General WM Farms Litter Outline
The most visible measure of greatness is the overall effect on the breed.
Is the desired attribute seen in the progeny?
Retrieving Desire, Birdiness, Tractability, Trainability, Retention, Interest
What we look for in a Field Golden Athlete
1. Usage & Title History
2. Pedigree, Health, Temperament
3. Conformation, Field Coat, Size
We don't support any doodle breeding with our goldens.
Breed History
"The Golden Retriever is found throughout the world but its appearance can vary by country. British-type Golden Retrievers are prevalent throughout Europe and Australia and are broader and more muscular with a more chiseled muzzle. The coat is generally lighter in color than the American types. The topline and hindquarters tend to be straighter than US dogs and the eyes are rounder and darker. Golden Retrievers from the UK have coat colors with various shades of gold or cream, but white, red and mahogany are prohibited. The Canadian Golden Retriever has a thinner and darker coat and stands taller than other types. American Golden Retrievers are lankier, less muscular and a little taller than UK dogs; their coats are darker in color and of various shades of gold with moderate feathering. There are differences in the gait as well, which is said to be more free-flowing in US dogs, possibly a result of a more sloping topline and angular hindquarters. Males stand between 22 and 24 inches in height at the withers; females are 20 to 22.5 inches tall. The weight for Golden Retriever males is between 65-75 lbs. and females between 60-70 lbs., with the more muscular UK dogs tending to be heavier. The British Kennel Club standard is used in all countries except the USA and Canada. Some Golden Retrievers from the UK are brought to the USA to incorporate more of the temperament and appearance of the British types. However, each country stoutly maintains its preferred type." (UC Davis Veterinary Medicine)
"The Golden Retriever is found throughout the world but its appearance can vary by country. British-type Golden Retrievers are prevalent throughout Europe and Australia and are broader and more muscular with a more chiseled muzzle. The coat is generally lighter in color than the American types. The topline and hindquarters tend to be straighter than US dogs and the eyes are rounder and darker. Golden Retrievers from the UK have coat colors with various shades of gold or cream, but white, red and mahogany are prohibited. The Canadian Golden Retriever has a thinner and darker coat and stands taller than other types. American Golden Retrievers are lankier, less muscular and a little taller than UK dogs; their coats are darker in color and of various shades of gold with moderate feathering. There are differences in the gait as well, which is said to be more free-flowing in US dogs, possibly a result of a more sloping topline and angular hindquarters. Males stand between 22 and 24 inches in height at the withers; females are 20 to 22.5 inches tall. The weight for Golden Retriever males is between 65-75 lbs. and females between 60-70 lbs., with the more muscular UK dogs tending to be heavier. The British Kennel Club standard is used in all countries except the USA and Canada. Some Golden Retrievers from the UK are brought to the USA to incorporate more of the temperament and appearance of the British types. However, each country stoutly maintains its preferred type." (UC Davis Veterinary Medicine)
Puppy Health
Have you ever seriously thought about the notion that any breeder could imply that they, in some way, could actually "guarantee health"? How does one do that? Does your medical doctor offer you health guarantees during your yearly visits? In short, we can't. Not in humans, not in animals. Golden retrievers have at least 10 major health risks. Anyone who owns a golden(s), are accepting these risks and others. This list is a little subjective and of course non-inclusive.
I've thought a great deal about what a "health guarantee" should cover. Most of us know very well that there is no guarantee of good health. Based on the population structure of purebred dogs, this is especially true for dogs of specific breeds who carry an increased risk for certain heath conditions. When researching breeders to purchase a healthy puppy, the buyer should be most concerned about finding someone who has health testing their dogs, knows their lines and who can speak intelligently about the risks associated with the breed. Like the UC Davis study regarding a link to grain free food and enlarged hearts.(DCM) A buyer should look for a breeder that is scrutinizing health issues and mitigate measures they take to limit the risk for problems. Without having a test for every known risk, its the best we can do at the moment. The key is looking for a breeder who is looking for the common and even new health genetic risks. Like NCL. Good breeders are doing what they can to minimize the chance for problems related to these in their puppies. Good owners are doing what they can to provide proper nutrition, exercise and growth consistent with their vets guidelines of health.
What we offer:
Have you ever seriously thought about the notion that any breeder could imply that they, in some way, could actually "guarantee health"? How does one do that? Does your medical doctor offer you health guarantees during your yearly visits? In short, we can't. Not in humans, not in animals. Golden retrievers have at least 10 major health risks. Anyone who owns a golden(s), are accepting these risks and others. This list is a little subjective and of course non-inclusive.
- Hip displysia
- Epilepsy
- Skin conditions
- Heart, Lungs and circulatory
- Cancer
- Von Willebrand Disease
- Luxating patella
- Cataracts
- Low thyroid
- Distichous
I've thought a great deal about what a "health guarantee" should cover. Most of us know very well that there is no guarantee of good health. Based on the population structure of purebred dogs, this is especially true for dogs of specific breeds who carry an increased risk for certain heath conditions. When researching breeders to purchase a healthy puppy, the buyer should be most concerned about finding someone who has health testing their dogs, knows their lines and who can speak intelligently about the risks associated with the breed. Like the UC Davis study regarding a link to grain free food and enlarged hearts.(DCM) A buyer should look for a breeder that is scrutinizing health issues and mitigate measures they take to limit the risk for problems. Without having a test for every known risk, its the best we can do at the moment. The key is looking for a breeder who is looking for the common and even new health genetic risks. Like NCL. Good breeders are doing what they can to minimize the chance for problems related to these in their puppies. Good owners are doing what they can to provide proper nutrition, exercise and growth consistent with their vets guidelines of health.
- The first thing to consider is that the puppy is healthy. Many veterinarians offer a health certificate prior to the sale of any puppy. I encourage you to take your new puppy to your own veterinarian to be examined within 48-72 hours. This is a great time to double check for any congenital defects. Like a heart murmur. Congenital defects generally happen during fetal growth. This is for the protection of both the buyer, puppy and the breeder.
- The second aspect of the "health guarantee" is that the breeder guarantee the puppy to be free of testable genetic defects like ICT, PRA, Myelopathy etc. Before parents are breed, genetic testing for hips, elbows, eyes and heart. I.E two year hip and elbow rating of FAIR or better. However, this is where it gets dicey because the breeder is attempting to guarantee your approach to diet, proper exercise, growth, exposure to household chemicals, environment, living conditions, vaccinations, and much, much more. Once the puppy starts his/her new life in your care, what influence does a breeder then have? Considering that by the time your puppy is around 1 year old, he/she will have grown many inches and nearly 10X it's weight. By the time your pet is 2, its fully mature.
What we offer:
- A two year hip and elbow score of FAIR or better by an OFA approved radiographer.
- Puppy should be free of any congenital abnormalities which are conditions that an animal is born with; they are often called “birth defects.” Some of these conditions are inherited and tend to occur within particular families or breeds, while others are caused by chemicals or injury during pregnancy.
- Litter prices range from $1800 up. Depending on stud fees, titles, health, AI, live breeding, TCI or other costs.
- Come with a Microchip with free registration.
- Reduced cost Rock Creek Crate if desired.
- 6 Week vaccinations
- De-worming
- Deposit: $300. The deposit is 100% refundable if we don't have enough pups or the desired gender. 100% risk free deposit. Depositor can choose to roll over to the next litter. Breeder reserves the right to keep a puppy from any litter. If I have met all of the above requirements and you change your mind after the pups are born, then I keep your deposit.
- No price games - male or female puppy cost is always the same.
- We offer full AKC registration is available for those who complete genetic and structural health tests. No extra cost for full registration.
- I will AKC register every pup with the WM Farms kennel prefix and your input for name.
- I will enter all puppies into the K9 data base.
- All puppies will be placed on limited registration until genetic and structural health certifications are completed.
- COI target less than 10%
- Hip and elbow 2 year guarantee - fair or better
- Field day and training help
- Parents have been pre-screened for all available genetic diseases and OFA screenings.
- All adult dogs have been hunted, titled and/or trained for our usage needs. 16 years of owning, training and breeding field goldens.
- Coat color will range from medium to dark golden. Coats have less feathering and are generally suited for field work.
- Weight will range from 50 - 75 lbs.
- See litter general contract below
- Full return policy available if it doesn't work out or have a life changing event.
Health - Nutrition and proper exercise all play a vital role in the development of your pup.
AKC Registration
Pick Up
- 2 Year hip and elbow guarantee = FAIR or better OFA result
- 6 Week vet check and vaccinations prior to departure. We also check for heart murmurs.
- OCD is generally caused by rapid growth and poor nutrition. I strongly suggest a quality, quality protein large breed dog food. Slow, steady growth.
- Cancer is a risk we all assume with this breed. Statistically it has, or will show up, in every golden retriever line. No breeder is exempt. At present we are over 90% cancer free in over 350 puppies. There are things you can do to help prevent cancer.
- Puppies receive regular socialization, outdoor time and regular exercise.
- COI target less than 10%
AKC Registration
- For breeders, full AKC registration is available for those willing to complete their standard 2 year old health checks.
- Hips and elbows
- Eyes
- Heart
- Deposit required to hold puppy: $300 (Check, Venmo, PayPal (Use friends and family or buyer pays for transaction fees.) 100% of your deposit will be returned if I don't have enough puppies or the correct gender.
- If you simply change your mind after the puppies are born, I retain the deposit.
Pick Up
- Age: 7-8 Weeks old
- Pick up location Smithfield, Utah 84335
- I can meet at the Salt Lake City airport and deliver the puppy to you as a carry on. I've done this and it works very well.
- Check your airline requirements for shipping puppies as cargo. Most airlines have raised the age limit to 12 weeks. You may need to make other arrangements.
Litter Expectations:
Both parents have their standard health certifications. Bios, usage, health certifications and links are listed for both parents. We will never breed 2 genetic carriers producing affected pups for the standard genetic golden retriever tests available on the market today. In addition, both parents have OFA normal elbows and GOOD hips.
I have carefully selected pedigrees and usages to produce the optimal working retriever, with a focus on size and athleticism. The success of your dogs largely depends on you. Be consistent. Be fair. These are active, working dogs. Balanced for many usage needs.
Pick position is over-rated
All breeding pairs have been trained given multiple usage experiences. We refine and reinforce their natural desire. That desire can be ruined by reckless training techniques faster than genetics. The puppies will posses all the tools to help make them great. I have numerous examples of 4th-8th picked dogs that have titled and excelled. A 6th pick SH at 18 months comes to mind. Pick pedigrees that match your usage needs. Then train.
Color
When breeding goldens, you never know what shade of colors the parents will produce. Many dark goldens will throw light colored pups, depending on what's in their genetics. Colors range from light to dark. Color is color. Its not a predictor for certain attributes. Many field goldens have some white attributes in their history. (IE head & chest) The AKC allows various, rich shades of gold. Most of my dogs are medium to dark golden with less feathering and a tight or flat field coat. These are not be sold or touted as show or breeding goldens.
Pedigree
Parents have been trained or titled exhibiting the qualities we are looking for in a field golden retriever. Moreover, we hunt our dogs. Testing their interest, nose, marking and durability. All of which are fundamental to our program. You are purchasing years of selective breeding and field tested dogs that are optimized for today's active owner.
Both parents have their standard health certifications. Bios, usage, health certifications and links are listed for both parents. We will never breed 2 genetic carriers producing affected pups for the standard genetic golden retriever tests available on the market today. In addition, both parents have OFA normal elbows and GOOD hips.
I have carefully selected pedigrees and usages to produce the optimal working retriever, with a focus on size and athleticism. The success of your dogs largely depends on you. Be consistent. Be fair. These are active, working dogs. Balanced for many usage needs.
Pick position is over-rated
All breeding pairs have been trained given multiple usage experiences. We refine and reinforce their natural desire. That desire can be ruined by reckless training techniques faster than genetics. The puppies will posses all the tools to help make them great. I have numerous examples of 4th-8th picked dogs that have titled and excelled. A 6th pick SH at 18 months comes to mind. Pick pedigrees that match your usage needs. Then train.
Color
When breeding goldens, you never know what shade of colors the parents will produce. Many dark goldens will throw light colored pups, depending on what's in their genetics. Colors range from light to dark. Color is color. Its not a predictor for certain attributes. Many field goldens have some white attributes in their history. (IE head & chest) The AKC allows various, rich shades of gold. Most of my dogs are medium to dark golden with less feathering and a tight or flat field coat. These are not be sold or touted as show or breeding goldens.
Pedigree
Parents have been trained or titled exhibiting the qualities we are looking for in a field golden retriever. Moreover, we hunt our dogs. Testing their interest, nose, marking and durability. All of which are fundamental to our program. You are purchasing years of selective breeding and field tested dogs that are optimized for today's active owner.
Puppy Stimulation
I'm often asked about puppy stimulation and what I do to help prepare them for life as a new family member of your family.
- I expose them to as many children as possible. From the time my pups are a few days old until they leave, we handle them, especially after 4 weeks. Naturally, children push, play, wrestle and approach life very differently than adults. Kids and pups just go together.
- We live in the foot hills on just shy of 1 acre. We have a training facility on 700 acres of land and water access. I have a vegetable garden, wood shed, lawn mower, tiller, fruit trees, 4" irrigation system so, the pups get exposed to every site and sound related to the country living. Many of the litters are born in the fall, winter or spring....its cold here, we have snow and they experience their environment so that when you go hunting or camping or walking or whatever you do with your new pup, they've most likely experienced some element of that situation. They're allowed to explore their world. This is not a puppy farm, they get to explore their world of sites, smells and sounds.
The decision to bring a golden retriever into your home is one that will have a profound effect on your life. Puppies are adorable but they grow up. Buy a pup because you want great companion & friend. For dog and owner satisfaction our pups should go to active homes. Whichever way you look at it, 60+ lbs. of furry dog can't help but make an impact in your life. They are considered a large breed so make sure you’re ready for the time and commitment needed before taking the plunge. They don’t do well when chained. This is torture to a golden so don’t bother calling unless you have the time, patience and facilities to accommodate such a dog. Golden retrievers are bred with brains, beauty, love for people of all ages, good health, and a desire to work. So why do I mention all this? Picking a puppy is serious stuff. After all you’re making a decision that will last the next 10-15 years. If you’re looking for a quality purebred golden, don’t go BARGAIN HUNTING. Whether you purchase a puppy from me or not, find a responsible breeder, breeding good dogs with health clearances and conformance to breed standards. They’re an expense, so fall in love with a well-bred puppy. As individual puppy personalities vary, we will try and match the golden to your wants and needs. This can be done best after a few weeks when they are up and going. If this type of golden fits your activity level and lifestyle, give us a call or email.
My thoughts on Hunting vs. Retrieving
2010- Mike and I had just started hunting when Gus flushed a nice rooster. He stayed low then cut sharply behind us when Mike’s shot folded and dropped him into a large patch of weeds and grass. We started calling “dead bird” out to the dogs as we all hustled over to the location. The bird was gone, nowhere to be found? The four dogs, two dads and two boys started looking under the growth. After 5 minutes, enlarging our search area with each pass, we all came up blank. It was the that I noticed that Sheila wasn’t present in our search party. I called out to Mike to see if she was over in his area. “Not here” he replied. I then called out to the boys to see if she was over where they were looking? “Not here” was again the reply. After a couple of whistles she suddenly appeared about 30 yards away bordering an adjacent hay field separated by a barbed wire fence. In her mouth was what we were all looking for. I stood in amazement for a minute wondering how and why she figured it out. As near as we could deduce, her mark was precise, after arriving at location she began hunting the bird which quickly ran directly away from us. She found the scent and run him down in the adjacent hay field. Is it genetics or training? Both? Why do some dogs just get the hunting part so well? Sheila has been trained to a JH/SH level. She doesn’t have a title in the HT or FT arena. She has never been forced fetched, but delivers to hand. She’s never been professionally trained to upland hunt but quarters nicely and hunts close. She’s doing everything I ask….naturally. I don’t know all the answers, but I would rather work with a dog that wants to do the things they are bred to do naturally, rather than forced.
Philosophy
Bottom line, we hunt our dogs. They MUST naturally love the game and love to get in the thick stuff. In some cases they'll work up to 200 birds per year. From the mountain maples to the thick cattails our dogs must perform at a high level. There is something very special about a well trained, quality hunting dog. Golden Retrievers have some of the best noses and through selective breeding, they are as good or better as any other breed I've hunting with. Coupled with a terrific bedside manner, they are great all around companions. The success of our future golden retriever populations falls squarely on the quality of the sires and dams used with each new generation. Their degree of excellence is expressed in the earned titles, field work, conformation, attitude and health. The history of the golden retriever began around the early 1900s in Scotland, with the original intent of developing the perfect hunting dog for both sport and sustenance. With meticulous record keeping, a handful of people like Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, a British aristocrat who later became the first Lord Tweedmouth, from Brook House, Park Lane, London dedicated their lives in the development of this breed. While careless & rampant breeding happen in earnest today, there are many breeders that continue the original intent while adding sporting breed qualities. Powerful, active dogs, that are structurally sound and well balanced. Golden retrievers possess a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Any breeder becomes a steward & contributor to the outcome this wonderful breed. As such, methodical consideration should be given to each new life. According to the AKC the Golden Retriever is a Sporting Breed. They love to work with a “Give me a job” attitude. Sure, goldens make great family members, they're great with kids and are highly trainable. Because of their versatility, many people are proving how much more they can become. Goldens are excelling in agility trials, as impairment companions, rescue dogs, hunt trials and field tests. We keep these goals in mind with any new litter. Besides all this, they love to hunt. The opportunity for most folks to hunt, train or prove this fine breed is diminishing or difficult logistically. Today’s Hunt, Agility and Field test programs offer a wonderful option and are set up to prove dog & owner capabilities. Fortunately, we have family members that own or have access to 100s of acres of prime farmland in Northern UT. It’s where the rubber hits the roads for us to find out what kind sporting bred dogs we really have. We hunt and train on wild birds in all kinds of terrain. Young dogs are trained at bird ranches giving them confidence with each success. Obedience and desire are a must. Wanting the best multi-purpose golden retrievers means breeding to the highest quality field and obedience studs available. Our goal with each litter is to produce golden retrievers with desire, trainability and easy to live with temperaments. We look for dogs with classic field bred conformation & drive. Meaning pups will have good bone alignment, deep chests, agile, go all day, athletic bodies. Good health is of utmost importance to us, therefore, both parents will have their health clearances. Best of all, regardless of how you use them, they’ll be wonderful members of your family. Puppies will be well socialized and include a puppy pack with pedigrees and other helpful information. They will be vet checked, wormed and vaccinated. The goldens' desire to please is legendary-making them a top obedience competitor and first-rate companion.
Retrieving desire: Dogs have different degrees of interest in retrieving. Greater the drive, then the greater the chance of overall success in training and competitive performance. One can have pulsating drive but if paired with a lack of intelligence or a low degree of tractability, then the dog will probably not be successful.
Intelligence: Dogs, like people, have different levels of intelligence. The smarter dog progresses more quickly in training and also retains more than one who has a lesser degree of native intelligence.
Tractability: This is a very important characteristic of the elite retriever. The ideal dog should be easy to control and be malleable. I have come to understand the importance of this attribute. The opposite of tractability is stubbornness and a dog that is prone to be dishonest and purposefully look for ways to defy the instructions of the handler.
To make this happen, you MUST spend the time with them!
2010- Mike and I had just started hunting when Gus flushed a nice rooster. He stayed low then cut sharply behind us when Mike’s shot folded and dropped him into a large patch of weeds and grass. We started calling “dead bird” out to the dogs as we all hustled over to the location. The bird was gone, nowhere to be found? The four dogs, two dads and two boys started looking under the growth. After 5 minutes, enlarging our search area with each pass, we all came up blank. It was the that I noticed that Sheila wasn’t present in our search party. I called out to Mike to see if she was over in his area. “Not here” he replied. I then called out to the boys to see if she was over where they were looking? “Not here” was again the reply. After a couple of whistles she suddenly appeared about 30 yards away bordering an adjacent hay field separated by a barbed wire fence. In her mouth was what we were all looking for. I stood in amazement for a minute wondering how and why she figured it out. As near as we could deduce, her mark was precise, after arriving at location she began hunting the bird which quickly ran directly away from us. She found the scent and run him down in the adjacent hay field. Is it genetics or training? Both? Why do some dogs just get the hunting part so well? Sheila has been trained to a JH/SH level. She doesn’t have a title in the HT or FT arena. She has never been forced fetched, but delivers to hand. She’s never been professionally trained to upland hunt but quarters nicely and hunts close. She’s doing everything I ask….naturally. I don’t know all the answers, but I would rather work with a dog that wants to do the things they are bred to do naturally, rather than forced.
Philosophy
Bottom line, we hunt our dogs. They MUST naturally love the game and love to get in the thick stuff. In some cases they'll work up to 200 birds per year. From the mountain maples to the thick cattails our dogs must perform at a high level. There is something very special about a well trained, quality hunting dog. Golden Retrievers have some of the best noses and through selective breeding, they are as good or better as any other breed I've hunting with. Coupled with a terrific bedside manner, they are great all around companions. The success of our future golden retriever populations falls squarely on the quality of the sires and dams used with each new generation. Their degree of excellence is expressed in the earned titles, field work, conformation, attitude and health. The history of the golden retriever began around the early 1900s in Scotland, with the original intent of developing the perfect hunting dog for both sport and sustenance. With meticulous record keeping, a handful of people like Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, a British aristocrat who later became the first Lord Tweedmouth, from Brook House, Park Lane, London dedicated their lives in the development of this breed. While careless & rampant breeding happen in earnest today, there are many breeders that continue the original intent while adding sporting breed qualities. Powerful, active dogs, that are structurally sound and well balanced. Golden retrievers possess a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Any breeder becomes a steward & contributor to the outcome this wonderful breed. As such, methodical consideration should be given to each new life. According to the AKC the Golden Retriever is a Sporting Breed. They love to work with a “Give me a job” attitude. Sure, goldens make great family members, they're great with kids and are highly trainable. Because of their versatility, many people are proving how much more they can become. Goldens are excelling in agility trials, as impairment companions, rescue dogs, hunt trials and field tests. We keep these goals in mind with any new litter. Besides all this, they love to hunt. The opportunity for most folks to hunt, train or prove this fine breed is diminishing or difficult logistically. Today’s Hunt, Agility and Field test programs offer a wonderful option and are set up to prove dog & owner capabilities. Fortunately, we have family members that own or have access to 100s of acres of prime farmland in Northern UT. It’s where the rubber hits the roads for us to find out what kind sporting bred dogs we really have. We hunt and train on wild birds in all kinds of terrain. Young dogs are trained at bird ranches giving them confidence with each success. Obedience and desire are a must. Wanting the best multi-purpose golden retrievers means breeding to the highest quality field and obedience studs available. Our goal with each litter is to produce golden retrievers with desire, trainability and easy to live with temperaments. We look for dogs with classic field bred conformation & drive. Meaning pups will have good bone alignment, deep chests, agile, go all day, athletic bodies. Good health is of utmost importance to us, therefore, both parents will have their health clearances. Best of all, regardless of how you use them, they’ll be wonderful members of your family. Puppies will be well socialized and include a puppy pack with pedigrees and other helpful information. They will be vet checked, wormed and vaccinated. The goldens' desire to please is legendary-making them a top obedience competitor and first-rate companion.
Retrieving desire: Dogs have different degrees of interest in retrieving. Greater the drive, then the greater the chance of overall success in training and competitive performance. One can have pulsating drive but if paired with a lack of intelligence or a low degree of tractability, then the dog will probably not be successful.
Intelligence: Dogs, like people, have different levels of intelligence. The smarter dog progresses more quickly in training and also retains more than one who has a lesser degree of native intelligence.
Tractability: This is a very important characteristic of the elite retriever. The ideal dog should be easy to control and be malleable. I have come to understand the importance of this attribute. The opposite of tractability is stubbornness and a dog that is prone to be dishonest and purposefully look for ways to defy the instructions of the handler.
To make this happen, you MUST spend the time with them!