Welcome to the world of ethical and successful dog breeding, where passion meets professionalism. This article delves into the inspiring journey of Leilani Nichols, founder of Northwest Cairn Terriers, as shared on the Honest Dog Breeder podcast. Leilani’s story is a testament to building a thriving breeding business by prioritizing honesty, expertise, and a deep understanding of canine behavior and welfare.
Leilani’s path to becoming a dog breeder wasn’t a straight line; it was a journey shaped by diverse experiences. Growing up, she was involved with foster dogs for the Humane Society and grew up with purpose-bred hunting dogs, gaining early exposure to the significance of bloodlines and predictable behavior. This early foundation in animal behavior, coupled with her involvement in the demanding world of horse breeding and training, provided her with a unique perspective that would later define her approach to dog breeding. Her experience as a vet tech further solidified her commitment to health and well-being, instilling a meticulous, data-driven approach to her breeding program.
From Horses to Terriers: A Passion for Purpose-Bred Dogs
The transition from the equestrian world to dog breeding was a natural, albeit unexpected, evolution. Leilani realized the immense time commitment and financial strain of a full-time horse career, especially with a family. She sought a more sustainable way to channel her love for animals and entrepreneurial spirit. The tragic loss of her beloved Jack Russell terrier to a degenerative genetic condition, DM and CMO, was a pivotal moment. This heartbreaking experience fueled her desire to breed dogs with a strong emphasis on health, genetic diversity, and a commitment to preventing such suffering in future generations. This led her to the Cairn Terrier, a breed recommended for its robust gene pool and tenacious spirit, embodying the “big dog in a little body” she admired.
Building a Sustainable Breeding Program
Leilani’s approach to breeding is characterized by a blend of practicality and passion. She emphasizes the importance of herd management principles, learned from her large animal veterinary background, to track health, genetic lines, and potential issues. This involves meticulous record-keeping, using Excel spreadsheets to log puppy information and any health conditions reported by owners, allowing her to identify trends and make informed decisions about her breeding lines. This scientific approach, combined with a deep emotional connection to her dogs, allows her to make difficult but necessary choices, such as retiring dogs early from breeding if they don’t meet her high standards for health, temperament, or reproductive success.
The Power of Partnership and Professionalism
A significant aspect of Leilani’s success lies in her collaborative approach. Her partnership with Mikkayla, a co-breeder, exemplifies how complementary skills and shared values can create a robust and manageable breeding program. Leilani handles the marketing, customer interaction, and online presence, while Mikkayla focuses on the hands-on care of the dogs, ensuring a high standard of welfare. This partnership, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect, allows them to manage a significant breeding program while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Leilani strongly advocates for professionalism in dog breeding. She stresses the importance of treating every client with kindness and respect, recognizing that for many, a puppy is a deeply cherished family member. This professionalism extends to setting clear boundaries, managing client expectations through educational materials and thorough application processes, and maintaining a positive and informative online presence. Her website and social media platforms are designed to educate potential buyers, showcase the true nature of Cairn Terriers—including their “dirty dog” moments—and build trust.
Embracing the Digital Age in Dog Breeding
In today’s digital landscape, Leilani has masterfully leveraged social media and her website to build her brand and connect with discerning clients. She emphasizes creating high-quality, engaging content that reflects the reality of living with terriers, rather than just idealized puppy pictures. By sharing “behind-the-scenes” content, including temperament testing videos and adult dog interactions, she educates potential buyers and attracts individuals who are genuinely prepared for the realities of owning a Cairn Terrier. This proactive approach to education and transparency has not only streamlined her client acquisition process but also built a loyal following of informed and appreciative puppy owners. Her YouTube presence, in particular, offers a safer and more enduring platform for content, a valuable asset in an era of evolving social media policies.
Advice for Aspiring Breeders
For those venturing into dog breeding, Leilani offers invaluable advice:
- Be Professional: Treat clients with kindness, manage expectations, and maintain a professional demeanor.
- Educate Your Buyers: Provide comprehensive information about the breed and the responsibilities of ownership. Use your website and social media to share your expertise.
- Focus on Health and Temperament: Prioritize genetic health testing and select breeding pairs that complement each other, aiming for well-rounded dogs.
- Embrace Collaboration: Consider partnerships that leverage complementary skills and shared values.
- Be Data-Driven: Keep meticulous records of health, lineage, and puppy outcomes.
- Set Boundaries: Protect your time and mental well-being by establishing clear communication protocols.
- Be Curious, Not Critical: When challenges arise, approach them with a desire to learn and improve, rather than assigning blame.
- Showcase the Real Dog: Share authentic content that reflects the breed’s true nature, not just idealized portrayals.
Leilani Nichols’ journey is an inspiring example of how dedication, expertise, and a commitment to ethical practices can lead to a fulfilling and successful career in dog breeding. Her story underscores the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and a genuine love for the dogs in her care.
