2008 PUPPIES!

I am now taking applications for our long-awaited, second Epix litter. Breeding is tentatively planned for mid-August.

From this breeding, I am expecting beautiful Belgians with super-sound temperament, and with working ability and work ethic to spare. Health and sound structure are excellent on both the sire's and dam's side. I expect all-around good family dogs, willing, stable, trainable, and adaptable! Inquiries from performance and active companionship homes are welcome. There should be nice prospects in this litter for performance, herding, and therapy work, as well as some show prospects.

The litter will receive a wide variety of human, dog, cat, and environmental socialization. I work with the pups individually as well as in a group, start housetraining and crate training, as well as leash work and some puppy obedience. By doing all this, I get a very good idea of the pups' temperaments, and who will do best in which homes. Each puppy will go home with a puppy clicker training DVD and kit.

All pups will be $750 US. References from previous puppy buyers are available upon request. Puppies will be health checked, immunized, wormed, and microchipped. All pups will be sold on contract. Pet home puppies will be sold on an AKC Limited (non-breeding) Registration.

Please note: I will not be shipping pups via air cargo. Prospective owners must be willing to drive or fly to southern West Virginia to pick up their pups.

If you would like to receive a puppy application/questionnaire, or would like more information on this litter, please email me at arlutai@verizon.net or call me at 304.763.3166 (southern West Virginia).

Julie Cantrell

Some details on the parents-to-be:

Our Asa is a very nice, balanced girl. She is a terrific companion, quite laid back when just hanging out, entertains herself, is interactive but not "needy". She's a wonderful, intense retriever, loves balls and frisbees (she has amazing mouth - eye coordination). When she is "working", whether at playing ball or frisbee, or doing obedience or agility, she is super turned-on with great intensity. She has great jumping style and focus. She has no issues with surfaces or things moving under her, or general sound sensitivities. This is a dog who adores working, loves to play, and is a very easy dog to have around. She does have strong herding instinct, not surprising as her sire is the top herding Belgian Sheepdog in the country. She, like her dad, has no fear of cattle or horses. She is a very "responsible" dog, and truly tries to be helpful. I think that's her greatest joy, being useful to me, and I love that about her. Asa is very easy to motivate for training, which makes her a pleasure to work with. She is toy motivated, food motivated, socially motivated, and just plain work motivated!

Asa is training in tracking (I hope to complete that title this year), obedience (she recently began showing in Rally, completing her Rally Novice title in November '06), and agility. She shows nice instinct and talent in an initial exposure to sheep. Besides continuing in obedience and tracking, we hope to pursue either agility trialing or herding this year.

Asa's health is very good. No history of seizuring in many generations on both the sire's and dam's side. Eye health is good for multiple generations, as are hips (all x-rayed have been Excellent or Good for hips, with elbows Normal). Structure is very sound, with effortless movement. Asa has great stamina, and excellent balance, control and "stop".

You can see more photos of Asa on her page, and Asa'a sire and dam just below.

Anita Meeks' Pede is not just a beautiful example of the breed, he is a fantastic companion dog, enthusiastic worker, and a multiple group placer. Pede has produced some extremely nice companion dogs who have shown themselves very capable in the performance venues, as well as the show ring. He has sired multiple champions and pointed offspring, and obedience titled offspring. Physically he is very sound, and he is known for producing well for lovely structure and movement, and stable, outgoing temperament. Pede has a clear health history, and comes from a family of healthy dogs.

You can see more photos of and information on Pede at the Spitfire Belgian Sheepdog web site.