I'm the breeder behind BlackFyre Belgian Shepherds located in Bellingham, WA. BlackFyre Belgians has been the home of top-winning Belgians for over 30 years, including the 2nd Belgian Laekenois to finish his Certificate of Merit under AKC's Miscellaneous program, winner of the 2018 ABLA National Open Dog show, and also Best in National Specialty Tervuren Winner in 2001. We breed for health, character, and correct type. Our dogs are raised to be excellent family members first.
About Karyn
I have been involved in purebred dogs for all 54 yrs of my life. I started out with German Wirehaired Pointers and hunting in the field and NAVDAH field trials. In 1986, I fell in love with dog showing and found the Belgian Shepherd. The Tervuren specifically stole my heart, and I got my first one in 1988. I am a professional dog show handler and behavioral consultant for challenging dogs.
What makes Karyn’s program special
I have lines that are a bit unique to find today in my breed. My dogs are known for their great character, good structure, and for still holding the correct breed type. They have excelled in conformation, agility, obedience, scent work, tracking, search and rescue, and service dog work. Longevity is critical, and we are proud that most of our dogs live well over 13 years of age.
Karyn’s certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder of Merit, Professional Groomer, Professional Handler
Karyn 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. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. 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.
Puppy prices range from $2,000 - $2,500 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.
“My price is the same for companion or sport/show/work prospects, because we put the same quality of care, work, and love into all of our puppies. I sell on contract only, and dogs are AKC registered by me for the owners. A deposit is requested once you have been cleared to be a good match for our program. Puppy price includes first shots, registration, and microchip.”
Karyn 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 Karyn 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 Karyn directly.
Puppies are whelped and raised in my home as a direct part of my family. They go on puppy field trips to different locations, meet new people of all ages, and also meet other adult dogs beyond their mother. They travel on camping trips and learn to hang out in Ex Pens and crates before they head to new homes. We have an extensive puppy enrichment and early training program. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Crate Training, Human Interactions, Leave It Command, Beginning Basic Recall, Texture Stimulation, Isolation Conditioning, Exposure to Agility Tunnel and Wobble Board, Socialized with Livestock, Walks Around the Farm, Individual Social Time, Socialized with People Wearing Hats and Masks, Conformation Stacking, Name Recognition, Behavioral Shaping, Noise Desensitization, Dr. Ian Dunbar's Protocol for Bite Inhibition, Surface and Tactile Stimulation, Car Training, Collar & Leash Conditioning, Initial Potty Training, Chew Toys, Bathing, Basic Manding, Socialized with Vehicle Travel, Interaction with Visitors, Outdoors, e.g. rain, Strangers, Structures, e.g. Climbing, Scents, Chew, e.g. Bone, Toys, e.g. Ball, Touch Desensitization, Early Neurological Stimulation, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, Socialized with Elderly, Socialized with Other Animals, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Socialized with Children, Blow Dry, Stairs, Wait Command, Noise Desensitization, Conformation Training, Grooming and Nail Care, Litter Box Trained, Impulse Control, Puppy Manners, "No" Biting or Chewing, and Leash Walking.
All puppies have their first vaccination, a microchip, a vet health certificate, and deworming records.
We send our puppies home with Puppy Temperament Test, Trupanion Puppy Insurance Packet, Vaccinations, Puppy Starter Kit, Bone, Blanket with Littermates' and Mom's scents, Puppy Collar, Microchip, Food Starter Bag, Certificate of Health, and AKC Registration.
Karyn offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Work with a trusted flight nanny or transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Why Karyn started breeding
I wanted to further my breed with the quality and characteristics I believe are critical to my breed after many years of study and mentorship. I only breed when I want to keep the next generation for my breeding program, and my dogs are family first; sports and conformation competition is the icing on the cake.
Karyn has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years
Karyn was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Karyn’s links
BlackFyre Belgian Shepherds meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Belgian Laekenois
Belgian Tervuren
Excellent level
BlackFyre Belgian Shepherds 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 Belgian Laekenois.
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.
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.
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.