I'm the breeder behind Wahkeen Golden Retrievers located in Shepherd, TX. We are preservation breeders that breed to the written standard. We produce top-quality companions and conformation prospects. We are dedicated to providing lifelong relationships with our puppy buyers, serving them as advisors, mentors, and friends. We love our puppies and know you will too!
About Linda
I have been involved in the dog sport world since 1981, starting in Alaskan Malamutes. I finished approximately 23 breeder-owner-handled conformation champions. Shortly after getting married, my husband and I began working with Golden Retrievers in 2001. We produced our first Golden litter in 2006. We have two finished Golden champions that were shown by a professional handler.
What makes Linda’s program special
Our program is unique because we utilize our network of reputable breeder friends, have sought out competent reproduction veterinary specialists, and use a wonderful online database for our breed, which calculates inbred coefficients. We recognize the importance of genetic diversity and do our best to keep our coefficient of inbreeding (COI) around an average of 8%. We take pride in what we do and are excited to introduce your family to your next Golden Retriever puppy!
Linda is a member of 3 clubs
Alaskan Malamute Club of Greater Houston, Alaskan Malamute Club of America , Golden Retriever Club of America
Girl 8
Female • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Girl 6
Female • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Girl 4
Female • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Girl 7
Female • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Girl 3
Female • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Girl 5
Female • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Girl 1
Female • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Girl 2
Female • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Boy 2
Male • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Boy 1
Male • Went Home Aug. 9, 2023
Golden Retriever
Newborn Golden Retrievers from Audie and Fahyer
Born June 2023. Ready Aug. 9, 2023
Newborn Golden Retrievers from Audie and Fahyer
Born June 2023
Ready Aug. 9, 2023
Linda has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Please contact the breeder to get more information about pricing.
“Please contact us for full price of a puppy. All our pups are sold at the same price, whether you are seeking a show/breeding prospect or a family companion. We will accept a deposit once the pups are born, at one week of age. Once a deposit is accepted by us, we are then committed to providing a puppy for you.”
Linda may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Linda offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Linda directly.
Puppies are raised in our home. Initially, they are contained in a EZWhelp box and graduate to an attached ex-pen. We utilize Early Neurological Stimulation exercises from days three to sixteen. They also have a potty area indoors that is clearly defined. The litter graduates to an outdoor potty area by 5 weeks of age. We introduce our pups to a variety of household sounds, outdoor exploration, and riding around our property in a motorized vehicle. They are introduced to a variety of animals and people. By the time the pups are released to their new homes, they are 80% potty trained to the outdoors. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Basic Manners, Crate Training, Initial House Training, Various Surfaces, Sound Stimulation, Household Desensitization, Various People, Socialized with Other Animals, and Socialized with Adult Dogs.
All puppies usually have dewclaws removed by our vet by day four. They undergo a wellness exam at six weeks and receive their first boosters. The vet also starts an individual health record for each puppy, including a vaccination protocol to send home.
We send our puppies home with Puppy Leash, Vaccinations, Food Starter Bag, Certificate of Health, Bone, and AKC Registration.
Linda offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“We require a face to face visit (with social distancing) at our home prior to considering a family for one of our pups. We do not ship.”
Why Linda started breeding
In the 1980s, I was mentored in Alaskan Malamutes by Jenell Brinson, of Jen-Al Alaskan Malamutes, and by Gail and Louis vonBaden, of Veebee Alaskan Malamutes. While I purchased my first purebred Mal in 1981, both breeders took me under their wing, coached me in the show ring, and taught me about good breeding practices. Our first Golden was purchased from Alan and Ellen Meyer, of Goldenwind Golden Retrievers, in 2001 (Ch Goldenwind Love Gunn), and we had a long and rewarding mentorship with them, breeding Goldens since 2006. To date, my husband and I have produced 18 Golden litters, with two home-bred conformation champions.
Linda has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years
Linda was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Linda’s program includes one color
Linda’s Golden Retriever puppies are golden. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Linda’s links
Wahkeen Golden Retrievers meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
About Audie
Audie is a male Golden Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Linda decided to make him part of their program. Linda has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Good health testing
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +2 more
Golden Retriever
About Stickers
Stickers is a Trinity son, and has 10 championship points.
Great health testing
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +3 more
Golden Retriever
About Fahyer
Fahyer is a female Golden Retriever almost 5 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Linda decided to make her part of their program. Linda has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Good health testing
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +2 more
Golden Retriever
Excellent level
Wahkeen Golden Retrievers reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Golden Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 1, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), PRA, Golden Retriever 2, PRA, Golden Retriever 1
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.