I'm Frances H., the breeder behind Steel Ridge APBTs located in Morganton, NC. We are a hobby program striving to produce active, loving, healthy, pets that will excel in work, show, or as the best family dog. Our dogs are bred to the UKC and ADBA standards, with no compromises on health and athletic ability.
Q. & A. with Frances
Why did you start breeding?
Years ago, I got a nice male American Pit Bull Terrier for showing and wanted to continue producing dogs like him: friendly, willing to do any task put in front of him, as well as the best family dog. I prioritize these traits when breeding and I take pride in my breeding program.
What makes your program special?
We health test to improve the health and longevity of the breed. I also title in all 3 registries that the APBT is accepted (UKC, ADBA, AADRI) in multiple sports and also in Barn Hunt. I am a proud breeder of American Pit Bull Terriers, and I am focused on producing puppies that will continue to excel in their chosen field, whether that be working, showing, or as an active companion.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and guardian homes.
Getting a puppy from Frances
Frances has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
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
Puppy prices include between $800 - $1,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price includes contract, registration paperwork, puppy packet, lifetime breeder support, microchip, Embark genetic panel, and health check. No deposit, we place puppies in the homes best suited for them.”
Contract & health guarantee
Frances 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 Frances 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 Frances directly.
Steel Ridge APBTs 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 dogs
Getit, dad
American Pit Bull Terrier
About Getit
Getit is a male American Pit Bull Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Frances decided to make him part of their program. Frances has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Bowie, dad
American Pit Bull Terrier
About Bowie
Bowie is a male American Pit Bull Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Frances decided to make him part of their program. Frances has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
ArC, mom
American Pit Bull Terrier
About ArC
ArC is a female American Pit Bull Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Frances decided to make her part of their program. Frances has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Steel Ridge APBTs 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 American Pit Bull Terriers.
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.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
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.
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).