Butternut Hill
Golden Retrievers
Breeding Excellence in the Heart of Vermont Since 1998
As seen on Good Morning America & People Magazine
Breeding Excellence in the Heart of Vermont Since 1998
As seen on Good Morning America & People Magazine
Our Story
Nestled at the base of Butternut Mountain in Johnson, Vermont, Dana and Susan Menne have devoted over twenty-five years to raising extraordinary Golden Retrievers. What began as a shared passion in 1998 has grown into one of New England's most respected breeding programs.
Our goldens are not kennel dogs — they are cherished members of our family, raised in our home with the same love and attention we give our own children. Each dog is nurtured to develop the friendly, calm temperament that has become our hallmark.
As longtime members of the Golden Retriever Club of America and dedicated participants in conformation, tracking, rally, obedience, and therapy work, we believe every golden deserves a life as full and vibrant as the Vermont countryside that surrounds us. Susan's years of leadership as President of the Green Mountain Golden Retriever Club reflect our deep commitment to the breed's future.
— Dana & Susan Menne, Butternut Hill
The Experience
A once-in-a-lifetime afternoon with our golden family
In September 2023, we partnered with Doug and Becca Worple at Golden Dog Farm — a breathtaking 275-acre property nestled in the Green Mountains of Jeffersonville, Vermont — to create something truly magical.
The Golden Retriever Experience is an hour-long immersion into pure joy. Visitors from around the world travel to our corner of Vermont to spend an unforgettable afternoon surrounded by our multi-generational family of goldens, romping through meadows, exploring trails, and discovering what makes these dogs so extraordinary.
What started as a heartfelt idea quickly captured the world's attention.
ABC's Good Morning America brought cameras to the farm to capture the magic of the Golden Retriever Experience.
People Magazine featured our story, sharing the joy of our golden family with millions of readers nationwide.
From TikTok to Instagram, the Golden Retriever Experience has captured hearts across social media, with videos reaching millions.
The Family
Multi-generational champions, therapy dogs, and beloved family members
Devoted companions and proud champions
Our boys carry generations of champion bloodlines, excelling in conformation and captivating everyone they meet with their gentle, loyal nature.
Graceful mothers and loving hearts
Our girls are the heart and soul of Butternut Hill — devoted mothers, accomplished competitors, and the sweetest companions you'll ever know.
Our beloved Joni participates in the Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study — a groundbreaking research initiative studying health, nutrition, environment, and genetics to help all golden retrievers live longer, healthier lives.
Why Choose Us
Breeding golden retrievers with passion and expertise since 1998
Every golden lives in our home as a beloved family member, never in a kennel
Proud members of the Golden Retriever Club of America for over two decades
Active in conformation, tracking, rally, obedience, and therapy work
As seen on Good Morning America, People Magazine, and WCVB Chronicle
OFA participating breeder, supporting the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
In The News
The Golden Retriever Experience at Golden Dog Farm has captured hearts across the nation, offering visitors an unforgettable afternoon surrounded by these magnificent dogs in the beautiful Vermont countryside.— Featured Coverage
Every great love story starts with a single step — or in our case, a single paw print
Johnson, Vermont
At the base of Butternut Mountain