June Ward : The Dog Breeder
I don’t remember ever thinking, “I think I’ll breed dogs”. But here I am !
My first litter of Bernese mountain dogs was born April 8th 1995, my first litter of Leos to wear the KUMNC name was September 1 2008.
Are you wondering why I have (perm Reg'd ) which is short for Permanent Registration after my Kennel name? The Canadian Kennel Club, is where we the breeders register our kennel names, which we need to register our puppies. In order to make it permanent and put perm reg'd after my kennel name, I must:
1. have been a member of the CKC for minimum 10 consecutive years
2. Breed purebred dogs for a minimum of 10 years
3. not had the CKC take disciplinary action against me
4. I have to of bred and or owned not least 5 dogs that have received a CKC recognized title
5. Each of these dogs must be registered with the CKC with my kennel name as part of their name.
2. Breed purebred dogs for a minimum of 10 years
3. not had the CKC take disciplinary action against me
4. I have to of bred and or owned not least 5 dogs that have received a CKC recognized title
5. Each of these dogs must be registered with the CKC with my kennel name as part of their name.
So I have been breeding since 1995 and from that litter I kept a girl who earned her CD, (obedience) and DDX (draft dog excellent) Then one of my Berner baby's owners put a CD on her girl. Then a Berner I kept from my next litter earned her CH (Championship) Myles at the time of applying had earned his Championship (he has since earned every title there is) as did Miss Marple has her Championship.
The last two were earned in 2010, so I qualified to apply, which I did, and from then on my kennel name is written KUMNC (pern reg'd)
I have titled several more..but not dogs I had bred. I actually titled my first Berner in 1993, but I had purchased her from another breeder.
The last two were earned in 2010, so I qualified to apply, which I did, and from then on my kennel name is written KUMNC (pern reg'd)
I have titled several more..but not dogs I had bred. I actually titled my first Berner in 1993, but I had purchased her from another breeder.
Telephone : 705 - 245 - 2724
June Ward
I breed for temperament, health and longevity.
I believe that these three traits cannot be rated one over the other -- and that all should be present. There is no point to breeding dogs that live a long time if they are likely to have bad temperaments. Also I would not breed good temperaments if I suspected they would die young or have genetic health issues.
With each litter I produce I hope to keep a puppy, as breeding should be about betterment of the breed.
All my dogs are tested for hips, elbows, shoulders, eyes, heart and thyroid abnormalities before they enter the KUMNC breeding program. I also test my berners for DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) and SOB1D (DMB) and with the Leonbergers I test for LPN1 (Leonberger polyneuropathy), LPN2, and LEMP. If they don’t pass these tests, then they are not bred. Some stay with me as pets, and some go to families who will give them more one-on-one attention. Some dogs do well in my pack environment, while others need their own families. I make my decisions on what is best for the dog.
I think the hardest decisions are the ones where the dog passes all the clearances, but has a trait that just should not be recreated. I spayed a beautiful Berner girl because she had really loose flews. This would cause her to drool, and Berners should not drool (she lived to be 12). One of my beautiful champions was spayed because her eyes were too dry. It could be an immune issue.
I encourage all my new puppy owners to socialize their dogs and attend obedience classes. If you introduce your puppy to something new every day, they will become well balanced adults. While with me puppies get lots of visitors (children and adults) and lots of physical and mental stimulation. This must be continued once you take over their care.
I believe that as a breeder it is my job to stand behind every dog I produce. My buyers are encouraged to stay in touch and I am glad to answer their questions. I also love to hear anything about my dogs. As an added benefit, I invite buyers to leave their dogs with me when they have to be away, at a reasonable rate for board, and they get to stay in the house with me and my dogs. I do have colossal crates in the garage, if anyone forgets their manners, and needs a little time to reflect on proper pack behaviour.
If any of my puppies can not stay with their family, I take them back and re-home them. Sometimes the family situation changes and it is better for the dog to be re-homed. I have a lot of respect for owners who can think of the dog's needs over theirs.
Located in Tiny, Ontario, Canada -- An easy drive from the Toronto / Mississauga Region
June Ward is a Breeder, All Breed Draft Test Judge, Carting Instructor, CGN Evaluator & Workshop Facilitator
Return to top of page This page last updated on December 14th, 2013 Webmaster: Chase Guindon
All information and photos are copyright protected by KUMNC KENNELS Perm Reg'd. & June Ward
