LIVERMORE — A visit to Quincy Market leads to creation of Day Dreamin Kennel.

In December, 2012, Diane Woods and her husband, Paul Woods III, traveled to Boston to visit his daughter. While there, they went to Quincy Market and saw a man with a five-month old puppy that looked like a Golden Retriever but was cream colored rather than the color usually associated with the breed.

The couple stopped to talk with the man and learned the puppy was an English Creme Golden Retriever. Diane said her husband said it was gorgeous and they needed to research them.

“We looked at over 200 sites to learn the differences between the English Creme and the American Golden Retriever,” Diane said. They also spoke with breeders in several states and Canada. “Over the years, Europe valued a lighter color and bred for it,” Diane said.

They also learned that in Europe and the rest of the world, English Creme Golden Retrievers are referred to as Golden Retrievers. In the United States, English Creme Golden Retriever is used to differentiate these dogs from the more common, darker coated variety found here.

The Golden Retriever breed was accepted into the British Kennel Club (KC) in 1911 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934. Both varieties originated from the same retriever bloodlines. Breeders in England and Europe bred for slightly different characteristics than those in America. 

The most obvious difference is coat color. The English Creme color is characterized as shades of cream or to some extent gold. Mahogany and reds are not accepted.

English Cremes are bigger boned and bulkier with blockier heads than American Golden Retrievers. The American has a smaller muzzle that is more conical in shape. American Retriever eyes are also wider apart and the ears are well behind and above the level of the eye.

English Cremes are a bit shorter in height with a more level topline and straighter legs. They have relatively shorter coats that tend to be wavier.

Research and statistics show that the American Goldens have a significantly higher chance of getting cancer. According to the website, http://www.englishcreme.com/american-vs-english-creme-golden-retriever/, the median age of the American Golden is 10 years and 8 months, while the average age for English Cremes is 12 years and 3 months.

Diane has worked as a social worker for twenty years. Health issues have required her to have shorter work days with more flexibility. She had dreamed of starting her own business, and with her husband’s support, began Day Dreamin Kennel in 2013.

Paul works at Catalyst paper mill in Rumford. “He’s funding the kennel and being very supportive,” Diane said. 

The family’s one car garage was converted to house dogs. Heat and air conditioning have been added to keep the dogs comfortable. A large, fenced in run was added.

Diane said the kennel has expanded this spring. A row of pine trees was removed and square footage was added out back. The entire yard is now fenced so the dogs have an acre to run in. The nursery has a whelping box with its own door to the outside kennel.

Work has begun on sound proofing the kennel. “We’re mindful of our neighbors and want to make it so they’re not disturbed,” Diane stated.

“It’s always a work in progress,” Diane said. She is thinking of adding another viewing window to the nursery so that visitors can watch the young pups without disturbing them. “I want a family friendly place where people can come and visit,” Diane said.

Purchased as eight week old puppies, each dog at Day Dreamin Kennel was first raised in the Woods’ home. Diane said she purchased two at a time and kept them indoors until they were housebroken and trained. 

The dogs were slowly transitioned from the house to the kennel. They still spend part of every day in the house.

The kennel has three females and one male. Shayla and Pippa were bred in August. An ultrasound this month will confirm their pregnancies. The pups are due a week apart in October. 

Shayla is sired by Brody, a champion show dog in Europe. A kennel in Virginia bought Daya, a pregnant female, from Russia. Shayla was one of her pups.

Harley is the kennel’s stud dog. He came from Russia. His previous owners are renowned dog judges in Europe and Russia. To get to Maine, Harley flew from Serbia to Germany to Boston.

Diane said, “Harley is better than 90-95 percent of dogs out there.” She wants to make sure she had good stock to start with. She has all of her dogs veterinarian checked. Harley’s hips, heart, eyes, and elbows have been tested and are certified.

The first male bought as a stud for the kennel was discovered to have a heart murmur. Diane had him neutered and gave him to her brother when she heard the diagnosis. 

Diane said, “Harley’s temperament is just wonderful. He is laid back. Nothing riles him.” She stated Harley would make a good therapy dog. One of Diane’s long range goals is to donate one of her puppies to a veterans’ organization or dog therapy program. One possibility is the Travis Mills House. 

English Cremes are outdoor dogs, Diane said. They love to play in the snow and catch snowballs. Diane warned, “These are not guard dogs. They love everybody and are often used as therapy dogs.” 

“My goal is to have quality English Creme Golden Retrievers with great temperaments and great genetics,” Diane said. If the kennel works out, she will transition solely to the dogs. 

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net