Dogs have always been woven throughout my life, steady and constant.

My grandmother was showing her dogs long before I ever considered stepping into a ring. She passed on the passion, though not necessarily the practical know how, so when I began I did so as a complete beginner, armed with a show lead and a great deal of determination.

My path to Poodles was not accidental. I have allergies to dogs, which once felt like an unfortunate contradiction for someone who adored them. Discovering the Poodle changed everything. Their low shedding, single coat meant I could live comfortably alongside dogs without compromise. What started as a practical decision quickly became a deep admiration for the breed’s intelligence, elegance, humour and remarkable versatility.

My journey truly began with Edna, the first Marcasite Poodle and the first dog I bred from. She came home at ten weeks old and from that moment I was captivated. Together we explored obedience, agility and trick dog titles, and her enthusiasm for learning shaped my own approach to training and breeding. Health testing her was a natural progression, and from there the foundations of Marcasite Poodles were laid.

Her daughter Peggy followed, patient and kind while I found my feet in the show world. Together we achieved two Reserve placings at Crufts, several group placings at open shows and most recently her Veteran Warrant title. Most  importantly though, she built my confidence and deepened my understanding of the breed.

Outside of dogs, I work within the emergency services. It is a profession built on integrity, resilience and compassion, principles that flow directly into my breeding programme. Because I have a career I care deeply about, my dogs are never a source of income. They are pets first and foremost, house dogs who share my home, my sofa and my everyday life.
Financial independence from breeding allows me to make decisions based solely on welfare and quality. No corners are cut and no expense is spared in raising my puppies. Every health test, enrichment opportunity, nutritional choice and developmental experience is selected because it is the right thing to do.

Alongside breeding and showing, I remain committed to my ongoing education. I am an IANLPC registered dog groomer and a Silver Member of the International Alliance of Holistic Pet Therapists and a Royal Kennel Club level one Judge. I hold a diploma in canine behaviour and am a lifetime member of Canine Health Concern, an invaluable resource for developments in canine health research. Continual learning ensures I am always expanding my knowledge across grooming, behaviour, nutrition, welfare and emerging health science.

Breeding has never been about numbers for me. I keep only a small number of dogs so that each one is valued as an individual, companion first and show dog second. I do not breed often, and when I do, homes are chosen with great care. Prospective families are thoroughly vetted to ensure my puppies are placed in environments where they will be safe, loved and fully committed to for life.

Every litter is carefully planned, thoughtfully raised and supported for life.

At the moment I am thoroughly enjoying showing the next generation, including Margo (Marcasite Aurora Skies JW), and have plans to take her abroad to compete in classes dedicated to silver, blue and apricot poodles, because here in the UK all colours are judged together - including black and white.

Over the years I have proudly bred registered therapy dogs, successful show dogs and, most importantly, devoted family companions.

While I remain passionate about the show ring, my preference is always to place puppies in committed family homes where they will be cherished above all else. Titles are gratifying, but a deeply loved dog living a fulfilled life is the true measure of success.

When you welcome one of my puppies into your home, you become part of an ongoing community. I provide lifelong support and host a friendly owners’ group with semi regular meet ups, walking holidays and an annual Secret Santa that has become a highlight of the year. Participation is always optional, but the sense of connection is there for those who wish to be involved.
Above all, I breed for health, temperament and correct type, with integrity at the heart of everything I do. My dogs are my passion, my companions and the foundation of Marcasite Poodles. 🐾