Steel Ridge
American Pit Bull Terriers
Proud to be recognized as a Good Dog Breeder!
The Beginning
Steel Ridge APBTs was formed in 2004 when I was introduced by a co worker to the breed. I purchased my first pedigreed APBT in 2005 and the passion began there.
About Our Kennel
Our kennel is ADBA and AADRI registered.
All dogs are ADBA, AADRI, and UKC registered.
All breeding stock is health tested. Including, but not limited to,
OFA Hips/Elbows/Patellas/Cardiac/Thyroid
PennHip
Embark/Optimal Selection Genetic Panels
Dogs compete in ADBA, AADRI, and UKC events including, but not limited to,
Conformation
Weight Pull
Treadmill Racing
Lure Coursing
Barn Hunt
Why we health test
We began health testing our stock with Sipe's ADBA/AADRI Ch. Voodoo Child in 2012 with guidance from our veterinarian. This was our second in house breeding and, after much research, wanted to add health to the things we wanted to improve. It was not well accepted, and still is not to this day, but we have decided we will not compromise on health, even though pressed by other hobbyist and kennels.
In 2017, we were told by a puppy owner that their dog had been diagnosed with cystine stones and would need to be altered and surgeries completed. Currently, this genetic disease has no test for the APBT, so we opted to remove the sire, dam, siblings, and any related dog from our breeding program to not risk this disease continuing. This was a hard choice but one that I knew made the most sense ethically.
We support health testing all dogs, regardless of breeding choices to get the most information out of every pairing. Starting 2020, all dogs that leave our home will have been swabbed for Embark at my expense to continue to aid them in finding genetic markers and improving our future.
Code Of Ethics
1. Strive to ensure that every litter is the result of conscientious planning, including consideration of parents' temperament and physical well-being, clearances for hereditary diseases, pedigree and parentage.
2. Provide the proper care and a clean, safe environment for a female and her litter, which includes the following (in addition to all the above):
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A quiet, non-stressful environment for nursing/whelping separate from other dogs
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Enough space to move around alongside, and not on top of, puppies
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The opportunity to rest away from puppies if she chooses
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Whelping area should be cleaned frequently due to the extra waste from the puppies
3. Not breed a female before she is physically and mentally mature (which depends on breed), and then only if she has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and is in excellent health.
4. Not breed a female beyond the appropriate age for her breed or as is advised by a licensed veterinarian.
5. Not allow a female to rear more than the appropriate number of litters in her lifetime for her breed (no more than 3).
6. I shall plan each breeding with the intention to improve the breed
7. I will not knowingly breed monorchids, cryptorchids, dogs with vicious or shy temperaments. I will not breed dogs with serious defects or disqualifications addressed in their breed standards.
8. As a responsible breeder, I will refrain from using a dog that, although free from serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces afflicted puppies.
9. I will be selective in the sales of my puppies, and take care with the type of homes in which they are placed. My dogs/puppies will not be sold to dog wholesalers, retailers, pet shops, or at auctions.
10. As a breeder, I vow to maintain a rich and diverse gene pool, understanding that diversity is important for the long-term health of my breed. I will give the highest health priority to the selection of my breeding stock and will not continue to breed dogs that perpetuate inheritable disorders. I will maintain high standards of health and care for my dogs and provide people with puppies that are healthy and free from parasites.
