GOLD CREEK RANCH
Our Journey
A Lifetime of Learning Led Us Here
People often ask why we chose Border Collies.
The truth is, our journey didn't begin with Border Collies at all.
It began with a little girl who simply couldn't imagine life without animals.
From my earliest memories, animals weren't just part of my life – they were my teachers. I grew up in a family that loved and respected all creatures, and by the age of seven I was already fascinated by breeding and watching new life begin. What started with a pair of guinea pigs quickly became a lifelong passion for understanding animals, genetics, behavior, and the incredible relationships they form with people.
I didn't know it then, but every experience was preparing me for what would eventually become Gold Creek Ranch Border Collies.
Learning From Horses
Long before Border Collies became my life's work, horses shaped the way I viewed the world.
My uncle was both a cattleman and a veterinarian, and he introduced me to horses before I could even remember. In fact, my family likes to joke that my first word wasn't "Mama" or "Daddy"– it was horse.
At twenty-five, I began breeding Egyptian Arabian horses, a passion that would span more than four decades.
Those years taught me lessons no book ever could.
Watching mares raise their foals, observing herd dynamics, understanding leadership, trust, communication, and emotional resilience—all of it deepened my appreciation for how animals learn from one another and from us.
Those experiences continue to influence every puppy we raise today.
A Philosophy Begins to Take Shape
Throughout the years I also bred several dog breeds, including German Shepherds, Afghan Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Jack Russell Terriers.
Each breed had something valuable to teach me.
But one lesson became increasingly clear: Animals learn best when they feel safe, confident, and understood.
When I discovered Pat Parelli's Natural Horsemanship program, it reinforced what I had already begun to believe—that partnership, trust, and positive communication create extraordinary results.
Later, my sister, Kim Moore, expanded that philosophy even further through her work with Absolute Dogs and her extensive study of reward-based puppy development.
Together we've continued to refine and build a development program that gives every Gold Creek Ranch puppy the strongest possible foundation for life.
Then Came the Border Collie
I've loved every breed I've had the privilege of raising.
But everything changed when Border Collies entered my life.
They challenged me in ways no other breed ever had.
Their intelligence. Their sensitivity. Their incredible work ethic. Their desire to think, solve problems, and partner with people.
The more I learned, the more fascinated I became.
Border Collies weren't simply intelligent dogs. They had been carefully developed over generations to work alongside one person, often for long hours in quiet partnership, making decisions, solving problems, and bringing calm to chaos.
That history explained so much about who they are today.
It also inspired everything we wanted Gold Creek Ranch Border Collies to become.
Still Learning Every Day
One of the greatest gifts animals have given me is the understanding that learning never ends.
Every litter teaches us something.
Every puppy reveals something new.
Every owner helps us continue growing.
Over the years we've devoted ourselves to studying pedigrees, genetics, nutrition, health, puppy development, and positive training methods – not because we've reached the finish line, but because preserving this remarkable breed requires continual learning.
That commitment remains at the heart of Gold Creek Ranch Border Collies today.
Why We Do What We Do
When families ask why our breeding program is different, the answer isn't found in a single philosophy or technique.
It's found in a lifetime of experiences.
From horses and cattle... To decades of breeding... To studying animal behavior... To raising Border Collies...
Every chapter has shaped the way we think about breeding, puppy development, and the responsibility we have to every puppy that leaves our ranch.
Looking back, it's easy to see that every animal who crossed our path was preparing us for this one extraordinary breed.
And today, we're honored to share everything we've learned with the families who trust us to become part of their journey.
Our journey brought us to the Border Collie.
Our hope is that your journey leads you to a lifetime of partnership with one.
Special Thanks
To the Breeders Whose Influence is Found
in Our Breeding Program
Our male Texas is everything I could want and more. His breeder Richard Schwab died in August 2017. He was 81-82 years old and battling an illness, he died during hurricane Harvey which hit their area. He was a typical cowboy, a man of few words, so when he became a bit of a texting buddy giving me updated stories and photos of "Mr. Montana" has he called him, well I fell in love.
I never met Richard but promised him Texas and I would make him proud. It is breeders like he, Joan & Lynn Mason, Anita Pratt, the Knox’s, etc. who set a high bar for quality built upon generations of always quality and integrity.
When I grow up I want to be remembered for meeting their exacting standards.
- Suzy
Next: Go to Our Philosophy