Ridge x Maple, late autumn 2026

Maple was bred to Ridge in the last week of August and her ultrasound on September 22 will tell us how many we are counting on. She is eating like she already knows. Puppies are due around October 27, which puts go-home a few days before Christmas. This is our athletic pairing: Ridge's dark coat, tight frame and Excellent hips with Maple's bone, water drive and sense of humor. Expect medium to dark gold puppies with shorter, easy-care coats, a lot of retrieve and an off switch in the house. These are good dogs for active families, hikers and anyone who wants to try dock diving, hunt tests or agility. Maple carries one copy of the ichthyosis gene and Ridge is clear, so no puppy in this litter can be affected. About half will be carriers, which only matters if a dog is bred someday. A word about Christmas: we are glad to send a puppy home on December 22 to a family that is ready, and we will gently talk you out of a surprise under the tree. The list for this litter has three openings.