About Us
We are a family of 8, my husband and I have 6 children, 2 lovely daughter in-laws, 2 grandchildren, and 10 golden retrievers. We reside in Mason, IL, just south of Effingham, IL off of interstate 57. Aside from being golden retriever dog breeders, my husband and I also have full-time occupations. My husband is a carpenter and runs his own business serving others in our community and I am a nurse. Dog breeding has become so much more than a business to us. It is another opportunity for us to serve others; whether it be by creating a lasting memory for your family, developing friendships, or referring you to another breeder that would better meet your needs.
For the past 17 years, in addition to parenting our own children, we have been foster parents to many other children. We have been blessed to be able to provide a loving, caring, and accepting home for those kiddos during their time with us. To say we have a full house most days is an understatement, but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Family and being able to provide a loving, accepting environment for others is something we greatly value. Serving others in this way is what we’ve felt called to do in our lives by our Lord & Savior. This calling most definitely carries over into the relationships we create with those we encounter through breeding our golden retrievers.
Our dog breeding journey began about 7 years ago with Sam, our beloved golden retriever, who was gifted to us as my “running partner". She immediately had us all loving her and her smile. Although Sammy passed away in 2022, she was the best companion we could have ever dreamed of! Our golden retriever obsession only grew from there. We then purchased Sophie, followed by Charlie and Cleo, Lisa, Watson and Pearl, Lola, Toni, Dolly, Jolene, and Connie. Sophie, Lola, Cleo and Lisa have produced all our amazing puppies thus far. Sophie, Charlie, and Lola are altered and are now just part of our amazing golden family! Pearl, one of our lovely English Creme Goldens, is health and genetic tested, and we are hoping she will be the next to have a litter of puppies in December, along with Lisa. Dolly, Toni, Jolene, and Connie will be bred once they are older and have been tested as well!
Our Golden Retrievers
Our golden retrievers live in our home, run our grounds, swim in ponds, run in fields, and are pampered with professional grooming and veterinary care. In addition to regular veterinary exams and check-ups, our golden retrievers receive monthly Interceptor Plus and quarterly Bravecto per standard recommendations. While they live the life of a golden retriever, they also are pampered like a toy poodle. They sleep at the foot of our bed (occasionally sneak on our bed) and eat their meals in the house. As I prepare this note, I have four Goldens at my feet and absolutely LOVE it.
Our Philosophy
Our golden retriever dog breeding business is built on integrity, quality breeding, friendship, and creating lasting memories. When we started out, we initially took a deposit for our golden retriever puppies, but we soon realized that taking a deposit did not align with our values. We understand that life happens and we could not bring ourselves to keep or take people’s money without delivering a golden retriever puppy first. Our process now is based on trust. We do not accept any money until the puppy is delivered to the buyer. We also believe everyone should experience the love of a golden retriever! If we are unable to meet your needs or timeline, we are not above referring you to another breeder.
Quality breeding is something we highly value. This is why we are members of the Golden Retriever Club of America and do health and genetic testing on many of our dogs. Following these standards and guidelines ensures that we are doing everything in our power to maintain the health and integrity of both our golden retriever puppies and adult golden retriever dogs that we breed. Completing the health and genetic tests helps us reduce the chances of preventable genetic diseases or disorders and allows us to facilitate the best health and qualities in our golden retriever puppies.
Over the course of the last four years, we've created some very moving and even tearful puppy deliveries & pickups. Creating these lasting memories for others is something we greatly cherish! More often than not, our buyers become our friends and in turn are a huge referral source for us! When you purchase a puppy from us we want it to be so much more than just a transaction. We want to be able to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
For example, during the pandemic, we personally delivered a puppy to surprise a family in the Chicago area….WOW, talk about an experience! To see the eyes and tears of happy children during this tough time was absolutely priceless! We’ve also conspired with a couple who created a scavenger hunt from their home to ours. They set up several stops along the way to search for clues which eventually led them to our home where we had 9 golden retriever puppies. Their children then got to pick out their very own golden retriever puppy to bring home!!! It has been so fun to be a part of such amazing memories. Let us help you make lasting memories like these.
The Only Licensed Breeder in Effingham County
Ensuring Quality Care & Ethical standards for your pet
At Hakman’s Golden Retrievers, we take pride in being the only licensed breeder in Effingham County. We also have a grooming and boarding license. This certification ensures that we operate under state-approved guidelines, providing a safe, ethical, and professional environment for both our Golden Retriever puppies and boarding guests.