Festiva Whippets & Shelties
The Beginning of Festiva
Festiva Whippets started with littermates in 1988 that would become Ch. Oxford’s Stetson and Ch. Oxford’s Passion, ROM. From there we have grown into a small kennel that produces quality whippets. We strive to produce healthy, happy pets that are also exceptional in conformation, type and athletic ability.
As a child Kelly wanted shelties but they were not in the cards at the time. As an adult, when her daughter wanted a dog for juniors they purchased a shetland sheepdog. From that dog they made connections and through the generosity of Alexandra Erb and Pat Timpe-Rothenburger acquired a bi-blue male that greatly resembled his sire Lars. That puppy would become RBIS, MBISS, ASSA 20205 AOM GCHG SunRiver Bi-Loved Memories “LJ” and the foundation of Festiva Shetland Sheepdogs. Through the generosity of Judy Kelsey of Dury Voe Shelties sharing her Ziva with us we produced our foundation litter that has seen numerous puppies excel in the show ring and as performance dogs. We strive for shelties that are sound in mind and body first and foremost but also beautiful to look at.
As I watched these beautiful puppies on every visit I started to fall in love with another of the puppies. Two months after taking Dodger home, we visited with Dianne at the Silver Bay dog show, all day I carried around the puppy I had been falling for, a half-faced dilute fawn bitch. At the end of the day I asked Dianne where this little girl was going. Dianne said she had an interested party in Florida and I responded with a no, she is going home with me. That puppy became Ch. Oxford’s Passion, ROM and the dam of Multi-BISS Select Ch. Festiva’s Knickerbocker, ROMX. The rest is history. The whippets have taken over the house and the lives of both Kelly and I.
Our mission
We always have and always will stand behind our dogs. Your puppy is guaranteed to be free of genetic defects. In the unfortunate event that a debilitating genetic condition is uncovered your pet will be replaced. Additionally, if at any time you find yourself unable to care for, or keep your Festiva dog we are to be contacted. We will then take the dog back and keep it for you until you are able to take back, or work with you to find him a suitable new home. As a responsible breeder we need to be sure our dogs are safe and loved.
Festiva litters are raised in the house with us and socialized in varying environments after their first shot. Temperament is a priority for us. We strive to produce genetically sound puppies. Dogs are health tested according to the recommendations of our parent club in an effort to ensure that only genetically sound dogs produce our next generation. As with any endeavor the unexpected can happen, if your dog is found to have a genetic defect that will alter the life of your dog you will be entitled to another dog if you so choose.
All litters are well socialized, wormed, and given the first puppy shot at 8 weeks. Our puppies will leave with a contract which includes a health guarantee, food and feeding schedule, advice and their pedigree. Photos of the sire and dam are also available.
