About

Welcome to Kanna Belgian Tervuren
Why Kanna?

I started showing in conformation in November of 2011 and began performance events shortly after. I acquired my first Tervuren in July of 2011, his name was BISS Bronze GCH Bilgay's Eye of the Hurricane CD RA OA OAJ OF CGC- Kane. Kane was the start of it all, his willingness to please fueled my desire to do everything I possibly could accomplish in the amazing world of dog sports. Kane helped me learn everything I know about these sport and I couldn't of asked for a better teammate. His intense drive, wonderful quirky character, and phenomenal work ethic truly hooked me onto this breed. Kane guided me to see what I wanted to continue to preserve in the breed and what I hoped to improve- Tervuren who are healthy, biddable, versatile, and mentally and physically sound. When I decided I was ready to dive into creating my own kennel line I wanted to ensure that my first show/performance dog was always to be remembered. I took my name Becca and merged it with his Kane; poof Kanna (Kane-na) was born!

I raise my puppies using the Puppy Culture protocols along with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). I do this to give my puppies the best possible start on life through different areas of bio-sensor stimulation such as thermal, tactile, motion, and locomotion. ENS works by introducing mild levels of stress early when the brain is creating all new pathways and learning things quickly. Stress in mild degrees is actually healthy, and safe mild stress teaches the brain how to overcome and work through the stress efficiently. I also do early scent introductions during the same time that ENS is completed between 3-16 days. The puppies learn to offer behaviors and the start of impulse control between 3-5 weeks of age with the help of clicker training. The puppy culture protocols and brain games help to shape the puppies to be confident, well-rounded, and bomb-proof in new situations. I try having all my puppies having a basic understanding of manners, crate training, house training, grooming procedures, and leash walking by the time they go to their new homes between 10-12 weeks of age. I then help the new owners continue on the training with my help, guidance, and mentorship. This is to help make the transition to their new homes as seamless as possible. By raising puppies to confident in their own skin it prepares them for whatever goals their new owners have for them; whether it being a show, performance, or active companion puppy.

I personally train and compete in AKC conformation, agility, obedience, rally, herding, dock diving, tracking, scentwork, lure sports, and trick dog. What I love about the breed is that any sport I wish to try, I have a teammate at my feet just as excited to try it with me! I began my journey in dog sports as a Junior Handler and because of this, I love helping and mentoring new, young individuals get involved with this amazing breed. I love to help newcomers discover the breed and get involved with enjoying all of the different aspects they have to offer. I teach a variety of classes to the public including conformation, foundation puppy, and STAR puppy classes. I enjoy helping owners set their puppies up for the most successful life possible, and my dogs love being demo dogs for these classes. I've worked with many different breeds, but none quite compare to how special the Tervuren are. These dogs will impress you on a daily basis with their attitudes and personality that shines through incredibly bright. They thrive on an active working household where they are given tasks to do and keep their minds engaged. These are not typical couch-potato dogs and instead they live to please you on a daily basis. They are incredibly loyal and I say they even breath in sync with their owners.

For this line I strive to breed dogs that are beautiful and fulfill the standard for a true Belgian Tervuren. I push in my breeding program to highlight the versatility, biddability, and strength this breed has to offer. Beauty and Brains is of the upmost importance! I hope to share these types of dogs with others who will appreciate and adore the true qualities of this breed just as much as I do myself. This breed is my LIFE, and I will continue to honor them as much as they do me.

Rebecca Grinsell & Angela Grinsell

Proud Members of:
American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit Bronze
American Belgian Tervuren Club
Sunshine Belgian Tervuren Club
Greater Orange Park Dog Club
Paws and Pals Agility
K9 Obedience Club of Jacksonville

Rebecca is an approved judge for AKC Temperament Test and Farm Dog Certification
Rebecca is also an approved AKC CGC Evaluator, for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program, CGC, AKC Community Canine (the advanced level of CGC), Urban CGC, Video Home Manners and Trick Dog tests. “
Rebecca is the committee chair for Junior Showmanship for the American Belgian Tervuren Club.
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From others in the Kanna Family:

In early 2021, when I began reaching out to Belgian Tervuren breeders, I started by searching websites, AKC (breeders of merit), and by inquiring within a couple Facebook groups for individuals looking for reputable breeders. The names that kept coming up were “Kanna” and Rebecca Grinsell…a couple other breeders were also recommended. So I reached out to three breeders, Kanna Belgians being the first. Only two of the breeders responded within a timely manner (within two weeks). The response received from Rebecca was chock full of information regarding the dam/ sire, her process when breeding, but also regarding how she raises the puppies once born (Puppy Culture and ENS). Of course, as a prospective puppy buyer/ owner, I want the puppy to have the best start and knowing how much the breeder cares about not only her line, but each puppy caused me to become immediately interested and quickly set my sights and hopes on Kanna Belgians. When purchasing a puppy from Kanna Belgians, you aren’t just purchasing a puppy, you’re gaining an extended family. Prior to bringing my little Sula home in July 2021 I hadn’t raised a puppy since 2012 so, it was certainly different, sometimes a challenge…however, the Kanna Krew (Rebecca, Angela, all the other owners) are fantastic resources both for education, advice, as well as commiseration (potty training – am I right?! HAHA!). I could not be any happier with Sula; Becca matched us up perfectly. Sula is both sweet, spunky, and bubbly, but also serious and certainly has her own opinions – she has brought out “puppiness” in my other two as well, which I mistakenly thought they had lost. The Kanna Krew (led by Becca and Angela) are always there for support through text, FB messenger, the FB Kanna group, and through calls/ email. The group frequently shares in celebrating the successes of all the pups and families, whether it’s related to sports and/or showing or simply gushing over an adorable or funny photo. Additionally, Becca and Angela have been a wonderful resource when training for dog sports and conformation, discussing behaviors, as well as even offering to puppy-sit. I don’t trust many people with my pups, but I know that I could trust anyone in the Kanna Krew with Sula (and even my two other Shepherds). I cannot recommend Kanna Belgians enough for someone looking for a reputable breeder who truly cares about their dogs, and who provides lifetime support. In fact, I’m hoping to bring home another pup in a few years. If you are simply interested in a financial transaction, this breeder is not for you.

Kaylee Frahs
Middleburg, FL

The Grinsells love their dogs, both those in their home and those in their extended Kanna Family. They try hard to find the best matches for both the canine members of the family and the human. And with open arms and open hearts they welcome those they feel will love their dogs as much as they do. I know our Kanna puppy, Blue was the perfect dog for us and we love him more than anyone can imagine.

Patricia Jackson
Richmond Hill, MO

Randy and I have had Belgian Sheepdogs and a Tervuren rescue, for 23 years when we decided to add another Tervuren to our family.
Our search lead us to Florida and Kanna Belgians, with the beautiful litter, of Kat x Hugo. We were looking for a show and performance male and of course a pet. ❤️
Rebecca and family did a wonderful job raising the puppies. She used puppy culture, and they come home to you well adjusted and ready for you to take the lead. Rebecca is readily available for Any question no matter how small.
As for our puppy we are thrilled! We couldn’t be happier, he is excelling in Agility, Obedience, Rally, Conformation, lure coursing ,He will also do great at Tracking and nose work as soon as we have time. I would say she matched us with the right puppy. Rebecca has the passion and knowledge needed to be a great breeder! We felt we won the lottery when we found her!

Randy and Shannon
Kadar Belgians
Towanda, Pa. 18848

I absolutely love my Kanna Belgian. He is everything I hoped he would be. He has the best temperament. He loves everyone. He is always ready to do anything that I want him to do. His breeder gave him a great start in life. He experienced so much before I even got him. Not many puppies have met sheep, gone swimming and are comfortable with the blow dryer before they go to their homes among so many other things. I also love the photo shoots. Kanna has the best puppy pictures. I am looking forward to getting another Kanna puppy.

Beverly Malzahn
Stafford, Virginia

Rebecca and the Grinsell’s have far surpassed my expectations as responsible and caring breeders. I was not looking for a puppy when I came across their litter but they gave me exactly what I never knew I needed. They matched me with kiwi who has been the most biddable and easy to get along with dog I’ve ever had. This has been my first experience with a co-ownership and it has been an absolute dream! With that, Rebecca opened me up to the world of conformation and showing. She taught how me how to groom for shows, how to handle, and has been my number one support! She shares in every victory and title that we attain. I am so thankful to Rebecca for introducing me to the beautiful world of Belgian Tervurens!!!

Elena Manubens
Ocala, Fl

I cannot speak highly enough about Rebecca Grinsell and Kanna Belgians. She has been supportive and helpful through any and all questions I had. From the most mundane to serious, she gave them all her full attention and when necessary, a sense of humor. The initial puppy application was thorough. After the application was sent, I scheduled a time for a phone interview to really get down to brass tacks. I was a bit intimidated at first, I was very young (which wasn’t held against me) and this was the first time that I was seeking out a dog, not my family. We talked about my lifestyle, my goals with the dog, how I heard about the breed (I was also a new terv owner to boot!) and if my family was on board. I was in! I was so excited to be getting this puppy. I loved the breed and knew it would be a perfect fit for me. The last step was a home check, done by a local family who also had tervs (as I live states away from the Grinsell’s). It was really great to have them come by and talk dogs.
I loved the frequent photo updates on Facebook of the litter. Being able to see the puppies grow up was so cool and I loved them all. I knew I wanted a boy but, because Rebecca picked the puppy for the owners, I didn’t want to fall in love with one in particular just yet. I was matched with the Night litter blue boy and it really was a match made in heaven.
The puppies were all raised in the home and taught using early neurological stimulation as well as Puppy Culture. I truly believe that these two practices are major reasons why my puppy was so confident, eager to learn, and social as such a young guy. The second day I had him, we were at the Tampa airport. The 9 week old puppy walked through that airport like he owned the place. He was in a carrier while moving through the airport but when we were at the terminal, he needed to stretch his legs. He met so many people and they were all his new friends. And the best part: no accidents! I couldn’t believe it. On the plane, he slept the entire flight. That experience alone is a testament to his solid genetics and early socialization/training experiences.
From then on, I could not have asked for a better fit. He was 98% potty trained on the day he arrived. I can only recall two accidents during his entire puppyhood. He was excellent in a crate at home but needed about two weeks to get used to riding in a crate in the car (he had a little tummy trouble). For the first few weeks I had him, I was in frequent contact with the Grinsell’s. Keeping updated, asking or answering questions, communicating about vet appointments; all normal puppy things that I was doing now on my own for the first time.
I could write a novel about my experience with Kanna Belgians and my puppy (now adult dog). I have entered the amazing world of dog showing, am trying sports I didn’t even know existed, and have met so many amazing people because of this breed and breeder. Kanna Belgians strives for excellence in all and their puppies are truly the proof of that. They are serious about their dogs. Serious enough to thoroughly vet anyone that is interested in their puppies, ask questions, and really get to know you. I am grateful and honored to have been picked as the forever home for my wonderful boy. I still maintain regular contact with the Grinsell’s to this day and know that I will for a long time.

Alana Fligelman
Chicago, IL

About Kanna Belgians