Stephanie Friedley | Amore Kennels

Interview with Stephanie Friedley, Breeder of Amore Kennels

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Stephanie Friedley

1. We are a small kennel located in rural Nebraska. We started showing in May of 2024 as owner-handler breeders. I started working for the local vet in high school and have run the county animal control for six years and had a grooming and boarding business. We have raised Dogues de Bordeaux for 11 years as Amore Kennel. I have worked with dogs in numerous aspects for 30 years. There is always room for improvement and I am constantly trying to learn and improve our program.

2. The Bordeaux is a short-nosed Mastiff that has its roots in France. Originally, three styles have been blended down to one, so you can imagine the diversity of looks still. I would say the hallmarks are stout, snub-nosed athletes. Keeping type in the breed, and not allowing the head to get too round or the nose too long, is important along with
structural soundness.

3. We currently have a wait list for our litters. Our location, and sparse breeders in the region, maintains demand.

4. We are able to microchip and keep track of our pups for a lifetime. The Internet has expanded education and the ability for breeders and puppy buyers to see reviews, learn more about the breed, and stay in touch.

5. There are always two sides to the penny on this. I have worked with mixed-breed dogs, and while they fit into some homes perfectly, the temperament is not consistent. There is a demand from the community wanting dogs that are consistent and have a known heritage.

6. We are fairly new to the sport. I consistently breed for structural soundness and temperament. I’ve been to shows and I see breeds I hardly recognize because of changes to structure, i.e., German Shepherd Dogs.

7. The sport has opened up new channels to communicate with the public, whether traveling to a show or meeting spectators at the show. We were at Westminster with our boy, Charlie, and I can’t even quantify the love he received from everyone.