Shalein Bonney, D.V.M., and Michael Shields are the owners and founders of Cheshire Great Danes.  Shalein acquired her first black Great Dane,“Cleo”, in 1984, pictured.   HIT Cheshire’s Cleopatra V. Aztec, CDX, HOF, was inducted into the Great Dane Hall of Fame for earning multiple High in Trials (HIT) and an all time high score in obedience. After spending several years in obedience, Shalein decided that she could positively impact the Great Dane more by focusing on her breeding program and by showing in conformation.  Cheshire’s foundation bitch, Ch. RRB’S Winning Colors, “Diva”, was the top brood bitch in 1997, and Ch. Longo’s More Than A Chance, “Chanceler”, foundation stud dog, won Best Opposite and Best Junior dog at the 1995 GDCA National Specialty.  Diva and Chanceler produced Top 20 contender BISS Am/Can. Ch. Cheshire’s Tailor Made v. Longo, “Tailor”.

Shalein took her dedication of the betterment of Great Danes beyond breeding and showing when she graduated with a doctorate degree from Colorado State University in veterinary medicine. While in veterinary school she placed a strong emphasis on genetics and reproduction and was awarded three AKC scholarships for her Great Dane genetics research. After graduation, she joined Rose City Veterinary Hospital in Pasadena, California, focusing on canine reproduction.  Shalein is currently studying to become board certified in reproduction and has been accepted into The Mentorship Program of the American College of Theriogenologists.   

In 1999, Stacie and Jere Knudtsen got their first black Great Dane, Jackson, who was sired by  Tailor.  Jackson earned his Therapy Dog Certification and Canine Good Citizen Title.  Jackson has spent many hours in the classroom with Stacie and her special needs children.  Currently Stacie and Jere live with their fourth generation of Cheshire Great Danes. 

In 2001, Stacie joined Shalein and her Cheshire Great Danes breeding program.   You can now find Cheshire Great Danes in two locations: Shalein and Michael are located in Southern California, and Stacie and Jere are located in Washington state.  Shalein and Stacie co-own, exhibit, and co-breed using the Cheshire Great Danes Kennel name.

Please take the time to search the website so you can enjoy the lineage and accomplishments of Cheshire Great Danes since its founding.