Welcome...

We are located in the north east corner of South Dakota, in a ridge of hills called the Coteau Hills.  My husband Wayne and I have a small farm of about 130 acres, here we raise our Australian Cattle Dogs, Limousin-Shorthorn cross cattle, LaMancha dairy goats, riding horses,  now and then we raise a few pigs for our freezer. 

Drywood kennel started in the early 1980's with the American Cocker Spaniel, I started in the obedience ring, and then the conformation ring.  In 1987 we added our first ACD to the family.  Wayne wanted a dog to work the livestock, so we did a lot of research, and decided to go with a ACD.  Jesse came to us as a 3 month old pup, from the TUF E NUF kennel, he was neutered since he was to be a farm dog, but we put a CD on him also.  Then in 1991 my youngest daughter Christina wanted to do more Junior Showmanship at AKC shows, so we got our second ACD, she also came from the TUF E NUF kennel,  Sapphire became CH DRYWOOD'S SAPPHIRE BLUE,  and the beginning of DRYWOOD ACDs.  

All my dogs can be traced back to the Silver Hills Kennel of John Blankers and the late Helen Blankers of Holland, Minnesota. Our first two Cattle Dogs are from these lines.  I really liked the temperaments of these dogs and how easy it was for them to work livestock. And last but not least, their great looks!

We now only raise the Australian Cattle Dogs as I had a shoulder injury that made it difficult to do the grooming required with the Cocker Spaniels.

All my dogs are health tested: DNA for Late Onset PRA, eyes done yearly CERF'd.  for PRA and Cataracts. their hips and elbows are OFA'd at age 2, and all puppies are BAER tested for hearing before they are placed they are placed in their new homes.

All of our puppies are born and raised in the house.  Our three grandbabies, Haillee 9, Dillon 7, and Kassidee 5, come stay with us often and help socialize the pups.  My puppies go for car rides, and to Wayne's office in town where they get to meet lots of people and are exposed to the noise of trucks coming and going in his Ready Mix yard.

If you decide that you think you might want an Australian Cattle Dog, PLEASE  do your homework!!!!  

These dogs are not for everyone. they need to be kept busy, they are a hard headed breed, they don't always get along with each other or other breeds.  They need a pack leader, YOU  have to be willing to be the ALPHA of the pack or they can and will make your life miserable!!  There are way too many ACDs that are in RESCUE so be sure you know what you are getting into before you get one.  

ANY DOG that leaves here is always welcome to come home if their new home doesn't work out.  I DO NOT WANT  any of my puppies in any kind of a shelter!!!!

Also visit our daughter's horse web site at http://smarttaquita.tripod.com/