In the Beginning
It all started in December 1993 — the height of the Grunge era. Doc Martens on my feet, Nirvana and Pearl Jam on repeat.
I had wanted a dog for as long as I could remember. But growing up, I had to make do with a cat and a few budgies — and while I was grateful, they were more consolation prizes than true companions.
That all changed the Christmas we were living in The Netherlands.
We had driven to Austria for a ski holiday, and on the way back, made what turned out to be the best detour of our lives. That’s when Bunky — our family’s very first Miniature Schnauzer — entered the picture. And we were instantly besotted.
The Journey Continues
When our Dutch posting came to an end in 1994, we packed up our lives — including our beloved Bunky — and returned home to Perth, Western Australia.
Importing Bunky into Australia was no small feat. Mum tackled the laborious (and character-building!) process with determination — because leaving her behind simply wasn’t an option. She was part of the family.
Shortly after settling in, Mum joined the Canine Association of WA (now DogsWest) as a registered breeder. And then came a stroke of genius — she brought home a couple more Miniature Schnauzer pups to join the family. That marked the official start of our family’s ANKC Miniature Schnauzer breeding journey.
In winter 1996, our very first litter was born.
I had the incredible privilege of helping to oversee their safe arrival — seven sweet, shiny babies.
I was absolutely enamoured by the miracle of birth, and from that moment on, I was hooked.
The Dream Ignited Within…
The dream to follow in Mum’s footsteps and become a breeder was never far from my heart. It quietly burned through the years — through moving back from the UK, through raising my daughters — until I was finally able to put legs on the dream and bring Howleluyah Miniature Schnauzers to life.
It all began with a long-awaited black and silver female from an ANKC breeder in NSW. I thought that would be the start — and in many ways it was.
But what followed… I could never have predicted:
What began as a childhood love for one sweet dog named Bunky has become a full-circle, purpose-driven life — breeding Miniature Schnauzers with intention, excellence and honour.
A Legacy in the Making
At the close of 2024, Howleluyah proudly finished as the Number 1 Miniature Schnauzer Conformation Breeder in Western Australia.
This achievement is not mine alone. It stands on the shoulders of the exceptional breeders who entrusted me with their dogs and laid the foundation for everything we’re building at Howleluyah Miniature Schnauzers. I am deeply grateful for their trust, mentorship and generosity.
We remain committed to the path we’ve set — continuing to invest our hearts, time and energy into our breeding program and our show team.
But beyond ribbons and rankings, another fire burns brightly:
A desire to build something lasting.
A legacy rooted in love, purpose and the deep joy this breed brings.
A legacy my daughters can one day carry forward — with the same passion and care that once captured my mother’s heart… and then my own.
Evangeline and Havalah are already an integral part of life at Howleluyah. Their hands help raise our puppies, and their hearts help shape the spirit of this home. They are cherished members of Team Howleluyah and sharing this journey with them is one of my greatest joys.
We would be honoured to welcome you into our growing Howleluyah family — and to share with you not just a Miniature Schnauzer, but a piece of the joy-filled legacy that defines who we are.