Chestnut Vale Kennels is committed to the sport of purebred dogs, with a focus on the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Labrador Retriever. Our goal is to work, train, and breed dogs that reflect good conformation (i.e., with regard to the breed standard), have very strong field capabilities, and possess good dispositions. Furthermore, it is our intent to ensure that our breeding stock is free of genetic problems (e.g., hip dysplasia, retinal problems). We are also very intent on producing dogs that are fine “companion dogs” for families. Ultimately, because we believe that training and competition can be among the most rewarding components of owning a dog, we are very supportive of those that desire to acquire our dogs for the purpose of fieldwork (e.g., hunting), hunt competitions (e.g., hunt tests, field trials), and showing. Our kennel is located in Johnson City, in the heart of Northeast Tennessee. Phone: 423-426-2023. E-Mail: chestnutvale@charter.net
Thomas Mann (1875-1955) received the Nobel Prize for Literature (1929) and is considered one of the most gifted writers of the Twentieth Century. The University of Pennsylvania has republished an English translation of Thomas Mann’s profound and touching musings about his sporting dog and family companion, Bashan. The volume was originally written in German and published in 1919. The English translation is entitled Bashan and I (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2003). Jack London (1876-1916) wrote numerous stories about his experiences in the Yukon and among his most famous is The Call of the Wild. This book has sometimes been referred to as “the best dog story ever told.” Various publishers have published this slender volume; therefore, it is readily available in bookstores. Chestnut Vale Kennel recommends highly both of these volumes.
