Windmill Farms Golden Retrievers

09/26/2025

Dr. Carol Beuchat Breed Preservation Webinar Information - Reason #3 Why should I take this Webinar? Tools!

Webinar - Breed Preservation Information
Starting October 2025
Format: Zoom - Live
Weekly: Monday
Content related Q&A
Recorded & Shared for later use.
Material dissemination included
A four week course starting Monday (October 13, 20, 27, and November 3) 6pm WST (Western Standard Time) 9pm EST.

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/VTNVH9TYKHWU4

Not that we need another reason to attend this Webinar but there is.

When I took the Breed Preservation course from the ICB, I discovered many important facts about breeding purebred dogs.

Dr. Beuchat reminds me often that I'm just scratching the surface. I'm a work in progress. A couple of things stood out to me. Kinship, heterozygosity and haplotypes. I needed to reduce kinship and increase heterozygosity in order to lower the chances of deleterious recessive combinations and inbreeding depression consequences. The other thing that interested me was haplotypes because they are not only connected to the breed which is how Embark identifies that your golden is 100% golden but haplotypes are connected to immunity. Their ability to handle parasites and foreign invaders. Particularly those associated with the Dog Leukocyte Antigen (DLA) complex. While the link to overall health is complex, studies show a relationship between DLA haplotypes, genetic diversity, and the risk of immune-related diseases.

So, I started gathering the data and manually looking at allele combinations in my goldens. An arduous and time consuming task.

When I showed/explained to Dr. Beuchat what I was doing to maximize COI, heterozygosity and kinship numbers she was complimentary of my tenacity but went deeper on the process and showed me a report that did everything I was doing. I used the tool and it took milliseconds to calculate what I was doing in an hour. I had never seen or used a tool like this before. And I could replicate genetic sequences through multi-generations to F3, F4 and F5? WOW! She had my full attention.

If you want to get the data and understanding regarding genetics, COI, Kinship, heterozygosity and the tools, take the class. Its the best price and most comprehensive course I've heard of.

Get the tools that get you the results. There is an art to breeding sure but there is no escaping the fact that sound breeding principles are based on genetics. We have data as old as time on sound breed preservation principles. Inbreeding our goldens is not going to last. Those who choose to continue antiquated breeding practices will discover more and more deleterious genes like NCL. Those breeders who understand this will be handing their clients pups that give them the best statistical chance at the healthiest, trait retention and longest life possible within the confines of the breeds genetics.

Because of what I know and what I'm learning WM Farms Clients are getting my best goldens at this time. Its not perfect and may never be. But its so much better than what it was. I used to think all I needed to do was get the basic panel genetic test along with echo, eyes, hips and elbows. That's just the start. This is not a jaunty pep talk about another webinar, its about a geneticists willingness to help us preserve the breed we love.

WM Farms Golden is doing something almost no other breeder does. Help other breeders breed better golden through genetic understanding and tools. Why? Its about the breed. The laws will come, there's a portent of change on the horizon.

Registration for "Introduction to Genetics For Breed Preservation", 4 (weekly) online webinars for Windmill Farms Goldens (October 13, 20, 27, and November 3)

09/26/2025

I received a report from Nate and Seagram. Chesapeake Search dogs. (Chesapeakesearchdogs.org)

I think he moves to the operation group now.
https://chesapeakesearchdogs.org/about/dogs/

His test set up was a 40 acre area, with a single subject. Night time with heavy rain. Sounds more like a scene from " Where the Red Fern Grows."

They had 2.5 hours to find him, Seagram did it in 18 mins. Everyone went to bed early last night! YES! Love that golden nose and persistence. He passed!

Congratulations you guys that's awesome!

My observation over the years with SAR needs and expectations is best served with goldens who have natural hunting instinct and desire. This is not forced to a pile exercise. Its the innate desire to quarter, check and seek as a partnership. Intelligence and that golden nose. Temperament is extremely important. Our breeding combinations aren't perfect but we are seeing a lot of success in this industry. I make sure there is a little natural gun dog breeding in almost every line we produce. Its not the same as performance breeding. While the UK "picking up" goldens are used differently, the expectation is similar. They integrate heavier on the obedience side of picking up. But the seeking is so important. I'm capitalizing on the innate trait from the UK. Thank you for trusting us.

09/26/2025

We have another puppy going into the SAR program. It was a pleasure meeting Louise (From Sweden) and Jason. Benji will be trained and work in Colorado.

09/25/2025

Webinar - Breed Preservation Information

Starting October 2025
Format: Zoom - Live
Weekly: Monday
Content related Q&A
Recorded & Shared for later use.
Material dissemination included

A four week course starting Monday (October 13, 20, 27, and November 3) 6pm WST (Western Standard Time) 9pm EST.

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/VTNVH9TYKHWU4

Not that we need another reason to take the Breed Preservation Webinar from Dr. Carol Beuchat (Scientist/geneticist ICB) but I will give you another anyway.

If your not checking the progress of the EUR laws associated with inbreeding, you should take a look. Those of you following the EUR laws associated with inbreeding and designer breeds know that once it starts it often grows. It has a lot more worldwide attention than you may think.

The EU is moving towards new laws prohibiting inbreeding in dogs, which includes breeding between parents and offspring, grandparents and grandchildren, and siblings. While a ban on inbreeding is part of new regulations proposed and adopted by the European Parliament, member states can also implement or maintain their own, potentially stricter, rules. This prohibition aims to prevent genetic disorders and serious health defects in animals. At 61.2% cancer rate, excessive skin issues, epilepsy and so much more, I would suggest the Golden Retriever is certainly a consideration for "serious".

Dr. Carol Beuchat is fully aware of the laws and the needed policy requirements and enforcement to carry out the laws. In addition to the introductory genetics information and breed preservation strategies she plans to present, given time, I hope she can outline what is going on and what to expect in the future. Regardless, developing sound breed preservation strategies puts you and I at the forefront of potential changes. Any breeder will want to know how this could ultimately affect them. I choose to be proactive not for this but for the breed. Understanding population genetics and integrating the breeding practices helps the breed and breeders on multiple levels.

WM Farms has been asked to submit its 15 year breed preservation strategy plan based on the goldens and frozen we have. There is interest in how much gain can be made with the instruction/implementation genetic breeder tools. Our pack along with the frozen, the vetting grounds and my approach are unique to mainstream breeders not only in the USA but worldwide. The prevailing practice of inbreeding for designated usage or outcomes, while socially popular/accepted will eventually put the breed to genetic exhaustion. Studies indicate we've already lost well over 50% of the breeds original genetics. The trend continues.

If you're really trying to "Improve the breed" as almost every FB page and website states, then I suggest we take the class and learn how to do it right. From a scientist. The price is fantastic. The time will be well spent.

Following the Webinar, we hope to form a group of breed preservationist as we continue to implement and share the successes. I've already gone from a genetically tested breed average of ~22% to ~15%. With the 2026 breedings and introduction to popular sire-less field goldens I hope to get to COI ~ 10% along with our lowest levels of kinship (K).

09/25/2025

Webinar All Set! Sign up now

Format: Zoom - Live
Weekly: Monday
Content related Q&A
Recorded
Material dissemination included

A four week course starting Monday (October 13, 20, 27, and November 3) 6pm WST (Western Standard Time) 9pm EST.

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/VTNVH9TYKHWU4

A Zoom link will be provided prior to the first class.

I just paid my fee. I'm not making a dime off of this. Its time we learn from a scientist. The breed needs preservation through educated breeding practices. Inbreeding depression, cancer, recessive deleterious gene combinations are destroying the breeds health.

I'm grateful for Dr. Beuchat's time and listening to our needs. She has looked at the golden retriever genetic data in Embark and VGL. She has analyzed, sorted and graphed all pertinent information. She has a very good feel for our present condition. She will provide a 4 week course on genetics and breeder tools that change outcomes. I told her $50 a session is more than fair. She dropped the price.

If you take this course, have a basic understanding of genetics, kinship, COI and breed preservation, those who wish to continue with a collaborative breeder program will be included in our Breed Preservation group. You must have some basic knowledge to get involved. Continuing education to follow based on the interest and application of the principles we learn.

Thank you Dr. Beuchat! Finally every breeder can learn the basics directly from a scientist/geneticist.

Registration for "Introduction to Genetics For Breed Preservation", 4 (weekly) online webinars for Windmill Farms Goldens (October 13, 20, 27, and November 3)

09/24/2025

Litter Information Updates:

Quincy is due October 9th. Depositors notified.

I bred Cora today. I will notify depositors in 30 days with a pregnancy confirmation.

Still waiting on Pepper & Andy. (Estrus)

I put Sage's 2026 plans with Edge on the website yesterday.

I plan to breed Eden (Scotland) with Speaker in a year or so. But I don't plan to use frozen on a maiden female. I've been in touch with a client who purchased a Oakley x Clipper son. I spent a day with Clipper a couple years ago. He's really nice. (HRCH Wynwood's Storm Warning MH99 MNR MAR HTHF ** CCA OS) Pictured below in our yard. This is a very strong field pedigree. Crossed with Eden (Scotland) I get a live cover, amazing diversity and beautiful goldens. She turns 2 in April. I plan to help the client with his health certs. I will update the website later.

At the end of this year I will breed Ailsa and Mac. Probably around Nov-Dec. Depositors will be notified.

I added a couple breeding plans to the website.
https://windmillfarmsgoldens.com/litter-information-1

Soon in our 7th year of 15, we are working to combine US x UK x CAN lines mixed with gun dog lines and others. I'm in the F3 stages right now.

The average Embark COI for our US x UK crosses is ~15. The average for the breed is ~22. The final goal for WM Farms is less than 10% on all goldens and all genetically clear. With our wellness objectives on the farm including, exercise, nutrition and swimming we have obtained 4 excellent hips this last 1.5 years.

From the VGL, all of them have heterozygous haplotypes at DLA I & II. We are also seeing rare haplotypes like 0.0005 in some combinations. All in an effort to mitigate inbreeding depression, deleterious recessive gene combinations, cancer frequency, popular skin conditions while retaining key field traits as intended by the originators.

09/24/2025

My brother-in-law is cutting corn, so I took my two boys out this morning. A lot of pheasants scattered around. I will not hunt Clancy this fall because we plan to run him in a SH in the spring. Ironically, even though it's called a hunt test, they don't mesh very well.

In time, we will refine his quartering, flushing, marking and hunting skills. Now it's all about marking, lines, picking up and returning.

09/23/2025

As 2025 winds down, I've decided to celebrate the last 20 years highlighting WM Farms Golden Retrievers and their owners. Thank you for being amazing golden owners!

If you'd like your WF golden highlighted, please send me updated picture(s) and updates of your golden. I will post through the end of the year or until I run out of bios.

The pictures could be used in our 2026 calendar and of course our photo contest.

"First pheasant hunt."

Owner: Brian
Golden: Cody
Litter: Lola x Reggie

09/23/2025

As 2025 winds down, I've decided to celebrate the last 20 years highlighting WM Farms Golden Retrievers and their owners. Thank you for being amazing golden owners!

If you'd like your WF golden highlighted, please send me updated picture(s) and updates of your golden. I will post through the end of the year or until I run out of bios.

The pictures could be used in our 2026 calendar and of course our photo contest.

"We love this golden!"

Owner: Justine
Golden: Finley
Litter: Oakley x Gael 2023

09/23/2025

As 2025 winds down, I've decided to celebrate the last 20 years highlighting WM Farms Golden Retrievers and their owners. Thank you for being amazing golden owners!

If you'd like your WF golden highlighted, please send me updated picture(s) and updates of your golden. I will post through the end of the year or until I run out of bios.

The pictures could be used in our 2026 calendar and of course our photo contest.

" I couldn't be more impressed with this golden! 20 pheasants this morning."

Owner: Ryan
Golden: Boone
Litter: Oakley x Gael 2023

09/22/2025

The Sage x Dusty puppies start going home at the end of the week. I'd like to thank all those who have patiently waited. I look forward to meeting many of you.

I will be keeping one in the program. She will be health & genetically tested. Trained on the grounds.

It's been wonderful working with Elaine. Thank you for helping this later come to fruition.

09/22/2025

Great News!

Dr. Buechat of the institute of Canine Biology has agreed to a 4 week "live" breed preservation webinar in October. Thank you so much for your response and interest. It will be recorded, materials, links and relevant discussion for each gathering will be provided.

Dr. Beuchat will be educating us on basic genetic health and diversity through responsible breeding practices like managing inbreeding and outcrossing, conducting thorough health testing, maintaining desirable physical and temperamental traits, and actively teaching to help us restore and protect the breed's functional gene pool. Those concerned about 61% cancer rates, inbreeding depression, the increase of recessive deleterious genes will leave armed with knowledge. If applied to your breeding program and mine we can help preserve the future of our field golden populations. It takes many to make a difference.

Upon completion, those of us who wish to collaborate on our efforts will form a shared breed preservation group.

Imagine a restaurant with several cooks. Each cook working toward the same recipe/goal. Throwing out what they don't like again and again. Then, one day, all the cooks realize the sugar is gone because no cooks focused on ingredients that made the best deserts. With the sugar gone no one can make deserts again. But more importantly the ingredients in the kitchen are limited.

Instead of simply inbreeding, which can increase genetic disorders, breeders can strategically balance sires and dams to maintain genetic diversity and avoid incestuous matings. Outcrossing is a specific type of outbreeding involving mating individuals within the same breed but without a common ancestor for several generations.

Windmill Farms Golden Retrievers LLC is helping sponsor this event. I'm not getting paid. Education is the key to preserving our goldens and we finally get a scientist/geneticist to help us.

More information will be posted later this week. A fair and reasonable fee will be charged for Dr. Beuchat's time and information. It will be well worth it!