Chimera Kennels

Keaton,

Zoey and Rebel both look great. I like a the tight athletic builds and drives I have seen in many of the 3/4 and 67.5% APBT dogs. Most bandog programs put more mastiff in their dogs than I do, and while they often report getting bigger dogs than mine, I just don't care for loose sloppy dogs that far too often would rather lay around than work. I SELDOM go over 50% mastiff for these reasons...Linebaugh being an exception, but he is a tight lean dog that likes to work...a bit high strung for some probably, but he produces very well and will chill out when needed (when inside). Of course now I am breeding Swinford to Swinford and don't even own an APBT or Mastiff anymore.

Sorry I was brief on the phone the other day. I have been crazy busy lately and forgot to get back with you. I want to talk to you about your intensions and goals with the dogs. If you are seriously interested in working them and/or breeding, I may have a few dogs I would be willing to foster out. I have some VERY nice young dogs, and I also plan on doing a few breedings this summer...but because my kids are growing up I am finding myself with less and less time...so I can no longer keep 15-20 dogs myself. This is why I have been cleaning house lately to "trim the fat" on various things I no longer need. I need to streamline to improve my efficiency, and I need to stay below a dozen or so dogs in order to give each dog the time needed to work them properly. This is why I haven't had any breedings for so long now...last August was the last time we did a breeding in which anything became available.  Time is getting rarer than hen's teeth.

If you would be interested in 2 or 3 excellent prospects that I could continue to evaluate from time to time (helping you train them), let me know. (Of course I would like to reserve the right to have you do a particular mating of my choosing should I want or need a pup or two out of a particular breeding to a dog that I "fostered").

Before accepting this offer, please consider it carefully as this adventure that requires extensive commitment and it is not for everyone. On that note, if you would rather not get into such and prefer to just work the few you have, I completely understand. I only make this offer because you have expressed extensive interest in the breed's long term success and given what I have observed from you, it seems to me you have the right temperament and commitment for the task.

This is what I was wanting to talk to you about the other day. I appreciate the professionalism and demeanor of both you are your girlfriend. You both have a combination of being committed, intelligent, enthusiastic, and responsible...in other words, you seem like "good people"...and unfortunately, that is a rarity in the dog world today. Too many people that are attracted to this breed are of temperament that I really don't care for...overly aggressive temperaments often lacking the education, skills, and/or commitment needed to work their dogs properly. Lazy people that do nothing and/or want "the best" without being willing to do their part are a dime a dozen now a days. It's a shame, as the dogs are awesome and need to stay in good hands that will work them hard AND treat them well. I don't mind putting some dogs in the hands of good people at all...as I want to see the breed succeed long term, but unfortuately most people want something for nothing without showing me their commitment. I will be glad to help you develop the skills needed to pursue this venue and can direct you as to what additional equipment you will need. You have shown your commitment to work your dogs and to take care of them...as you obviously care about them and that is very important to me. You're good people. Thanks for that. Also, I hope you don't mind me posting this publically.

Anyway, again sorry for being brief the other day, I am just way over committed and have been trying to meet some deadlines on some goals...and was in the middle of a few things. Talk to you soon.

Thanks so much for the kind words, Lee! They really mean alot coming from you. I would love to talk with you more on this subject. Just give me a call whenever you get a chance. I have a class from 6:30 to 9 at night but anytime other than that is fine! 662-753-1788.

Hey Keaten nice dogs. I haveva few questions if you don't mind...do you plan on breeding? Do you own or have purchased any American Sentinels?

Sorry one more...how long have you been involved in the American Sentinel program? And i forgot how your female was bred? Mind reminding me of her pedigree? Thanks.

Thanks, Max. Zoey is OFRN. Both of Zoey's parents were working hog dogs. Her sire was killed by a hog (his owner didn't believe in using a collar or vest) a few months after the litter was born. I didn't plan on getting her, but a friend of mine was looking for a good hog dog and ended up buying the whole litter because the puppies were not being cared for like they should have been. Anyway, I bought Zoey from him, not the breeder. Supposedly, her sire was papered but the dam's papers got lost. Who knows? I do know that the sire actually was papered, though bc my friend saw a copy of his papers when he purchased the litter. Now your question on breeding. I haven't really planned on anymore breedings with her bc of her lack of papers. She is a great dog though. I wanted a pup off of her and I knew people who did as well, so I bred her to Preacher after Lee evaluated her and approved the breeding. As far as future breedings though, I really don't know what I will do. I currently don't own any American Sentinels, just Rebel and Zoey (and the pomeranian). I definately want to get more involved with the American Sentinel program in the future. I met Lee in  person the same day I met you, so I haven't been involved very long. I do plan on doing more training with both of my dogs. I hope I covered all your questions...

Keaten at March 29, 2011 at 5:08 PM

Thanks, Max. Zoey is OFRN. Both of Zoey's parents were working hog dogs. Her sire was killed by a hog (his owner didn't believe in using a collar or vest) a few months after the litter was born. I didn't plan on getting her, but a friend of mine was looking for a good hog dog and ended up buying the whole litter because the puppies were not being cared for like they should have been. Anyway, I bought Zoey from him, not the breeder. Supposedly, her sire was papered but the dam's papers got lost. Who knows? I do know that the sire actually was papered, though bc my friend saw a copy of his papers when he purchased the litter. Now your question on breeding. I haven't really planned on anymore breedings with her bc of her lack of papers. She is a great dog though. I wanted a pup off of her and I knew people who did as well, so I bred her to Preacher after Lee evaluated her and approved the breeding. As far as future breedings though, I really don't know what I will do. I currently don't own any Swinfords, just Rebel and Zoey (and the pomeranian). I definately want to get more involved with the Swinford program in the future. I met Lee in  person the same day I met you, so I haven't been involved very long. I do plan on doing more training with both of my dogs. I hope I covered all your questions...

Love both! Rebel is a good looking dog with a kind look in his eyes. I bet that changes right away when he feels a threat...lol

Thank you, Nico! He is really a goofball around the house. Both of them are great with kids! Rebel is only 8 months old. He is way more defensive than Zoey. A person really has to look intimidating for Zoey to get defensive, but Rebel is aware of and confidently suspicious of strangers. My girlfriend and I take them to a local dog park a few days a week. Anytime we pass a man or another dog, Rebel puts himself between my girlfriend and the man or dog and bows up. He doesn't make a move toward them or growl or anything, but he makes his presence known. As soon as they are gone, though, he goes right back to being a goofball.

Keaten at March 29, 2011 at 6:54 PM

Thank you, Nico! He is really a goofball around the house. Both of them are great with kids! Rebel is only 8 months old. He is way more defensive than Zoey. A person really has to look intimidating for Zoey to get defensive, but Rebel is aware of and confidently suspicious of strangers. My girlfriend and I take them to a local dog park a few days a week. Anytime we pass a man or another dog, Rebel puts himself between my girlfriend and the man or dog and bows up. He doesn't make a move toward them or growl or anything, but he makes his presence known. As soon as they are gone, though, he goes right back to being a goofball.

Sounds like you got yourself a great "little"  pup! It'll be nice to see how he develops. What is his height and weight at 8 months old? Thanks.

I just weighed him and measured his height. He is 23 inches at the shoulder and weighs 72 lbs.

Sounds like a nice pup Keaton. Bring him by some time. I would like to evaluate him if you wish. I know you have been here several times with Zoey...but I think Rebel is now old enough to check him out. He looks and sounds promising. How is his prey drive coming along?

I am hoping to bring them both by sometime in the next few weeks. I have been looking forward to seeing all of your new prospects. I am also looking forward to seeing how Rebel will do. He definately has changed alot since the last time you saw him at three days old! His prey drive is awesome. Zoey can't stand him winning her tug toy! Rebel is a great dog! He seems to be so much more laid back than Zoey (until it's time to play)! I don't know if that is because he is a male or just part of his temperment. Either way, he was definately worth the stud fee! I am really glad Rebel is the son of a preacher-man! :)Haha!

Keaten at March 30, 2011 at 4:19 PM

I just weighed him and measured his height. He is 23 inches at the shoulder and weighs 72 lbs.

Nice proportions! Do you estimate he'll be about 24 inches and 100lbs when adult?

That is what I would guess.. Lee, what is your opinion?

If I had to guess...I would like to see the dog first...but if the measurements Keaton provided are accurate and if the dog is lean at this time, then I would speculate his adult size would be 24.5" and around 90# lean. This is pure speculation though. Only time will tell. In the end, it really doesn't matter. What matters to me is...is the dog quality.

Thanks Keaten. You answered all my questions i hope i didn't come off offensive. If so i apologize. I just had recalled meeting you and you studding to preacher and i was just curious about your experience with or as to how serious you were about the program.Thanks again.

After meeting him and working him, I would guess he would be 85-90# full grown. Not the biggest, but he has EXCELLENT drives, nice confidence, and excellent movement. He certainly will make a nice dog.

He really has really impressed me! I am definaitly proud of him and he has the perfect temperment for me; laid back at the house yet very alert. I couldnt have asked for more out of Zoey and Preacher!

I liked the look of both of them, nice dogs.  I would agree, that the kind of "tempermant" that Rebel seems to possess is my kind of tempermant, laid back when there is no need to be "up".  That is one major factor that personally turns me off with much of the "herders", that, and the "rank drive" issue which I do not care for at all.  I personally like Rebel's size as well, some may like them "bigger", but his size is what I would prefer in a dog.  Good luck with them!

im going to post some updated pics soon of reb. hes turned into the best dogs ive ever had. very confident, protective, eager to please and everythings I ask of him. cant wait for my next American Sentinel k-9. did I mention hes barely a year old.