CITRINE KENNELS at Big Meadow
Farm
Home
of Citrine Golden Retrievers & Citrine Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
Lynn
Tweedt-Rabinowe; Breeder/Owner Handler
Member
GRCA/AWPGA/OHA; Licensed Boarding Facility
Offering
puppies, stud service, boarding and training.
At Citrine
Kennels, our breeding program is small and carefully managed to produce dogs of
extraordinary quality. The chief aim is
to produce superior working and show prospect pups that are exceptional
individuals in form and function, as measured 
by the AKC standards for our
chosen breeds; Golden Retrievers and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. Pups adhere to the key elements of breed
type; that is, be primarily gun dogs and companions.
This
website is intended to give you a general introduction to Citrine Kennels,
answer some of your questions, and encourage you to contact us for more
detailed information. We invite you to
inquire further via telephone or e-mail.
Most often, people who get a
Golden Retriever from us are looking for the perfect companion/pet puppy; they
are not interested in going into the show ring.
That’s perfectly fine with us!
Similarly, most people who look to us to produce their Wirehaired
Pointing Griffon puppy are looking for a companion/hunting buddy.
Interested
in a puppy? We plan one or two litters
in the early part of each year and one or two litters in the latter. When most people are looking, puppies are
generally available or we can refer you to a friend or associate who has a nice
litter, if our babies are already spoken-for.
Sometimes we have young adults, started dogs, or more mature dogs that
are retiring from our show and working programs that we offer to selected
homes.
We
want you to be sure you are ready and will be happy with one of our pups/dogs. There are many books and websites available to
help you determine if you have the time and energy for a pup/dog in your life,
and determine which breeds might be suitable for you, your family and your
needs. We can fine tune your thinking
when we talk. Making sure of your choice
helps us ensure that our pups/dogs will have a wonderful
home with you for their entire lifetime.
We
can safely ship from PDX to major cities all over the
Read
through and browse around our site, e-mail us or call for details and dates of
upcoming litters. If you’re a west coast
local -- from
GOLDENS
The
Golden Retriever, the ultimate companion dog, is renowned as the family pet of
choice. Our six-plus generation line of
Citrine-bred Golden Retrievers is recognizable by fanciers from
coast-to-coast. This particular bitch is
one of the principle foundation dams in the Citrine line, Citrine’s EZ’r Than It Looks. Better
known by her call name, Penny, this lovely girl was not carrying her normally
luxurious coat at the time this photo was taken. This is advantageous now, as the viewer can
see her lovely 
outline. This
“look” is one which we strive to keep, generation after generation.
The
foundation stock that formed the base from which Lynn T-R chose to work finds
its genesis in lines such as Asterling, Honor, and Amberac – all principle to
some of the best t1he nation’s bloodlines have to offer.
From
these powerful roots, the Citrine “base” for producing top-notch, exquisite
individuals springs. Carefully chosen
outcrosses, coupled with selected backcrosses, and linebreedings has produced a
solid, predictable, sound line of great dogs.
Individual Citrine-bred Golden Retrievers selected for inclusion in the
breeding program represent genetic powerhouses of reproductive capability. The human families of pups that go home from
Citrine as companions and working prospects reap the benefits of this thoughtful
planning and selection. Puppies grow-up
to be absolutely beautiful.
GRIFFONS
The
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, gun dog supreme, is a pointing breed. Often clownish, these bristle-faced
characters have a charm all their own. Known as a close-working hunting companion,
the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon excels as an upland 
gamebird dog. He’s versatile enough for a variety of
activities and makes a decent duck dog, too!
In
many breeds, there’s a vast difference in “look” between the dogs in the field
and the dogs in the conformation ring; a vast difference in their abilities,
demeanor, and character, too! That is
not the case with the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Responsible breeders of these dogs want to keep
it that way.
Our
Griffons hunt one day and show the next!
In fact, conformation judges learn in the national club’s education
forum that a dog with a collar-mark in the coat or furnishings suffering a tad
from working in heavy brush and cover should not be held against an
exhibit.
Wirehaired
Pointing Griffons do shed, although not in the overwhelming volume of some
breeds. The wiry coat is easy to
maintain, keeping grooming chores minimal.
Ours
are AKC-registered, purebred Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. We’re AWPGA members, and do not breed the
crosses.
We
like to see a title at both ends of our dogs’ names; a championship up front
and a working/hunting title behind. The
championship indicates the dog or bitch is correct. The working/hunting title indicates they can
do the job they were intended to do.
This is a rarer breed. Good ones
are not easy to find.
Interested
in a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? We
look forward to hearing from you.
PUPPIES
Feel
free to call or email for detailed litter information. To make things a little easier, here are the
basics:
A
deposit is required to get your name on our list or to reserve a puppy.
We
have a very simple buy-sell agreement.
We understand that most people who choose a Citrine-bred puppy are
looking for a healthy and beautiful companion, but they have no plans to enter the
show ring. For pets and working dogs
that are not going to be shown or not destined to become part of a serious
breeding program, we anticipate buyers will spay or neuter their puppy at the
appropriate time.
You’ll
find in your search for a breeder that prices can vary considerably from kennel
to kennel. Often prices will vary by pedigree
of the litters under consideration.
Sometimes prices will vary from puppy to puppy within a litter!
At
Citrine, our aim in establishing prices for pups/dogs is to stay in the
mid-range of the market pricing tiers. For Golden Retriever puppies, figure at
least $1400 and for Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, at least $1200. We welcome your inquiry for the most current
information.
It
is not our policy to charge more for one gender or another. So, we typically have the same price for boy
as for girl pups.
Serious
show homes are given consideration and all arrangements are by private
treaty.
We
provide a detailed information package to new puppy owners and are available to
answer questions, offer tips and ideas, and work with you to make the addition
of your new household member as smooth as possible.
It
is important to note that puppies should stay with their littermates until they
are at least 8 weeks of age in order to get the most out of their sibling
relationships. So, we prefer that babies
going home are between 8 weeks of age and 4 months of age. During this time window, pups will have had
one or two, possible three of their vaccinations; been started on heartworm
preventative; and given other wormers as appropriate. You’ll receive a complete summary to give to
your veterinarian when your pup/dog comes home.
Beyond
4 months, we consider pups to be “started” youngsters. Started pups will be well-socialized and off
to a good beginning in their training.
They will have no trouble bonding with their new people! Each will have had basic yard training, leash
work, crate training, grooming and table experience, and the entire series of puppy
vaccinations including the first rabies vaccination. Each will have had experience with kids and
families, will have been on “hikes” through the orchard and the hayfield, and
have been swimming. And each will have
been in and out of the car on short trips to town. Just so you know, there
is an at-cost addition to the basic puppy price for a started youngster.
You
may have other questions. Contact
us! We are happy to reply to your
inquiries.
[A
special note to San Francisco Bay Area or
STUD SERVICE
Golden
Retrievers standing at stud at Citrine Kennels include:
Ch.
Honor-Citrine’s Easy As Pie (5 SDHF pts.)
"Baker"
Pedigree & Photo
Ch.
Gold Rush Singapore Sling "Raffles" Pedigree
& Photo
The
links will provide pedigree, photo, and clearance information for that
dog. We have limited quantities of
frozen semen available from these wonderful champions and offer it by private
treaty to serious breeders. We work with
ICSB near
Other
Citrine dogs may be greater interest to you as stud dogs. They may be better suited to your bitch; her
pedigree and characteristics.
Golden
Retrievers:
Citrine’s
One Two Many (AKC pointed) "Three" Pedigree
& Photo
Wirehaired
Pointing Griffons standing at stud at Citrine Kennels include:
Ch.
Stonepoint’s E.T. Iron, JH “Ernie”
HEALTH FACTS
In
general, we subscribe to the Codes of Ethics as published by our breed & handler
clubs (GRCA/AWPGA/OHA) and we subscribe to the Code of Sportsmanship, as
published by the AKC.
What
does this mean to the puppy buyer?
It
means we are honest, ethical, and fair in all of our business relationships and
transactions. From a practical
standpoint, it means we get the health clearances on our breeding stock that
are the called-for standard for our breeds: qualified practitioners’
radiographs of hips and elbows are submitted to OFA for evaluations and
consensus reports; reports are made to OFA on the results of a cardiologists’
exams; reports are made to CERF/OFA on the results of ophthalmologists’ exams,
thyroid panels are processed; and similar.
The point of these efforts is that these data base groups make their
records public, subject to scrutiny, and available for breeder researchers and
puppy buyers.
This
is all good. But, we go beyond the
basics in making choices regarding the health of dogs in our breeding program. We screen for allergies and skin conditions,
behavior or temperament problems, structural and balance faults, dentition and
bite issues, and much more.
Are
there early onset cancers to be concerned about in Golden Retrievers? Is there a cancer epidemic? What foods should one avoid? Are the guarantees that some breeders offer
really worth a hill of beans? How do I
make the best choice for my family, my hunting buddy?
When
a breeder makes the decision to pair two individual dogs to produce a litter,
there is much at stake. Your happiness
and pleasure in your pet or hunting companion is very much a part of what is at
risk. The breeder’s future is on-the-line,
too. A smart breeder is using their best
judgment to conclude that the two dogs they are pairing will produce the best
outcome, offer a pathway to a future of better constructed, healthier dogs for
all.
Our
recommendation is that you choose a breeder wisely. Choose someone with experience, pragmatic
good sense, a value system that matches yours, who appreciates and understands
your interest and needs. You are
choosing the person who is responsible for bringing your pup into the
world.
CONTACT INFO
Telephone
numbers for Lynn Tweedt-Rabinowe
At
home in the country 503-366-3565
On
the road in the show van or motorcoach 925-518-5393
In
the kennel grooming room and training center
925-946-1068
Click here to E-Mail Lynn T-R at Citrine!
BIG MEADOW FARM
In late
2003, Lynn T-R and her husband Ed Rabinowe, were lucky
enough to find a fabulous country place that met their needs! The Rabinowes had been on-the-scout for an out-of-the-city
location for some time! Having lived in
the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 30 
years, they were ready. With kids out of college and finding
themselves empty-nesters, the timing was perfect.
They
made the purchase, and relocated their lives and activities to Big Meadow Farm,
a historic spot along the
[A
word from the dogs: “Living at Big
Meadow has enriched our lives made us dogs very happy! There’s room to romp and play. It is great fun to eat apples and pears in
the orchard and to chase the chickens and ducks when the people aren’t
watching! Plus, rolling in cow poop
makes a grand perfume! The neighbors
don’t care if you bark either … life is good!!”]
About 35 miles from Portland,
Oregon, Big Meadow was named such by the Lewis & Clark explorers in the
early 1800’s. Once the area was more
settled, the plentiful grass and water offered grazing for livestock owned by
herders who supplied the woolen mills. Big Meadow Farm boasts one of the early
horse-drawn shepherd’s wagons!
After
WWII, Roy & Sybil Wallace developed the entire locale into a Springer
Spaniel training kennel and duck hunters’ hideaway spot. Incidentally, Roy Wallace was brother to
Clifford Wallace, top field trial handler of Springers in the 1940’s and
1950’s.
During
their heyday, the Wallaces trained dogs and entertained the rich and famous,
including avid sportsmen Bing Crosby and Andy Devine. The kennel itself, which Roy Wallace built,
is still in use today, and is home to Citrine Kennels.
The 24-run kennel is spacious
and comfortable with an attached grooming room and bathing facility. The extra runs and space make it possible for
the Rabinowes to offer Boarding for Dogs at Big Meadow Farm. The entire property is well-laid out and
includes rearing barns for game birds; pheasant, chukkar, quail and turkeys.
The
Rabinowes make their home at Big Meadow Farm in a beautiful, century-old,
four-square craftsman home that has been restored and updated to its original
grandeur. 
We’re happy to have you as
our guest and client. Enjoy your
stay. We hope that you will choose a
Citrine-bred puppy for your next pet, companion, show prospect, or hunting dog.
A WORD ABOUT FADS
At
Citrine Kennels, we are advocates for purebred dogs. Our only registry is The American Kennel
Club. We support serious breeders’ and
pet owners’ rights to own and keep dogs.
We oppose anti-dog and restrictive breed-specific legislation. We strive to protect the rights of hunters
and those involved in shooting/hunting sports.
We are
not interested in the efforts of those who produce hybrids, doodle-this-and-thats,
or such fads that come and go. We
believe that people who purposefully pair dogs to produce mongrels and mutts
are in conflict with the best interests of purebred dogs, our breeds, our
sports, and the public.
We
are not interested in those whose efforts focus on color and “pretended”
English lines or looks as their primary purpose in breeding dogs. Substance, bone, and good head as a summation
of a nice dog are part and parcel to what we produce. We don’t call it “English” in an effort to
sell puppies. There are true English and
European pedigrees and we happen to know all the people who work with them and do
good work with those bloodlines. Most
that advertise as “English” are fooling the public and are not what they
present.
We
are not interested in over-sized or giant Goldens. We are not interested in miniature
Goldens. We find any and all of these
spur-lines off the main track of good dogs to be deeply troubling and very
sad.
In
short, we deeply respect the traditions of the dog community and find it offers
a source of much dignity in our lives. We
value the hard work of the many serious dog enthusiasts of the past who worked
to develop and nurture the dog breeds that we enjoy today.
It
will be our legacy, hopefully, for the beautiful bloodlines from Citrine
Kennels to be proudly included in the pedigrees of purebred, AKC registered
dogs in generations to come.
PHOTO ALBUM
From
time to time, we’ll post photos to this site.
We can e-mail other photos for you to view as well. Just ask!
ABOUT LYNN T-R
Lynn
Tweedt-Rabinowe founded Citrine Kennels in the 1980’s as a Golden Retriever
Show Kennel. She chose to work primarily
with Golden Retrievers. Traveling the
campaign routes to key AKC dog show events all over the country, Lynn T-R
established a name for herself as a competitive, honest, and sportsmanlike
exhibitor. Competing in conformation
with her Goldens, and several other breeds; observing the multitude of breeds
in competition; studying judges as they completed their assignments; discussing
various breeding and breedings with other handlers; Lynn T-R became familiar
with many breeds, principles of breed type, and carefully honed her eye for a
good dog.
As a
natural progression, Lynn T-R established her Golden Retriever breeding program
and chose the kennel name, Citrine. Her
first home-bred Champion (Ch. Honor-Citrine’s Easy as Pie, 5 SDHF pts.); came
from her initial litter. After which,
she quickly earned the GRCA Outstanding Dam title for her foundation bitch by
campaigning and finishing the puppies from that bitch’s early litters entirely
on her own. Sharing her knowledge, she
has coached and aided others as a mentor and friend. Many championships and titles have followed
for Citrine-bred dogs.
The
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was added to the Citrine Kennel program in mid-2000
when Lynn T-R acquired a well-bred bitch in that breed who became Ch. Butte
View’s No Stout About It, JH. Capitalizing on her experience, Lynn T-R was
able to quickly establish a presence in Griffons, finishing and titling
multiple dogs and bitches.
Lynn
T-R is devoted to her work and her dogs, continuing to handle most of her
entries in the show ring herself. Always
willing to help people “get started” in the sport of showing dogs, she is
available for handling lessons, grooming clinics, and training sessions.
Call
us! 503-366-3565
Or send
an e-mail message! E-mail Citrine!