About Stonegate Kennels |
We live on 12 acres just east of Charlotte, North Carolina; and contrary to our name, I actually do not have any "kennels" on my property, however, we do use large 20 X 100 foot runs.
I do not believe that the dogs should be kept out in kennels all of the time. Boerboels are family dogs and want to be with the family. They do not thrive if kept in kennels 24/7. They want to be with the people that they love the most.
My dogs are all family dogs. They all spend individual quality time with the family. When I go somewhere, to town or out of town, one or two of the dogs always goes with me. I do have to switch out which dogs I take, but everyone gets to go.
All the dogs come in the house. Obviously, not at the same time, I am not crazy! But they do all come in and stay in. They know how to behave in the house. And believe it or not, my house is extremely clean. It does not reflect the dogs that do get to come in. It doesn't smell or look like dogs live in the house. Now, I am not saying that to try to make you believe that the boerboel is the cleanest dog around, but only to say that I work hard not to live in filth. The boerboel is a normal dog and they do like to play, roll, swim and do other "normal" dog stuff. And yes, they do shed. Not tons like a lab, but they do shed. Frequent vacuuming is a must for a house with more than one boerboel inside.
I have been involved with dogs since I was 5 years old. Understanding and dealing with dogs came naturally to me. Therefore, training a dog was a pleasure for both the dog and I. I started training when I was 11 years old.
I soon started handling Dobermans and Boxers for the AKC show ring and naturally started breeding Boxers myself. I decided to stop handling and breeding boxers for a number of reasons.
And then I ran across my first ad for the boerboel. I couldn't believe the picture I was looking at. That dog was unbelievable. I started my research then and the rest is history! That was 1997! I have actually owned boerboels since 1998. That is longer than most breeders. I have been actively involved with anything that promotes the breed in a positive manner. I have gone to every appraisal and have shown my dogs and practice agility and obedience with them. Now, I am no expert on the breed. My dogs still teach me something new everyday.
I could not imagine life without a boerboel. They are my true joy, second to my son.
The boerboel can differ greatly between themselves. There are currently many different phenotypes. That makes it truly difficult to breed a good boerboel. There can be two boerboels standing next to each other and they might look nothing alike. A careful breeder does their best to match a male and female that will compliment each other and produce nice puppies. But a good breeder also has to literally have an eye into the future to see how the puppies are going to turn out. And even then, you can't always be dead on. You can't just have a good male. Although the male is important, I believe that the female is just as important. She must possess qualities that mix well with the male's. It is a science.
I plan on improving the breed in a couple of different ways. I see a problem with angulation in the rear. Most boerboels do not have good angulation. I want to help with the feet also. The paws should be large with heavy pads. Nice tight toes in the front and the back. And the dog should not be flat footed. I have also noticed that females usually lack a little in the head. I want to help improve that also. I have big plans for the boerboel and it will take time to do everything that I want to do, but I am here for the long haul.
I welcome visitors anytime. If you are ever in the area, please give me a call. I never miss an opportunity to help someone learn about the boerboel and to talk about my dogs.
If you have any questions that are not answered on the web site, please feel free to call or email me. |
Our Mission |
Our Mission here at Stonegate Kennels is to produce puppies that are true type boerboels. The way the boerboel was originally bred to be. Big, strong, and agile with an exceptional temperament. I am able to do this by breeding top quality boerboels meeting all of the requirements of the SABT and more. They must pass the appraisal with an 80% or above and their hips must be rated 1:1 or less. Their bloodlines must not carry any type of genetic defect and their temperament must be right on the money. Which means I will not breed a fearful, skittish, or aggressive dog!
By doing this, I am breeding a better dog. Which should be the only point in breeding! I will never churn out litter after litter. These puppies are my babies and I take care of them as such. They are heavily socialized before they leave for their new homes.
My babies are only placed in approved homes. I won't hand my puppies to just anyone. Before I will even place you on my waiting list, I must get to know you and the living conditions that you plan to provide for the puppy.
I also, give lifetime support and assistance. I will always be here for my puppies and the people who own them. |
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