When I watch new mama dogs with puppies, I’m struck by their instinctual tenderness while caring for their newborns.

Bliss, 9-weeks-old, taking her place in her family of hunting retrievers.
We recently brought home our newest puppy addition. This past weekend, I got to thinking of when she has pups. She’ll have to wait until she passes important health clearances and has proven herself as a hunting dog and family companion, so it’ll be at least two years before she becomes a mom.
I personally know many of the “Mamas” on her dam’s side.
I think Bliss will do them proud. I hope you enjoy this gallery of some of the mama retrievers in her lineage. Just click an image to open a larger view.
- 1989 – Great-great-great-Granddam, Kate, 6-months-old, after a pheasant hunt with Bo. (great-great-great-grandsire)
- Great-great-great-granddam, Katy.
- Great-great-great-granddam, Sadie. Photo, courtesy Sally Bates.
- Lacey, great-great-grandam. Photo-courtesy Kathleen Hagen
- Great-great-granddam, Lacey at work.
- Great-great-granddam Mandy.
- Great-great-granddam, Blaze, at 7-weeks-old.
- Great-granddam, Blaze, at 4-months-old.
- Great-granddam, Blaze, at 2-years-old.
- Bliss and her great-granddam, Chloe. Two peas in a pod.
- Bliss with Granddam Gracie, Aunt Bella, Great-granddam Chloe.
- Granddam, Gracie, earning her AKC Junior Hunter title earlier this year.
- Bliss’ mom, Cinnamon, at 6-weeks-old.
- Bliss is all in for time to play.
- Bliss loves playing retrieve with Tim.
- Bliss loves birds…
- Bliss, 9-weeks-old, taking her place in her family of hunting retrievers.
- Retail’s Guilty Pleasure “Bliss” sneaking Saturday Night Redtail Ducks Ahoy “Sailor’s” duck.