submitted by Clark Fawcett on Mar 30, 2010
Melody, Abby (Molly) is doing great. She has been a true blessing. I have a very stressful job and it is very nice to have a companion that loves me unconditionally. She and I spend a lot of time together. She comes to work with me a lot and most of my clients love her. She loves to run and play in the field when I get home in the evenings and we usually walk or ride the 4-wheeler down to the pond. She has made several trips to the deer camp and really enjoys it. She has more personality than any dog I have ever been around. She can be quite a handful when she gets wound up (which is frequent) but is a true joy. I call her my therapist. She fights sleep like a baby but will eventually settle down and most nights goes to sleep in my lap before I put her in her crate. I think she will be an excellent bird dog if I do my part. I promise pictures and the t-shirt will be on the way soon. Great to hear from you and I really appreciate the fact that you care about your babies even after they are gon
Hope to talk to you soon.ClarkClark Fawcett
Submitted by: Becky Hayes on Mar 29, 2010
cassie is getting a birthday party on 03-25-2010 she is getting a cupcake u would not believe it if u seen her she is rotton she brushes her teeth and mouth wash still and she gets ginger ale or sprite with her dinner she likes to play wii the bowling part and she loves to take hanks socks and put them put outdoors. and she weighs in at about 45lbs and she still thinks she is a lap dog when ever i get home this is where she stays unless she is in the yard. and on the weekend she gets a happy meal from mcdonalds sat and sunday and 1 milkshake a week. she also stills takes as shower with me 1 a week and she loves to go for long walks and loves everybody as long as u don't come into the backyard will need to go now tlk with u later thanks alot love her to death becky
Submitted by:Sarah and Rick Germanon Feb 13, 2010
Hey there. Just had to report in with you and John to let you know how great Rebbie did at his real first quail hunt. Rick said he held point better than more experienced dogs, honored other dogs, and calmed right down and went to work. Unfortunately, however, they got snowed out for their hunt today, so Rebbel didn't get to work but for one day. Rick and Rebbel really had a good time -- Rick even brought Rebbel in the lodge at night to lay by him while the "boys" had their drinks and kicked back. Also, Rebbel slept at the foot of Rick's bed both nights... I couldn't believe that -- Rick has NEVER allowed a dog in his bed since I've known him over 20 years. So, needless to say, he and Rebbie are BIG TIME buddies. Rick believes Rebbie will make a excellent birddog (for sure). He truly loves that dog . The snow was really beautiful, wasn't it... but most of it's melted here. Take care Sarah
Submitted by: Jack & Jo Kalmar on Oct 25, 2008 We recently purchased a pup named Luke from the Steele's at Chippewa farms. Luke is an energetic, lovable, and smart pup that is a joy to be around. We were very pleased with the professionalism and care the
display toward all their pups. They have stayed in constant touch with us via e-mail and telephone checking
on Luke's progress We would highly recomment them to anyone looking for a good dog.
Thank you for Luke!!!!
submitted by: LIZ PICCIOLI on Dec 12, 2007
I JUST HAVE TO SAY THAT I HAVE NEVER DEALT WITH NICER PEOPLE. JOHN AND MELODY SEEM TO BE GENUINE WONDERFUL PEOPLE. WE THOUGHT WE HAD IT GOOD WHEN WE SPOKE WITH THEM ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BUT THEN WE GOT THE DOG IT WAS ONE GREAT DEAL ALL IN ONE! STHE DOG IS GREAT. GREAT WITH OUR KIDS(4YEARS AND 8 MONTHS OLD). MELLOW WITH JUST ENOUGH ENERGY. WE COULDNT BE HAPPIER. OUR WHOLE FAMILY IS SO HAPPY WITH OUR NEWEST EDITION AND WILL BE FOR YEARS TO COME. THESE PEOPLE MUST KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING! DON'T HESITATE TO CALL OR ASK QUESTIONS! WE ARE HAPPY CUSTOMERS AND FOREVER FAMILY FRIENDS! LOVE THE PICCIOLI FAMILY - JOE, LIZ, GIANNA, DOMINIC, AND OF COURSE LACEY..
 Submitted by: Kim & Greg Creech on Jan 30, 2008
Melody & John We made it back to Kentucky. It took a bit longer with a few extra stops. But we did not have any problems. Both pups are good travelers. Both have been eating very good and sleeping quite a bit. Buffy seems to rough Jody up a little bit, but they are both really great little pups. At last vet visit, just before Christmas, both weighed in a bit over 13lbs. You are doing a good job with your breeding. Buffy and Jody are a real joy. Thanks!!Kim and Greg
Submitted by: The Steen Family on Feb 17, 2008I got a dog from Mel and JW about 18 months ago and her name is Elly Mae. She is a french brittney spaniel. She is about 2 years old. She is very sweet and my family loves her. She is an inside dog and loves to run deer and other animals. She was very well taken care of before I got her. She loves the outside and running around with our other animals. Thank You again Mel and JW for Elly Mae.
Submitted by: Rick and Sarah German on May 18, 2008We are so grateful to Melody and John for letting us purchase a very special tri male from their Feb. 26th litter. Rick lost his 18 year old American Brittany bird dog the end of 2007, and I knew only a very special pup could replace his beloved Charlie -- so the Steeles came to my rescue with little Rebbel.While Reb is just now going on 3 months, he shows wonderful signs of being an excellent bird dog, as well as being a perfect family dog. He's also very handsome with outstanding conformation.Thank you Melody and John so much. You guys are the greatest and we appreciate everything!!
Submitted by: John Arnold on Mar 08, 2008
We took a chance buying a pup on the internet and from out of state but once we contacted John and Melody Steele our worries were over. They made us feel good about trusting them with such an important decision. Our pup,Reese is now 5 months old and has a wonderful personality as well as being beautiful and well bahaved! She is a delight to our family and gets along well with our other dog and cat. We made a excellent choice in purchasing a pup from the Steele's.Submitted by: Kristi on Oct 09, 2008 Melody and John are the sweetest people! And, their french brittanys are gorgeous! You'll feel you know your puppy before you even get it, with all the pictures you'll receive, along with emails. Melody became a close friend of mine before even meeting her in person. Last week we were able to pick our precious Jasmine up. Their place is so wonderful and clean! They even have a trailer that's like a Sheradon just for the puppies and moms that even has a T.V.!Jasmine cried for over a half hour not wanting to leave her 1st family! It was very obvious all the love and attention Jasmine had received. Thank you so much Melody and John for all you do! Friends Forever, Kristi and family
Submitted by: Maria & Tom Crupi on Jun 15, 2008
We wanted a French Brit, but unable to find a breeder near Massachusetts, we were hesitant. Mel and John patiently walked us throught the process, providing us with tons of information, regular puppy updates and photos. In May, we recieved our orange & white female. At 12 weeks, Belle is everything Mel and John said she would be, and more. She is beatiful, loving, inteligent and eager to please. Our whole family is delighted with her. We contiue to contact Mel & John for advice. They are always there to help and we consider our relationship as more than just that of breeder/customer. Thanks for everything, Mel & John.Tom, Maria, Pete, Andy, Papa and Chippewa's Carolina Belle
Submitted by:Carson Lovell on Jul 10, 2008
We got our puppy, Reagan, from John and Melody in late April 2008. She was from their February 26th litter. She is everything Melody described and more!!!! Reagan is beautiful, sweet, intelligent, spunky and social. We get compliments on her appearance and her demeanor everywhere we go. Thank you so much John and Melody!!!
Submitted by: Steve Graaskamp on Aug 23, 2008
I don't know if we got lucky or if all your dogs have this kind of disposition, personality and smart looks. We couldn't be happier with our 6 month pup Jasper. You should see him freeze on a bird wing! Submitted by: Christi Hughes on Jan 23, 2009Wanted to give you an update on Baxter. He is now almost 16lbs. He is very healthy and happy. He will be getting neutered in February. He had a great Christmas, Santa was very good to him. He also got to meet lots of my extended family. He is doing so well with his training. He can now do sit,stay, down, shake, crawl, wait, look at me, and we are working on beg. We are starting some more puppy training and socialization classes in February,and in March, we will be starting agility training. We just switched him from a harness to a Martingale collar for walking, and the transformation in his ability to walk on a lead with no pulling is amazing! He is true gift to us. We love him so much. He snuggles with everyone he meets. We often think of you both and are so thankful for giving us such a great friend to raise and call our own. We love you both, Christi and familySubmitted by Sara German on Feb.5,2009
Hey there guys! Wanted to give you a little update of the boy... Rick spoke to his trainer (Tony Bingham in Shelby, NC) this morning and the trainer bragged on Rebbel, saying he was really doing well and he believed he'd turn out to be an excellent bird dog. Tony is taking a group of dogs to Abeleen, Texas next week for three weeks or so for training on a ranch out there. Rebbel will be going too.So that's the latest on our boy. Rick brought him home for a short visit of few weeks back and WOW, Rebbel had really filled out and bulked up muscle wise. He sure was glad to get some TLC while here, though. In fact, when Rick got home with him, Rick brought him in the house and Rebbel fell asleep for 1 hour in Rick's lap.
Take care.
Sarah
Submitted by: Brenda Dixon on Jun 09, 2009
Hey Melody and John.Jill is doing great. She has not had an accident in the house in 4 or 5 days. I think she already gets the potty outside thing!!!She went swimming in the lake last week and took her first boat ride. She was so calm on the boat, you would have thought she had always gone boat riding.She did not want to go in her crate at first, but now I just say "Let's go to bed, Jilly," and she goes right in.She likes to jump in my lap at night when I'm reading or watching TV and she goes to sleep there.She rides in the car wonderfully--just curls up in the back seat and sleeps.I cannot think of anything that she does that does not please us. She is wonderful. She has stolen our hearts and I think my sister is also in love with her(my sister is not a dog person). My sister(Jan) tells everyone how smart Jilly is and how she walks on leash, etc.I'll send some pictures soon.Love, Brenda
Submitted by: Robert & Judy Lloyd on Jun 09, 2009
Hi Melody, I have attached 3 pictures of Sadie. One is of her pointing her first bird wing. Wow, she is wonderful. She already has us trained to her routine, Ha Ha. She is so much fun. she learns so quickly. I thought you would enjoy seeing her at work. Even the sleep work. We love her. Thanks and hope everything is going well with you all. Judy LloydRobert Lloyd
Submitted by: REBECCA HAYES on Aug 11, 2009
My Husband and i bought a french brittany back in may she is absolutely beautiful she was quit to pick up on house training and loves 2 take showers and quick to pick up on new commands if i had enough time and room i wld take another one and at 4 mths she already will go after birds but she thinks she is a lap dog and she knows that after a shower once a week she can sleep in the bed if you are thinking of a great pet this would be the one.
Submitted by: Cathy Boucher on Aug 09, 2009
Arty has been a terrific addition to our family. It was our first time having a puppy fly to meet us. From the minute he landed and greeted us, he has been a joy. Grandma Jeanne says he's a genius, but she's slightly biased. Arty is very social and friendly. We know he's going to be a great bird dog, when it comes time to train, as his scouting skills are already starting to surface. The Chippewa Farms family is the BEST!
Submitted by: David Bell on Aug 08, 2009
Hey John and Melody!!! I finally got Echo back to Kentucky!! He is doing just fine. He is torturing my mothers dog right now lol. But over all he is doing just great! Still getting used to things and trying to get the going outside potty thing and sleeping in his crate at night. But anyways. Thank you so much for your hospitality. You made it feel like we were right at home and we have known each other for years. I will keep you updated on Echo's process. Take care!!!!
Submitted by: Andrea  Wazwrzusin on Oct 05, 2009
Hi Melody,Adopting the newest four legged member of our family from Chippewa Farms has been such a joy! I appreciated all the email and photo updates from when the puppies were born through the weeks until it was time to pick up Dax and bring him home. I also appreciated your willingness to give advice on how to transition the new puppy into the family in a way that would help our nine year old Brittany adjust to a new little brother. It is clear to me how much love you invest in your dogs and the puppies. Dax is now a little over four months old and just finished puppy class and I need to tell you that he did great! The instructor is sort our local version of the dog whisperer, and so works with MANY dogs. Repeatedly during class she commented on what a great dog Dax is, specifically his temperment and intellect! It is so true. Not only is he cute enough to get compliments wherever we go, but has a great personality and is super smart! Thank you for not only being selective in your breeding to honor the Brittany, but also investing the time and energy into creating a loving environement for the puppies to be start off life in... it equals happy, smart and well-adjusted pups! Thanks again,Andrea
Submitted by: Marla Hamilton on Oct 05, 2009
We highly recommend John and Melody to anyone looking for a French Brittany Spaniel. When deciding to add a puppy to our house, we researched every breed! We were looking at all shapes and sizes, but most important to us was to find a wonderful family member that would fit into our lifestyle. We wanted a healthy, intelligent, loving dog and we were fortunate to get SOOO much more! Melody and John were open and honest from the very first phone call and answered every question we had. They also invited us to come to see the pups from a previous litter, in addition to our future pups parents, to help us confirm our choice. It was obvious that John and Melody are committed to their dogs and know each of them so well. Our Jesse was born in March 2009 and we received a phone call and pictures right away! It was obvious that all were healthy and well cared-for, and we were fortunate to be able to visit several times with the puppies. For those that can not visit, rest assured that Chippewa Farms is not only committed to raising quality pups, they are committed to finding the right pup for YOU. Jesse is now 6 months old and is a beautifully handsome dog. Housetraining was not difficult and I was amazed at how quickly he learned the basic commands of watch me, sit, stay, down, and come. Jesses instincts are there to be a great bird dog, too, but since we are not hunters, we have not pursued this training. Its fun to watch him act on impulse, though, and flush out a bird or point when he suspects something. We are constantly amazed and entertained by Jesses antics. He is a great addition to our family.
Submitted by: Jennifer K. Till on Sep 20, 2009
My husband and I purchased Wendy, our French Brittany, from John and Melody in April 2009. I unreservedly recommend Chippewa Farms. I called the Steeles because their website was helpful, their testamonials were so complimentary, and their dogs seemed healthy and happy. John kindly answered all of my questions on the phone, and Melody emailed me frequent reports and pictures after the puppies were born. I was even more impressed with the Steeles after meeting them - they are both kind and competent, and clearly love all of their dogs. They have an entire trailer devoted to puppies and their dams, with bedrooms for the nursing mothers. I was able to play with all of the puppies and meet Wendy's sire and dam. I am completely pleased with Wendy - she is energetic, intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please. She has wonderful energy and enthusiasm outside - she hikes and swims without tiring. However, she is calm and sweet inside. Because the Steeles socialize all of their puppies at at early age, Wendy has never been fearful of other animals or people - she and our other dog have been best friends since we brough Wendy home. We have not trained Wendy as a hunting dog, but she still smells out and points at birds when we take her hiking. We are so thankful for Melody and John and would gladly purchase another dog from them in the future.
Testimonials ( 33)
Submitted by: Bob & Sherian Long on Apr 20, 2010
From the moment Zack burst out of his carrier at the airport and into my arms, he has been the joy of my life. I wanted a companion 'lap dog' who would also have fun joining our other Brittanys bird hunting with my husband. I spoke and emailed a number of times to Melody with what I was looking for, and without a doubt, she helped me pick the one that has been perfect. At 33 pounds, Zack is a bigger 'lap dog' than I originally envisioned, but he doesn't think so! He goes everywhere in the car with me and patiently waits for me while I run all my errands. I think he developed his love of travel by the 3000 miles airplane trip he took to get here. He has a great disposition, loves everyone he sees and has so much personality. Like all parents, I don't think there is a prettier dog, but even strangers stop to tell me what a beautiful dog he is. On the whole he was pretty easy to train and is more than willing to shake hands if it will get him a treat! From my husband's perspective, Zack was a real pleasure to work with in his field training as a result of his mellow disposition and has integrated well with our three other Brittanys. We train our own dogs and by the time he was a year old in March he had met or exceeded all our training goals for his age. He appears to have a very good nose, points, retrieves, honors and responds appropriately to the collar, whistle and hand commands. Most important, hes learned to distinguish when were just messing around, which allows him to hunt or chase most anything, and when were actually hunting He seems quite self-assured and doesnt require a lot of praise to motivate him. Hes been as easy, if not easier, than our American Brittanys to train. I know we owe so much to Chippewa Farms for the great bloodlines and the socialization the puppies get there from birth until they go to their permanent homes. Thank you so much for Zack. No one could do better than to get a Brittany there.
Submitted by: Tom and Janice Wise on May 11, 2010
John and Melody are the best! We purchased Murphy a year ago and what a sweetheart! From the point of researching breeders it became clear that John and Melody were knowledgeable, caring people that care about the puppies they bring into this world and want only to share the joy that each puppy can give to a family. Loyal, loving, intelligent and above all entertaining!We have a St. Bernard, golden retriever, miniture schanuzer and then came Murphy. He stole my heart with just one look. Murphy is the house clown, a loving companion and is becoming a very attentive hunter and has natural instincts to point. Murphy will sit patiently watching birds, will point butterflies and leap into the air trying to catch them. Murphy will be going to training in August and on his frist big hunting trip in Nebraska in October. We loved Murphy's disposition and attentiveness that we purchased a female and now Muprhy is the proud Daddy of 10 new puppies! During the birthing process, which was my first, John and Melody were readily availble every time I called with questions or updates! Not only have we found a great addition to our family we have acquired great friends with John and Melody. Thanks again for all your help and support
Submitted by: Claudia Borchert on Aug 12, 2009
Hey Melody, Sassy doing great. We love her. She's adapting to her crate well and is very responsive, cuddly and fun!! We went to the vet yesterday and got great reviews. The vet wanted me to tell you that you are doing everything right as a breeder and she is glad to see it. Quick question: was Sassy the smallest of the litter? And how big to you expect her to get? We're about to head off with Sassy for a week-long vacation in the Rockies. I will email when given a chance. Hope you're doing well, say hi to the puppies Claudia
ubmitted by: Cliff and Audrey Keisler on Feb 14, 2009 Dear melody, Bindi is doing very well. She loves everybody, but kids especially. She tries so hard to get to little girls. Your granddaughters gave her so much love; tell them they did a great job, and Bindi remembers them and loves them. I'm not a great picture taker but I will send you the latest pictures. Adrian puts Bindi's ears up and Bindi just lets her, the one picture that looks something like a mohawk is Adrian's doing. Oh! its only been a few months but it feels like she has always been here. She is free spirited and loves to play. I agree with you as she grows she looks like her Dad Cash, She is so tall. What suprises me the most is she understands "No" obeys it very well. I think that your John touched been with love also she gives Cliff extra cuddles along the way. We are so happy with Bindi. Very appropriate day valentines day, love day, to share about Bindi she is one loving puppy. Thank You, Audrey and Cliff
Submitted by: Gary Stampfli on Jun 09, 2009
Hi guys, I have recently had the pleasure of field training one of your pups, Jasper out in CA. I have to say he was one of my all time best students, He accepted the training very well, learned better than most dogsthat come through my kennel for training. He is 100% bird dog now, he holdshis point very well, I have him steady to wing, the shot releases him to make the retrieve or begin hunting once again. He was a bit immature forfull forced training on the fetch, he has great natural instincts and Steve and I have discussed ways to build on the natural retrieve as he is closethere! He was purchased for a hunting dog and with a bit more maturity he will be a GREAT hunting dog! I am planning on moving my business to the northeast and after workingJasper, I may purchase a pup from you soon to expand my breeding program.Keep up the good work in producing fine, well mannered, high desire, go getthem bird dogs! Jasper got his send off session with Steve in 100 degree, very dry weather,showed like a champ!Gary StampfliLockhard Bird Dog Training Center
Submitted by:Jeff Pratt on Feb 14, 2009Riley's doing well.Vermont is a tough place to do much training in the winter.. we have had about 2-3 feet of snow since December. So I've been letting him just romp.. he loves the snow and leaps and bounds where our Setter plods...Riley is very athetic and his jumps can range up to 10-12 feet...A good friend of mine runs a nearby kennel, and when he gets back from North Carolina, where he goes to train forthe winter, in April.. we'll get Riley going on birds, training, etc.. Isuspect we'll be in pretty good shape come fall..I don't have any recent photos.. but will try to get something and send italong..All best.. glad to hear spring is settling in down there.. means it can'tbe too far away from us up here.
.Submitted by: Rob and Liz Trenckmann on Feb 18, 2008 We have really enjoyed our experience with John and Melody Steele. They were helpful and honest on the phone. Our pup, Bailey, arrived in great condition after a cross-country flight. She has lots of energy and a sweet temperament. She is a beautiful pup and very healthy. We recommend this breeder.
Submitted by: Theresa Padovano on Feb 13, 2010
Melody, Can you believe we were looking on your website this afternoon to see if the new litter arrived? We love Sadie so much! She is such a sweet dog. Sadie absolutely loves children and can hardly control her excitement when she sees them (we are working on that). She loves to be outside no matter what the weather and never seems to tire on a walk. Everyone always comments on what a beauty she is. She is now 22 lbs, not much of a peanut next to Sydney, our 12 lb Jack Russel. Michael wanted me to ask if you give volume discounts. He loves her so much he talks about getting another one often. He is very anxious to see the new litter. So good to hear from you. Theresa
Chippewa Farms
French Brittanys
