About Us

We are a completely family owned and operated business.  We are a very active family in the "Dog World".  Both Jim and Tina are UKC Conformation Judges, Jim is also a UKC Weight Pull Judge.    We help organize and host dog show events several times each year in and around the Dallas and Hickory NC areas.  We show, train and most of all love all of our dogs and the ones at our facility as if they were our own.

Tina started in dogs when she was only 8 years old with the 4H program.  She worked for the federal government training dogs for the military.  She has a degree in Animal Science and has worked many years as a surgical veterinary assistant. 

Jim and Tina met in 1992 and Jim's interest in dogs began to develop.  He took early retirement from his company to start a new and exciting career together with his wife.  They moved to North Carolina in 2004 seeking their dream to build, own and operate their own Boarding, Grooming and Training facility.   After much work they opened First Class Kennels, LLC. in August 2005.  Together with their daughter run First Class Kennels.

Jim and Tina's daughter, Kayla. 

Kayla (11), but by no means to be under estimated. She has grown up around the "Dog World".  She can just about do anything from cleaning kennels to even minor grooming.  Kayla is very active in showing and is ranked in the top 10 junior handlers for her region.  She attends a private school and is an honor role student.  Kayla helps her family run their business on weekends and after school.

 Please have a look around our site and Thank you for stopping by.

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