I grew up raising and showing horses, dogs and livestock, and wanted my children (and husband!) to learn about genetics, animal husbandry, sportsmanship, and especially, the love of dogs. So, Kelaury began as a family project, with the letters in the name taken from the names of my four children: Paul, Laura, Ryan and Blake.

We chose Japanese Chin and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, because both were small and trustworthy with children when raised together. My daughter, Laura, was fairly successful with her cavalier, Callie, who earned a Register of Merit Award. Last year, she was pleased to have a cavalier she co-bred shown at the prestigious Cruft’s Dog Show in England. Her cavaliers have also attained Awards of Merit at national specialties.

Over time, the Japanese Chin edged out the Cavaliers as our breed of choice. While a couple of elderly cavaliers still complete the household, it is the Japanese Chin that remains our focus. My son, Ryan, imported a lovely foundation Chin from England, Chacombe Kia, who quickly became an American Champion. Kia produced two champions of her own. Her grandson, Ch Kelaury Echo in the Dark, received an Award of Merit at the National Specialty, and attained the #2 spot in the national rankings.

The Chin of Kelaury have benefitted greatly from friendships and comraderie with other breeders. We owe a debt of gratitude to Nanette Wright, of We-Syng, for introducing us to this lovely breed. Sandi Hooban Olkkola, of Tosaho, has been a wonderful and generous benefactor, sharing her wisdom and world-class bloodlines. Presently, Kelaury is embarking on a friendly partnership with Mary Burr, of Deco, from New York, and Anne Julie Botten, of High Chin, Norway.

My children are almost grown now, even starting off to college, but I remain entranced with the breed. I am a member of the Japanese Chin Club of America, am active with its Health Committee, and have served as editor of the club magazine, Chin Chit Chat. I authored several articles on the breed, some of which have been published internationally.

Despite aspirations to produce great Japanese Chin, Kelaury remains small in scale. We practice ethical breeding and take our responsibilities seriously; the goal in each and every litter is to try to produce a better Chin. While we want the Chin to look like showdogs, we also know that they will be beloved pets, and therefore take advantage of health screenings, working toward balance in type, health, and conformation.

Leanne Bertani, MD