The History of Xtacee Cardigans

The first dog that was my very own, was an oversized, drop ear Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Scooper.  That started my love affair with long, low dogs of all breeds!  Scooper turned out to be an incredible obedience dog, but CHD cut his obedience career short before he could even attain his UD.

I played around with Goldens and Flat-coats for several years, but my heart belonged to the corgi's.  In 1986, at a show in Virginia, I saw a dog by the name of Ch Kentwood Luc- recently brought over from England.  I decided then and there that I was going to have a Cardigan in my life!  It was never my intention to have ONLY Cardigans; I reasoned that the Cardi crates would fit on top of the Retriever crates in my van, you see!

My first Cardigan had his OWN ideas about that... and now the Cardi's are top dog at our house!

 (4-19-87 to 10-26-2002)

The incomparable Rowdy.  My first Cardigan Welsh Corgi; my heart dog for a very very long time; and still missed here.

Rowdy was a Luc son, and finished his championship very easily.  But that wasn't the most important thing about Rowdy.  Rowdy loved everyone!!  He never met a person or a pet that didn't meet his approval; he was always willing to share kisses! 

Obedience was interesting, to say the least.  Not that Rowdy couldn't do what I asked; he just felt he had a better idea on HOW to do the exercises!  He loved working, and would let me know when I had made a mistake by either grabbing my pant leg, or sitting down and refusing to move.

How can you not love a dog with a great personality?  How could I not fall head over heels for this wonderful breed?

Well- you have to laugh at this one...

When I purchased Rowdy, my marraige was on its last leg.  In fact, my soon-to-be ex  (who was NOT a dog person in the least!) had not known I was bringing another dog home!  I bet you can guess how that suprise when over!!

Shortly after, I followed a woman to work in a brand new BMW- and her license plate said "MY XTACE".  Curious, I parked near her and asked her what that meant.  She laughed, and said that her husband had been having an affair, and had left her for a younger woman.  She used his alimony to purchase her dream car- since he had his "dream wife".  She said that He did what made him happy- and she bought what would make her happy!

Since that fit my situation at the time- Rowdy became Rhydowen Stolen Xtacee--- stolen happines!

The corgis STILL make me smile every day- even after 20 years!

Our first Homebred Champion Cardigan came from our first Cardigan litter- Ch. Xtacee Touch N Glo.  (Ch Rhydowen Stolen Xtacee CD x Rhydowen Xtacee Aftrglo CGC)

Shelby was a black brindle bombshell- a singleton puppy, she came into the world with a lot of drama, and lived her life as the ultimate drama queen!

Shelby finished well with several BOB over specials.  Her specials career never got off the ground due to a kennel fight and a missing ear. 

Motherhood wasn't Shelby's cup of tea, either!  Her one litter produced several lovely companion puppies, and one champion; Ch Xtacee Boot Scootin Boogie.

Shelby found her forever home on a Morgan Horse Farm, where she lived until January of 2005.

After about 7 years in the breed, I found that I wasn't really happy with the direction I was going in.  My priorities had changed somewhat; I began to see that temperament was even more important than win records!  I knew that as a breeder I was responsible for the life of these puppies for their entire lives; not just the first 10 weeks!  I needed to be sure that I was producing pretty puppies that were as sound in temperament as they were in body!  I realized that most of the Cardigans born do not end up in the show ring, but as someones beloved companion.  In order to be the perfect companion dog, they needed to be confident and happy and loving; as well as healthy!

Luckily, I had met several other breeders that had the same attitude about their dogs' temperaments, and I was able to aquire a wonderful bitch, who was to become Ch Phi-Vestavia Embers of Xtacee.  Emmie became the new foundation for Xtacee Cardigans!

All of the dogs here can trace their pedigrees back to a handful of sound, healthy, happy Cardigans; Emmie, and Am/Can Ch Phi-Vestavia Nautilus PT; ROMG

I am not a "big name" breeder; I do not produce a lot of puppies; I don't have a lot of puppies in show homes.  None of that is why I do this!

I do enjoy having an occasional litter of puppies, and for the most part, the puppies go to loving companion homes.  I usually keep one puppy myself to show and grow with; and let the rest of them go where they can be top dog in their owners lives!  That is usually not the same thing as Top Dog on some ranking system!

Don't get me wrong- I love that a few of the dogs I have bred and shown do well in the ring; but thats not my first priority!

I love the breed- heart and soul!  I love dog shows; I love obedience trials; I am learning to love Agility and Rally.  I enjoy doing things with my dogs! I want all of my puppies to live with someone that will love them the same way!

If someone comes to me looking for a dog that they can win big with- I very happily tell them that my puppies are loving pets first; the show stuff is just for fun!

Oh, how I wish I had a Crystal Ball, so I could tell you what the future holds for my wonderful dogs!

On the short term; I am working on being approved to judge Cardigans at AKC shows; and am approved to judge Junior Showmanship.  There are some other Herding breeds that I will work on in time; Pembrokes and Shelties and Beardies, to name a few.

And in the meantime, I will just sit back, and enjoy watching my Cardi's romp and play and grow!