For over three decades, Cairn Terriers have been an integral part of my life. Since 1986, my dedication to this spirited breed has only deepened, though practical considerations of space and the fact that all my dogs are cherished house pets mean my kennel numbers are kept intentionally low, typically under eight adult dogs, along with a few youngsters being prepared for the show ring. Breeding is a careful and time-consuming process, and I only have a few litters each year, a fact I emphasize to prospective owners who might be captivated by the charm of puppies but may not fully grasp the commitment involved. Occasionally, a young adult dog, either one that hasn’t quite met show ring expectations or has retired from it, becomes available to a suitable, loving home.
As a small kennel, I take immense pride in the accomplishments of the dogs I’ve been involved with. To date, six Welsh-bred and owned Cairn Terriers have proudly earned their championship titles. The first, CHAMPION SAMBABS MOONLIGHT SERENADE, resided with me and was expertly handled and prepared by myself to achieve her title in 1992. Following in her paw prints, my homebred CHAMPION TYCADNO COLUMBIA, a granddaughter of Serenade, earned her title in May 2000. The third to achieve this prestigious status was CHAMPION TYCADNO WISHING ON A STAR in June 2007, a proud granddaughter of Columbia. Her daughter, CHAMPION TYCADNO STARLET, made up in May 2012, became the fourth champion. Starlet’s son, CHAMPION/IRISH CHAMPION TYCADNO I SPY, achieved his titles in May 2014, and his sister, CHAMPION TYCADNO MORNING STAR, became the sixth champion in October 2016.
A significant milestone in my breeding program was the importation of CHAMPION/ SwCh/ FinCh RASKEN’S ROMPING PLAYBOY in March 2006, in partnership with Liz Hooton of Penticharm Kennels. This remarkable male, imported from the Rasken’s kennel in Sweden, proved to be a consistent winner, swiftly securing his UK title by the end of 2006. This achievement marked a first, making him the first UK Champion for the Rasken’s kennel and the inaugural Swedish-bred Cairn to attain a UK title. Further international success came in 2010 when Rasken’s Riding Pawnee stayed with me for six months, quickly earning his UK title and securing his first Challenge Certificate at the Cairn Terrier Club’s Centenary Championship show. This made him only the second Swedish-bred Cairn to gain a UK title and the first to do so while being both Swedish-bred and owned. To date, I have had the honor of handling eight Cairn Terriers to their UK titles, alongside numerous Challenge Certificate and Reserve Challenge Certificate winners. My breeding philosophy centers on utilizing what I consider to be some of the finest bloodlines available, thoughtfully incorporating British, Scandinavian, and American lineages. My ultimate goal is to produce Cairn Terriers that are true to the breed standard, embodying sound temperament, excellent health, and robust physical structure.
Judging and Global Reach
My journey with judging Cairn Terriers began in 1992. In 2002, I was granted the honor of awarding Challenge Certificates for the first time at the South Wales Kennel Association. Since then, I have had the privilege of judging the breed at championship level eight times within the UK. My judging engagements have included the South Wales Kennel Association in 2002, Birmingham National Dog Show in 2004, Southern Counties Canine Association in 2005, Bath Canine Society in 2007, Scottish Breeds Canine Association in 2009, The Cairn Terrier Association in 2011, the North of Ireland Cairn Terrier Club in 2013, and The Midland Cairn Terrier Club in 2015.
My judging experience extends internationally as well. In 2005, I had the honor of judging the Swedish Cairn Terrier Club’s Championship Show, marking my first overseas judging assignment. This was followed by judging the breed in Southern Ireland for the Cairn Terrier Association of Ireland in 2006, and in Denmark for the Danish Terrier Club in the same year. My global reach continued with judging for the Cairn Terrier Club of Victoria in Australia in 2013, and in June 2016, I judged for the Cairn Terrier Club of Canada.
Our Location and Environment
Our home is nestled in the charming village of Penllergaer, approximately eight miles outside the city of Swansea in southwest Wales. This idyllic location offers easy access to open countryside, picturesque woodlands, and the stunning beaches of the Gower Peninsula, all within a short walk or drive. This environment is perfect for exercising our dogs, making their daily routines both enjoyable and invigorating. You can find further information and links to Swansea and the Gower on our dedicated links page.
In conclusion, my lifelong passion for Cairn Terriers is reflected in my dedicated breeding program, my extensive judging experience both domestically and internationally, and my commitment to upholding the breed standard. The beautiful Welsh countryside provides an ideal setting for these spirited dogs to thrive.
