My love of the Pomeranian began as a small child - every Sunday I went to visit my grandparents who allowed me to play with grandpa's beautiful poms. In those years they were large (around 10 to 12 lbs) and had wonderful, very glamorous wolf-sable coats.

After coming home from the war and in the years until he died, I recall that my grandfather always had a Pomeranian called “Digger”.

I resided in the city at Bondi in a terraced house with reasonable backyard. I cannot remember ever a time that I did not have a dog. My parents bred British Bull dogs and Collie Roughs, so I was in the show ring from an early age.

Not long after my marriage I obtained my own prefix “Arderne” and bred my first litter of Collies - later followed Shetland Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Keeshonds, Japanese Spitzs, Pekingese and Pomeranians.

I have always loved the showing side and have had the privilege of handling many top dogs for other kennels taking them to their titles and some to Best in Show besides my own.

My partner Mr Leo Whitby began in Shetland Sheepdogs - and in this breed he was extremely successful having bred around 30 champions.

Maree and Leo

About 25 years ago Leo started his love affair with the little Pomeranian.

When Leo was diagnosed with cancer of the throat eight years ago we slowed down our breeding program and only showed occasionally not knowing if anything serious would eventuate, as we had no one to take over the dogs. Then my eldest daughter, Karyn took an interest in the dogs and is now showing and learning about this beautiful and vivacious breed.

The last three years has been very exciting starting our breeding program again, as we are a very small kennel mainly breeding for ourselves.

Leo and I live at Murrumburrah near Harden, in NSW and have a couple of acres on which we have built our kennels. As we are now retired we spend most of our days with the dogs. Our aim above all is to breed type, soundness and good temperament in all our dogs.

They are integrated into the family household from a very early age thus they love people and associate them with kindness and love. The youngsters are acclimatised to the big world by taking them in the car shopping, shows and outings in their little carry bags etc. where people are constantly handling, patting and cuddling the ever adorable lively bundles.

In writing this article I must thank Mrs Joy Muller of the famous “Joygie Kennels” for her guidance and knowledge which she generously departed to Leo and I for many years as well as her many great dogs which she shared with us. A majority of our stock as well as other breeders go back to Joy's breeding to which we are very proud.

When we finally retire from showing dogs we hope Karyn will build her own breeding kennels inheriting a very strong team of Pomeranians to face the future with. We are very fortunate to have her to continue the “Arderne” prefix and in being able to place our dogs in such capable hands.

Tu Tu BIS at Gosford