BREEDING
Our kennel, Anthracite Star, was established in 2021 in Łódź, our hometown. Currently, we live and operate near Płock, specifically in Koszelówka. We are registered with the Polish Kennel Club, which is an integral part of FCI – the International Cynological Federation, an organization that has been uniting purebred dog breeders worldwide for over a hundred years.
The creator of Anthracite Star is me, Damian Matczak. Professionally, I am an interior designer, groomer, and canine assistant. Dogs and my work have become an inseparable part of my life, which is why I continually expand my knowledge and qualifications through breeding, grooming, and behavioral training. I set myself one goal: to create a kennel based on love, passion, and an understanding of the needs of the wonderful breed that is the English Setter.
Since childhood, I dreamed of owning a dog focused on working with people. My ambition and desire have always been to work with hunting dogs and showcase them in exhibitions. Our story began with the wonderful Blacky – Sheradin's Star POLISH VODKA. This female dog inspired my dedication and passion, leading to numerous show successes in Poland and other European countries. Thanks to her, we met many wonderful people, and she influenced our future. She became my best friend.
Three years later, our family welcomed another English Setter – my dream male dog. Young and robust "Marco," who came from a foreign friendly kennel. I waited over a year for the perfect pairing and this one special dog… and thanks to him, our real adventure began.
Our main breeding goals:
- To breed healthy, balanced representatives of the English Setter breed that meet the standards described in the breed's specification.
- To prepare each puppy to become an excellent companion for new families, full of love, devotion, and loyalty.
- To carefully select new homes based on the character and predisposition of each puppy.
- To promote the quality and elegance of our setters during exhibitions, including world, European, international, and club shows.
SHOWS AND BEYOND
Our dogs are perfect companions for active people. We ensure they get the appropriate amount of exercise daily. We dedicate time to ongoing training and work focused on nurturing the breed’s natural predispositions. Thanks to this, in the home environment, they are balanced and loving dogs. Setters are sensitive and caring friends who feel comfortable and happy in the company of their caretaker.
Through consistent effort, our dogs are well-socialized and prepared for a balanced adult life.
Our Setters have achieved many victories at dog shows worldwide and boast prestigious titles, such as:
- International Beauty Champion (C.I.E.) for working breeds,
- International Junior Beauty Champion (C.I.B.-J),
- Junior European Winner,
- Polish Champion,
- Lithuanian Champion,
- Hungarian Champion,
- Romanian Champion,
- Polish Grand Champion,
- Polish Junior Champion,
- Hungarian Junior Champion,
- Slovakian Junior Champion,
- Romanian Junior Champion,
- Polish Puppy Champion,
- Polish Baltic Winner,
- Transylvania Winner,
- Slovakia Winner.
Additionally, our Setters have frequently secured top placements in national and regional rankings. They have been awarded titles such as Best in Show, Best of Group, Best in Show Junior, Best in Show Puppy, Best in Show Minor Puppy, and Best of Breed/Best of Opposite. We have also often received exclusive nominations for Crufts.
PUPPIES
As a home-based breeder at Anthracite Star, we prioritize the health and well-being of our dogs. We conduct regular veterinary and specialized check-ups to provide appropriate medical care. Our dogs are fed high-quality kibble and raw meat. Their diet is supplemented to support proper skeletal and muscular development. Naturally, we ensure they receive an adequate amount of physical and mental activity.
The process of selecting dogs for breeding requires careful consideration. We choose individuals that exhibit the best traits of the English Setter breed. We pay close attention to health, character, and appearance. When selecting future parents, we thoroughly analyze pedigrees to ensure the dogs come from healthy and reputable bloodlines. Every dog that stays with us must meet our visual and character standards.
Our dogs meet all the requirements to be considered breeding males or females. We conduct a range of diagnostic tests, including examinations of the hips and elbows to rule out dysplasia, hearing tests, and genetic blood tests. All these tests confirm the high health standards of our dogs and ensure the transfer of these genes to future generations. Our dogs are regularly checked for general health, teeth, eyes, and digestive systems.
Raising puppies is very important to us and holds a crucial place in our work. It’s fair to say we take on a second full-time job, including night shifts and overtime. All of this is to ensure each puppy is monitored from the very beginning. Such dedication ensures healthy development and socialization for every individual from day one. We aim for our puppies to grow into confident and brave members of their future families. Each litter has access to a spacious garden where they can run and rest. As the puppies grow older, we organize their first socialization trips, such as visits to parks, veterinary clinics, groomers, and many other exciting places.
Each pairing of parents is planned in advance to prepare for the arrival of puppies and plan the entire process. For this reason, our female dogs have access to quiet and peaceful spaces where they can relax and care for their puppies.
CONTACT WITH OWNERS
We offer new puppy owners support and contact with us at any time of day or night, including:
- Advice regarding the first days in the new home,
- Comprehensive grooming services and guidance on care,
- Information about nutrition, care, and puppy health,
- Support in basic training and behavioral needs,
- Access to our contacts for recommended specialists.
We strive to maintain regular contact with our dogs’ owners to stay informed and offer our assistance. We run a Facebook group to share experiences and knowledge. We are available by phone and email to answer any questions.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE GOOD BREEDER?
A breeder registered with the 'Związek Kynologiczny w Polsce' (ZKwP) adheres to all FCI regulations and standards. The International Cynological Federation places a high value on standards concerning the health, conformation, and temperament of purebred dogs. Quality control, international pedigree recognition, and strict breeding requirements make ZKwP the ideal choice for those looking for a purebred dog with documented lineage and certified conformation.
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