Thornfield Farm Goldens

Katherine W.

Breeder of Golden Retrievers

  • Groton, NY
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Katherine W., the breeder behind Thornfield Farm Goldens located in Groton, NY. When I bring a litter of puppies into the world, I take that responsibility seriously. I do everything I can to make sure the pups get the best start possible, starting with responsible breeding. Any pup or dog from my program is a part of my family. I have a home for them here if they need it.

Q. & A. with Katherine

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I have always loved puppies. As I child in rural 1950/60's Illinois, I helped neighbors with their "accidental" litters. I breed because I love raising puppies and experiencing the early developmental puppy stages. My background in genetics made me very aware of the pitfalls of mindless breeding. It was important to me to learn about structural, and eventually genetic, testing and clearances.
  • What makes your program special?

    The puppies are raised in my house. Several rooms become the Romper Room, furnished with beds & baby agility-type equipment. Potty areas are kept very clean. In warm weather they have extensive fenced outdoor space. They are handled gently, appropriately & often by friends & family. I breed few litters. I spend hours with the pups in my care. Each pup is a well known and loved individual.
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include dark golden and golden. 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.

Getting a puppy from Katherine

Katherine 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.

Katherine partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 7 weeks old.

"At 7 weeks we test pups using the Volhard PAT. Matches are based on buyer wants & puppy temperament."

Price

Puppy prices include a $150 non-refundable deposit and $1,250 final payment, before taxes & fees.

"The price includes initial socialization, thorough vet exam, vaccinations, and worming. If you need me to hold your puppy beyond 9 weeks, you will cover additional routine vaccinations/vet visits. $150 deposit holds your puppy and your place in the "pick list". It is refundable only if I cannot provide a healthy puppy. It is non-refundable if you commit and change your mind."

Contract & health guarantee

Katherine 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 Katherine 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 Katherine 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
      • 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
    • Extras
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Food & treats

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Groton, NY

Loading Map ...

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester Airport


Meet in Ledyard, CT

More about Katherine

  • Katherine has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years

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

Katherine is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Thornfield Farm Goldens 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

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

Thornfield Farm Goldens 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 2, 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).

Verified owner stories

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

  • Jessica W.

    Verified owner · Feb. 2026

    It was great working with Katherine. She was super responsive and really easy to work with. She gave us updated pictures throughout the whole process, was a wealth of knowledge and our puppy is doing great!

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