Who are we?

Hello, and welcome to our Kennel. 

"We" are Steve and Denise. We are a small kennel, only breeding 1-2 litters a year at the most, and then only after careful consideration and planning. Each breeding is done to compliment the particular bitch/stud dog, and to correct weaknesses or improve strengths already existing.  We are very careful about the breeding plans and goals, and each breeding is contemplated by both of us. Denise has an extensive background in animal husbandry, working as a Veterinary Assistant from 1984-1995.  Steve is a retired Farrier, with a great eye for a well balanced, SOUND animal. 

All of our breeding stock is OFA/BAER/CERF. If at any time you would like to see any of our dogs listed genetic clearances, please don't hesitate to ask us. We will forward this information on to anyone who asks.

 We believe in open, honest communication between us and our clients.  Since we both come from families with prior history of dogs, we believe in breeding dogs with all aspects of soundness being our foundation--these aspects are:  Mental Soundness; Physical Soundness; Genetic Soundness.  We believe in honestly evaluating our puppies/dogs before placement, and keep in contact with our buyers for years afterwards.  We are honest in our contracts, and can understand that at times it may need to be tailored to better suit each individual. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please don't hesitate to ask.  

How our name came to be:

Hit N Heel Kennels started with the help of a very special little ACD known as "Kaelin". She was a dog bred from very humble working stock. She would work all day, and sleep by my bed at night. She never demanded anything, always asking what more she could do that would please me was her mainstay in life. I never had to question her ability, but rather would question myself whether she was right and I was wrong.  

The name "Hit" refers to the command I used to tell Kaelin to grip, or bite, and "Heel" refers to what this breed does to move it's stock ie. To bite low on the weight bearing leg of any livestock.

"Kaelin" never leaves my mind or thoughts, and is always looking after us at the Rainbow Bridge

Where are we?

We are located in Southern California, in the small community of Mira Loma . We started in ACD's in 1987 and have continued to adopt the philosophy that anyone can learn regardless of their age level or their experience in the breed.  Our ACD's are a very important part of our family. We believe in socializing our puppies so that they can become an integrated part of family life no matter where they go. We extend a part of our family to each new owner of one of our ACD's and always try to continue support to them in the future. When we started in this breed so many years ago, we had no one to point us in the direction to go for information regarding training, working, competition, or even genetic diseases. We were very lucky to find other ACD fanciers in our area that helped us get in touch with the ACDCA, which is the parent club for the ACD.

We encourage anyone interested in the breed to do some homework and research this breed. Not everyone out there is ready or suited for an ACD and we try to educate any potential owners on the different characteristics of this breed.   This breed is very versatile and can fit into just about any lifestyle as long as it is kept active. ACD's are not willing to just sit back and wait for something to happen, they like to give action a little push!!  

For more information regarding ACDs, or to look into adopting a rescue please check out our "links" page