It was at a dog show in 1980 that I saw my first 'in the flesh' Giant Schnauzer. I knew instantly this was the breed for me. It was quite a feat back then locating a breeder and it wasn't until years later in March 1984 that I was finally on my way to pick up my new puppy. I remember every detail of that trip to this day. During the time waiting for my puppy I had been researching the breed, getting to know the breeders and bloodlines, going to specialties in both Canada and the U.S. and I joined the national breed clubs in both countries. I had a good head start and was fully prepared when the day finally arrived to welcome Champion Bluechip Dark Debutante v Raz, aka "Onyx", into my life courtesy of Olga Gagne of Bluechip Kennels.
Onyx was the perfect dog. We dabbled and excelled in everything we tried...conformation, obedience, schutzhund, flyball...there was nothing she couldn't do. I eagerly anticipated puppies but unfortunately this was the one area where it turned out she couldn't deliver. It was a great disappointment but it didn't change how much I loved and enjoyed her. She is at the root of everything that has transpired since in my dog interests and she will forever own my heart.
During the Onyx years, there were many other Bluechip Giants who shared my home for various reasons and periods of time. I learned something new from every one of them but it wasn't until Onyx was an older lady and I, too, was more settled in my life that I decided it was time for another serious show/brood bitch prospect. In came "Ice", Champion Bluechip Windfall v Bobi. Ice had a very nice show career, not the least of which saw her going Best of Opposite Sex at the Giant Schnauzer Canada National Specialty two years in a row. More than that though, she was the most gentle and affectionate dog, totally trustworthy with kids, little dogs, any animal...not a mean bone in her body, a true ambassador for the breed. Motherhood was not to be for her either though as she was dysplastic and so was destined to only be an "auntie".
It was back to the drawing board once again. No one can say that I'm not patient! It was 1996 by now, 12 years since I first got Onyx, 15 years since I started learning about Giants, and I was still trying to start a breeding program. It was Champion Bluechip Deja Vu "Vogue" who finally changed my luck. She was the result of the first frozen semen Giant breeding done in Canada and had an enviable pedigree. She was the only bitch in her litter and I felt lucky to get her. Vogue was special to me in many ways. Not only was her father the famous multiple best in show and best in specialty winning American and Canadian Champion Bluechip Cool Night v Raz TT, without a doubt the most influential stud of this breed in Canada, but he also was the full brother to my beloved Onyx. Vogue's mother was Best in Show winning American and Canadian Champion Bluechip Pandemonium, who was also the mother of my Ice. Vogue was the one that finally got things moving around here. I had registered my kennel name in 1985 but didn't produce a litter until 1998! If nothing else, the long delay in becoming an active breeder gave me the opportunity to first become knowledgeable and know exactly where I wanted to go beforehand.
Nightline Kennels is located in Carlsbad Springs, Ontario about 20 minutes south/east of downtown Ottawa. My husband, John (resident dog entertainer), and I don't have children, so our dogs are our family. We are not a big kennel, producing only one or two quality litters a year. The majority of our dogs live in the house and enjoy a 4 acre completely fenced property where they are free to play, exercise, and explore for the better part of each day. We also have a small kennel building and full grooming facilities. We are proud to have a carefully thought out breeding program that incorporates the top producing bloodlines in this breed. We strive to produce dogs of consistent type and temperament that can function in whatever capacity desired whether it be a pet or performance dog. Our dogs are not only competitive in the show ring, but more importantly, they shine the brightest as loved and valued family members.
Visitors are welcome by appointment.
I am a member of:
Giant Schnauzer Canada
Giant Schnauzer Club of America
The Ottawa Kennel Club
The Canadian Kennel Club
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