A brief history of Nenevale.

Where and how did it all begin? My earliest recollections of breeding and showing livestock are of my family farms, which my Father and Grandfather ran with love, care and dedication, knowing that Mother Nature only looks after those who look after her! Only the very best livestock, be it heavy horses or milking cows were ever used for breeding. Their lifetime of principles became mine, which explains why today I am still consumed to do my very best for my chosen breeds. The Schnauzer Family.

My earliest memories of exhibitions, were taking Percheron heavy horses from Cambridge to the original Peterborough Agricultural Show, in the middle of the city, by train! They were unloaded onto the tracks and walked to the showground in all their splendour, where it was my job as a 4-year old to wash and sawdust dry their leg hair. The responsibility was mine, as I was small enough to walk and work underneath these giants. The pride at seeing them compete with their peers was enormous.

I can also remember my Dad telling me never to have an Irish Setter, as he had grown up with his mother's and clearly had no respect for their scattiness. My late Grandmother also bred and showed Cocker Spaniels and had exported to Canada back in the 1920's.

As I grew up my love of nature was undiminished. I was at my happiest being involved in my ponies, walking hound puppies for the Cambridgeshire Harriers, hunting and shooting, working with gundogs and terriers and anything that involved Mother Nature. It was instilled into me that you never kept any animal that could not do the job it was bred for, and any form of showing was to compare the physical aspects of those species.

I went on to join 'Young Farmers' which gave me further insight into the rural life and how we should always treat our animals with the care and respect they deserve. Their welfare was always the first priority.

As the years rolled by, I lost my last Jack Russell Terrier and I made the decision to try and buy a Miniature Schnauzer, which I was assured would be very family friendly, and so 9 months later, in 1972 we collected 'Charlie' from Donald Becker of the acclaimed 'Dondeau' kennels and also the importer of the first Giants from 'Riesengardens' in Sweden, into the UK to join his minis and Schnauzers.

My 'Nenevale' prefix was taken out in 1974 with the arrival of my first litter of Pepper and Salt Minis and the same year the first Giant arrived ' Gretal' to become, Ch. Nixador Black Fantasy of Nenevale, the breed's first black, Uk bred champion.

My first litter of Giants was born in 1976 by Strathconaglen Privateer, a full brother to Hampshire Police's 'Beau', who was their pride and joy. From this litter, two more went to police, one to Cambridgeshire, Nenevale Alfie Remembered 'Alfie'.

From this litter I went to Sweden, and was fortunate to buy from Benny Blid, Norw. Ch. Guldmandsbuktens Wenche of Nenevale, who became the breed's first UK champion, in between producing four litters, as they say the rest is history. 'Wenche's' contribution to the breed here was without doubt the most influential of any Giant to this day.

My passion for Giants developed from my respect for this breed which had been developed by its German breeders, into a dog that was two extremes, and everything else in between. A working dog supreme to the child minder. My first Giant worked with sheep and cattle, as a gundog, and the guard dog supreme, but always the family caretaker.

Over the last 37 years I have been privileged to have owned or bred every colour in all three sizes of the Schnauzer breeds, which includes 32 Giant champions, and two pepper and salt Schnauzer champions. Among the 30+ imports, and all these years later, I am now breeding black and silver Miniatures from only black and silver lines. My latest and last challenge is the white Miniature Schnauzer, which I first saw at the World Show in Dortmund in 1991, and have finally found my foundation stock which are now settled with me, so the future is still full of plans!

It is impossible to name all those Giants and Schnauzers that have taken me down this 'memory lane', the good times and those of heartbreak and disappointment, but I can only say a very big 'thank you', to all those past and present, who over the years have given me so much support, understanding, knowledge, pleasure and the opportunity to enjoy the company of my peers. These experiences have enabled me to be the UK's top breeder and currently enjoy judging at home and abroad as a breed specialist.

It is impossible here to name all those dogs that have been so special to me for different reasons, so a few who spanned the years I hope will illustrate how much I care in the development of my chosen breed, with breed type, temperament, character, health, and working ability in Giants. The Minis are now my main breeding focus, and the same basic qualities are sought, to give them and their families a great partnership.

I intend to continue to own, breed and judge in the future, but also to enjoy my dogs, including my veteran Giant 'Flora' (Ch. Ingella Fancy Dancing of Nenevale) a very special lady.