Once Upon A Moose (OUM)
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- Cotopaxi, CO
- Responds within a few days
- 100% recommend •
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.
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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.
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Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Veronica- green
Went homeFemale
Velma- purple
Went homeFemale
Velocity- pink
Went homeFemale
Velvet- yellow
Went homeFemale
Victoria- red
Went homeFemale
Valentino- blue
Went homeMale
Victor- black
Went homeMale
Vern- orange
Went homeMale
Villaroy- brown
Went homeMale
Vincent- gray
Went homeMale
Maeve
Went homeFemale
Ulysses- grey
Went homeMale
Uriah- black
Went homeMale
Umi- purple
Went homeFemale
Uri- orange
Went homeFemale
Ulla- red
Went homeFemale
Urbane- yellow
Went homeMale
Ugo- light green
Went homeMale
Umberto- light blue
Went homeMale
Utica- dark blue
Went homeMale
Ulrik- dark green
Went homeMale
Po
Went homeMale
Tamale
Went homeFemale
Tostada
Went homeFemale
Tortilla
Went homeFemale
Tequila
Went homeFemale
Taco
Went homeMale
Taquito
Went homeMale
Tomatillo
Went homeMale
Tapitio
Went homeMale
Saffron- light pink
Went homeFemale
Sapphire- grey
Went homeMale
Snoop- orange
Went homeMale
Squeakers- hot pink
Went homeFemale
Sprout- light green
Went homeMale
Syrup- yellow
Went homeFemale
Sasquatch- blue
Went homeMale
Sage- purple
Went homeFemale
Skittles- teal
Went homeFemale
Squirrel- red
Went homeFemale
Scooby- black
Went homeMale
Sumo- dark green
Went homeMale
Eggnog
Went homeMale
Yule
Went homeMale
Claus
Went homeMale
Kringle
Went homeMale
Holly
Went homeFemale
Chestnut
Went homeMale
Noel
Went homeFemale
Sleigh
Went homeMale
Tinsel
Went homeFemale
Opie
Went homeMale
Olaf
Went homeMale
Otto
Went homeMale
Owen
Went homeMale
Orchid
Went homeFemale
Odette
Went homeFemale
Opal
Went homeFemale
Oaklyn
Went homeFemale
Oswald
Went homeMale
Oliver
Went homeMale
Ophelia
Went homeFemale
Oasis
Went homeFemale
Oleander
Went homeFemale
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
“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.
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
5140 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Denver Airport
5026 miles away
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Meet in Colorado Springs, CO
5087 miles away
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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 about 4 years
Vanessa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.
Vanessa’s links
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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
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Vanessa W.
Litter update on 04 Mar •The 5 pups that are still here on our ranch received their second round of vaccines today. They all did beautifully!
Grover and Isla's litter
Vanessa W.
Litter update on 18 Feb •
Grover and Isla's litter
Vanessa W.
Program update on 13 Feb •
Vanessa W.
Litter update on 10 Feb •Po is a 9 months old full sibling to these little floofs! Best big bro ever!
Grover and Isla's litter
Vanessa W.
Litter update on 05 Feb •The pups had their vet visit today. They are all super healthy and look great. They also had their vaccinations, were microchipped, and had their 3rd of 4 deworming. Not long before these cuties start packing their bags for new adventures. 🙂🐾
Grover and Isla's litter
Vanessa W.
Litter update on 21 June 2025 •
Grover and Isla's litter
Vanessa W.
Litter update on 22 May 2025 •Our little Colorado Mountain Potatoes are chunking up nicely. They turned 2 weeks old on Monday and recieved their first of four rounds of dewormer. Their little eyes and ears are opening. So sweet! 🥰🐾
Grover and Isla's litter
Parent dogs
Isla, mom
Colorado Mountain Dog
About Isla
Isla is a female Colorado Mountain Dog. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Vanessa decided to make her part of their program. Vanessa has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Great health testing
DNA Disease Panel.Grover, dad
Colorado Mountain Dog
About Grover
Grover is a male Colorado Mountain Dog. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Vanessa decided to make him part of their program. Vanessa has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Great health testing
DNA Disease Panel.
Parent health 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
+4Vanessa 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
+4Vanessa 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
+7We 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
+4Vanessa 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.
CHChristine 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.
