Dedicated to a Healthy Legacy

Hello my name is Shannon Vigil. I live in Denver Colorado. I have owned Rottweilers since I was 11yrs. old. I have been showing since 2004, when my friend Brenda Haskin of Skywind Rottweilers helped me get started. It was always my childhood dream to show dogs; unfortunately I did not have the knowledge to get started. I then decided to start breeding because of my bad experience with a breeder. I was sold a show dog under a bad contract with no guidance or support and it turned out to be a catastrophe, so I wanted to help people who were like me. I have had many awesome dogs touch my life over the years and I miss them all. I am a COE (code of ethic) breeder and will not sacrifice my bitches health or well being for a litter. I will only sell to people who meet my standards as pet owners for my puppies. I am an active breeder in my puppy’s lives from the time I decide to breed until the time they pass the rainbow bridge.  I try to help and support anyone who rescues. I have had several fosters over the years and am proud to help the homeless find homes. When I breed I only produce a litter to improve the breed, which can compete in the show ring. Please enjoy my website and feel free to contact me.
Thanks
Shannon Vigil

What to look for in a good breeder.

If this is your 1st time please be careful not to get scammed. Make sure you can see the mother at the least but both parents are preferred. Make sure they both look healthy and that the bitch is in good weight for nursing pups.

Never put monies down on a pup of a future breeding only when you are able to hold the pup should you put down a deposit. Do not pay a deposit to even look at a litter. Remember you are the one paying for a pup, they have the right not to sell to you but you do not have to pay to look.

Health clearances: See proof don’t take peoples word for it.  Check health clearances yourself on OFFA.ORG make sure the names match the numbers and they are the names you were given. Rottweilers should have at least 4 health clearances to be bred. These are the minimum and all 4 need to be done, hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. These test are not done by just any vet so a "vet tested" does not work. They need to be registered with OFA.

Number of dogs: If someone has more than five bitches most likely they are breeding for the money. There are exceptions but not many.

Why are they breeding: You have the right to ask questions. And ask them back yard breeders don’t know to say anything but money and puppy mills will tell you what you want to hear.

Brokers: A lot of internet sites are brokers they don’t have the pups they are just the middle man and charge an extra fee to find homes. Ask where is the puppy they have no idea if the puppy is healthy or not. Or if it is the real puppy in the picture.

Contract: Ask if the puppy is sold on a contract. Most contracts are about the well being of the puppy.

Support: A good breeder will support you for the entire life of the puppy not just the sale.

Guarantees: Guarantees are hard to fulfill the only guarantee you can really enforce is the health of the puppy at the time of the sale and even this is hard. If they offer a day or two to take the pup to a vet do it and a vet of your choosing not theirs.

Clubs: Most breed clubs have rules they have to follow and they enforce them. Ask what clubs they are in. The AKC , UKC, and CKC do not count. Unless it is the Colorado Kennel Club. Most people who are in a club want you to join to help support their breed.

What they do with their dogs: Ask what they do with their dogs. Do they show, obedience, ralley, carting, or herding. People who do things with their dogs don’t just breed them over and over again.

Health of their dogs: Ask how many litters the bitch has had and what were there dates. Like a woman a bitch should not be bred over and over again. Bitches go into heat every six months and most vets say wait one heat cycle. There are exceptions to this but not many and they should be willing to tell you why.

Take your time don’t rush in on any puppy do your research. If you don’t like something don’t buy. In the behavior world we call it “extinction” if nobody buys these pups they will not breed again. You are not saving a life when you buy from BAD breeders you are creating new means for them to do more breedings. One of my favorite sayings is “Rescue 1st, Good breeder 2nd, and never a pet store.” There are lots of people out there who are doing this for the right reasons and are willing to help you find what you want.

Connect with people who are in rott sports to see the true nature of a well bred rott. If you rescue for your 1st rott there are lots of people to help you along the way. If you decide to go with a puppy please be picky on who you find and decide to go with you may find a cheaper dog but you will pay overtime with money and your heart.

Hope I helped if you have any questions feel free to ask.

MHRC: Breeder referral milehighrotties.org

Rottieaid: rottieaid.org

By Shannon

How the Rottweiler got its markings...

A long time ago when men were alone and afraid of this new earth, the Great Being looked over all the dogs that had been created. He wanted that *special one* the one who would forever be the perfect companion for mankind.

 There were fast dogs, long and sleek, there were massive dogs, slow but sure, dogs with keen noses, dogs with keen hearing, and dogs who 

could hunt down lions. Dogs who could retrieve and dogs who could herd sheep. All these were good dogs but not what the creator had in mind.

 ...Finally, there was one dog. He looked rather plain, medium to large sized, and all black with a head like a bear and no tail. The dog was to be tested to see if he was to be the dog to be at mans side forever. And so, the plain black bear-like dog was sent to mans fire. At first the men feared him but the dog looked down "I am to be at your side, to be part of all that man does". Being told that the men feared the big black dog might eat their children the black dog replied that he would not do that for "I love man".. For 3 days and 2 nights the dog went with the men while they hunted, helped them track game, protected their flocks, he chased away all the animals who would cause them harm, pulled their loads of supplies and guarded their valuables.

 On the 3rd night, a small girl came to him. She was frightened by bad dreams so the plain black dog lay down beside her and his head rested gently upon her. As she dreamed of scary creatures, the dog entered her dreams and scared them off. If she was caught in the quicksand the dog would run to her aid and pull her to safety. All night long the dog never left her side and all night long he battled the demons in her sleep.

 When she awoke she hugged tightly her new friend and kissed him once on each cheek and once above each eye. Her hands stroked his feet where he had waded into the quicksand, her arms held tightly his chest and she stroked his powerful muzzle and throat. Giggling and playing with her new friend and protector, she even patted his behind. They became inseparable and the dog felt nothing but undying love for the child.

 The Great Being whispered into the dogs ear "you have passed your test, for many dogs can hunt and guard and herd, but you were not only willing to give your life, you went into the world of men and entered his darkest dreams and fears. You did not run, but stayed by his side. You have earned the love of even the youngest child, as it should be".

 When the Great Beings voice faded into the gentle breeze, the plain black tailless dog shivered with happiness, and all the places the little girl had touched and hugged him became a wonderful mahogany colour.

And the Rottweiler was sent to be at the side of man, where is his place. But always in his noble heart is a special place of love... ?

Lori Nabseth