GOLDOBIEL

I have always had an interest in dogs and have many happy memories of my childhood with the family West Highland White Terriers.

I have owned Golden Retrievers since 1986, Dobermanns since 1989 and Sussex Spaniels since 2004. I have always preferred to do "active" things with my dogs and have never really enjoyed showing. In the past I have done obedience and some gundog training, and since 2003 have been training and competing in agility with three of my dogs. They just love it! Hamish is a complete clown and keeps everyone entertained, much to my embarassment at times! He got his first clear round at the age of 6!

Lottie is always enthusiastic and got a clear round at her first show. She had her one and only litter in 2005.

Winnie, my Sussex Spaniel, got her first clear round and a 6th place at an agility show this year, shortly after having had both ear canals removed due to recurrent ear infections – I am so proud of her!

All my dogs live in the house and are pets first and foremost. They range from a nearly 16-year-old (Charlie) to my latest addition Esme, who is a year old in August. Hopefully she will be bred from in due course.

I will only ever breed from dogs that have passed the relevant health screening for their breed and from dogs whose temperament is 110% and if I want to keep a pup myself, so litters will not be frequent.