We are Breeders and Exhibitors of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Norfolk Terriers, living in the North West of England, with over 20 years experience in pedigree dogs. Whilst the Kennel was only set up in 2016, we both bring a wealth of experience from our past and have a huge passion for breeding sound, typey and healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs and Norfolk Terriers.
Gary has had a great passion/addiction for Bernese Mountain Dogs ever since he was 15 years old, when he started at the Meadowpark Kennel as a School boy. Having always loved dogs as a youngster, he unsurprisingly enjoyed working there and it didn't take long for his obsession with Bernese to be in full flourish. Gary didn't fully leave the kennels for a good 15 years, always back and forth throughout completing College, University and qualifying as a Veterinary Surgeon. During this time, he became heavily involved in all aspects of breeding, looking after the dogs, conditioning and campaigning them. Some of his major successes include campaigning the Top Bernese Mountain Dogs in the UK for numerous years from 2012 onwards. Gary has personally handled, owned or bred the Crufts BOB Winner 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020; with one of the highlights being winning the Working Group in 2013 with Ch Meadowpark Whispers Breeze. During this time Gary was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to handle and own some outstanding examples of the breed and learn from numerous "Dog People." He is very grateful to his main mentors, Carole Hartley-Mair and The Late Bernice Mair (Meadowpark), for everything that they taught him over the years. Liam's obsession with dogs began from his earliest memory. He would collect all manner of dog toys, pictures and books and lose himself for hours. His family have always owned pedigree dogs and he grew up with a 'Scottie' called Blacky and a Bull Terrier called Ellie.
Liam quickly began finding a real interest in breeding but as a young boy he had to settle for his Guinea Pigs which he would later rekindle when he discovered the 'Skinny Pig'. In Adulthood, Liam began exhibiting and eventually breeding Newfoundlands under the Furndonbay affix. He would gain his first Stud Book Number on a home bred girl - Furndonbay Run The World ShCM (Becca). Liam also bred Black tipped British Shorthair cats and actually gained his first CC, not in dogs, but in cats with his home bred girl - Furndon For The First Time (Elsa). Breeding and researching pedigrees has always been a passion for Liam; with the Newfoundlands, he also brings with him experience of breeding, growing and looking after Giant Breed Dogs. Both of us met through the dogs at Championship Shows and given that we both had an interest in breeding and pedigrees, we set up the Rodiveco Kennel in 2016. Whilst our first litter together was actually Newfoundlands, we both decided that one large breed to concentrate on was enough and our strength was in the Bernese at the time; however, we also wanted a smaller breed that complemented them and one we both followed and loved - the naughty little Norfolk Terriers. Liam has a huge love for these and he has spent hours researching Breeders and Pedigrees. With Liam at the helm, in 2019, we were lucky enough to get our foundation bitch from Cathy Morgan (Belleville) and have had the opportunity to also be guided by her for which we are very grateful.
Gary is a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and hence all of our breeding stock are fully health tested, although like everybody else, this does not mean we can give any guarantees. We work hard researching pedigrees, longevity and health when considering matings. With the Bernese, alongside the orthopaedics and other tests, we undertake the Antagene Systemic Histiocytosis Genetic Index Test - which we believe could be very beneficial in the long-term to help improve the longevity of Bernese if used carefully and appropriately. Gary is also a Championship show judge and has judged Bernese at this level in the UK, but also under FCI rules in both Denmark and Norway. We are also lucky to have numerous friends both in the UK and all over the World. It is our belief that the only way to breed good pedigree dogs and improve upon a breed is to work with other like-minded Breeders.
All of our dogs are much loved pets and whilst our main passion is showing and exhibiting, we primarily breed pets for owners to love and enjoy as this gives us a huge sense of pride. We have already had some lovely owners for our dogs and some that have been mad enough to already come back for another! Since starting our "Kennel" in 2016 we are already proud of the success that we have achieved within a short space of time, as it takes a lot of hard-work and effort to look after the dogs and keep them all in excellent condition. Please enjoy our Website, which hopefully will display our passion in both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Norfolk Terriers. |
Rodiveco Bernese Mountain Dogs & Norfolk Terriers
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