About Us
That little girl in the photo on the left is me (Kayleigh) with my very first Dutch Schapendoes Biby. I must have been around seven years old at the time. I always dreamed of having my own kennel one day and working with dogs and honestly, it’s not that surprising. I literally grew up among dogs. My parents always had dogs, and when I was a little girl, they started their Schapendoes kennel Os Doezenhöfke in 2005.
That’s where I learned it all. Studying pedigrees and hereditary traits, planning combinations, assisting with breeding & births, raising the puppies... you name it, I’ve seen it and done it all. I was completely immersed in the world of dogs from a young age.
Over the years, dogs have always captured my interest. Working with and around animals has always felt very natural to me. After completing an agricultural and horticultural school in Belgium, I decided to change course and fully dedicate myself to the world of dogs.
I now run my own successful business ''DogCare by Dutchies'' In addition to grooming and boarding dogs, I also enjoy teaching. I love working one-on-one with dog owners on coat care, and I also teach classes in dog behavior, hoopers, and show handling skils. Sharing my knowledge and passion for dogs with others is something I truly love to do.
On the right in the photo, that’s me (Pascal) together with one of our Border Collies Suki!
Kayleigh and I met on the agility field, where we trained with our dogs. It didn’t take long before we were spending almost every day together. Our dogs have played a huge role in our lives from the very beginning, and that has never really changed. We often joke that we’re a blended family, but without children and with a whole lot of dogs!
Although I tend to stay a little more in the background at DutchDales, I’m still an important part of everyday life here. I love helping out with the dogs and puppies because, let’s face it, with so many four-legged friends around, there’s always something to do!
In the past, I was passionate about agility and won quite a few prizes together with my dogs. I also really enjoyed mantrailing with Senna, my first Border Collie.
These days, I enjoy spending time with our dogs in other ways. Whether I’m working with them among the sheep or simply taking them for a nice walk or bike ride, there’s nothing I love more than heading out with our pack. And every now and then, I also enjoy going fishing without the dogs or my wife!
In 2022, we decided to take a leap and move with the dogs to Hungary, a country that immediately felt like home. Our house lies right on the edge of the forest, a place that has become out sanctuary. Here we spend countless hours walking, training, and simply enjoying nature together with our animals. Over time, our little family and farm has grown, and today we share our home not only with the dogs, but also with, mini horses, sheep, cats, chickens, and rabbits.
We started our breeding journey in 2016 with Border Collies, and over the years it became clear that this would never be the only breed we wanted to contribute to. From the very beginning, it was clear that our passion reached beyond a single breed.
The Dutch Schapendoes, and especially the lines Kayleigh grew up with as a little girl, have always held a very special place in our hearts. It almost feels like everything has fallen into place the way it was meant to be. Today, many years later, we are not only continuing our work with the Border Collie, but we are also dedicating ourselves to the Dutch Schapendoes, the breed where it all began for Kayleigh as a child.
Our vision and the meaning behind DutchDales
The name DutchDales reflects our connection to the land, our appreciation for the origins of both breeds, and our belief in preserving the qualities that make them what they are today.
Our breeding philosophy is rooted in respect for the original purpose of both the Border Collie and the Schapendoes. We believe that preserving a breed means looking beyond appearance alone and safeguarding the character, working ability, intelligence, and versatility that have shaped these dogs throughout generations.
Of course, both breeds are also devoted family members. This is why health, soundness, and a stable, genuine temperament are at the heart of everything we do. But for us, good breeding goes beyond producing healthy and loving dogs. It also means preserving the instincts, abilities, and spirit that define each breed.
With the Schapendoes, we strive to preserve the intelligent, agile, versatile, and spirited herding dog it was originally bred to be. With the Border Collie, we believe in staying true to its heritage as an exceptional working dog, with the endurance, intelligence, energy, and natural drive that make the breed so remarkable.
Our goal is to honour the past while breeding for the future: dogs that are healthy in body and mind, true to their heritage, and capable of fulfilling the roles for which they were bred.
DutchDales is a name that brings together the origins of our two breeds.
- Dutch represents the Netherlands, our roots and the country of origin of the Schapendoes.
- Dales refers to the valleys and rural landscapes of the British Isles, particularly those associated with the origins of the Border Collie.
