Candlewood Shar Pei

The heart of the family

     Candlewood Shar Pei was started 18 years ago, but the love of the breed began many years before, in a little village in Somerset.  I first saw a shar pei in the   flesh in Crewkerne and it belonged to Heather Sweeting (Fearghas) and it was love at first sight.

     Bosun (Charlvalarne Brigadier of Candlewood), was my great love, a beautiful dog and a true gentleman.  We had great success showing and he won BIS at the most prestigious of the shows at that time, which was the Shar Pei Club of Great Britain’s Open show. (1992). The previous year he had missed the show, due to an allergic reaction to medication.  I thought I would lose him then, but he pulled through and his win in 1992 was all the more special.  Particularly as, at the time I was suffering chronic morning sickness!!!

      However although he could not attend in 1991, my first litter of puppies had entered the show ring that year and we did very well. Candlewood Dream Boat won BIS, BB, and BPIS.  Best Dog and Reserve in Show going to Humphrey, Yacanto Garsak Sir Humphrey who lived with us and that I owned jointly with my great friend Diana Bousfield (Yacanto).

     Over the years I have spent more time not showing than showing. I have imported dogs from America, Russia and Belgium but the priority has always been the same.  Besides good looks the dogs must have the best temperaments, because they have always been pets first and very important members of our family and it has been essential to me that Candlewood puppies who leave us become the heart of their new family.

     There has been a small gap in the last few years, with my involvement with the breed, in fact for 7 months I had none, but all that has changed again and we have a house full. Some going back to the original homebred and imported dogs. But all family pets (who may break out to the odd show now and again!!)  I hope you enjoy our dogs as much as we do.