Our Story

Belle Creek Bichon Frise

Lorrie Carlton & Larry Letsche, DVM

The “BELLE CREEK” name was derived from the Belle Creek in Livonia Michigan and the boarding kennel that Lorrie’s parents, George and Roberta Carlton, established before she was born. The word “Belle” is often defined as meaning beautiful. This is definitely appropriate to describe the Bichon Frise.

Lorrie grew up at the kennel and her life revolved around dogs of all kinds. She started her own dog grooming business at a young age and became an assistant dog show handler helping her father at dog shows throughout the country. After her father retired, Lorrie began a very successful career as a professional dog handler. Lorrie showed her first bichons as a handler and got her Best in Show on the dog CH. Jadele’s HH Kid Pride. She also won the Bichon Frise club of America’s National Specialty with her own dog, CH. Rank’s Raggedy Andy. Lorrie retired from her handling career after winning the Hound Group, with the Borzoi, CH. Fox Run’s Ivy Rose, at the 1993 Westminster Kennel Club Dog show.

Larry grew up with a few pet dogs in his youth and decided to pursue a career as a veterinarian at an early age. Larry graduated from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 and met Lorrie when she brought a litter of puppies into the clinic that he worked at. Larry and Lorrie became fast friends and married in 1989 and opened Remrock Farms Veterinary Hospital in 1992. The Bichon Frise breed became their passion, and they pride themselves not only in producing quality show dogs but loving pets for new owners.

Career Highlights :

  • Members of the Bichon Frise Club of America and the Detroit Kennel Club

  • All time top breeder of the number of AKC Champion Bichon Frises

  • The Bichon Frise Club of America Top Breeder of the Year 2022 and 2023.

  • American Kennel Club Non - Sporting Group Breeder of the Year 2023

  • Purina Pro Plan/Dog News Breeder of the Year Finalist 2023

  • Breeder and Co-owner Of 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show Winner-GCHP Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love