Our Mission Statement, Personal Goals, & Ethics for Breeding and Health
Stetson's Story
This is Stetson who was susposed to be a Minature Schnauzer, but has turned out to be a Standard Schnauzer (genetic throw back). He was purchased by my mom, who for years wanted a Mini Schnauzer but could not afford the prices from an ethical/show breeder. She found a local "breeder" and purchased him. For the first 4 months of Stetson's life he was a happy fun loving puppy, but soon after things turned for the worst. He soon became sick constantly, having diarrhea and vomiting each night. For 2 years Stetson was almost constantly sick and mom couldn't bare the thought of putting him down because she loved him so much. One day while talking to a co-worker they realized they had the same problem, both had purchased a sick puppy from the same breeder. After thousands of dollars in vet bills, and tests run by the renowned Kansas State University Animal Science program it was determined they had a hereditary combination of severe allergies, skin conditions, and extreme acid reflux. Turns out the "breeder" knows about these problems as his female has them (which he claims are not as bad) and he repeatedly breeds her. Now Stetson is on a very strict and expensive diet and takes pills everyday. He has to stay in his crate almost 24/7 as chewing on anything (toys, dog beds, treats, even leaves and grasses) will make him sick. Not a happy life for a dog wanting to be loved and an owner who wanted a healthy puppy. So Please do your research on the breed of dog you prefer and find an ethical breeder (many are good at disguising a "nice website") and don't be fooled. Ask questions!! |
Update: Stetson passed away in February of 2012 at the age 5 to cancer in his lymph nodes. Although the breeder did not cause this, he caused many problems with Stetson and an outstanding number of other puppies. This so-called "breeder" was nothing more than a rehearsed used car salesman looking to make a fast buck.
Even though she wouldn't trade a day with Stetson, my mom had to pay a steep price for a cheap puppy. |
Don't pay a STEEP PRICE for CHEAP QUALITY!
At Stockman ACDs , we spend valuable time, resources,
and money into genetic health testing, and the study of temperament,
working ability, and socialization of our dogs!
At Stockman ACDs , we spend valuable time, resources,
and money into genetic health testing, and the study of temperament,
working ability, and socialization of our dogs!
We have the highest respect for our dogs and the Australian Cattle Dog breed, therefor, we take great pride in providing the appropriate environment, social development, and training needed to correctly sustain the breed. We strive to keep the intelligence, workability, and integrity of the Australian Cattle Dog alive and strong in our dogs, while still meeting the conformational breed standard set forth by the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America in compliance with the American Kennel Club. Our puppies are bred to be of the highest quality from genetics to lifetime health; exceling in all aspects of competition and as a family member.
When Stockman Australian Cattle Dogs decide to breed/produce a litter, we will breed only for the purpose of improving the quality of the breed. We will conscientiously plan each litter of puppies; selecting a stud dog and bitch to be mated based upon years of research into their pedigrees and bloodlines for phenotypic and genotypic quality, while taking into consideration health, temperament, working ability, and suitability for the breed ring. We hold our program to the highest standards for the breed by completing ALL health tests BEFORE any breeding takes place to ensure the health of our puppies. Health clearances completed include Hip/Elbow Dysplasia, Baer (deafness), PRA-prcd (genetic blindness), Patellas, Cardiac, PLL (primary lens), and PRCD4 (genetic eye disease). PLEASE do research on every breeder and ASK QUESTIONS before purchasing your new family member! Some breeders will simply state their dogs are healthy but don't provide results (check OFA's website for published results and/or ask for copies of health certificates for unpublished), and some will use fancy slogans or guarantee that their dogs' lines don't have the genetic health defects that the ACD breed has (THEY DO, but simply do not want the cost of testing)! This is 2014, there is NO EXCUSE for not completing health screenings on breeding dogs! We guarantee the health of our dogs and puppies for life through extensive research on the breed's health problems and dedicate ourselves to evaluating all aspects of a particular breeding's lineage.
We WILL NOT place a puppy in any home not seen fit, as the breed has extensive exercise and mental stimulation needs. NO puppies will go on a basis of being strictly a breeding dog. ALL puppies will be placed with families that can provide a comfortable, long lived, happy life. We hope you understand that our puppy's welfare is our foremost concern! We do not breed our dogs to sell puppies regularly. When Stockman Australian Cattle Dogs breed, we will only be breeding to help further the breed and pass on those desirable traits. All pups/adults will be sold on a binding spay/neuter contract except for the few exceptional high quality show pups that will be placed accordingly on a co-ownership basis. If, for whatever reason, you cannot continue to keep our dog/puppy, we will take it back, no questions asked, and he/she will live their lives out as our family member.
*Stockman ACDs reserves the right to choose & has sole discretion in determining what homes/families are suitable for our puppies and/or adults, either bred and owned here at Stockman Kennels, or rescued by us. All potential families are required to fill out an application to be considered for a waiting list. If suited with the right puppy/rescue, family members will sign a legally binding contract pertaining to the physical & mental health, care, and well-being of the cattle dog for it's lifetime. Please understand that our dogs are apart of our family from birth to their last breath, we simply do NOT want our own dogs/puppies to end up in the wrong hands or in a shelter down the road.*
We ask that you allow us to be involved in your new family member's life and take advantage of our knowledge and resources when needed. Our dogs/puppies are valuable family members to us from the beginning, so we are with you and your puppy for life; as any reputable breeder should be.
I've witnessed what irresponsible breeding can result in first hand and it's a sad, lonely life for any dog. Breeding for anything other than a completely healthy and sound puppy is utterly unethical. (Please read Stetson's story below)
-Megan Miller-Gloshen
Owner/Breeder/Trainer of Stockman Australian Cattle Dogs Since 2005
When Stockman Australian Cattle Dogs decide to breed/produce a litter, we will breed only for the purpose of improving the quality of the breed. We will conscientiously plan each litter of puppies; selecting a stud dog and bitch to be mated based upon years of research into their pedigrees and bloodlines for phenotypic and genotypic quality, while taking into consideration health, temperament, working ability, and suitability for the breed ring. We hold our program to the highest standards for the breed by completing ALL health tests BEFORE any breeding takes place to ensure the health of our puppies. Health clearances completed include Hip/Elbow Dysplasia, Baer (deafness), PRA-prcd (genetic blindness), Patellas, Cardiac, PLL (primary lens), and PRCD4 (genetic eye disease). PLEASE do research on every breeder and ASK QUESTIONS before purchasing your new family member! Some breeders will simply state their dogs are healthy but don't provide results (check OFA's website for published results and/or ask for copies of health certificates for unpublished), and some will use fancy slogans or guarantee that their dogs' lines don't have the genetic health defects that the ACD breed has (THEY DO, but simply do not want the cost of testing)! This is 2014, there is NO EXCUSE for not completing health screenings on breeding dogs! We guarantee the health of our dogs and puppies for life through extensive research on the breed's health problems and dedicate ourselves to evaluating all aspects of a particular breeding's lineage.
We WILL NOT place a puppy in any home not seen fit, as the breed has extensive exercise and mental stimulation needs. NO puppies will go on a basis of being strictly a breeding dog. ALL puppies will be placed with families that can provide a comfortable, long lived, happy life. We hope you understand that our puppy's welfare is our foremost concern! We do not breed our dogs to sell puppies regularly. When Stockman Australian Cattle Dogs breed, we will only be breeding to help further the breed and pass on those desirable traits. All pups/adults will be sold on a binding spay/neuter contract except for the few exceptional high quality show pups that will be placed accordingly on a co-ownership basis. If, for whatever reason, you cannot continue to keep our dog/puppy, we will take it back, no questions asked, and he/she will live their lives out as our family member.
*Stockman ACDs reserves the right to choose & has sole discretion in determining what homes/families are suitable for our puppies and/or adults, either bred and owned here at Stockman Kennels, or rescued by us. All potential families are required to fill out an application to be considered for a waiting list. If suited with the right puppy/rescue, family members will sign a legally binding contract pertaining to the physical & mental health, care, and well-being of the cattle dog for it's lifetime. Please understand that our dogs are apart of our family from birth to their last breath, we simply do NOT want our own dogs/puppies to end up in the wrong hands or in a shelter down the road.*
We ask that you allow us to be involved in your new family member's life and take advantage of our knowledge and resources when needed. Our dogs/puppies are valuable family members to us from the beginning, so we are with you and your puppy for life; as any reputable breeder should be.
I've witnessed what irresponsible breeding can result in first hand and it's a sad, lonely life for any dog. Breeding for anything other than a completely healthy and sound puppy is utterly unethical. (Please read Stetson's story below)
-Megan Miller-Gloshen
Owner/Breeder/Trainer of Stockman Australian Cattle Dogs Since 2005