to the real-life rhythms of family life from the very start.
Absolutely. We selectively breed for sound structure and working ability. Whether you're training for agility, upland hunting, or just looking for a biddable partner with drive, we can help match you with a puppy that fits your goals. Many of our pups are now professional therapy dogs!
