Our Story
The name Mourne in my Kennel’s name comes from the mountain range underwhich i was born and raised. It is a beautiful area of Northern Ireland where a range of mountains roll right down to the sea.
Before having Kids my wife and I had a Rottweiler which we bred. She was a beautiful dog with a great temperament, intelligent and loyal. We moved from Northern Ireland to live in the US and now with 2 kids we set out to buy another Rottie totally convinced there was no breed like it. When kids came along and we started exploring Rottweiler pups I was hit by the reality that although I trusted the breed, its sheer size would mean that it would be difficult for my 8 and 5 year old to walk it or play with it. We drove home and started our search. The criteria was simple - we wanted a big dog mentality in a small package. When we read the profile of a Staffie we knew that we had found what we were looking for - tenacious, intelligent and great with kids also loving rough and tumble.
We found a great breeder and bought our first Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I remember walking up to the Kennels with my wife and kids a little unsure of the breed because of some of the stories I had heard. The breeder (Elizabeth Harris) walked over and opened a number of pens. Out burst 3 or 4 Staffies, tails wagging straight to my kids and rolling over to get their bellies scratched as they snorted with glee. We were sold immediately and left with no doubt in our minds.
Unfortunately that pup got killed in a tragic accident when she was just 6 months old. I will never forget the impact it had on us all as a family.
We found another pup as soon as we could from the Sirius Kennel. We named her Kona. She is very much part of the family and is excellent in the home with us and also in public. She is the foundation bitch from which we have since built.
Kona finished her championship on the 6th June 2009. She did it in 2 months and 1 week visiting 8 shows over 4 weekends and suffered only one defeat. She collected 3 majors (2x3 point and 1 x 4 point). We are very proud of her.
Kona has produced 12 Champions and is very much retired from all activity apart from hunting Bullfrogs and being the matriarch of Mournestaffs.
If you are looking for a family pet and are willing to train your dog then the Staffie will not disappoint but rather give you years of pleasure.
If you are wanting to show contact us for more details.
For all our puppy placements we will be carefully screening to ensure the best of homes whether for show or pet.
Mournestaffs Kennel has been recognized by the AKC as a Breeder of Merit for the quality of our breeding program. And also certified by Good Dog as a Responsible Breeding Program
We are a kennel committed to excellence in both confromation and temperament. We have produced many champions even a Best in Specialty Show winner but we are proudest of our dog's incredible temperaments and are happiest when they get the best homes.
