A good name is rather to be chosen rather than riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Prov 22:1
What is the price of your dogs?
English Cream Golden Retrievers are $3500 for limited AKC registration. AKC Bernese Mountain Dogs are $3500. This includes the $500 deposit that holds the puppy for you until age 8 weeks. Families place their deposit of $500 through the website via PayPal to reserve and the balance of is paid $3000 at pick up.
What are the steps to buy a puppy from The Blair Farms?
Click here and we will walk you through step by step.
What happens after we have reserved a puppy?
Congratulations! These will be some exciting weeks of preparation. We will post pictures or video to our Facebook page English Cream Golden Retrievers- The Blair Farms every other week, normally on Saturdays and Sundays. At 8 weeks old you will come in order of deposit and pick up your puppy to take home. We will communicate along the way about what you are looking for in a puppy. I will have been with these guys every day of their little lives and will know their personalities well. At 7 weeks we have a trainer come to the house for temperament testing. Based on all the notes and results we will match you to the perfect puppy for your family. We have discovered over the years that this is the best way to get the right fit for your family.The puppy that runs over and licks you may have just done that to all the other families before as well. Your perfect puppy may be sound asleep because they have been enjoying the other people that got there before you. If there is a family looking for a service dog, therapy dog, emotional support animal etc, this will help determine which one is best suited for them.
Please bring cash for final balance at pick up. When there is a big litter it is a long day for the babies and we try and make it as easy as possible, electronic payments very often don't work initially and take up valuable time . This is such an exciting time for all of us. We enjoy raising your puppies and enjoy seeing which puppy goes to each family.
We will post pictures of the puppies on the facebook page along the way so you can watch them grow. Picture taking takes up most of our weekends and takes several people. Pictures of the developing puppies are very exciting but please be aware that we aren't able to send out additional individual pictures throughout the week. We will do our best to show pictures of each puppy during the "photo shoots".
You refer to the Crufts. What is Crufts?
Cruft's (https://www.crufts.org.uk) is the most prestigious dog show and kennel club in the world. It is more than just a dog show. The Cruft's show comprises some of the best breeders of every registered breed in the world competing for the honor of becoming a Cruft's winner. Some of our dogs have direct pedigrees to the champions of that competition. Receiving permission to breed from a Cruft's winner requires more than just money. Breeders are carefully screened to ensure that their breeding program meets the highest standards and that the breeder is doing their best to better the breed. We are proud to be able to have dogs that are directly related to some of the finest in the world. We have a video that shows some of these great dogs at the Cruft's here.
We have been looking into a service dog. Would one of your puppies be a good fit?
Yes! We have several families contacting us about service dogs or companion dogs for children with special needs. We also have had inquiries for our dogs to be placed with soldiers suffering from PTSD. Golden Retrievers naturally display the characteristics that people are wanting in service animals. Even as therapy dogs they provide so much emotional comfort for the people they are visiting. This is a personal passion of mine and I would love to talk to anyone interested in this type of dog for the family. It is an honor when one of our dogs goes on to help others in this way. I have a list of trainers that I personally have references for. PLEASE be careful when choosing and make sure you get personal references.
Do you have a health guarantee?
You will go home with a puppy health guarantee/sales agreement. Puppies will be vet checked prior to leaving our home. You will have a 72 hour vet check to take your puppy to a licensed veterinarian to make sure that your puppy is healthy. If the vet finds anything genetically wrong, have them document it on their letterhead and return the puppy to us within the 72 hours and we will refund your money. We supplement all of our dogs with a nutritional supplement by NuVet. We strongly recommend continuing this regimen of a once daily supplement to boost the immune system of your puppy and continue its healthy growth. Also, each puppy goes home with a complimentary 30 days of pet health insurance through Trupanion. The policy is a 90/10 policy and covers just about any health conditions your new puppy would likely encounter.
What is the breed standard?
https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GoldenRetriever.pdf
Breeders note to potential customers.
We occasionally hear from customers of a particular look or quality for which they are looking. For example, coat color, head shape, height, weight, personality etc. We breed according to the AKC standards that have been established. The standards do not change and we take great care in selecting breeding dogs. Dogs that do not meet the breed standard or in any way are medically unsound are screened out of our program. Those dogs are spayed or neutered and re-homed to a forever family. We make every effort to exceed the expectations of our customers and will try our best to get you the perfect dog. However, please remember that our number one goal as a breeder is to breed healthy dogs that further the breed and exemplify the breed standard. We try to explain thoroughly the process from the very first contact with our customers. We like to make sure our customers are familiar with what to expect from deposit to pickup day. We have refunded customer deposits in cases which we felt it would be impossible to meet our customer expectations. We can not make guarantees on coat color, head shape or personality. You may recall the nature vs nurture theory. We will breed for all those great things that you love in a Golden Retriever but ultimately your daily interactions will help shape their personalities after they leave us.
Do you have any prerequisites for buying one of your puppies?
Yes. Please watch this short video. If you are like these people, you may not purchase a dog from us.
How often should I give my dog/puppy a bath?
That depends on how dirty your dog gets. If your dog rolls, plays or somehow gets in mud or dirt, then by all means, wash the dog. If not, then normal circumstances would be about every 6 weeks or so depending on how well you maintain your dog's coat in between baths. Using a fur brush like this one a couple times a week will help tremendously to keep the dog clean. Dogs should smell like dogs and not the perfume counter at Nieman's. Their skin has special oils that can be depleted by too much bathing or by using shampoos and soaps with harsh additives. We suggest a shampoo specifically meant for dogs/puppies. Johnson's Baby Shampoo is great for pups and Dawn dish soap is great for getting out sticky or muddy messes from the dog's coat. Burt's Bee's makes a very gentle product that is natural. Amazon has it for a reasonable price.
What is a Guardian Program and how do I qualify?
A Guardian home is a home that the breeder allows to have a puppy in exchange for the guardian raising a number of litters for the breeder. Usually it is 4 litters per dog and then the dog is spayed. The breeder pays the guardian home $200 per puppy for the raising of the puppies (if they chose to do so). After the last litter, the Guardian receives the registration paperwork to the dog. To qualify you must live within 30 minutes of Grayson County Texas, have appropriate facilities for the dog and be agreeable to make the dog available for health testing, dog shows, grooming and during times of breeding.
I talked with you on the phone and wanted to see the study you quoted. Can you provide that to me?
I have numerous files that you can download for free at the bottom of this page. We believe it is important to be aware and informed. As we discover new information that is important we will add the files to the bottom of this FAQ page. Thanks for contacting us.
What is litter choice, and how can I get a litter choice?
When other breeders use Luke or Blizzard as a stud for their litters they have the option of paying cash for the stud service or giving us the pick of the litter. We in turn sell this option to our clients. They can have the male or female puppy of their choice from the litter. They have until week 6 typically to choose their dog. All other buyers come after the litter choice. Litter choices are sold on a first come basis and require a non-refundable $500 deposit. We do not have litter choices available often.
What is Taurine Deficiency and how can I avoid it?
Taurine Deficiency in Golden Retrievers has been linked to dietary related issues. Researchers are in the early stages of relating nutrition and DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy). Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a condition that was once thought to be inherited. Researchers now think that may also be exacerbated by certain deficiencies, among them, Taurine and Carnitine. Taurine is an amino acid found in many foods, grains being the chief source for canines. The Blair Farms is now recommending a non-GMO premium dog food. You can find a great selection of them using the filters on Chewy.com. If you absolutely want to stick with a grain free diet you can mix in a can of boneless and skinless sardines. I have included a paper from the Morris Animal Foundation that summarizes the latest research. You can download the file at the bottom of the page.
My puppy is starting to bite me, how can I make the dog stop that?
Biting is one of the first things that puppies learn, in fact they learn this almost at the same time as they learn to walk. This is how they play and learn their ranking in the pack. It is natural that the puppy wants to continue this behavior with others. You will have to start as soon as possible to teach the puppy that biting is not tolerated. You can start with some simple commands such as no and then pushing your hand back into the dogs mouth so that it is uncomfortable and knocks them off balance. Remember that we are not trying to bring pain to the dog just a feeling of discomfort. As soon as the puppy bites, play stops. Turn your back and ignore. They catch on quickly. Once the puppy starts to understand the behavior and changes be sure to reward and praise the dog. It's also very helpful to make sure that the puppy has plenty of age appropriate chew toys around. You can try freezing a stick of butter and rubbing some on your hand. The dog will naturally want to lick your hand and that is ok. Praise this behavior and discourage any type of biting. See this video for more instructions.
Do you know anyone who will transport my new puppy door to door?
We have a few puppy nannies that enjoy transporting puppies by ground or air so just let us know ahead of time and we can get you in touch! They will pick up your puppy from us and deliver to your door or meet you. Along the way, they will stop and make sure your new puppy is walked and given food and water if appropriate. Matt Cassleberry (903) 771-6968 is great and travels to Houston area frequently for us. Mark Helton also provides canine transport. You can contact him at (940) 284-3836 or email him at [email protected]
What is the difference between limited or unlimited AKC registration?
Limited registration means the dog will be a family pet and the owner will not be able to use the dog for breeding purposes and the dog may not be allowed in some AKC shows. Unlimited registration means there are no limitations on breeding or showing.
Have you been inspected by AKC?
Yes. We have undergone and passed an AKC inspection. We will also be re-inspected every one to two years as the AKC deems necessary.
Can you ship my puppy?
We understand that there are people around the US interested in these sweet puppies. We don’t mind them going on the plane if you are with them, or a puppy nanny. Many people find its just as reasonable as well to get a round trip ticket. You can come here get your puppy and return or we can meet you at the airport. It is much easier on the puppies to be with you than to fly as cargo. We also have an amazing puppy nanny that can deliver your puppy for the price of her airfare and a fee for her day. Contact us and we can tell you about what is required to ground transport your puppy door to door as well. We have done this with a few people and it worked out wonderfully. Additional charges apply. Be wary of any breeder that won’t allow for face to face pick up. We have had several families from other countries wanting a puppy and that is just fine but you would have to come to DFW or Love Field to pick up.
Is a deposit required? When is payment due?
A $500 deposit is needed in order to officially hold a puppy. The deposit is non-refundable unless we are unable to provide you with a puppy from the litter you have chosen. The balance amount is needed two weeks prior to puppy pick up if paying by check. Cash can be used the day of pick up. We no longer accept Zelle, Cash App or Venmo.
When can I take my puppy home?
Puppies can go to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. Puppies should be seen by your Veterinarian within 72 hours. We do not allow visitors until pick up day when they have had their first shots. This is for the safety of our puppies. We have heard too many horror stories from personal breeder friends of ours of entire litters being wiped out by people unknowingly bringing diseases in during visits. We will take plenty of pictures and videos to post on our website and facebook.
If at any time The Blair Farms becomes uncomfortable with the placement of a puppy after deposit is given, we reserve the right to return deposit and help you find another breeder to better fit your needs.
This RARELY happens. In fact, has only happened twice. We screen our buyers but sometimes when talking can discover things that we know would’t work with one of our puppies. We would not place a puppy with a family that we know would not be a good fit.
I want a white dog, your lightest one. Is that possible?
English Cream Golden retrievers are a beautiful cream color, not white. I recently had a buyer back out from a puppy (first time ever) because she was cream. I was so sad for her, then happy that she would be getting a different home where someone would love her for the amazing puppy she is. If your first questions to us is about coat color then we are probably not the breeder for you. These puppies are cream colored and a litter with the same Dam and Sire can have a range of shades. If you are ever planning on showing your dog you actually want the darker cream color to be able to do well in AKC show events. If you want a pure white dog you should look at an American Eskimo or Bichon. Personality, Bloodline, Structure, Temperament these are the things that hopefully will be the top of your list. You will have this dog in your home for the next decade or more. The shade of the coat hopefully won’t be your top priority.
Can these dogs be sporting dogs, or are they just for pets?
Our dogs come from show winning pedigrees that meet or surpass the breed standard. They can be taught to retrieve waterfowl, pheasant, geese, or other sporting purposes. They have also been used as therapy dogs, PTSD Emotional support dogs, narcotics detection, bomb detection, cadaver dogs, search and rescue, and seeing eye dogs for the visually impaired. The Golden Retriever breed is very versatile. They are perhaps best known for their loving and gentle nature. They are outstanding family dogs, and make great mates for children.
I want one of your pups, what is the best way to ensure that I get one?
Reserve a dog early. If you think you want an English Cream Golden, do your research, contact us and other reputable breeders and when you’re ready, place a deposit to ensure your spot for a puppy. We will not hold a puppy without a deposit.
Pick up day is an exciting day! Families will come in order of deposits to select their puppy. We do temperament testing at 7 weeks and will have selected one or two that we think will be the best match for you. We will post pictures on the facebook page so you will have the ability to watch them grow but there is nothing like sitting on the ground with the dogs and picking your own. Once a puppy has been selected and you receive your paper work and puppy goodies you are free to take your baby home. We ask that families pay close attention to time so that everyone has an equal opportunity to select and ask questions.
"OK. I sent the deposit through paypal. Now what?"
Please send us an email with the following information...
*Owner's name
*Address where the puppy will live.
*You phone number
*And please specify male or female and from which litter if given the option. If only "future litter" is specified on our site your name will go in the first available slot on the first available litter.
How do you feel about RFID chips for pets?
A 1996 Dow Chemical Co. study blamed RFID transponders for causing cancerous tumors at the site near RFID implants in pets. There are many other safer ways to monitor your animal. The simplest is a collar with owner name, phone #, and the word "Reward $". Tattoos are safer and animal control officers know to check animals for tags and tattoos. Also, consider a device such as “Tagg, The Pet Tracker”. Watch a short commercial here. Read the 2008 Washington Post Article Here. As an animal lover and a breeder, I say “Don’t chip your pet”!
A more recent article from Dogsnaturally.com states in part "...The Institute of Experimental Pathology at Hannover Medical School in Germany reported , “An experiment using 4279 CBA/J mice of two generations was carried out to investigate the influence of parental preconceptual exposure to X-ray radiation or to chemical carcinogens. Microchips were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsolateral back for unique identification of each animal. The animals were kept for lifespan under standard laboratory conditions. In 36 mice a circumscribed neoplasm occurred in the area of the implanted microchip. Macroscopically, firm, pale white nodules up to 25 mm in diameter with the microchip in its center were found. Macroscopically, soft tissue tumors such as fibrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma were detected.”
I live in Dallas and dogs and cats in Dallas are required by city ordinance to be chipped. They say it is safe. I really want a Blair Farms Retriever and want to follow your guidelines, but I feel I am going to be required to chip the animal. Do you have any suggestions?
Yes. The Dallas City Hall website says in part "...My pet has a medical reason that he can't be chipped – what should I do? If there is a medical reason your pet cannot be microchipped, simply have your veterinarian write a letter certifying that the pet should be exempt from the ordinance due to health-related reasons. This will need to be provided as proof if requested." My suggestion is that you have your vet sign a letter stating exactly that the animal is not chipped due to health related reasons. I would not suggest stating the health related reasons. Short and simple is best. Many vets do not feel that chips are a health risk. They may not be educated on the technology and the cancer risk posed to pets. Please see the published "Dow Chemical Study" as well as the "Hannover Chip Cancer Study" posted at the bottom of this page. Regardless of how your vet feels as a professional about chipping, as an ethical matter the vet should respect your wishes regarding the matter. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or we can help in any way.
What can I do to keep my puppy healthy?
Much research exists in the arena of canine health. The question is very general, but I will give some fairly basic examples that fit both Golden’s and canines in general. Firstly, feed a quality dog food in accordance with the guidelines given by the dog food manufacturer and your veterinarian. Follow AKC guidelines for your breed to ensure good health. For Golden’s the ribs and rib cage should be apparent on touch but generally not apparent by looking at the animal. If you can see a Golden Retriever’s rib cage and count the ribs, chances are the dog is not eating enough. Check with your veterinarian.
Purina Conducted a study on Hip Dysplasia using Labrador retrievers. Group 1 received unlimited food. Their food bowl was never empty. Group 2 received only the recommended amount of food for age and breed. The first group by age two had an increase in the incidence of hip dysplasia. Both groups were pre-screened for genetic traits. The scientists at Purina concluded that there was both a genetic pre-disposition to hip dysplasia and an exacerbation of the condition through conditions of poor nutrition and obesity. The bottom line is that it is not merely enough for your dog to have a good diet, it needs exercise, good quality nutrients from their dog food, and supplements that increase immune support.
Secondly, limiting exposure to unhealthy activities for your dog will greatly increase their ability to thrive. Bad habits, just as in humans, need to be corrected early and as often as they occur. Eating table scraps, non-pet toys, chocolate, bones, etc. are not healthy for dogs. Correct the behavior quickly when you spot it happening or it could be costly or even cost your animal their life. Learn those things that are unhealthy for dogs and make sure you teach your dog not to do them.
If you see a problem with your dog take it to the vet. Don’t wait weeks and see if things will resolve on their own. Puppies get diarrhea often, it is common in puppies but can be problematic if they are not taken in. You don’t want a puppy to be dehydrated.
INSURANCE
We require all new puppy owners to activate the free 30 days of insurance we provide you with through Trupanion or another company of your choice. Trupanion covers you from day 1 if activated within the first 24 hours of getting your puppy. The going home process can be tricky. If they don't eat, get dehydrated, drink out of a puddle and get diarrhea they get sick quickly and that's a $1500 emergency vet visit. We have seen this too often and want to make sure our puppy families are covered. You do not have to stick to Trupanion after the 30 days. There are several good companies out there, even your work may have a policy. Puppies get into things, eat things they shouldn’t etc. and it is very nice to have the insurance because vet bills can be high especially the first year.
What can I do to avoid cancer in my Golden?
Good question! I contend that to a large extent, cancer in pets can be strongly influenced by their environment.
Back to the question, what can you do to keep your animal cancer free? In a nutshell, don't chip your animal and feed premium non-GMO, dog foods. These foods do not need to be grain free, grain food should be used. You can find a great selection using the filters on Chewy.com. I have included a great paper from Purina at the bottom of this page. You can download this in a PDF format by clicking on "Goldenupdatefall2018".
What is non-congenital Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM?
Very simply this refers to a condition which may or may not be genetically related. Goldens are being studied because the condition is prevalent in their breed. Researchers are seeking to understand exactly why. I have some personal feelings about the rise in this condition but it is better if you read what the experts have to say by downloading the PDF file at the bottom of this page entitled "Taurine_deficiency". This will tell you all about the importance of the amino acids Taurine and Carnitine in the canine diet. In short it is imperative to feed a quality food that either contains both amino acids as part of their grains or is supplemented into the food by the manufacturer. We recommend Purina brand Dog Chow Naturals (as of 1/15/19). I spoke with Purina customer service on 9/11/18 for an update and was assured that they are addressing the need and that they are very much in tune with their customers demand for high quality and nutritious dog food.
When should I spay or neuter my dog?
WAIT. In short, the current thinking from experts is late spay/neuter. This means waiting until your dog is older than 12-18 months. This is a great article. You can also download the PDF document at the bottom of this page entitled "When to spay/neuter" Please take the time to read this and then have an informed conversation with your vet.
I’ve heard of the OFA. What are they and what do they do?
OFA stands for the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals. According to OFFA.org, their stated purpose is ... “To promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease”. Most reputable breeders use testing that is recognized by OFA. Animals that do not meet the strict requirements of the OFA breed standards are not allowed to breed. You can learn more at their website, and research our registered animals here. We also use BVA for hip/elbow certifications. We love their comprehensive review.
My husband wants a sporting dog and I want a family dog, would an English Cream golden retriever be right for us?
Absolutely! The golden retriever breed has some of the best qualities of both sporting and family dogs. Their breed instinctively knows to retrieve and their drive to please their master makes them great family pets as well as fine sporting dogs.
I have heard the term “puppy mill”, what is a puppy mill and how can I avoid one?
A puppy mill is a term to describe unscrupulous breeders. A puppy mill is unconcerned with furthering the breed standards and typically has little concern for the living conditions or health of their dogs. Ask for AKC registration paperwork, OFA health clearances, and veterinary records. If your breeder insists on meeting you away from their home or breeding location, or they won’t show you paperwork, pedigrees, health tests etc. this should be a clue and you should avoid the breeder. Puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders will also not sell dogs with vet checks on their puppies.
Do not buy from pet stores, parking lots or flea markets, as these are the most likely places to encounter dogs that are bred in puppy mills. Get your pet from an animal shelter or a reputable breeder that participates in AKC, IABCA or UKC events. Our dogs are also our family pets. We own 4 dogs, that we consider part of the family.
If I buy a dog, can you meet me at the airport with my puppy?
Yes. We will be happy to meet you at DFW airport or Love Field (they have a nice dog area) with your puppy. Additional charges may apply, please contact us for details.
Can we come for a visit?
We used to encourage families to visit our home and see how our dogs live but after several breeder friends have lost entire litters to parvo we have changed our policy for the safety of our dogs. With technology, it is easy to FaceTime now if you would like to see our dogs in our home. Also, through our website and facebook page, English Cream Golden Retrievers-The Blair Farms, you should get a good "idea" of us as a family and breeder. We do allow families to come on pick up day after puppies have been given shots and certain protocols are in place.
I wasn't able to get a puppy from this latest litter and would like to know if you have any advice on choosing a breeder?
Yes. I tell people to find the breed of dog that will work best for them and then to find the right breeder. The exact dog that you might bring home from any litter should be healthy and adjust quickly to your home. Good breeders breed dogs for health, temperament and to meet the breed standard as laid out by AKC. It goes back to the old question of is it nature or nurture as to whether your dog will adjust well. As breeders we do our best to make sure you have a quality puppy. It is up to you and your family to raise the dog right. As for health guarantees... Many breeders now are realizing that hip dysplasia guarantees are out of their control. 20% of any retriever litter can have hip dysplasia for example even with both parents having OFA Excellent hips. Purina conducted a study on hip dysplasia and found that the dogs that had a food bowl that was never empty had a much higher rate of dysplasia as compared to the dogs that were only fed the recommended amount of calories.
In short if you find a good breeder, you may also find that they have waiting lists. It may be worth the time and effort to wait for the quality dog from the reputable breeder in the long run. Forbes had a great article that you can download at the bottom of this page that explains the cost vs. return on dogs.
What is a hobby breeder?
Hobby breeders are small breeders that are concerned with the furtherance of the breed standard. They often participate in dog shows, AKC, UKC, IABCA activities, and their dogs typically are well pedigreed, have health tests and have been vet checked before going to their new homes.
I am interested in using Luke or Blizzard to sire my next litter. How does that work?
Contact us right away and we will send you a stud contract to look over. We will need a copy of your females AKC paperwork and health testing results to see if we have a good match for you. When we receive the signed stud contract we will ask you to bring us the female after progesterone testing has been done which determines the very best day to breed. Progesterone testing make it easy for you to know best day to come breed naturally or to meet at the vet for a TCI. Also, whether you decide to use a Blair Farms boy or another stud, if your female is in heat go to your vet right away and get a brucelossis test if a live breeding. Any stud will require it and it takes 2-3 days to get results. Durant Animal Hospital can do same day results and is about 35 minutes north of our house. There is a $250 breeding fee, and litter choice goes to the breeder.
I would like to use Luke or Blizzard for my next litter but I live out of state, can you explain to me the process of shipping semen?
You will need to contact your veterinarian and discuss artificial insemination and testing the bitch’s cycle to determine exact best days for insemination. Semen is collected and shipped FedEx overnight to your vet’s office. The semen is stabilized using an extender and is good for 72 hours or more. The semen will come boxed with a freeze pack that will help to preserve it until it is inseminated. There are some extra fees associated with this method, please contact us right away so we can order the shipping kit.
What do you feed your dogs?
We feed Purina Pro Plan and Purina Naturals. Among the many reasons, the food is high quality and the results speak for themselves. A high quality food will have less filler and more nourishing ingredients, this results in better health, higher energy, and smaller, less frequent stools. We also feed a once a day supplement called NuVet that can be thought of as a vitamin for dogs. The product was recommended to us by other professional breeders and we also have seen good results from the two.
For puppies less than one year we feed Purina Puppy Chow. Puppy Chow has the proven nutrition that puppies need for forming their bones and helping their immune systems. The puppies also get a nutritional supplement after age 6 weeks. They are fed a daily NuVet vitamin and nutritional supplement.
Can you tell me about English Cream Golden Retrievers?
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are consistently in the top 3 most registered breeds according the American Kennel Club(AKC). Goldens have such a warm and loving character. They are loyal, friendly, intelligent, obedient, playful, and beautiful.
If you haven’t heard about English Cream Golden Retrievers, we would be happy to tell you a little about them! This is just a term most people use to describe them. Regardless of shade, they are all golden retrievers. Some people call them White Golden Retrievers but they are actually a beautiful cream color. Litters can range in this cream from light to darker but they are all English Cream Golden Retrievers. They are also know as the British Style Golden Retriever. This is my preferred description. The British variety are known for their blockier build and laid back temperament. Approved coat colors for AKC Golden Retrievers can range from cream to dark golden. The British style can also have varying coat colors. The “English Cream” is obviously a gorgeous looking coat color. But it is a preference. We are most well known for our cream dogs but we will occasionally have a litter of the more traditional golden coat. If you are wanting a touch of light golden to your puppy, request the Loulu litters. These beautiful dogs are calm, fun loving, and the perfect family dog. Studies show the British variety are less susceptible to common health risks associated with American Goldens such as Cancer and Hip Dysplasia. You do pay a little more up front for an English Cream golden but research is proving they live an average 19 months longer than an American Golden retriever and have the calm temperament that you would want for a family pet.
I am reading different opinions from what my vet says. Who should I listen to?
Ultimately you have to make the best decisions based on the information that you have. Do your research and then make the best informed decision that you can. I have at times disagreed with the vet that we use. He is an outstanding and very educated vet! I learn from him every time I see him, however, no vet is infallible and ultimately you are responsible as the dog owner for the health of your animal.
To give you an example AKC and many vets push RFID chip injection. I am reminded of a time Doctors used to recommend smoking at least one pack a day of Kools. I hope in time the studies and technology will prove much safer to inject dogs with electronics, but for now, I will not take the risk of causing cancer to my dog. It's OK to disagree with your vet. When in doubt, I choose the safest course of action.
The vaccinations! Goodness, sometimes vets want to RE-ADMINISTER puppy vaccinations after they were JUST GIVEN. Please advocate for your puppy and don't let that happen. Please assure them they were given shots direct from Vet to our home and were not purchased at a Tractor Supply etc with questionable expiration date and quality refrigeration.
What are your thoughts on Ichthyosis?
In a list of 25 things that might concern me as a breeder it would be at the very bottom. It is a minor nuisance to owners of affected puppies (doesn't bother the puppy) and non life threatening. Most puppies outgrow the condition (dandruff) and to remove dogs that are carriers from the breeding stock of any good breeder would be lunacy. The tremendous temperaments and exceptional health that are found in a champion line dog far outweigh any negatives of the ICH gene. The Golden Retriever Club of America has researched and written a great article which is labeled "Genetic Testing" at the bottom of this page for you to download and read.
Do Golden's make good therapy dogs?
Some Golden's have very calm and gentle termperaments that bode well for some therapy work. Others need time and training to become calm and learn the behaviors that are appropriate for their mission. Goldens have been used as seeing eye dogs, detection dogs, cadaver dogs, rescue dogs, PTSD and diabetic alert dogs to name a few. We have donated a therapy dog to Denison ISD for therapy use with special needs students and have heard great feedback. You can read about Denali by downloading the file below. Many of our Goldens have gone on to do therapy work and our Luna is a certified therapy dog. This is a passion of mine so please let me know if you are considering therapy work with your dog and I can get you in touch with trainers in your area.
What are your thoughts on Aflatoxins and cancer?
This article summarizes the danger they present to Humans, Canine, and Feline health in regard to cancer. I recommend non-GMO dog foods. Taurine deficiency is a greater short term danger than the long term danger that is posed by GMO laden dog foods.
When do you suggest that we spay or neuter our Blair Farms dog?
I would wait. A correlation between early spay/neuter and health maladies has been made. As a result, veterinary experts are now suggesting it is best to wait and spay when the dog is older. Please see the pdf document directly below entitled "When to spay neuter".
Dog park video,
What is the price of your dogs?
English Cream Golden Retrievers are $3500 for limited AKC registration. AKC Bernese Mountain Dogs are $3500. This includes the $500 deposit that holds the puppy for you until age 8 weeks. Families place their deposit of $500 through the website via PayPal to reserve and the balance of is paid $3000 at pick up.
What are the steps to buy a puppy from The Blair Farms?
Click here and we will walk you through step by step.
What happens after we have reserved a puppy?
Congratulations! These will be some exciting weeks of preparation. We will post pictures or video to our Facebook page English Cream Golden Retrievers- The Blair Farms every other week, normally on Saturdays and Sundays. At 8 weeks old you will come in order of deposit and pick up your puppy to take home. We will communicate along the way about what you are looking for in a puppy. I will have been with these guys every day of their little lives and will know their personalities well. At 7 weeks we have a trainer come to the house for temperament testing. Based on all the notes and results we will match you to the perfect puppy for your family. We have discovered over the years that this is the best way to get the right fit for your family.The puppy that runs over and licks you may have just done that to all the other families before as well. Your perfect puppy may be sound asleep because they have been enjoying the other people that got there before you. If there is a family looking for a service dog, therapy dog, emotional support animal etc, this will help determine which one is best suited for them.
Please bring cash for final balance at pick up. When there is a big litter it is a long day for the babies and we try and make it as easy as possible, electronic payments very often don't work initially and take up valuable time . This is such an exciting time for all of us. We enjoy raising your puppies and enjoy seeing which puppy goes to each family.
We will post pictures of the puppies on the facebook page along the way so you can watch them grow. Picture taking takes up most of our weekends and takes several people. Pictures of the developing puppies are very exciting but please be aware that we aren't able to send out additional individual pictures throughout the week. We will do our best to show pictures of each puppy during the "photo shoots".
You refer to the Crufts. What is Crufts?
Cruft's (https://www.crufts.org.uk) is the most prestigious dog show and kennel club in the world. It is more than just a dog show. The Cruft's show comprises some of the best breeders of every registered breed in the world competing for the honor of becoming a Cruft's winner. Some of our dogs have direct pedigrees to the champions of that competition. Receiving permission to breed from a Cruft's winner requires more than just money. Breeders are carefully screened to ensure that their breeding program meets the highest standards and that the breeder is doing their best to better the breed. We are proud to be able to have dogs that are directly related to some of the finest in the world. We have a video that shows some of these great dogs at the Cruft's here.
We have been looking into a service dog. Would one of your puppies be a good fit?
Yes! We have several families contacting us about service dogs or companion dogs for children with special needs. We also have had inquiries for our dogs to be placed with soldiers suffering from PTSD. Golden Retrievers naturally display the characteristics that people are wanting in service animals. Even as therapy dogs they provide so much emotional comfort for the people they are visiting. This is a personal passion of mine and I would love to talk to anyone interested in this type of dog for the family. It is an honor when one of our dogs goes on to help others in this way. I have a list of trainers that I personally have references for. PLEASE be careful when choosing and make sure you get personal references.
Do you have a health guarantee?
You will go home with a puppy health guarantee/sales agreement. Puppies will be vet checked prior to leaving our home. You will have a 72 hour vet check to take your puppy to a licensed veterinarian to make sure that your puppy is healthy. If the vet finds anything genetically wrong, have them document it on their letterhead and return the puppy to us within the 72 hours and we will refund your money. We supplement all of our dogs with a nutritional supplement by NuVet. We strongly recommend continuing this regimen of a once daily supplement to boost the immune system of your puppy and continue its healthy growth. Also, each puppy goes home with a complimentary 30 days of pet health insurance through Trupanion. The policy is a 90/10 policy and covers just about any health conditions your new puppy would likely encounter.
What is the breed standard?
https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GoldenRetriever.pdf
Breeders note to potential customers.
We occasionally hear from customers of a particular look or quality for which they are looking. For example, coat color, head shape, height, weight, personality etc. We breed according to the AKC standards that have been established. The standards do not change and we take great care in selecting breeding dogs. Dogs that do not meet the breed standard or in any way are medically unsound are screened out of our program. Those dogs are spayed or neutered and re-homed to a forever family. We make every effort to exceed the expectations of our customers and will try our best to get you the perfect dog. However, please remember that our number one goal as a breeder is to breed healthy dogs that further the breed and exemplify the breed standard. We try to explain thoroughly the process from the very first contact with our customers. We like to make sure our customers are familiar with what to expect from deposit to pickup day. We have refunded customer deposits in cases which we felt it would be impossible to meet our customer expectations. We can not make guarantees on coat color, head shape or personality. You may recall the nature vs nurture theory. We will breed for all those great things that you love in a Golden Retriever but ultimately your daily interactions will help shape their personalities after they leave us.
Do you have any prerequisites for buying one of your puppies?
Yes. Please watch this short video. If you are like these people, you may not purchase a dog from us.
How often should I give my dog/puppy a bath?
That depends on how dirty your dog gets. If your dog rolls, plays or somehow gets in mud or dirt, then by all means, wash the dog. If not, then normal circumstances would be about every 6 weeks or so depending on how well you maintain your dog's coat in between baths. Using a fur brush like this one a couple times a week will help tremendously to keep the dog clean. Dogs should smell like dogs and not the perfume counter at Nieman's. Their skin has special oils that can be depleted by too much bathing or by using shampoos and soaps with harsh additives. We suggest a shampoo specifically meant for dogs/puppies. Johnson's Baby Shampoo is great for pups and Dawn dish soap is great for getting out sticky or muddy messes from the dog's coat. Burt's Bee's makes a very gentle product that is natural. Amazon has it for a reasonable price.
What is a Guardian Program and how do I qualify?
A Guardian home is a home that the breeder allows to have a puppy in exchange for the guardian raising a number of litters for the breeder. Usually it is 4 litters per dog and then the dog is spayed. The breeder pays the guardian home $200 per puppy for the raising of the puppies (if they chose to do so). After the last litter, the Guardian receives the registration paperwork to the dog. To qualify you must live within 30 minutes of Grayson County Texas, have appropriate facilities for the dog and be agreeable to make the dog available for health testing, dog shows, grooming and during times of breeding.
I talked with you on the phone and wanted to see the study you quoted. Can you provide that to me?
I have numerous files that you can download for free at the bottom of this page. We believe it is important to be aware and informed. As we discover new information that is important we will add the files to the bottom of this FAQ page. Thanks for contacting us.
What is litter choice, and how can I get a litter choice?
When other breeders use Luke or Blizzard as a stud for their litters they have the option of paying cash for the stud service or giving us the pick of the litter. We in turn sell this option to our clients. They can have the male or female puppy of their choice from the litter. They have until week 6 typically to choose their dog. All other buyers come after the litter choice. Litter choices are sold on a first come basis and require a non-refundable $500 deposit. We do not have litter choices available often.
What is Taurine Deficiency and how can I avoid it?
Taurine Deficiency in Golden Retrievers has been linked to dietary related issues. Researchers are in the early stages of relating nutrition and DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy). Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a condition that was once thought to be inherited. Researchers now think that may also be exacerbated by certain deficiencies, among them, Taurine and Carnitine. Taurine is an amino acid found in many foods, grains being the chief source for canines. The Blair Farms is now recommending a non-GMO premium dog food. You can find a great selection of them using the filters on Chewy.com. If you absolutely want to stick with a grain free diet you can mix in a can of boneless and skinless sardines. I have included a paper from the Morris Animal Foundation that summarizes the latest research. You can download the file at the bottom of the page.
My puppy is starting to bite me, how can I make the dog stop that?
Biting is one of the first things that puppies learn, in fact they learn this almost at the same time as they learn to walk. This is how they play and learn their ranking in the pack. It is natural that the puppy wants to continue this behavior with others. You will have to start as soon as possible to teach the puppy that biting is not tolerated. You can start with some simple commands such as no and then pushing your hand back into the dogs mouth so that it is uncomfortable and knocks them off balance. Remember that we are not trying to bring pain to the dog just a feeling of discomfort. As soon as the puppy bites, play stops. Turn your back and ignore. They catch on quickly. Once the puppy starts to understand the behavior and changes be sure to reward and praise the dog. It's also very helpful to make sure that the puppy has plenty of age appropriate chew toys around. You can try freezing a stick of butter and rubbing some on your hand. The dog will naturally want to lick your hand and that is ok. Praise this behavior and discourage any type of biting. See this video for more instructions.
Do you know anyone who will transport my new puppy door to door?
We have a few puppy nannies that enjoy transporting puppies by ground or air so just let us know ahead of time and we can get you in touch! They will pick up your puppy from us and deliver to your door or meet you. Along the way, they will stop and make sure your new puppy is walked and given food and water if appropriate. Matt Cassleberry (903) 771-6968 is great and travels to Houston area frequently for us. Mark Helton also provides canine transport. You can contact him at (940) 284-3836 or email him at [email protected]
What is the difference between limited or unlimited AKC registration?
Limited registration means the dog will be a family pet and the owner will not be able to use the dog for breeding purposes and the dog may not be allowed in some AKC shows. Unlimited registration means there are no limitations on breeding or showing.
Have you been inspected by AKC?
Yes. We have undergone and passed an AKC inspection. We will also be re-inspected every one to two years as the AKC deems necessary.
Can you ship my puppy?
We understand that there are people around the US interested in these sweet puppies. We don’t mind them going on the plane if you are with them, or a puppy nanny. Many people find its just as reasonable as well to get a round trip ticket. You can come here get your puppy and return or we can meet you at the airport. It is much easier on the puppies to be with you than to fly as cargo. We also have an amazing puppy nanny that can deliver your puppy for the price of her airfare and a fee for her day. Contact us and we can tell you about what is required to ground transport your puppy door to door as well. We have done this with a few people and it worked out wonderfully. Additional charges apply. Be wary of any breeder that won’t allow for face to face pick up. We have had several families from other countries wanting a puppy and that is just fine but you would have to come to DFW or Love Field to pick up.
Is a deposit required? When is payment due?
A $500 deposit is needed in order to officially hold a puppy. The deposit is non-refundable unless we are unable to provide you with a puppy from the litter you have chosen. The balance amount is needed two weeks prior to puppy pick up if paying by check. Cash can be used the day of pick up. We no longer accept Zelle, Cash App or Venmo.
When can I take my puppy home?
Puppies can go to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. Puppies should be seen by your Veterinarian within 72 hours. We do not allow visitors until pick up day when they have had their first shots. This is for the safety of our puppies. We have heard too many horror stories from personal breeder friends of ours of entire litters being wiped out by people unknowingly bringing diseases in during visits. We will take plenty of pictures and videos to post on our website and facebook.
If at any time The Blair Farms becomes uncomfortable with the placement of a puppy after deposit is given, we reserve the right to return deposit and help you find another breeder to better fit your needs.
This RARELY happens. In fact, has only happened twice. We screen our buyers but sometimes when talking can discover things that we know would’t work with one of our puppies. We would not place a puppy with a family that we know would not be a good fit.
I want a white dog, your lightest one. Is that possible?
English Cream Golden retrievers are a beautiful cream color, not white. I recently had a buyer back out from a puppy (first time ever) because she was cream. I was so sad for her, then happy that she would be getting a different home where someone would love her for the amazing puppy she is. If your first questions to us is about coat color then we are probably not the breeder for you. These puppies are cream colored and a litter with the same Dam and Sire can have a range of shades. If you are ever planning on showing your dog you actually want the darker cream color to be able to do well in AKC show events. If you want a pure white dog you should look at an American Eskimo or Bichon. Personality, Bloodline, Structure, Temperament these are the things that hopefully will be the top of your list. You will have this dog in your home for the next decade or more. The shade of the coat hopefully won’t be your top priority.
Can these dogs be sporting dogs, or are they just for pets?
Our dogs come from show winning pedigrees that meet or surpass the breed standard. They can be taught to retrieve waterfowl, pheasant, geese, or other sporting purposes. They have also been used as therapy dogs, PTSD Emotional support dogs, narcotics detection, bomb detection, cadaver dogs, search and rescue, and seeing eye dogs for the visually impaired. The Golden Retriever breed is very versatile. They are perhaps best known for their loving and gentle nature. They are outstanding family dogs, and make great mates for children.
I want one of your pups, what is the best way to ensure that I get one?
Reserve a dog early. If you think you want an English Cream Golden, do your research, contact us and other reputable breeders and when you’re ready, place a deposit to ensure your spot for a puppy. We will not hold a puppy without a deposit.
Pick up day is an exciting day! Families will come in order of deposits to select their puppy. We do temperament testing at 7 weeks and will have selected one or two that we think will be the best match for you. We will post pictures on the facebook page so you will have the ability to watch them grow but there is nothing like sitting on the ground with the dogs and picking your own. Once a puppy has been selected and you receive your paper work and puppy goodies you are free to take your baby home. We ask that families pay close attention to time so that everyone has an equal opportunity to select and ask questions.
"OK. I sent the deposit through paypal. Now what?"
Please send us an email with the following information...
*Owner's name
*Address where the puppy will live.
*You phone number
*And please specify male or female and from which litter if given the option. If only "future litter" is specified on our site your name will go in the first available slot on the first available litter.
How do you feel about RFID chips for pets?
A 1996 Dow Chemical Co. study blamed RFID transponders for causing cancerous tumors at the site near RFID implants in pets. There are many other safer ways to monitor your animal. The simplest is a collar with owner name, phone #, and the word "Reward $". Tattoos are safer and animal control officers know to check animals for tags and tattoos. Also, consider a device such as “Tagg, The Pet Tracker”. Watch a short commercial here. Read the 2008 Washington Post Article Here. As an animal lover and a breeder, I say “Don’t chip your pet”!
A more recent article from Dogsnaturally.com states in part "...The Institute of Experimental Pathology at Hannover Medical School in Germany reported , “An experiment using 4279 CBA/J mice of two generations was carried out to investigate the influence of parental preconceptual exposure to X-ray radiation or to chemical carcinogens. Microchips were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsolateral back for unique identification of each animal. The animals were kept for lifespan under standard laboratory conditions. In 36 mice a circumscribed neoplasm occurred in the area of the implanted microchip. Macroscopically, firm, pale white nodules up to 25 mm in diameter with the microchip in its center were found. Macroscopically, soft tissue tumors such as fibrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma were detected.”
I live in Dallas and dogs and cats in Dallas are required by city ordinance to be chipped. They say it is safe. I really want a Blair Farms Retriever and want to follow your guidelines, but I feel I am going to be required to chip the animal. Do you have any suggestions?
Yes. The Dallas City Hall website says in part "...My pet has a medical reason that he can't be chipped – what should I do? If there is a medical reason your pet cannot be microchipped, simply have your veterinarian write a letter certifying that the pet should be exempt from the ordinance due to health-related reasons. This will need to be provided as proof if requested." My suggestion is that you have your vet sign a letter stating exactly that the animal is not chipped due to health related reasons. I would not suggest stating the health related reasons. Short and simple is best. Many vets do not feel that chips are a health risk. They may not be educated on the technology and the cancer risk posed to pets. Please see the published "Dow Chemical Study" as well as the "Hannover Chip Cancer Study" posted at the bottom of this page. Regardless of how your vet feels as a professional about chipping, as an ethical matter the vet should respect your wishes regarding the matter. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or we can help in any way.
What can I do to keep my puppy healthy?
Much research exists in the arena of canine health. The question is very general, but I will give some fairly basic examples that fit both Golden’s and canines in general. Firstly, feed a quality dog food in accordance with the guidelines given by the dog food manufacturer and your veterinarian. Follow AKC guidelines for your breed to ensure good health. For Golden’s the ribs and rib cage should be apparent on touch but generally not apparent by looking at the animal. If you can see a Golden Retriever’s rib cage and count the ribs, chances are the dog is not eating enough. Check with your veterinarian.
Purina Conducted a study on Hip Dysplasia using Labrador retrievers. Group 1 received unlimited food. Their food bowl was never empty. Group 2 received only the recommended amount of food for age and breed. The first group by age two had an increase in the incidence of hip dysplasia. Both groups were pre-screened for genetic traits. The scientists at Purina concluded that there was both a genetic pre-disposition to hip dysplasia and an exacerbation of the condition through conditions of poor nutrition and obesity. The bottom line is that it is not merely enough for your dog to have a good diet, it needs exercise, good quality nutrients from their dog food, and supplements that increase immune support.
Secondly, limiting exposure to unhealthy activities for your dog will greatly increase their ability to thrive. Bad habits, just as in humans, need to be corrected early and as often as they occur. Eating table scraps, non-pet toys, chocolate, bones, etc. are not healthy for dogs. Correct the behavior quickly when you spot it happening or it could be costly or even cost your animal their life. Learn those things that are unhealthy for dogs and make sure you teach your dog not to do them.
If you see a problem with your dog take it to the vet. Don’t wait weeks and see if things will resolve on their own. Puppies get diarrhea often, it is common in puppies but can be problematic if they are not taken in. You don’t want a puppy to be dehydrated.
INSURANCE
We require all new puppy owners to activate the free 30 days of insurance we provide you with through Trupanion or another company of your choice. Trupanion covers you from day 1 if activated within the first 24 hours of getting your puppy. The going home process can be tricky. If they don't eat, get dehydrated, drink out of a puddle and get diarrhea they get sick quickly and that's a $1500 emergency vet visit. We have seen this too often and want to make sure our puppy families are covered. You do not have to stick to Trupanion after the 30 days. There are several good companies out there, even your work may have a policy. Puppies get into things, eat things they shouldn’t etc. and it is very nice to have the insurance because vet bills can be high especially the first year.
What can I do to avoid cancer in my Golden?
Good question! I contend that to a large extent, cancer in pets can be strongly influenced by their environment.
Back to the question, what can you do to keep your animal cancer free? In a nutshell, don't chip your animal and feed premium non-GMO, dog foods. These foods do not need to be grain free, grain food should be used. You can find a great selection using the filters on Chewy.com. I have included a great paper from Purina at the bottom of this page. You can download this in a PDF format by clicking on "Goldenupdatefall2018".
What is non-congenital Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM?
Very simply this refers to a condition which may or may not be genetically related. Goldens are being studied because the condition is prevalent in their breed. Researchers are seeking to understand exactly why. I have some personal feelings about the rise in this condition but it is better if you read what the experts have to say by downloading the PDF file at the bottom of this page entitled "Taurine_deficiency". This will tell you all about the importance of the amino acids Taurine and Carnitine in the canine diet. In short it is imperative to feed a quality food that either contains both amino acids as part of their grains or is supplemented into the food by the manufacturer. We recommend Purina brand Dog Chow Naturals (as of 1/15/19). I spoke with Purina customer service on 9/11/18 for an update and was assured that they are addressing the need and that they are very much in tune with their customers demand for high quality and nutritious dog food.
When should I spay or neuter my dog?
WAIT. In short, the current thinking from experts is late spay/neuter. This means waiting until your dog is older than 12-18 months. This is a great article. You can also download the PDF document at the bottom of this page entitled "When to spay/neuter" Please take the time to read this and then have an informed conversation with your vet.
I’ve heard of the OFA. What are they and what do they do?
OFA stands for the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals. According to OFFA.org, their stated purpose is ... “To promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease”. Most reputable breeders use testing that is recognized by OFA. Animals that do not meet the strict requirements of the OFA breed standards are not allowed to breed. You can learn more at their website, and research our registered animals here. We also use BVA for hip/elbow certifications. We love their comprehensive review.
My husband wants a sporting dog and I want a family dog, would an English Cream golden retriever be right for us?
Absolutely! The golden retriever breed has some of the best qualities of both sporting and family dogs. Their breed instinctively knows to retrieve and their drive to please their master makes them great family pets as well as fine sporting dogs.
I have heard the term “puppy mill”, what is a puppy mill and how can I avoid one?
A puppy mill is a term to describe unscrupulous breeders. A puppy mill is unconcerned with furthering the breed standards and typically has little concern for the living conditions or health of their dogs. Ask for AKC registration paperwork, OFA health clearances, and veterinary records. If your breeder insists on meeting you away from their home or breeding location, or they won’t show you paperwork, pedigrees, health tests etc. this should be a clue and you should avoid the breeder. Puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders will also not sell dogs with vet checks on their puppies.
Do not buy from pet stores, parking lots or flea markets, as these are the most likely places to encounter dogs that are bred in puppy mills. Get your pet from an animal shelter or a reputable breeder that participates in AKC, IABCA or UKC events. Our dogs are also our family pets. We own 4 dogs, that we consider part of the family.
If I buy a dog, can you meet me at the airport with my puppy?
Yes. We will be happy to meet you at DFW airport or Love Field (they have a nice dog area) with your puppy. Additional charges may apply, please contact us for details.
Can we come for a visit?
We used to encourage families to visit our home and see how our dogs live but after several breeder friends have lost entire litters to parvo we have changed our policy for the safety of our dogs. With technology, it is easy to FaceTime now if you would like to see our dogs in our home. Also, through our website and facebook page, English Cream Golden Retrievers-The Blair Farms, you should get a good "idea" of us as a family and breeder. We do allow families to come on pick up day after puppies have been given shots and certain protocols are in place.
I wasn't able to get a puppy from this latest litter and would like to know if you have any advice on choosing a breeder?
Yes. I tell people to find the breed of dog that will work best for them and then to find the right breeder. The exact dog that you might bring home from any litter should be healthy and adjust quickly to your home. Good breeders breed dogs for health, temperament and to meet the breed standard as laid out by AKC. It goes back to the old question of is it nature or nurture as to whether your dog will adjust well. As breeders we do our best to make sure you have a quality puppy. It is up to you and your family to raise the dog right. As for health guarantees... Many breeders now are realizing that hip dysplasia guarantees are out of their control. 20% of any retriever litter can have hip dysplasia for example even with both parents having OFA Excellent hips. Purina conducted a study on hip dysplasia and found that the dogs that had a food bowl that was never empty had a much higher rate of dysplasia as compared to the dogs that were only fed the recommended amount of calories.
In short if you find a good breeder, you may also find that they have waiting lists. It may be worth the time and effort to wait for the quality dog from the reputable breeder in the long run. Forbes had a great article that you can download at the bottom of this page that explains the cost vs. return on dogs.
What is a hobby breeder?
Hobby breeders are small breeders that are concerned with the furtherance of the breed standard. They often participate in dog shows, AKC, UKC, IABCA activities, and their dogs typically are well pedigreed, have health tests and have been vet checked before going to their new homes.
I am interested in using Luke or Blizzard to sire my next litter. How does that work?
Contact us right away and we will send you a stud contract to look over. We will need a copy of your females AKC paperwork and health testing results to see if we have a good match for you. When we receive the signed stud contract we will ask you to bring us the female after progesterone testing has been done which determines the very best day to breed. Progesterone testing make it easy for you to know best day to come breed naturally or to meet at the vet for a TCI. Also, whether you decide to use a Blair Farms boy or another stud, if your female is in heat go to your vet right away and get a brucelossis test if a live breeding. Any stud will require it and it takes 2-3 days to get results. Durant Animal Hospital can do same day results and is about 35 minutes north of our house. There is a $250 breeding fee, and litter choice goes to the breeder.
I would like to use Luke or Blizzard for my next litter but I live out of state, can you explain to me the process of shipping semen?
You will need to contact your veterinarian and discuss artificial insemination and testing the bitch’s cycle to determine exact best days for insemination. Semen is collected and shipped FedEx overnight to your vet’s office. The semen is stabilized using an extender and is good for 72 hours or more. The semen will come boxed with a freeze pack that will help to preserve it until it is inseminated. There are some extra fees associated with this method, please contact us right away so we can order the shipping kit.
What do you feed your dogs?
We feed Purina Pro Plan and Purina Naturals. Among the many reasons, the food is high quality and the results speak for themselves. A high quality food will have less filler and more nourishing ingredients, this results in better health, higher energy, and smaller, less frequent stools. We also feed a once a day supplement called NuVet that can be thought of as a vitamin for dogs. The product was recommended to us by other professional breeders and we also have seen good results from the two.
For puppies less than one year we feed Purina Puppy Chow. Puppy Chow has the proven nutrition that puppies need for forming their bones and helping their immune systems. The puppies also get a nutritional supplement after age 6 weeks. They are fed a daily NuVet vitamin and nutritional supplement.
Can you tell me about English Cream Golden Retrievers?
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are consistently in the top 3 most registered breeds according the American Kennel Club(AKC). Goldens have such a warm and loving character. They are loyal, friendly, intelligent, obedient, playful, and beautiful.
If you haven’t heard about English Cream Golden Retrievers, we would be happy to tell you a little about them! This is just a term most people use to describe them. Regardless of shade, they are all golden retrievers. Some people call them White Golden Retrievers but they are actually a beautiful cream color. Litters can range in this cream from light to darker but they are all English Cream Golden Retrievers. They are also know as the British Style Golden Retriever. This is my preferred description. The British variety are known for their blockier build and laid back temperament. Approved coat colors for AKC Golden Retrievers can range from cream to dark golden. The British style can also have varying coat colors. The “English Cream” is obviously a gorgeous looking coat color. But it is a preference. We are most well known for our cream dogs but we will occasionally have a litter of the more traditional golden coat. If you are wanting a touch of light golden to your puppy, request the Loulu litters. These beautiful dogs are calm, fun loving, and the perfect family dog. Studies show the British variety are less susceptible to common health risks associated with American Goldens such as Cancer and Hip Dysplasia. You do pay a little more up front for an English Cream golden but research is proving they live an average 19 months longer than an American Golden retriever and have the calm temperament that you would want for a family pet.
I am reading different opinions from what my vet says. Who should I listen to?
Ultimately you have to make the best decisions based on the information that you have. Do your research and then make the best informed decision that you can. I have at times disagreed with the vet that we use. He is an outstanding and very educated vet! I learn from him every time I see him, however, no vet is infallible and ultimately you are responsible as the dog owner for the health of your animal.
To give you an example AKC and many vets push RFID chip injection. I am reminded of a time Doctors used to recommend smoking at least one pack a day of Kools. I hope in time the studies and technology will prove much safer to inject dogs with electronics, but for now, I will not take the risk of causing cancer to my dog. It's OK to disagree with your vet. When in doubt, I choose the safest course of action.
The vaccinations! Goodness, sometimes vets want to RE-ADMINISTER puppy vaccinations after they were JUST GIVEN. Please advocate for your puppy and don't let that happen. Please assure them they were given shots direct from Vet to our home and were not purchased at a Tractor Supply etc with questionable expiration date and quality refrigeration.
What are your thoughts on Ichthyosis?
In a list of 25 things that might concern me as a breeder it would be at the very bottom. It is a minor nuisance to owners of affected puppies (doesn't bother the puppy) and non life threatening. Most puppies outgrow the condition (dandruff) and to remove dogs that are carriers from the breeding stock of any good breeder would be lunacy. The tremendous temperaments and exceptional health that are found in a champion line dog far outweigh any negatives of the ICH gene. The Golden Retriever Club of America has researched and written a great article which is labeled "Genetic Testing" at the bottom of this page for you to download and read.
Do Golden's make good therapy dogs?
Some Golden's have very calm and gentle termperaments that bode well for some therapy work. Others need time and training to become calm and learn the behaviors that are appropriate for their mission. Goldens have been used as seeing eye dogs, detection dogs, cadaver dogs, rescue dogs, PTSD and diabetic alert dogs to name a few. We have donated a therapy dog to Denison ISD for therapy use with special needs students and have heard great feedback. You can read about Denali by downloading the file below. Many of our Goldens have gone on to do therapy work and our Luna is a certified therapy dog. This is a passion of mine so please let me know if you are considering therapy work with your dog and I can get you in touch with trainers in your area.
What are your thoughts on Aflatoxins and cancer?
This article summarizes the danger they present to Humans, Canine, and Feline health in regard to cancer. I recommend non-GMO dog foods. Taurine deficiency is a greater short term danger than the long term danger that is posed by GMO laden dog foods.
When do you suggest that we spay or neuter our Blair Farms dog?
I would wait. A correlation between early spay/neuter and health maladies has been made. As a result, veterinary experts are now suggesting it is best to wait and spay when the dog is older. Please see the pdf document directly below entitled "When to spay neuter".
Dog park video,
| the_blair_farms_certificate_v0516.pdf |
| crate_training_schedule.pdf |
| pet_insurance_plans.pdf |
| denali.pdf |
| genetic_diseases.pdf |
| taurine_deficiency.pdf |
| dow_chemical_study.pdf |
| hannover_chip_cancer_study.pdf |
| when_to_spay_neuter.pdf |