BREEDER: Bryan J. Borchardt : Glen Arbor, Michigan : Website
BIO
After years of studying pedigrees and attending a couple of American National specialties, I took the plunge into the world of Shelties as my busy career allowed. I contacted several breeders but eventually settled on the "look" of Barwood Shelties in North Carolina. Barbara sent me information on upcoming litters and when they were old enough, I drove 16 hours to find my "dream" Sheltie. She had a couple of bitches available and I finally settled on a Ch. Willow Cove's Wild Card daughter out of the beautiful Ch. Barwoods Cinnamon. Of course, was I worthy of one of her Shelties?? I told Barb which puppy I wanted and she agreed to sell her on co-ownership with me. I asked her when did she decide she would allow me to have one of her Shelties. She laughed and said "within the first ten minutes, when you went into the puppy area and laid down and let the puppies climb all over you"
This was the beginning of a great friendship/mentorship!
This bitch Barwoods Crown Jewel "Claire" became one of the foundation of Solstice Shelties. "Claire" was all Barwood; beautiful face and sound body!! She was slower to mature but when she did she quickly garnered 12 points (both majors) and was then bred. From my litter, I bred her to Ch. Barwoods Wildfire (Ch. Barwoods Firestorm, ROM x CH. Ch. Barwoods High Hopes). This litter produced my bitch, Solstice Repertoire, who is the dam of FOUR hopefuls in her second litter. The Barwood consistency that I sought was achieved.
My next bitch came from the generosity of Guy Jeavons and Mark McMillan of Grandgables fame. The bitch, MBPIG Can. Ch. Grandgables All About Annabell, came to Solstice as a five month old gawky puppy. Her outline and movement were something I definitely wanted to incorporate into my program. Annabell is sired by the renowned BISS Am/Can. Ch. GrandgablesBoy Oh Boy, ROM/ROMC out of Am/Can CH. Apple Acres Expedition daughter. Annabell was shown to many of her wins by Cheryl Pike. However, I was lucky enough to be on the lead the day Annabell was awarded Best of Breed from the classes. We then headed to the Group and much to my surprise, we were awarded Group One to finish her Canadian championship. Truly a day to remember!
A few years later, I had the fortuitous opportunity to acquire a handsome dog from Yvonne Defretias of Krystalyn Shelties. The dog, MBISS Grand Am/Can.Ch. Krystalyn Road To Rio came to me and my friend Ellen Ball of Armitage Shelties as a 8 month old puppy "Rio" went to his first show with Ellen and they garnered a 5 point specialty Reserve. We were thrilled! "Rio' then came to me and we quickly finished his Canadian championship. When mature, he was sent to Julie Desy who quickly finished his American title. " Rio" is wonderful dog to look at and live with, and is our link to tie the two bloodlines of Barwood and Grandgables to establish the "Solstice look."
We are extremely grateful to have had the privilege of owning some wonderful dogs through the generosity of others. Please look for updates on our dogs on Facebook, Shelties Online and our website (www.solsticeshelties.com) Thanks to all who have helped with the success of Solstice Shelties. We are always willing to share what we have learned and we do share our best with others. Please come visit us at the CSSA National. My feature.