Breeder snapshot
Chow Chow breeder in Mitchell, SD. 6 dogs at last count. USDA inspectors noted 4 problems across 21 reports. Every report is free to read.
Steve & Judy Theisse – T Z Kennels
Mitchell, South Dakota
USDA licensed
Breed(s)
Chow Chow
Exp. 12/23/2027
Inspection Summary
Inspection Dog Counts
Dogs counted
Inspection date
Inspection Report Details
DateSourceTotal DogsNotesReport
All inspections and findings in full
Steve & Judy Theisse – T Z Kennels is linked to 21 public inspection reports, carrying 2 inspector findings, from March 2014 to August 2026.
Across 20 inspections between March 2014 and August 2026, inspectors recorded between 6 dogs and 48 dogs at Steve & Judy Theisse – T Z Kennels. The most recent count was 6 dogs on August 26, 2026.
| Date | Licence | Type | Dogs counted | Inspector findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2014 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 35 dogs | None |
| November 18, 2014 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 48 dogs | None |
| August 25, 2015 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 34 dogs | None |
| January 23, 2017 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 28 dogs | 1 finding |
| November 30, 2017 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 29 dogs | 1 finding |
| November 23, 2018 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 28 dogs | None |
| November 7, 2019 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 32 dogs | None |
| September 17, 2020 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 24 dogs | None |
| May 18, 2021 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 23 dogs | None |
| January 24, 2022 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Pre-license inspection | 15 dogs | None |
| March 2, 2022 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 21 dogs | None |
| November 16, 2022 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 25 dogs | None |
| June 7, 2023 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 23 dogs | None |
| December 11, 2023 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 21 dogs | None |
| July 10, 2024 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 7 dogs | None |
| January 7, 2025 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Re-license inspection | 7 dogs | None |
| March 11, 2025 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 7 dogs | None |
| August 7, 2025 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 7 dogs | None |
| February 17, 2026 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Attempted inspection | No access | None |
| February 24, 2026 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 6 dogs | None |
| August 26, 2026 | USDA 46-A-0309 | Routine inspection | 6 dogs | None |
What inspectors wrote
January 23, 2017 — Routine inspection, USDA 46-A-0309
28 dogs recorded (24 adults · 4 puppies).
- Chow Chow run with protruding wire
A gate to the outside run area next to the west side of the whelping building contained numerous strands of protruding fence wire into the run. There was one black female chow chow named Ebony (DOB 2-1-2010, microchip # 492B60687A) within the run area. The sharp ends of the wires protruding into the run represent an injury hazard to dogs using the run. The protruding wire needs to be removed or repaired. Correct by date: immediately (owner removed dog from affected run area during inspection .)
November 30, 2017 — Routine inspection, USDA 46-A-0309
29 dogs recorded (26 adults · 3 puppies).
- Chow Chow chewed wood surfaces
1) Exposed and chewed wood surfaces were observed on the interior side of the dog access door located on the west wall of the southwest enclosure in the whelping building. The enclosure currently houses two young black chow- chows. 2) A plywood panel attached to a dividing wire panel between occupied dog pens in the west kennel building was observed to have a large hole chewed in it. Exposed, worn or chewed wood surfaces are difficult to sanitize and may pose a splinter risk to dogs. Large holes in wooden divider panels may also pose a potential entrapment risk to animals. All damaged wood surfaces need to be repaired or replaced and maintained so as to remain impervious to moisture and easily sanitized. Correct by 12-10-2017.
Questions people ask about this kennel
Has Steve & Judy Theisse – T Z Kennels been cited by inspectors?
Yes. Inspectors recorded 2 problems across 21 visits. Each one is quoted in full above, in the inspector's own words.
How many dogs does Steve & Judy Theisse – T Z Kennels keep?
At the most recent inspection on file, August 26, 2026, inspectors counted 6 dogs (6 adults). The count is taken by the inspector on the day, so it moves with litters and sales.
What breeds does Steve & Judy Theisse – T Z Kennels raise?
The records name Chow Chow. Breeds come from the inspection paperwork, so a kennel may keep others that were never written down.
What licences does Steve & Judy Theisse – T Z Kennels hold?
- USDA licence 46-A-0309 — expires 12/23/2027
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