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Shortyrock Kennels was started by Larry and Sandy Carter of Apopka, Florida and Sandra’s sister, Michelle Bryant of Orlando. Sandy and Michelle grew up in Louisville Kentucky in an animal loving family where showing American Quarter Horses and AKC registered dogs was the norm. Their Father, Wayne was involved with AKC Field Trial Pointers for many years.
After the demands of raising families, Sandy and Michelle decided to get involved with dogs again and went in search of a breed for the Show Circuit. Terriers appealed to Sandy after owning Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier fulfilled all their preset requirements of medium size, natural athleticism, outgoing and happy personality, plus the short coat and lack of grooming required.
Larry and Sandy’s first dog, Ch. Roust-A-Bouts Fat’s Domino RN CGC (OZ) came to them from longtime Stafford Breeder, Marjorie Sumner (Donnybrook Staffords). Oz joined the Carter’s Rottweillers and American Staffordshire Terrier where he proved to be more than we hoped for, achieving his AKC title in both conformation and rally obedience. Oz continues his success through his progeny: Ch. ShortyRocks Mooch at Bostaff the 2008 SBTCA Puppy Sweepstakes Winner at the National Specialty under Ms. Tara Boyle (Ebonyhills Staffords). Mooch has since gone on the win several Group 1 placements and Best of Breeds. Oz now enjoys his retirement swimming in the pool and playing with his soccer ball. The following year Sandy purchased Ch. Electra Mat-Staff Komisarz (Beatrix) from Polish Breeder, Tomasz Matusiak (Mat-Staff Staffords). Beatrix is a line bred Crossguns bitch that has exceeded our expectations in the show ring (her pedigree page lists her many accomplishments).
Michelle became involved with Staffords from her sister and a chance introduction by Dr. Dale Porcher DVM (Thrasher Staffs). After owning Dachshunds for over 25 years, Michelle was given the last pick from his litter out of a breeding with Herodotus SoDamTuff (UK). BISS Ch. Thrashers Reba Realdamcute RE, (Reba) completed her AKC title at 14 months, BOB at 2008 SBTCA National Specialty under UK Judge Mr. Alan Mitchell (Hoplite) at 22 months and her rally obedience excellent title prior to turning three years old. Last year we acquired from Dr. Porcher: Ch. Thrashers Elliott Eversohandsome, a Crossgun line male and this spring Thrashers Sabrina Songcatcher at ShortyRocks, daughter of Ch. Days of Thunder at Crossguns (Spain/UK). These young dogs will be the foundation of our future.
We have met many wonderful people since entering the Dog Show World and would especially like to thank our numerous friends overseas who have shared their many years of breed expertise with us, Dr. Jane Phelps (Daystar Dachshunds) for Ch. Daystar Carson Charade CD RE JE CGC VC, Dr. Dale Porcher DVD (his generosity, advice and support) Carol Stantiford (for your expertise in all things dog related and your handling skills). Our show dogs live in our homes, share our lives and give so much to us and in return we protect and provide for them. We have a small quantity of quality dogs and this will continue to be our direction in the future.
