Old Mission Retrievers
- Traverse City, MI
Meet the breeder
I'm Carolyn K., the breeder behind Old Mission Retrievers located in Traverse City, MI. We breed dogs for temperament above all else, with the goal of creating solid, stable family pets who are easy to live with. Our next priority is health, followed by healthy structure. We believe in careful purposeful cross breeding to increase diversity and improve health.
Q. & A. with Carolyn
Why did you start breeding?
I started breeding because I wanted to use my skills to bring joy to people. I am a former labor and delivery nurse and currently work in behavioral health.What makes your program special?
I am a mixed breeder who does everything I can to ensure I am producing healthy puppies including ONLY breeding dogs who meet very high standards for both temperament and health. My puppies are raised in scrupulously clean, safe, loving and enriching conditions to give them the very best start possible in life.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our Bearded Retriever puppies include golden, cream, and apricot. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and guardian homes.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Girl 6
Went homeFemale
Girl 5
Went homeFemale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Girl 4
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Girl 7
Went homeFemale
Girl 8
Went homeFemale
Edgar
Went homeMale
Oliver
Went homeMale
Darby
Went homeMale
Olivia
Went homeFemale
Tess
Went homeFemale
Graham
Went homeMale
Constance
Went homeFemale
Jude
Went homeMale
Gertie
Went homeFemale
Silas
Went homeMale
Jonathon
Went homeMale
Ginger
Went homeFemale
Cortland
Went homeMale
Mac
Went homeMale
Ash
Went homeMale
Brae
Went homeFemale
Pippin
Went homeMale
Honey
Went homeFemale
Fuji
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Carolyn
Carolyn has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
"The price of puppies will vary based on the cost of a particular breeding and the coat types expected. We are always happy to discuss your needs if you are looking for a therapy or service dog or if cost is a barrier. Deposits are taken only after a confirmed breeding for a specific litter. Before a deposit, we will need to speak to you briefly to ensure this puppy is the right fit for you, to explain the process, and answer any questions you may have."
Contract & health guarantee
Carolyn may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Carolyn offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Carolyn directly.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- Food & treats
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Initial potty training
- Puppy starter kit
- Registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Carolyn.
Breeder's location
Meet in Traverse City, MI
4117 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Cherry Capital Airport (was Cherry County Airpark)
4117 miles away
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More about Carolyn
Club memberships
Carolyn is a member of Companion Dog Project.
Certifications & recognitions
Family Dog Mediator .
Carolyn has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years
Carolyn was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Carolyn is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Old Mission Retrievers meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
Carolyn K.
Program update on 28 Oct 2025 •The puppies are excited to greet visitors. My son stopped by tonight and got a lot of happy wags.
Carolyn K.
Program update on 25 Oct 2025 •
Carolyn K.
Program update on 24 Oct 2025 •…Puppies have been heading home this week and I love getting happy updates from their new families. Gus (Fuji) even got to go to work with his dad! He fell asleep on the counter between greeting customers. 💜🐾
Carolyn K.
Program update on 18 Oct 2025 •…Puppies are 7 weeks old and learning about crates and car rides this week. They are having fun playing the big yard with Charlotte and Lucy, their great grandma.
Carolyn K.
Program update on 19 Sept 2025 •The apples are three weeks old and starting to really play.
Carolyn K.
Program update on 15 Sept 2025 •Eyes are open and puppies are starting to wrestle. Almost to the fun part!
Carolyn K.
Program update on 09 Sept 2025 •Puppies are almost almost two weeks old!
Carolyn K.
Litter update on 30 Aug 2025 •All 9 little apples are gaining weight and thriving.
Valor and Rose's litter
Parent dogs
All breeds
Bearded Retriever
Labradoodle
Rose, mom
Bearded Retriever
About Rose
Rose is a Bearded Retriever born right here. Her mother, grandmother, grandfather, and father are all part of the Old Mission Retriever family of dogs. She has a long straight coat, and a single furnishings gene.
Good health testing
Full Embark Panel, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), +3 more.
Valor, dad
Labradoodle
About Valor
Valor is a multigen labradoodle whose mom is a long haired lab. He is 65% lab. Valor is super extra friendly, relaxed, and always happy.
Good health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), +2 more.
Parent health testing
Bearded Retriever
Labradoodle
Good level
Old Mission Retrievers reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Bearded Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia (Preliminary)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Full Embark Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Carolyn to bring home their puppies.
Peter M.
Verified owner · Apr. 2025
+5Carolyn was impressive. A wealth of both knowledge, love and care for puppies. She’s so good at matching owner and puppy. We are grateful!
Sharon B.
Verified owner · Apr. 2025
Carolyn is a wonderful breeder. My vet gave my new puppy great marks! She is really healthy and happy puppy. Thank you so much!!
