When it comes to Swissys, John and Connie Beauregard have that rare
combination of knowledge, love, and instinct. They know tremendous amounts
about the breed in general and specific dogs in particular. Many well
respected breeders say breeding is all about compromise - trying to find the
right combinations to improve your breeding stock's weaknesses while at the
same time highlighting their strengths. Since John and Connie have well
established criteria for what's important to their kennel it's easier for
them to continue to breed ever improving Swissys.
Their goal as breeders and as people is to help better the breed. They do
this because they love Swissys, not for financial gain or to stoke their own
egos with success in the breed ring. Sure, they've had success in the breed
ring, but that is a by-product of their goals, not the goal itself. For
example, if the best Swissy in the conformation world had health or
temperament issues the Beauregard's would not use that dog in their breeding
program. To use that dog would be detrimental to the health and happiness
of the puppies produced, the owners of those puppies, and the breed as a
whole.
When it comes to their puppies John and Connie are extremely careful about
where they get placed, but at the same time they go above and beyond the
call of duty in supporting their new puppy owners. If one of the puppy
owners has a question or concern, John and Connie are available 24 hours a
day 7 days a week to answer questions and provide whatever they can to help
the puppy and the owners. When my Swissy puppy had to go to the vet for
sutures, I called Connie and she took the time to help me - and my puppy
wasn't even one of Connie's. My puppy's breeder was on a trip and wasn't
immediately available so I called Connie for help and she gladly answered my
questions and gave me good advice.
In fact, when I was looking for a breeder to get a puppy from Connie was the
person I originally intended to get the puppy from. When Connie found out
about another litter from quality dogs, she referred me to this other
breeder. Many breeders would have never told one of their potential puppy
buyers about another breeder's litter, but Connie did because she placed my
needs and the needs of the other breeder above her own. Connie truly does
care about improving the breed and matching up the right owners with the
right puppies - she doesn't just pay lip service to the idea.
When I get my next Swissy I will no doubt be talking to the Beauregard's
about it and if I'm very lucky I will get one of their dogs.
Sincerely,
John Engstrom
