Like many of us today involved with the Rottweiler Breed my love for pure-bred dogs started young. I grew up in Atlanta Georgia where my parents bred top winning German Shepherds in the 50’s and 60’s. At the age of eight I was already showing the family dogs in Junior Conformation and Obedience.
I learned at a early age that temperament was the number one concern any breeder should have when taking the responsibility of producing puppies who will grow to be members of the family.
In 1977 my mother and I were looking for a new breed. We had bred a few successful litters of Saint Bernards but wanted more of a working dog again. The German Shepherd was declining in both structure and character so we decided there must be another breed that would fulfill our world.
After much research we selected the Rottweiler. Breeders were limited in those days so we flew to Colorado to buy “Titan.” He taught me a lot about the breed but unfortunately he had a disqualifying show and breeding fault. He was a true Rottweiler to his core and to the end and I’ll never forget him.
The name Braeside comes from my mother’s roots and was the farm she grew up on in Northern Scotland. When I left home to begin my own life she gave me permission to use Braeside as the name of my future kennel.
In 1983 I bought a daughter of the great Northwinds Kaiser of Mallen owned by Jessica Nicholas. I took “Anna” to her AKC Championship and CD. She had one litter but never produced better than she was herself and so I started looking for that “right” foundation female to begin my own bloodline.
During this time I met and became friends with Victoria Weaver of Gamegards Rottweilers. I bought a female from the now famous “H” Litter. Gamegards Braeside Hesperus would be the beginning of the breeding program that continues today.