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We imported our foundation bitch
Sheltex Fizzy Lizzy from England in 1989 and our kennel name was granted by the
FCI in 1991, the year the first litter was born.
Lizzy was our first import and she is the mother of our first homebred champion.
We like to go to shows with our dogs and have been very successful so far but firstly we respect and appreciate every one of our dogs for what they are and not for what they have won in the ring or might win in the future. Needless to say our dogs live with us in the house .
Because we see our dogs as part of
our lives we don't belong to those breeders that re-home their dogs once we
are no longer breeding or showing with them anymore.
In other words: the dogs we have will stay with us untill they die or there have
to be specific reasons for the welfare of a certain dog that force us to find
another home for it. Not a single dog overhere needs to make 'room' for the next
generation. It is therefor we sometimes have pick of the litter puppies/youngsters
available under certain conditions.
Our vision
Although we know there's a lot of rejection against it we have
chosen not to walk the easy path and are using dogs from American/Canadian lines
next to our English lines.
There are breeders who believe the only correct type is the English type of
Sheltie but also among the English dogs there is so much variation in type it is
hard for them to point out what that correct breedtype really is..
The showresults of several American/Canadian dogs and their 'crosses' under
English breed specialist/judges shows that they also can appreciate these
'crosses', we think this proves that it is a good thing to keep an open mind and
recognize the qualities that dogs from both sites of the world have to offer and
not bet on just a few lines with all the consequenses this might have in the
future.
In our opinion a good Sheltie is a good Sheltie no matter
where it comes from. We do not promote either of the types nor do we try to
provoke but would really appreciate it if dogs were being judged on their
virtues and not their pedigree.
It is a real shame that a lot of these judgements are made by people who only
know the American dogs from pictures and other peoples opinion.
Maybe it deserves respect when people choose not to walk the easy path but
believe there are more ways to achieve our goals: breeding the perfect Shetland
Sheepdog!!
Why are we doing this?
Not an easy question to
answer.........
Firstly and most importantly we breed for ourselves, next to that we hope to
make a small contribution to the future of this lovely breed.
We spent hours of travelling to shows to show others what we have achieved with dogs
from lines that breeders before us have started and we take pride in our
results.
We miss many of the special happenings in our family because of 'doggy events' and not many of our relatives do understand that....... Like many other breeders we offer much of our social life to enjoy our dogs and they are well worth it!!
Now that you know something of our
background, why we are doing this and what we stand for you might also
understand that we do not often have show puppies available. Why??
Because it so much easier to find good pet homes where people do not care about
show results and the dog is loved for what it is and not for what it
might win in the show ring than this special person that gets the most out of
our dogs and make it shine in the ring.
Because we care about the welfare of our dogs we much rather sell those
promising puppies in a pet home where they will be loved for the rest of their
lives no matter what.
This doesn't mean that you can't contact us if you want a show prospect and think our dogs have what you are looking for. If you think our dogs can offer you something don't hesitate to contact us and tell us what you are looking for. We keep the right to decide if we would like to sell a puppy but will only consider if the dog can stay with you for the rest of it's life no matter what. In special cases (or on request) we will grow out a promising puppy which might be for sale to the right home later on. We might ask you for references.
Those 'only' looking for a pet Sheltie also have to understand they are making a commitment for the coming 10-15 years. They are not buying just a dog, they are adding a new member to the family.
In both cases there has to be the intention to take good care of - and train the dog. We started off with a good socialization but from the moment you take care of the dog it's up to you to continue where we have left it. The dogs we have bred are eager, happy and intelligent creatures, training and socialization makes them to stay that way and let them have a happy healthy life.
We keep the right to refuse any inquiry.
Marcella Koenen