My first dog was a German Shepherd, a 10-month-old female who had stayed with the breeder because she hadn’t been sold. It was an unplanned purchase that resulted in many hours and days of training a demanding dog. In the end, it gave me a dog who never left my side. When it was time for my second dog, I planned my puppy purchase much more carefully and concluded that the Rottweiler breed had what I was looking for. I traveled from Umeå to Småland to bring home the little Rottweiler puppy from a carefully chosen kennel. The joy was immense.
My first Rottweiler female was with me around the clock, including when I worked extra as a dog handler (security guard), and she was trained as a service dog. The Rottweilers, of which I had three, brought me many new friends and fun experiences at courses and dog camps. They were a big part of my life. When I eventually started a family and had children, I felt that I no longer had as much time for the dogs as they deserved. I chose to live without dogs for many years and didn’t bring home any new puppies. The emptiness that eventually developed from not having a dog around was something I tried to fill with fish for the kids. Of course, it didn’t help; the longing for life with a dog couldn’t be replaced by an aquarium.
The search for a dog breed that could do everything a Rottweiler can, but didn’t require as much activity, started to gain momentum. I was looking for a breed that loved everyone and didn’t guard against the children’s friends. The choice fell on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a big dog in a small format, something I’ve never regretted. There was a breeder nearby in Värmland who felt right. The year was 2008, and since then, I’ve had four wonderful Cavaliers from Niccelia’s kennel. I’ve gained a friend in Charlotte, and over the years, there have been many visits and coffee cups shared at her farm. It’s Lotta I have to thank for my decision to breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
In 2020, I completed the Swedish Kennel Club’s (SKK) course in Dog Breeding and Genetics, and in 2021, I completed the SKK’s Breeder Education. In addition to that, I have much to learn from all those who have long been involved with the Cavalier King Charles breed—those who have the experience that can’t be learned from books. I will take my knowledge, experienced advice about Cavaliers, and common sense to help create what I believe in for the breed.
/ Kerstin
Opperfjäll
Opperfjäll is a small mountain located in Värmland, next to the Valfjället ski resort. Our farm, Solbacka, is situated just below the peak of Opperfjäll, and the mountain that provides us with the qualities of life has also given its name to our kennel.
