As the third generation in a very dog orientated family, I've been showing dogs since I could walk. I've represented my State in Junior Showmanship and grew up handling anything from a Mastiff, to my Mother's English Cockers and even a Beardie or two on the odd occasion.

The first breed I owned in my own name was Greyhound bitch, Ch Dansn Phanfare. Georgia titled easily but didn't really enjoy the show ring.

I really fell in love with Bearded Collies after a stint in the USA with Mark and Lisa Bettis in 1994 and 1995. Mark & Lisa campaigned Ch Diotima Bear Necessity (HC) - the # 1 Bearded Collie in the States at the time. Andrew had the typical Beardie bounce and was one of the many Beardies during this time that convinced me this was the breed I had to have.

Within a few months of returning home I had my first Beardie, Ch Burnhardt Logans Mark HIT ET. Given to me as an early 21st Birthday present, I can easily say that Jake was the best gift I've ever received. Jake went on to be a Best in Show and multi-Royal Show Best of Breed winner.

In between Jake's arrival and the next Beardie invasion, Georgia had a litter and Ch Jonz Now I Can Dance came to stay. C.K. titled quickly and accumulated many in group awards and Royal Show Best of Breeds.

Just for something different, during this time I also campaigned a Wire Fox Terrier, Ch Chaduna Heads I Win. Eddie was great fun to show and titled very easily. Unfortunately he was not compatible with the Beardies so he retired to the Gold Coast to live a life of leisure.

The next two Beardies to arrive were a young bitch, Ch Briarmist Good Heavens, Rhumba, and a young dog, Ch Briarmist Glenfiddich, Riot. Riot is a Best in Show winner at All Breeds & Specialty level as well as being my first Grand Champion and Rhumba has produced two lovely litters for Stylwise. These beautiful kids came from Jim and Lyndall Black of Briarmist Kennels, Ballarat, Victoria.  My thanks go to Jim & Lyndall for their friendship & support and for entrusting me with not only Rhumba & Riot but also other Briarmist Beardies over the years. 

In November 2004, Rhumba and Jake produced my first Bearded Collie litter under the Stylwise prefix. From this litter, I kept a bitch, Ch Stylwise Airs N Graces, Kaos and a dog, Ch Stylwise Paparazzi, Flash. Three of this litter are now Australian Champions with Flash, being an All Breeds Best in Show winner, Specialty R/U in Show winner and the first Stylwise Grand Champion.

Late in 2007, Pam & Colin Douglas of Llanddona Kennels in New Zealand, kindly sent an adult bitch, NZ Ch Llanddona Rebekah, Reba, to play at Stylwise.  Reba has already won multiple Best in Shows at both All Breeds & Specialty shows and gained her Australian Champion title very easily.  Reba has now also gained her Grand Champion title in less than two years of showing.  Many thanks to Pam & Colin for sending Reba over to Stylwise.

In January 2008, Rhumba & Rummy, Ch Oakcrest Rum Rebellion, produced the second litter for Stylwise.  From this litter I have a brown bitch, Ch Stylwise Mojito, Mojo who recently became my fourth home bred champion.

In December 2009, Reba & Jake produced the third Stylwise litter of four bitches and two dogs.  These puppies are very promising and a black and white girl will be staying to be shown.

I have been a member of the Bearded Collie Club of NSW since 1997 and Vice President since 2006.  I have assisted with Bearded Collie lectures to Canberra based trainee judges and will soon commence my judges training for Group 5, Working Dogs (Herding).

MY FAMILY
My Grandmother, Sylvia Dakin, has been breeding and showing American Cockers under the 'Roanbrae' prefix for nearly thirty years.

My mother, Linda Buckley, has bred English Cockers under the 'Daykeyne' prefix for more than thirty years. Now an All Breeds Judge, Mum spends a lot of time judging but still goes to shows with the Akitas bred under the 'Darqhorse' prefix.

My eldest sister, Melanie, has Deerhounds under the 'Fyrth' prefix. She has also owned/bred American Cockers, GSP's and a Doberman. Mel also recently added the fourth generation to our dog orientated family. Aeryn is already a regular at shows  and loves helping to brush the Beardies.

My other sister, Tabatha, breeds English Pointers and Akitas under the 'Daykeyne' prefix. Tab also handled the #1 Cavalier in the country for many years, She is well on her way to being the second All Breeds Judge in the family.

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