Stafford's Pet Design is a small breeding kennel located in central
Indiana. We breed White Shepherds exclusively. We are situated on 2
1/2 acres of land with a 1 1/2 acre fenced exercise/play area for the
dogs.
The seven dogs are kept in the indoor kennels at night and outdoors in
the exercise/play area during the day (depending on the weather). This
arrangement keeps the dogs happy and also keeps the neighbors happy!
We got our first White Shepherd for my son in 1987 and his name was
Spud. Spud didn't have the good hips that I breed today, but he had
heart. When he was six years old he started to slow down. His hips
just couldn't take it. Watching him try to run and play with the
younger dogs would just tear your heart out. It all could have been
avoided if his breeder had been responsible. He never would have had
to go through the pain of hip dysplasia.
I breed only OFA certified White Shepherds. Never will I intentionally
produce a dog that might suffer like Spud. I have signed the AWSA
Breeders Code Of Ethics and I participate in the White Shepherd
Genetics Project to ensure improvement in the next generations of
White Shepherds.
Along with genetic testing you need to make sure that the dog's food
is of superior quality. I am a serious reader of the Whole Dog
Journal. They review foods, toys, and training methods. This is where
I keep up to date on the latest methods of training and the superior
foods available. This allows me to be informed of advancements and
changes taking place in the industry.
Here at Stafford's Pet Design, not only do we strive for genetically
sound dogs, structure and temperament are also paramount. Our dogs
appearance and working ability are important to us and have been
proven by the many wins they have obtained.
I joined the American White Shepherd Association family in 1996 and
volunteered to help with membership. Eventually I found myself
appointed by the board as Membership Chair. I was elected Member Of
The Year in 2002 for my work with White Shepherd Rescue. I passed the
Membership Chair position on to another member when elected to
position of Treasurer. I served in that office for a few years.
I believe that you can't prove you are breeding a good dog unless you
know what a good dog IS, by studying the breed standard, and getting
opinions of judges, and earning titles.
