I'm James M., the breeder behind Kilbourn Chesapeakes located in Wisconsin Dells, WI. We focus on breeding healthy, well-mannered and balanced Chesapeakes that are family, as well as working dogs. Our dogs are bred for health and temperament, with a balanced pedigree between conformation and field. The goal for our dogs is that you can run your dog in a field event one weekend and then a dog show the next. Overall we want our pups to find a forever home and be well taken care of.
Q. & A. with James
Why did you start breeding?
It started with our current dog Duckie. We got her from Cur-San Kennels, a Chesapeake Kennels with 55 years experience in breeding. Sandy talked with us and worked with us to help us determine what we needed to add to our Dam and she has helped us through with our first litter and provide a wealth of knowledge. If I could get and retain 1% of what Sandy knows I would be so lucky.
What makes your program special?
We test our dogs for multiple health clearances, hips / elbow OFAs, Vet check, microchip, deworm, and socialize the pups prior to going to their forever home. The pups are introduced to various noises and stimulations while with us and introduced to wings from ducks in order to get the pups into birds.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are brown. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Blue Dot
Reserved
Female
Gold Dot
Reserved
Female
Purple Dot
Reserved
Male
Boy 6
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from James
James 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.
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.
Price
Connect with James to learn more details about pricing.
“Price includes health guarantee, first vaccines, microchip, deworming, and declaw removal. Typically non-refundable but if I am unable to provide you with a puppy, I will refund deposit.”
Contract & health guarantee
James 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 James 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 James directly.
Kilbourn Chesapeakes meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
James M.
Litter update on 15 Nov. •
Bedtime Snack and good night!
Cota and Duckie's litter
Parent dogs
Duckie, mom
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
About Duckie
Duckie is a younger, brown female weighing in at around 70 pounds. She has completed her health clearances and those are listed on her profile. She is currently competing in AKC Hunt Tests & UKC HRC events, earning her Junior Hunt title on 7/24/2021 and her UKC Started title on 08/08/2021. She went 8 for 8 on hunt tests in 2021 and will start on the next levels of AKC & HRC in 2022. Duckie earned her Canine Good Citizen Title in April of 2022 and is now certified and can do visits to Nursing Homes and other similar facilities.
Duckie is currently working towards her AKC and UKC conformation championship. She is a great family dog that would spent all her time curled up on the couch with us if we would let her.
Kilbourn Chesapeakes 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 Chesapeake Bay 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.
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.