Meramec Kennels

Kaitlynn M.

Breeder of Golden Retrievers

  • Leslie, MO
  • Responds within a few days

Upcoming litters

Frankie
Val

Planned Golden Retriever litter

Due Aug. 2026

Ready Oct. 2026
Val

Planned Golden Retriever litter

Due Jan. 2027

Ready Mar. 2027

Meet the breeder

I'm Kaitlynn M., the breeder behind Meramec Kennels located in Leslie, MO. Our kennel breeds to maintain the golden retriever's natural ability to retrieve game while still being competitive in the conformation ring. We aim to preserve the versatility of the "gentleman's hunting dog" in the field and in the home.

Q. & A. with Kaitlynn

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My father fell in love with golden retrievers when he was young and decided to get into the breed. He and I bred under the name KM Golden Retrievers for several years. I decided to begin splitting my kennel from his in early 2023, forming Meramec Kennels. The name Meramec originates from the Meramec River.

  • What makes your program special?

    Our kennel aims to preserve the natural abilities of the breed by proving our dogs in multiple venues, including conformation, obedience, rally, hunt tests, field trials, tracking, and more.

  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include dark golden, golden, and light golden. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home and a kennel on my property.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Kaitlynn

Kaitlynn 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

Puppy prices include a $200 deposit and between $2,300 - $3,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.

"Price includes age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming. A vet check is done at 8 weeks. Out-of-state travel certificates are available upon request. Deposits are refundable at the discretion of Meramec Kennels. All puppies within a litter are the same price regardless of color, size, and/or quality."

Contract & health guarantee

Kaitlynn 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 Kaitlynn 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 Kaitlynn directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What's included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Microchip
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Initial potty training
      • AKC registration
      • Food & treats
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Kaitlynn.

Breeder's location

Meet in Leslie, MO

4631 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at St. Louis Lambert Airport

4582 miles away

·

Meet in St. Louis, MO

4582 miles away

·

More about Kaitlynn

  • Club memberships

    Kaitlynn is a member of Hunting Retriever Club, Golden Retriever Club of America, and Dardenne Retriever Club.

  • Certifications & recognitions

    AKC Judge, CHIC Certified, American Kennel Club Canine College, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T..

  • Kaitlynn has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years

    Kaitlynn was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.

  • Kaitlynn’s links

Kaitlynn is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Meramec Kennels 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

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Meramec Kennels 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.

  • Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type

    A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.

  • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Golden Retriever Type, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 2, DNA Disease Panel, 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).

Photos

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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.

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.