Our History

Welcome to my world of purebred dogs, a passion that has been a significant part of my life since childhood. Growing up alongside my parents, who own Firwood Hill Kennel, I spent countless hours participating in CKC Field Trials and Hunt Tests with their dedicated dogs. They specialize in breeding, training, and trialing Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels, all expertly raised for bird hunting and gun dog sports.

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From an early age, my love for dogs blossomed, leading me to pursue my dream of becoming a breeder. While I admire many breeds, I have always felt a special connection to working dogs. My heartfelt journey with Mastiffs began in my early twenties when I lived with a woman who owned a Bullmastiff. Fascinated by this breed, I immersed myself in research and found my perfect match in the Old English Mastiff. Since then, I have been fortunate to share my life with three Mastiffs, whose unique stories are detailed on their individual pages.

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My foray into the world of purebred dogs kicked off with my first Mastiff and marked my entry into the Dog Show scene. Enrolling in conformation classes opened my eyes to the training and dedication required for the show ring. Although my first Mastiff, Katy, was not the ideal show dog and had a somewhat aloof demeanor, our brief venture into dog shows ignited a passion within me that would last a lifetime. I continued to explore various dog sports, but my heart remained in conformation showing.

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Despite the short duration of our show career, it led me to a wonderful community of friends and knowledgeable breeders who provide constant support and inspiration. I continuously seek guidance from these mentors, learning as much as I can.

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From the moment I stepped into the dog show arena, my goal was clear: to breed and show Mastiffs. However, as many in this field can attest, finding the right dog takes time, especially with the significant space needed for these magnificent companions. After the loss of Katy, I embarked on a quest to find a show-quality puppy to lay the foundation for my own kennel.

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With the invaluable support of a dear friend and experienced breeder, I navigated the intricate world of pedigrees and breedings to find the perfect match. After many discussions, I discovered my first Mastiff from Lexington Mastiffs, a pivotal moment that sparked the creation of Katywinds.

 

Ava, my foundation bitch, is already achieving remarkable success in the show ring. She is blossoming into an outstanding example of the breed, and I am thrilled to see where this journey will lead us. Ava is the heart and soul of Katywinds, and this is just the beginning.