I
cannot ever remember a time where dogs were not a part of my
life. Dogs were always ‘members of our family’. In 1971,
aged ten, I attended the local Obedience School with our
treasured boy Scampi. Scampi and I graduated through the
ranks which was a great thrill. This education process, the
exposure to all breeds of dogs, partnered with the sheer
exhilaration of successful competition, unbeknown to me at
that time, was to be the beginning of a dynasty, setting in
concrete, the foundation for MINIATURA.
I
have always possessed a passion for the exotic. Having owned
Arabian horses, kept and bred exotic birds, shown and bred
Siamese and Orientals it was destined my passion would flow
through to the dog world. I had studied so many books and my
favourites were; Shar-pei, Chinese Crested, Afghans,
Basenjis, Exhibition Greyhounds & Standard Poodles. In the
early seventies the Shar-Pei was listed in the Guiness Book
of Records as the rarest breed of dog in the world, so I
knew I would have to bide my time before I could share my
life with one of my chosen breed.
In
1976, I responded to an advertisement in the local newspaper
posted by a person whom was selling a Basenji. I arranged a
visit and instantly fell in love with Zac, a beautiful red
and white basenji bitch exhibiting arrogance, elegance &
grace. Zac became Aust Ch Kaltara Torquay Zacara, my first
pedigree dog and my entry into the fascinating world of
conformation exhibition. With my introduction to the show
arena I was privileged to meet the Laycock family, Eilsta
Basenjis. They were an amazing support to me as a new
exhibitor and by now I was hooked on showing and I knew I
wanted to do more. I continued with the inevitable expanding
family of Basenjis under the Nefertiti prefix to gain great
success. Although this was still very early days for
Basenjis in Australia, the breed had great depth and
quality
.
Chinese Crested’s entered my life mid 1977 through my
partnership with Mrs Win Jackson. Win had established a very
successful Chihuahua kennel late 1940’s early 1950’s adding
the Chinese Crested in 1973 with the importation of Staround
Yinga and Staround Zorro both imported from the UK. Win had
bred several successful litters from Yinga & Zorro with
their progeny establishing the breed in Australia. Their
major influence was in South Australia with Chris Carrol (Eltarin)
and in New South Wales with Marie Olive (Kelwalla) both
achieving Best Exhibit in Show All Breeds with their
‘Miniatura’ dogs, creating a breed record. Win decided to
retire and I became the champion of ‘Miniatura’ Chinese
Crested’s. My exports to the USA & Hawaii continued to
create breed records.
As
I began to travel extensively with my dogs I had the
pleasure of meeting many knowledgeable people and another
love entered my life, the Afghan. I campaigned Aust Ch
Phierelo Machiavello brother to Multi BIS / BISS Phierollo
Dostoyevski in 1984. I was privileged to meet and become a
close friend of Edwina Thomas & Pamela Bennett of Doyen
afghan fame in 1985. I had the honour of campaigning Multi BIS
Aust Ch Doyen Drunk N Disorderly aka Remy. Remy was a
multiple BIS winner, he also Won the Contest of Champions
and Battle of the Champions. Multi BIS Aust Ch Gengala Law N Order a
beautiful feminine girl joined the fray in 1986
complimenting the team.
Mid 1986 brought another dream to fruition. John Palmer (Jonz)
had a litter of exhibition greyhounds from the imports Ch
Huzzah The Voyager (Imp USA) & Ch Huzzah Phantom Lake
Romance (Imp USA). I travelled to Sydney to “Calahorra”, The
Slatyer’s, to view the litter, from this union ‘Albert’
emerged, Ch Jonz Ships
In Th Night.
Albert was the most
delightful dog you could have ever imagined to be owned by.
He was the consummate companion laying on the couch in my
antique shop in front of the open fire and deciding when he
was ready to say hello to visitors, to the ultimate show
dog, winning many Best Exhibit in Groups & awards in show.
From my connection with Afghans I had an association with
Standard poodles through Edwina Thomas (Marechal), thou
Standard poodles did not enter my life until 1988. Through
association with Lyn Aitken (Chatain), I purchased Tammy
half sister to Multi BIS Ch Chatain I Am A Show Off. The
standards took off, Tammy and her kennel mate Emery received
outstanding rewards in the show ring, Tammy being a multi
Best in Show winner.
My
dream came true in 1991. I had never given up and had always
been researching Shar-pei, I believed I could find a
Shar-pei to not only be my true companion but could also be
worthy of the wins that had been bestowed upon my earlier
loves. I secured Winnie & Mandela into my life; they were
the foundation of MINIATURA Shar-pei and their progeny and
kennel mates have created records to be envied. Multi BISS
Aust Grand Ch Miniatura Glamorus Angel (Teylina) showed
Australia that Shar-pei were equal to all other breeds in
breed type, quality, temperament, soundness & health.
Teylina established Shar-pei being worthy of high awards, my
reputation and the continuation of Miniatura. I have bred
Royal Best in Show, multiple Best in Show, and Best in
Specialty Show winning Shar-pei and multiple Grand
Champions.
1994 was a fabulous year with the joining of Tracey Walker
(Tasmania) to the MINIATURA team. I actually knew of Tracey
whilst she was in the cocoon stage (am I really that
old…..). Tracey, Jules and Jaidyn are a formidable team and
an absolute asset known as or referred to as MiniaturaTas.
The Tassy contingent creates and breaks records to the
'OPTIMUM', upholding the tradition.
In
1996, I received a phone call from Sue Davis, ‘Wrinklestar’
Shar-pei enquiring about the possibility of obtaining a
puppy from me. A partnership quickly formed with Sue as I
discovered we shared the same vision. We were two focused,
well grounded persons sharing the same dream and believing
in our beloved breed, presenting the Shar-pei as it should
be. The formation of our partnership has seen a huge impact
for the advancement of Shar-pei in Australia.
My
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel association has always been in
the stalls so to speak. I was privileged to meet Ch Clanoban
Lady Lille (Imp NZ) in 1977 when visiting John Connell (Portcon).
Lilly left an impression that has lasted my lifetime as to
what I adored and would look for in the future as to my
ideal Cavalier. I remember often, quite vividly this
beautiful girl. It was in 1997 I entered the Cavalier arena.
I purchased two beautiful girls as the foundation for
Miniatura Cavaliers and have enjoyed great success through
the ensuing years. I have one, with a push possibly two
Cavalier litters a year with the emphasis being on producing
a quality litter that will leave a legacy with each
generation. ‘Miniatura’ cavaliers have excelled in the show
ring with multiple Best Exhibit in Show & Specialty Best in
Show wins whom have gone on to re-produce themselves or
better for their loving charges. With Cavaliers, I am the
silent achiever.
As
you journey through the pages of my website, you will see
the transition from the beginning to now and the qualities I
was proud to add to my breeding programme, with the strong
characteristics to offer my future. I have both horse-coats
& brush-coats. I know that my dogs have made a contribution,
a difference.
The quality of my dogs is recognized nationally and
internationally.
My
Shar-pei family has grown in ways I could never have
imagined when I started. I have a wonderful extended family
of people who do not show, thou have one of my puppies in
their homes as a beloved family member.
I
am an exhibitor / breeder who is ALWAYS here and available
for everyone. For anyone new to the breed who may need a
little mentoring, for those who have purchased one of my
puppies, through good and bad times I am here. I brought
these puppies into the world and they will forever be in my
heart and I will be forever responsible for them. I am here
for my puppies from their first breath, to their last……even
if that’s only to hold the hearts of the humans they left
behind.
I
was a foundation member of the Shar-pei Club of Victoria
Inc, and completed terms as Vice-President and Treasurer.
I
am a member of the Pedigree Gold Partners sponsorship team.
As
a profession I am the Director of Umarfado Pty Ltd t/a
Balaena Café @ the South Australian Museum.
I
live on a 7 hectare property located in the foothills of
Adelaide on the city edge in South Australia where my dogs
can enjoy life.
