Category: Family

Lexy Skwarto
Located in Southern Massachusetts

Hello! My name is Lexy, I have Cass, purple collar puppy from Ohkar × Séance. We live in a small town in Southern Massachusetts. When I found the Beauceron breed it was really by happenstance. A breed I “accidentally” rescued after college, and fell in love led me here. However, as rescues go sometimes, she was pretty poorly bred. Issues from temperament to health, she was relatively sheltered and management was the only option for her, due to pain and genetics. I loved her so much, i researched daily trying to help her. In the years of research into her breed, I stumbled upon a (albeit very distant) link to the Beauceron. When I was looking for a breed to have aside my future bulldog program, I knew I would need an excellent temperament, stability and up popped the Beauceron again.

I researched for about a year before I added myself to the Beauceron pages and community. Even then I lurked on pages for awhile before I spoke to des Vents. I was beyond happy to apply and be chosen to be the owner of a puppy from their first litter, Ohkar × Séance. I watched Séance grow from when she was young, sharing in her ups and downs like she was my own dog.

I am a perfect example of trust your breeders’ instincts, I wanted a female, but this boy was exactly what I had asked for and wanted, so I trusted des Vents and I jumped right in! We have already started our show career, received so many compliments from so many wonderful judges, receiving all the single points needed for his championship over his first year as well as going for his TKN and CGC, which we plan to keep moving forward with. Now that he is over a year old, we starting to dabble in anything we can get our hands in, including barnhunt and fastcat. We have plans to check out Rally and we will be checking out so much more while we get ready for herding lessons next year.

Zoe Caldwell
Located in Augusta, GA

When it comes to dogs, I’ve been around them for as long as I can remember. An assortment of mixed breed dogs and backyard bred purebreds growing up. There was always a slight interest in diving deeper, but that didn’t come until later. I began keeping reptiles around the age of 12, eventually starting a breeding program with Northern Blue Tongue Skinks and Western Hognose snakes after moving away from home. While being into reptiles, I was also growing up and finally at an age to work with animals. I began working at a chain pet store, and everything became different. Being surrounded by a bunch of basically dog-enthusiasts, it was inevitable

During this time, my first purebred dog that I ventured out to get was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and while I loved most qualities about him, something about the breed didn’t stick. Me and my friend Nicole became closer, and she introduced me to the Beauceron breed in 2021 as she had at that point, wanted one for years. Daily we would talk all things dog, plans for sports, conformation, and training activities.

Taking a break from herders, I brought an American Akita into my home. Having had an Akita Inu in the past, they were always a huge interest of mine. While I will always have an Akita in my home (or two), I wanted to get something different that was more handler oriented. I knew what a good fit for my home wouldn’t be, and amongst my research, a Beauceron came back into the picture

I met Robyn in 2025 when she decided to give the veterinary clinic I work at a try for her dogs, and after being part of the process with Shazi (radiographs for puppy count, and c-section for part of her litter), I had to put in an application. To my disbelief, lwas matched with the perfect puppy, Cipher. A puppy who is every bit of chaos that he is precise. Every action has a thought, even if it’s not a good action.

I’m very excited to be part of the BDV family, and to be an extra hand for the betterment of such a special and unique breed. 

Dakotah Anseth
Located in Colorado

Hey there, my name is Dakotah!

Like many people in the dog world, I grew up as an all-around animal lover. At the ripe age of 3, I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian; my drive and dedication toward achieving this goal became the mainstay of my educational career. Looking back, I think my interest in veterinary medicine fueled my passion for wellbred, purebred dogs. I remember always having an interest in working with breeders because it meant long client relationships. I never really thought those interests would bring me exactly where I am today. I’ve been a licensed veterinarian since 2023, practicing in Colorado as I write this.

As an only child, my family dogs were my primary companions. We always had several dogs in the house. I remember having 5 to 6 at one point in time – the house was full of chaos and dog hair as you would expect. I grew up mostly with Rottweilers and Rottweiler mixes, resulting in my familiarity with large, physical breeds. Along the way, my family had a couple of accidents (in the form of puppies), which happened to give my family the best 4 mixed-breed dogs that we could’ve ever had. I learned a lot about intentional and ethical breeding practices because of these accidental litters in my life. I firmly believe those accidental litters accelerated my interest in ethical breeding practices – even if my family had some great companions come out of those litters. Over time, I’ve come to learn that breeding requires nuance, patience, grace, and a lot of humor.

Despite my experience in Rottweilers growing up, I was compelled to look into other dog breeds while I was in veterinary school. One day, when I was wanting to bring a family dog to Colorado where I was attending vet school, I came across the Beauceron on a list of “banned breeds” by my landlord’s insurance. Having never heard of the breed before, I looked them up and rapidly hyperfixated on them. I loved the uniqueness of the breed and wanted to step away from Rottweilers to experience a different type of dog. Over time, I researched breeders and bounced between what I was looking for. I developed friendships with local Beauceron owners and continued to fall in love with the breed. Like many people new to the breed, I was infatuated with the idea of a cropped harlequin male as my first.

In spring of 2024, I was starting to send out inquiries to breeders when one of my friends told me she knew someone that was going to need guardians for a handful of puppies that were being imported just before the CDC implemented their import guidelines. So, along came Robyn; we quickly had a phone call to discuss my goals and interests to help match me to the best puppy of the ones she had available. Much to my chagrin, and my interest in a cropped harlequin male, I was told I would be receiving a natural black and rust boy, to which I said okay and we continued forward; enter Squish. I went into this agreement expecting a temporary-until-proven-otherwise puppy, not realizing that Robyn, Erika, and Jin have magical powers when it comes to placing the right puppy with the right person (even when they only have 2 options to choose from). Thus began my journey with the Beaucerons des Vents crew.

I see my role in BDV as a small but important piece of a puzzle. My primary job is to be a loving home for one of the Panic Puppies™. My goal is to allow Squish to flourish into the best version of himself. Together, we are collecting titles like stickers on your favorite water bottle, exploring any and all avenues that we want to do together, and building the best life together you could imagine. We are embodying the idea that show dogs can be companions first, conformation and performance dogs second. Together, we are dabbling in anything and everything we want (Conformation, Rally/Obedience, Barn Hunt, Weight Pull, Nosework, being a menace, you name it). I cannot wait to see what we continue to accomplish together and I am endlessly grateful to be doing this alongside such a wonderful group of humans.

Brianna Lang
Located in Michigan

Hi I’m Bri!

Throughout my entire life, I’ve spent more time hanging out with my dogs rather than making friends. The dog obsession started essentially from birth. Once I got old enough to read and write, I would ask for Dog Breed Encyclopedias and Breed specific books so I could research as much information as I could. I loved to draw my favorite breeds and write important breed facts next to them. Once I discovered Animal Planet, I began to dive deeper studying dog behaviors. At the time, I had a female Belgian Tervuren that got to be my test subject (thank you for being a saint to little me, Star). I had her for 17.5 years. After losing her in my 20s, I knew I couldn’t have another Belgian because I would compare it too much to her.

One of my favorite breeds to draw and study was the Beauceron. It was hard finding information about the breed since Google was in its infancy and there wasn’t much information in books.

In 2009 I finally joined Facebook , started joining whatever Beauce groups I could find, and befriended Robyn, whom also had a Tervuren mix and wanted a Beauceron. After Robyn got Nyko, I distinctively remember a post on Facebook asking who would be perfect for the breed that doesn’t own one yet, … Robyn tagged me.

Dog distribution system did what it does and put a few bully mixes into my life before I was able to purchase another purebred. These dogs got me into dog sports, as I was trying to find ways to expend my dogs’ energy. Being in the professional pet industry my entire life, I was offered amazing opportunities to dip my feet into numerous different sports, learn extensively about diets, study dog behaviors, dabble in training, get experience in emergency veterinary services, learn how to handle emergencies and first aid, and become a career professional dog groomer.

Finally, in 2023, mutual acquaintance told me that Robyn had the perfect dog available for me. I resisted for as long as I could. I remembered the post Robyn tagged me in many years ago, and said that if I got a Beauceron, it would be from Robyn. I drove to Ohio to finally meet Erika in person, whom had Seven. I obviously took Seven home. She’s the best girl and is incredibly difficult to not fall in love with. Shortly after, Robyn imported the panic puppies and asked me to give one of the puppies some experiences around my farm. Once Volatile (Tilly) showed up here, I texted Robyn and asked “what if I don’t ever want to give her back”, …. Surprise, Tilly’s never leaving. A few short months later, Vendetta found her way here, where she schmoozes her way into every single person’s heart that meets her.

I’d like to say that I specialize in finding what activity each individual dog needs to thrive, and I help build them in that venue to help them meet their full potentials.

Melissa Oberle
Located in Cincinnati, Ohio

From the moment I hit the ground animals have been central in my life. In childhood my mom and dad created Norginn lovebirds, in which they raised, bred, and trained birds (lovebirds ,African Greys, an Ecalectus, and a very spoiled Umbrella Cockatoo). I vividly remember falling in love with one specific bird I had named Peek-A-Boo. I had trained him to wait and fly to me from across the room. That was probably my first “training” experience with animals. 

As time progressed my mom decided to get out of the bird industry and we began working with the Mastiff Club of America. According to her, if she couldn’t have a horse, she might as well get horse-sized dogs, right? We had had an English Mastiff while I was growing up that my dad had rescued, Misty, but it wasn’t until I was about 6 that they became heavily involved in the rescue of the breed. After many years of rescuing and after the loss of our dear Misty (who honestly didn’t like me much), my mom adopted Kitty. A strong bond formed between the two, my mother and Kitty made it all the way to second place nationally in obedience, also under the Norginn name. This really sparked my interest in the possibility of showing. Years passed by and we had a litter of our own, and I began showing juniors in confirmation. I had so much fun showing but it was short lived as my father died suddenly in my pre-teen years. 

Fast forward to just a few years ago, ~2018, while enjoying a holiday with some horse friends, another animal species we added to the family in the time since my father passed, we were watching a rerun of the Westminster dog show. I see this black and rust dog and quickly I’m intrigued by it’s fierce beauty, as you could guess, it was a Beauceron. I started research immediately and followed various beaucerons on Instagram. Quietly I followed these dogs, liking, sharing, screenshotting them until I decided I was ready and wanted to meet one! 

Finally in 2020, I reached out on Facebook in various groups, explaining my position, and my interest in the breed. I couldn’t be more thankful that Erika Stephens answered that call and best of all we were only an hour apart.

Shortly after connecting on Facebook, I met Erika, Oath, and a young puppy Reverie and I instantly fell in love. I was asking questions left and right, loving the big goof, Oath who warmed up to me immediately and even fell asleep on my lap as we talked. As well as being blown away by puppy Reverie’s intelligence, focus on Erika, and eagerness to please.

In the year since meeting Erika, I have had many play dates and have stolen Oath for weekends to make sure I’m really prepared for bringing my own beauceron home. We have talked about pedigrees, the breed standard, what goals the breed seems well suited for, and I was one of the first to meet the sweet Miss Séance after her journey to Ohio. With a Zoology degree under my belt, and the eagerness for my next adventure in life, I finally felt it was time for my own Beauceron and Erika offered the option of being part of Des Vents, alongside assistance with finding a puppy in general.

After months of waiting, hoping, and even some heart break when litters just didn’t work out… My boy Sylas is home and our Adventure can finally begin. 

Virginia Burrell
Located in Southeast New Hampshire

I was born into a family of professional dog handlers and trainers, so growing up I spent most of my time traveling from show to show and hanging out with the dogs. I started showing dogs myself when I was 5 years old, and never looked back. While I love many dog sports, conformation shows will always be one of my favorite things to do with my dogs.

Around 2015, I began researching Beaucerons with the idea that I might want to have a higher drive dog to pursue other sports with. In 2018, that idea became reality when I brought home Omen- who would become the very best service dog, show dog, sport dog, and all around goofball companion I could have asked for. Omen also led me to some new friends through the breed community, and, eventually, those friends and I decided to build a program together.

Today, you’ll often find me at shows with a Beauceron or five! While I only have two Beaucerons of my own, Omen and Zira, I frequently have a “loaner” or three- usually teenagers or young adults who need some practice in the ring for a few months at a time. Keeping my full time Beauceron numbers lower makes traveling to shows easier, and lets me put more time into training the dogs who come through temporarily. It also makes it more feasible to split time with my other breeding project- Little Star Chinooks!

Breeding Goals

Regardless of breed, my goal is to produce sound, functional, driven dogs who can succeed in the field, show ring, and home. I strive to uphold the standard and history of the breed, while still producing healthy, diverse dogs.

Robyn and Leslie Salley
Located in Augusta, GA

We are in the unique position to say our journey into the world of dogs began together as a team. While we both had pets before, we had never owned higher drive purebred dogs. When we purchased a cane corso together, the drive and structure required to have a happy pet in our home drew us into AKC obedience and rally, opening our worlds into a wonderful new hobby.

In deciding that guardian breeds were not an ideal fit for our home, we began to explore other breeds. Beaucerons became a breed of interest, but it was difficult to get enough experience with the breed to determine if they were the correct choice for us. To gain this valuable experience, we began fostering through the American Beauceron Club Rescue. From the first Beauceron that entered our home, we fell in love. After helping three Beaucerons find their forever homes, we were sure we wanted to add one permanently to our home. As expected, you couldn’t just stop at one! To keep the pups tamed, we are active in many sports including rally, obedience, conformation, and herding.

Leslie would say that our primary contribution to the Des Vents family is my enthusiasm, but I’d like to believe it’s my ability to research. Over the past ten years, we have thrown ourselves into understanding pedigrees both domestically and internationally. Through that research, we have helped to expand the pack to include many wonderful dogs from incredibly diverse backgrounds. As we continue to learn, we hope to contribute an understanding of genetics and diversity breeding practices.

Breeding Goals

Currently our household is made up almost exclusively of males, though Button has snuck her way in. We believe having a diverse selection of males available will be a valuable resource for the program. Dogs in our household will be well proven both within whatever sports they enjoy and as family pets within a large pack household. While we are currently focused on building and proving herding ability within the program, our loftiest goal is to continue to build drive within our lines while not sacrificing the pup’s ability to exist calmly in the home.

Erika Stephens
Located in Akron, Ohio

I was the child obsessed with animals, though as a child reptiles and amphibians had my heart more than anything. I wanted to learn about them, about their behavior, about their instincts, and every crumb of information I could find. Steve Irwin was my hero, his compassion and passion for all creatures was something I connected with. As I’ve grown, that focus has turned to dogs, and grown into an immense passion for the breeds I love dearly, the Beauceron and Siberian Husky. 

I have been a trainer of pet dogs for many years, working on house manners, cute tricks, good behavior in public and so forth. I have worked, handled, and trained hunting dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and many many pet dogs in my years as a trainer and as a late in life Service dog handler.

It wasn’t until a few years before I set out to purchase my first Beauceron Oath that I really had higher goals as far as showing, titling, and proving my dogs in a various sports. Now my household includes my five Beaucerons Gardy, Tamaki, Séance, Reverie, and Niffin. As well as my Siberian Huskies, Zora and Sparrow.

I consider my roles at Des Vents as a researcher, nutrition nerd, and the down and dirty chore person. I will be the face most often seen in the whelping box, caring for our litters at all hours when they are smallest, and the one responsible for their introductions to the world. As an individual with a physical disability and chronic pain, I cannot always dedicate myself to the most physically demanding sports, and sometimes can’t even show all my dogs on a long weekend. Instead my focus is on what I can assist with, the pen and paper, the ongoing education, technology, and record keeping. Not to say I won’t be out all the time with our dogs, because I love showing and adore sporting with them as well.

I have a particularly high passion for working with my dogs as a partner, activities like mushing or bikejoring, herding, and trailing game where we are a team first and my trust has to be in my dog are at the top of my list. As such, you will often see that many of my dogs participate in these activities, even if we are not competing on a national level or in races. To keep the crew busy, we also dabble in many other activities such as obedience, rally, kayaking, hiking, lure coursing, and dock diving.

I currently live in Northeast Ohio, and if anyone would like to connect to meet anywhere in the region I am always happy to do so. Traveling an hour or two, or further for an event meetup is not out of the question! The crew and I love to do meet and greets for the breed and I will talk your ear off for hours if you let me. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to chat or meet in person.

Breeding Goals

My goal as a breeder is to produce a versatile dog – one capable of the jobs the breed was meant for and beyond. My ideal dog is a jack-of-all-trades, even if that means sacrificing being a master of a specific lofty goal. Pairings in my home will often be our most versatile, steadiest of partners, with a focus on herding and other dog sports. Both within the home as beloved pets, and as dabble dogs for any sports that catch our eye. When breeding, I will aim to choose careful pairings to maintain temperaments and structure while elevating drive as desired for that pairing.