Caliah Brittanys is a community, not a kennel. It can take a minute for that to sink in and for that to be understood. Mom and I literally have one kennel to use on our properties when the need arises, but they are hardly ever used. We have four Brittanys between us and they move fluidly between our homes. Our community is our network of families that have purchased our dogs over the years. We do not sell dogs and check out. We try our best to have ongoing relationship with our families and to support and mentor each person that has a vested interest in our dogs. The pups we raise don't cease to be our dogs when they are sold. This can seem strange to one used to a different way of buying a dog or rescuing one from a shelter. We put a ridiculous amount of work into our breeding program, the type of work only another breeder of performance animals can understand. We raise each puppy as though they will continue to be ours for a lifetime. The reality is that we are responsible to some level for each and every pup that leaves our home for their lifetimes. We will share in the joys and accomplishments of our pups as well as get blamed for any of their failings. 

 

Another reality of our breeding program is that we are breeding breeding dogs. We are constructing well-thought out pedigrees with ideal temperament, structure and instinct. Our philosophy of being a community, not a kennel, lends itself to this. We want to invite others into this inspiring world of the Brittany. We want you to get to train and experience your Caliah Brittany to the fullest! We are not against others breeding our dogs, we encourage it! We do however want to be a part of others learning this process and stepping into the world of purebred dogs. Unfortunately we know how dogs can be used and bred in this world, so we have set up some processes that protect our dogs from falling into these situations.

 

This brings up a few of the options folks have when looking at purchasing one of our pups.

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1. You want a pet. None of the breeding, showing, hunting stuff interest you. There are occasionally some pups that we sell to homes where ONLY want a pet in wanted. These pups are sometimes hard to come by but there may be one or two in each litter. These pups are sold on an AKC Limited Registration. We still expect these pups to reach maturity before being spay/neutered as it is in their best interest, but we expect that they will never be used as a breeding dog and will be protected as necessary from any accidents.

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2. You want a pet and would be open to the prospect of showing and breeding in the future. These are our favorite homes! We love introducing our best puppies into homes where they will be loved for a lifetime whether they turn into a great show dog or not. There can be a great deal of pressure put on young pups and us as breeders as they are grow up if sold to a show home. We prefer that they primarily be active members of a family that get to go to dog shows or hunt tests from time to time with their family, if the pup turns out as expected. Shellie's expertise gets put to great use in the show ring in these circumstances, helping prepare a dog for the show ring in training and grooming. Mary's expertise in the field helps new families get their dogs ready to go hunt some birds! These dogs can also have a future as breeding dogs if it seems like the best thing to do for the family and Caliah Brittanys. These situations are done on a case-by-case basis and can be done by the family or Caliah Brittanys. These pups are sold with either AKC Full or Limited Registrations, but ideally Full with a co-ownership with Shellie Sytsma or Mary Brown. 

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3. You want a performance dog (hunting, obedience, agility). Not interested in showing or breeding. These dogs still need to be of excellent conformation to perform at a high level for their lifetimes, a dog of show quality is still recommended even if you don't intend on showing. These dogs can be sold with an AKC Full or Limited Registration. A Full Registration would be accompanied by a co-ownership of Mary or Shellie Sytsma (more detail on this later). A Limited Registration without co-ownership would still allow one to compete in any performance events, just not conformation. Limited Registration could be changed by request for the purpose of showing upon the approval of Caliah Brittanys. Registration could be changed by request for the purpose of breeding upon the approval of Caliah Brittanys if titles have been acquired, health clearances proven and breeding plan acceptable in accordance with the American Brittany Club Code of Ethics.

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4. You want a show dog and you may want to breed in the future. These dogs need to be of the highest quality for the conformation ring. These dogs will be sold with an AKC Full Registration and a co-ownership by one of the breeders. 

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5. You are a well-respected member of the American Brittany Club and you want a show dog and you will want to breed in the future. This situation is welcomed. Puppies are sold with an AKC Full Registration and ownership is determined on a case-by-case basis.

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Q. What does Co-Ownership mean and why do you require it? 

A. To us a co-ownership means accountability and mentorship. It does not mean that we own a half, third or a quarter of a dog! It means that we have a vested interest in helping you be successful with your dog and possibly in your future breeding of said dog. The same way you might add another name to your ownership papers with a close friend or neighbor to have a back-up in emergencies. If you are not into accountability and mentorship, we are probably not the right breeders for you. There is a lot at stake when we sell a future breeding dog, it is our name on the line. A person can make a lot of poor decisions based on lack of information and knowledge. We are here to make the learning curve bearable and to help make you successful. Co-ownership also allows Shellie to show dogs in the Bred by Exhibitor class and to be protected when a dog is in our care for any reason. We oftentimes watch our pups or take them to and fro, this allows us to get medical care for them with no hoops and makes us feel more comfortable while they are in our possession. 

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Co-ownerships can go horribly wrong, but it's like anything in business, it's who you go into business with! We probably don't know you all that well and you don't know us. References are available upon request. There are no financial reasons for us to do a co-ownership. There is no difference in cost for the buyer or breeder.