Carissima Kennels

Carissima Kennels is a well-established breeder of purebred German Shepherd puppies in Ontario, Canada. Leo Bellino, the founder of Carissima Kennels, had a deep passion and extensive knowledge for the German Shepherd breed. He imported two German Shepherds, Dito and Bronc, from Italy to Canada in 1977, and they became excellent family pets and guard dogs. Leo's dedication to the breed led him to study and understand German Shepherds even more intensely after moving to Loretto in 1978. Leo's expertise and love for German Shepherds inspired many people, and he willingly shared his thoughts, ideas, and philosophies with others. He mentored and guided numerous individuals, generously offering his time, counsel, and entertaining stories. Leo was highly respected in the dog community, deriving great satisfaction from sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge. Carissima Kennels has achieved significant recognition under German judges, earning the title of "Breeder of Distinction" for seven consecutive years. They have bred SchH III and police dogs, Canadian Obedience Victrix, and dogs with the highest achievements in CD to UD in Canada. Their breeding program has produced many champions, Futurity and Maturity Victors and Victrix in different regions of Canada. Leo Bellino was not only a successful breeder but also a skilled handler. He achieved remarkable success, handling Grand Victrix and Grand Victor dogs in both Canada and the United States, along with numerous other titles. Leo continued showing dogs until his passing in March 2005. On a personal level, Leo Bellino was a mentor to many individuals, both in their personal lives and in the dog world. He was a teacher who shared his experiences and knowledge, enjoying engaging conversations and debates. Leo's commitment to excellence extended beyond his dogs; he was a perfectionist in all aspects of life. Carissima Kennels focuses on breeding strong, sound, and healthy German Shepherds with superior character, correct structure, and a rich black and red coat. They are a small select breeder dedicated to producing exceptional German Shepherd puppies for families, show competitions, sports, or companionship.