About Nextgen Goldens — Our Golden Retriever Breeding Program
Nextgen Goldens is a small, family-run Golden Retriever breeding program in Boring, Oregon, just outside Portland. Owned and run by Marilyn, it grew out of a simple love for the Golden Retriever’s gentle, intuitive nature — and a conviction that the best puppies come from healthy, well-loved parents raised right in the middle of family life. We are not a kennel. Every dog we own is a member of our household first and a breeding dog second.
Our Breeding Philosophy
We breed selectively and place only a small number of thoughtfully raised litters each year. Every parent dog is fully health-tested before it is ever bred — hips and elbows through the OFA, annual eye clearances, cardiac screening, and breed-relevant genetic panels. We choose our pairings for temperament first: the calm, people-focused disposition that makes Golden Retrievers such extraordinary family dogs, therapy partners, and service prospects. See exactly what we test and why →
How Our Puppies Are Raised
Our puppies are raised underfoot in our home, not in a barn or a run. From their first days they are handled daily and gently exposed to the ordinary sounds and rhythms of a busy household — voices, the vacuum, children, other dogs, car rides, and the outdoors. This early socialization and gentle stimulation builds confident, resilient puppies that settle into their new homes quickly and cope well with new experiences for life.
- Raised in our home and handled every day from birth
- Early neurological stimulation and structured socialization
- Introduced to household sounds, surfaces, people, and children
- Started on crate and potty routines before they go home
- Examined by our veterinarian, first vaccinations, dewormed, and microchipped
Bred for Family, Therapy & Companionship
Goldens are famous for a reason: they are patient with children, eager to please, and deeply attuned to the people they love. We breed specifically for that steady, healing temperament, which is why many of our families are looking for more than a pet — they want a dog with the disposition to become a therapy or emotional-support companion. Whatever role your Golden grows into, our goal is the same: a sound, sweet-natured dog that becomes the heart of your home.
Ready to Meet a Nextgen Golden?
Litters are limited and placed by waitlist, so the best first step is to reserve your family’s spot early. Join the puppy waitlist → or get in touch — we love talking Goldens.