Once Upon A Moose (OUM)

Vanessa W.

Breeder of Colorado Mountain Dogs

  • Cotopaxi, CO
  • Responds within a few days

Meet the breeder

I'm Vanessa W., the breeder behind Once Upon A Moose (OUM) located in Cotopaxi, CO. We are committed to always responsibly breeding with the best interest of our puppies’ health and longevity at the forefront. Our breedings are carefully thought out so we are able to match pedigrees, body types, temperaments, and personalities in order to share only well-bred puppies.

Q. & A. with Vanessa

  • Why did you start breeding?

    We never set out to be breeders. However with livestock and young kids, we needed protection from predators. Once we saw these amazing dogs in action we fell hard and fast for them and the vision of what the Colorado Mountain Dog was being developed for.

  • What makes your program special?

    We are dedicated to only breeding the best of the best. Our dogs all go through a rigorous evaluation process that goes on for months. We do genetic health testing to ensure the health of our pups. We have passed on many dogs that are not the perfect fit for our program. Once we have a litter the pups are cared for and handled daily to ensure the bond with humans are developed and nurtured.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home and guardian homes.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Vanessa

Vanessa has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

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 $250 non-refundable deposit and between $700 - $1,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“This includes registration with the Colorado Mountain Dog Registry, full dewormings at 2, 4, 6, & 8 weeks, first round of vaccines, and a microchip implant. Deposits start being taken after the litter is on the ground. Choice of pup is based on order of deposits.”

Contract & health guarantee

Vanessa 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 Vanessa 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 Vanessa directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

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
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • 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
      • Vet records
      • Microchip
    • Extras
      • Food & treats
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Cotopaxi, CO

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Denver Airport

Meet in Colorado Springs, CO

More about Vanessa

  • Club memberships

    Vanessa is a member of Colorado Mountain Dog Registry and American Rare Breed Association .

  • Certifications & recognitions

    Pet Care Program PACFA licensed, American Rare Breed Association .

  • Vanessa has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years

    Vanessa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

  • Vanessa’s links

Vanessa is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Once Upon A Moose (OUM) 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

Once Upon A Moose (OUM) 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 Colorado Mountain Dogs.

  • 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.

  • DNA Disease Panel

    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).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Vanessa to bring home their puppies.

  • Hanna C.

    Verified owner · Mar. 2026

      • +4

    Vanessa was absolutely wonderful during this experience. I flew from Alaska to come and meet Ozie! Vanessa was super flexible with meeting me at the airport and was understanding when flights were delayed. She made sure I had a health certificate for Ozie's travel home to Alaska! She had his vaccinations and microchip papers ready! She even had a full gallon size bag of food to make sure he had something for our journey! Me and my Family will recommend Vanessa and Speak highly for her love, caring and devotion to these beautiful pups! She is warm and caring! Thank you so much for my new adventure buddy!

    Hailey P.

    Verified owner · Feb. 2025

      • +4

    Vanessa was great! She always responded in a timely manner and was very educated and helpful. I loved that she allowed me and my husband to go to the farm so we could pick out the perfect pup for us.

    Hillary C.

    Verified owner · Jan. 2025

      • +7

    We had the best experience with Vanessa!! She was super responsive, helpful, and made the entire process of adopting a new furry member of our family so easy. It was a magical drive in and out of her beautiful farm and simply the best experience. We love our new dog so much and simply can't imagine life without her.

  • Fiona K.

    Verified owner · Feb. 2026

    Vanessa was amazing! She was so welcoming and knowledgeable about the breed's needs and history. I felt completely reassured when we communicated about our process of picking up my little fur baby. She answered all my little questions without hesitation and made each step of getting my puppy easy to understand. She provided me with Goose's vaccinations, microchip, and family background, and also provided a gallon-sized bag of food to start off with. I couldn't recommend Vanessa and her family enough to anyone thinking about getting a Colorado Mountain Dog. Vanessa is so knowledgable and caring about her puppies. They truly are such a great breed, and amazing companions. Thank you again, Vanessa, you gave me a new family member that I will cherish forever:)

    Kirsty S.

    Verified owner · Feb. 2025

      • +4

    Vanessa was wonderful to work with! She was extremely helpful and answered my extensive list of questions happily and honestly. Laboon has been such an amazing addition to our family and came home confident, so friendly and exactly the breed standard Vanessa described.

    CH

    Christine H.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2023

    OUM responded quickly to all of my inquiries. Very informative on the CMD breed and our Della is such a delight to have in our home.

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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.

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