Balcones Sporting Dogs
- Charlottesville, VA
Meet the breeder
I'm Joel and Kristy R., the breeder behind Balcones Sporting Dogs located in Charlottesville, VA. Our goal through selective breeding is to produce the ultimate hunting dog and enrich its friendly, family-oriented disposition. We strive for 100% satisfaction and prepare our dogs to excel as hunting/working dogs and most importantly as the best family companions. Our dogs are family members first and foremost. We're passionate, responsible breeders who truly love our dogs.
Q. & A. with Joel and Kristy
Why did you start breeding?
We care about the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed and do everything in our power to mate sound dogs to ensure healthy and happy puppies. Our puppies’ health and wellbeing are our main priority. Our focus is to produce the best dogs of the highest quality so that other families can also enjoy the love of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.What makes your program special?
We are very proud to be breeding these incredible dogs. We complete various health tests prior to breeding and we breed for quality, not quantity. It is important to us that we are breeding versatile, well-rounded, socialized, and healthy pups for our buyers to welcome into their homes and hearts. We pride ourselves on helping all of our clients find the right fit for their needs and lifestyle. We truly love our puppies and know you will, too!Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Joel and Kristy
Joel and Kristy has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
“The price includes first round shots, microchipping and health guarantees.”
Contract & health guarantee
Joel and Kristy may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Joel and Kristy offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Joel and Kristy directly.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Joel and Kristy.
Breeder's location
Meet in Charlottesville, VA
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport
More about Joel and Kristy
Club memberships
Joel and Kristy is a member of American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association.
Joel and Kristy has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years
Joel and Kristy was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Joel and Kristy’s links
Joel and Kristy is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Balcones Sporting Dogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Excellent level
Balcones Sporting Dogs reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
