The story of Balmoral...

Back in 1995, I (Katie) went to the Erie County Fair and saw the 4-H kids showing their dogs. Since we were moving in a few months to somewhere where we could have a dog, I told my parents I was going to get myself a dog and go on and win not only County Fair but State Fair too! Pretty high expectations for a 10 year old that had never owned a dog before, let alone trained one. Well we settled on a Sheltie. I picked the biggest puppy out of the litter that wouldn't come out to anybody or play. I just felt she was special. That was "Brittany". And the rest is history! In 1996 I made "Brittany" the top Beginner Obedience dog in Erie County and went on to win not only County Fair but State Fair too!! From there "Brittany" was undefeated in Obedience at the State Level and also took awards in Juniors & Agility. I also showed several other dogs to County & State titles. Special thanks to my parents who trucked me, sometimes 5 nights a week, to classes!!

After 7 different show prospect puppies didn't turn out for one reason or 15 others (the hip dysplasia from OFA excellent parents, the runt of a litter ending up at 17 1/2", 5 going over, 1 with a miracle bad bite, ect...). We had the opportunity to purchase a 4-year old "Cruise" daughter. "Lyndsey" came to be our foundation and is behind every dog we have here. "Lyndsey" helped me to get my 3 wins needed to move-up in AKC juniors in just 4 ring appearances. Our first time in AKC juniors I took Best Junior at our local Specialty. During my Junior years I was ranked everywhere from #30- #1. Toward the last few years I was in Juniors I didn't show much due to my commitments to the Breed ring. "Brittany" earned her CD, CDX, NA, NAJ, CGC and TDI. She is now retired and living the high life on the couch and as the camper watch dog at shows! She will always have her drive and spirit to work. And every person that walks in our house or our camper will get a toy thrown at them by "Brittany" until they throw it for her! My mother and I went to many breeding seminars and shows looking for just the right stud dog for "Lyndsey". Someone suggested we go back to her breeders, Sheila Monks & Charlene Jones. We met up with them at a local show and fell in love with their blue boy "Rookie". We bred "Lyndsey" to him twice and got our "Bootsie" (Multi Reserves), "Mikey", and CH "Kallie". "Lyndsey" was in great shape at age 7 so we debated and debated and we decided to breed her again. This time to Sheila & Charlene's boy "Tate" for a line breeding on Am/Can/Jap CH Alfenloch Whirlwind, ROM/ROMC. 5 puppies resulted in that litter. I wanted more then anything a boy to carry on from "Lyndsey". There were 2 one was going over and the other I kept. My mother kept a gorgeous tri girl "Nika" from that litter. Four years ago we purchased "Serena" from Sheila. She is the foundation to our sables. Since then we have bred & owned Specialty winners. We look forward to what the future will bring!!

How are dogs are cared for...

All of our dogs live with us in the house. Our new home has many trails which the dogs love to go for walks down and explore. The dogs have our covered deck and a very large fenced play area off the back of our home. We will be adding to their area each year. Our puppies are born in the Master Bedroom, at 3 weeks they get moved into a raised puppy pen in the living room. This allows them to get used to everyday sights and sounds.  

We take great pride in the dogs we breed. We hope you enjoy your stay! We welcome visitors by appointment only.