KEENMOR GOLDENS
Located near Ladysmith on beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, Mary Shillabeer - breeder, owner, trainer, handler of versatile Golden Retrievers.
Scroll through these photos, to see some of our dogs.
Puppies on occasion.
Field
Golden Retrievers are a wondrous, versatile breed. They were developed as hunting dogs, to work as partners with their owners, therefore they are ready-made for excelling in any venue. It is their instinctual desire to please and to work as a team, that allows them to be capable of so much. In the first paragraph of the CKC Golden Retriever breed standard, Goldens are referred to as “Primarily a hunting dog”. It is my firm belief that breeding for instinct as a hunting dog, is what makes Golden Retrievers so capable in all canine sports.
There are different field events and registries – Working Certificates Tests (CKC & GRCA), Hunt Tests (CKC, AKC, HRC & NAHRA) and Field Trials (CKC & AKC)
Field TRIALS VS Hunt TESTS
Field TRIALS are a COMPETITION, requiring a high level of commitment and training. Dogs are placed 1st to 4th and RCM (Reserve Certificate of Merit) and CM (Certificate of Merit) to those deemed by the judges to have completed the trial. Points are accumulated toward FT titles.
Hunt TESTS are non-competitive field events where the dogs are judged to a standard of the test. The purpose of these tests is to encourage owners and breeders to demonstrate their dog's suitability as retrievers of upland game and waterfowl.
The terms “trials” and “tests” are not interchangeable. The two types of events are significantly different.
Obedience
Golden Retrievers by nature are willing partners. Competition Obedience training can be equated to Dressage in the horse world. The teams do a series of different skills and are scored on their precision and teamwork. In CKC Obedience, the levels are CD, CDX, Utility/OTCH, MOTCH and the Holy Grail - GMOTCH
Of course, Social Obedience is required of all dogs. Contrary to what many people say, Goldens are NOT born obedient! Every dog needs to have some training and to be taught appropriate social behaviour. A well-trained dog is a joy to live with. I recommend that every Keenmor puppy attend obedience classes…possibly several!
Conformation
Dog Shows are the beauty pageants of the dog world. The dogs are judged on their structure and movement, and how well they are presented. Sound structure is VERY important to all working dogs. Without balance and sound conformation, dogs may be prone to breaking down and having injuries. Although we all know of dogs with poor structure who function well, by virtue of their extreme drive and heart! It is important to me that I breed for correct structure and breed type, as it applies to function. I hope to produce moderate dogs who can work all day, and not break down due to excessive bone or poor structure. I avoid breeding for excessive coat, as this is a hindrance to their function and not pleasant to live with. It is important to me that dogs of my breeding are athletic Sporting dogs, that represent the breed well.
Temperament
Health
Longevity
Temperament, health and longevity are extremely important in our breed. Breeding is not an exact science, but I seriously consider those important factors when I pair two dogs together. Both parents have all their health clearances. As well, I do a deep dive into their pedigrees to try to avoid any predictable health issues. Dog breeding is more of an art than a science. In the very unfortunate event of having a health issue that will hinder your plans with your dog, I will work with you on a fair and equitable solution.
All responsible breeders do extensive health clearances on their breeding dogs. To reduce the risk of abnormalities, only breeding stock with clearances for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye and heart diseases are used for breeding. DNA tests are now available so that the expression of genetic diseases can be avoided.
For more information on clearances you should expect for any pup you buy, visit the GRCC Health Concerns page at
Latest News
September 28, 2025
Ninja switched gears and qualified in two Open B and two Utility B obedience classes at the Forbidden Plateau Obedience and Tracking Club trials at Union Bay, BC. She added her third GMOTCH leg to the spreadsheet! In ten days, my versatile girl earned her first conformation points, earned a 3rd in a Qual Field Trial and earned a GMOTCH pair! I could not be more proud!
September 27, 2025
Ninja placed third in the Vancouver Island Retriever Club's Qualifying Field Trial Stake at Swallowfield. Our first "coloured" ribbon in a Qual!
September 18 2025
Ninja earned her first two conformation points at the Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers of British Columbia shows in Chilliwack. WooHOO!
August 18-22, 2025
Ninja earned her NMH title at the Canadian National Master Hunt Test held in Black Creek, BC. Thirty dogs started the week, and Ninja was one of the ten dogs that completed the final test on day five. She had a great week, and I was very proud of her work!
July 10 2025
Wee Hoopla earned her first title! At just four days over six months old, Hoopla passed her Working Certificate test! She rocked her marks...but delivery needs a little work!
May 9-10-11 and 24-25, 2025
Ninja was entered in in 14 Open B and Utility B Obedience classes. She qualified 12 times, completing her MOTCH (Master Obedience Trial Championship), earned 6 HIT's and got a start on her GMOTCH, earning two pairs (scores over 195 in both Open and Utility) of ten pairs needed.
January 6, 2025
Ninja whelped eight pups, 3 boys and 5 girls in THREE hours, during the day! What a great momma, she has been!
September 29, 2024
At the FPOTC Obedience Trials, Ninja qualified in five of eight classes, winning High in Class in four of them. She won three of four “Runner-up” High in Trials, two high scoring Sporting Dog and three high scoring COWN member! In the trials she NQ’d, she was working on some really nice scores. We now only need one pair to finish her MOTCH...which will not happen before she is bred!
September 7, 2024
Ninja passed Master Hunt test #20!
July 28, 2024
Ninja earned 500 HRC Points and her HRC Upland Championship!
July 20-21, 2024
Ninja passed CKC Master Hunt tests # 18 and 19.
July 12, 2024
At 11 ½ years old, Oli won the NAN GORDON MEMORIAL TROPHY at the GRCC National, by qualifying in the WCX, in Utility B AND Open 18B Obedience and winning the Veteran 11+ conformation class. What a thrill and an honour!
July 12, 2024
Ninja won Best Working Retriever at the GRCC National, beating her mother, Oli!
June 16, 2024
Ninja earned Master Hunt pass #17.
June 8, 2024
Ninja earned her Grand Master Hunter title - 15 Master Hunter passes.
May 11-12, 2024
Ninja earned Back-to-Back High in Trials, one with a 199.5 in Open