Business Details
29 Years
experience
AKC Newfoundland Breeding & Pet Services in Bethany, CT
Kodiak Acres is a family-owned and operated AKC-registered Newfoundland dog breeder located in Bethany, Connecticut. Since 1997, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving the integrity of the Newfoundland breed through meticulous breeding practices focused on health, temperament, and adherence to the Official Newfoundland Breed Standard. Our dogs excel in conformation shows, water rescue training, draft work, and therapy programs. We are proud members of the Newfoundland Club of America and the Newfoundland Club of New England, with extensive involvement in regional clubs and canine organizations. Our breeding program prioritizes genetic health certifications through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and board-certified cardiologists.Beyond breeding, we offer all-breed boarding and grooming services in a home environment that emphasizes animal welfare. Our team brings decades of hands-on experience in dog handling, training, and judging, including specialized expertise in water and draft tests. We maintain strong commitments to responsible pet ownership education, lifelong support for puppy buyers, and animal rescue initiatives. Our facility combines rural tranquility with modern amenities to ensure optimal care for all animals in our charge.
Services
AKC Newfoundland Breeding
All Breed Boarding
Pet Grooming Services
Water Work Training
Draft Work Training
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of AKC-recognized Newfoundland breeding expertise
- All puppies come with OFA and cardiac health certifications
- Experienced handlers and certified water/draft test judges on staff
- Lifetime support provided for all puppy buyers
- Active participation in canine rescue and therapy programs
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Newfoundland Club of America
Services
AKC Newfoundland Breeding
Our AKC-certified Newfoundland breeding program focuses on health, temperament, and breed standard excellence. Puppies come with OFA certifications and lifetime breeder support. We maintain champion bloodlines and prioritize responsible ownership education through detailed buyer questionnaires and follow-up guidance.
All Breed Boarding
We offer home-style boarding for all dog breeds with personalized care routines. Our facility provides secure indoor/outdoor spaces, daily exercise, and special dietary accommodations. Boarding guests receive regular updates and socialization opportunities while maintaining a stress-free environment for optimal animal well-being.
Pet Grooming Services
Professional grooming services include breed-specific coat care, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Our experienced groomers handle all breeds with gentle techniques that minimize stress. We use premium products suitable for sensitive skin and maintain strict sanitation protocols to ensure pet safety during every grooming session.
Water Work Training
Specialized water work training develops natural rescue abilities in Newfoundlands through controlled exercises. Our program follows NCA water test standards, teaching rope retrieval, water rescue techniques, and safety protocols. Training sessions emphasize confidence building while preserving the breed's instinctive affinity for water-based activities.
Draft Work Training
We train Newfoundlands in traditional draft work using carts and sleds, following NCA certification standards. Our program develops strength, obedience, and proper harness techniques while honoring the breed's historical role as working dogs. Training includes load management and terrain navigation to prepare dogs for various draft applications.
People
Keith Mallinson
Co-Owner & Breeder
AKC-licensed judge with expertise in water/draft tests, 16 years on NCNE board, 9 years as Working Dog Secretary. Handles conformation shows and maintains health-certified breeding stock. Specializes in developing working abilities in Newfoundlands through structured training programs.
Sheila Mallinson
Co-Owner & Breeder
Former NCNE secretary and rescue chair, TDI-certified therapy dog handler with READ program experience. Focuses on puppy socialization, health certifications, and lifelong breeder support. Manages breeder education initiatives and community outreach programs for responsible pet ownership.
Questions
Do you breed dog breeds other than Newfoundlands?
We specialize exclusively in AKC-certified Newfoundlands while offering boarding and grooming services for all breeds.
What health certifications do your puppies receive?
All puppies come with OFA certifications for hips, elbows, and cardiac evaluations from board-certified specialists.
Are your dogs suitable for first-time owners?
We provide comprehensive guidance for new owners, including training resources and ongoing breeder support for puppy development.
What boarding accommodations do you offer?
Our home-style boarding includes personalized care plans, secure outdoor access, and special dietary accommodations for all dog breeds.
Do you train dogs for therapy work?
We have extensive therapy dog experience through TDI and READ programs, preparing Newfoundlands for community service roles.
What happens if an owner can't keep their dog?
We guarantee lifetime breeder support and will rehome any dog from our breeding program if needed.
