About Us
The History of Curlious
Hi, I’m Kate, and I live alongside my Manchester Terriers near Moncton, New Brunswick. Dogs have been part of my life since childhood, starting with a Siberian Husky our family welcomed in 1993. My journey into the world of purebred dogs truly began in 2004 when I brought home my first show prospect, a Chinese Crested, and I’ve been actively involved in breeding, showing, and training ever since.
I registered my kennel name Curlious with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) in 2006, and in 2025, it was granted Permanent Registration, a recognition of ongoing commitment to ethical breeding and active participation in the dog fancy. What does this mean?
Where does the name Curlious come from? I grew up in the sport of curling, and I wanted to carry that part of my life into my passion for dogs. I combined curling with curious to create a kennel name that is meaningful, memorable, and uniquely mine.
While I began with toy breeds, my heart was drawn to the Standard Manchester Terrier in 2020. Like many enthusiasts who care deeply about the future of purebred dogs, I wanted to support a low-numbers breed that deserved more visibility. I reached out to breed experts, to learn more about the elegant black and tan terrier I’d seen so rarely, and was fortunate enough to welcome my first Manchester home in 2021.
Today, Curlious focuses on promoting versatile, well-rounded Manchester Terriers who can shine in the show ring, excel in dog sports, and be wonderful companions at home. I raise puppies in my home, and place a strong emphasis on structure, temperament, and health. You can also explore our year-by-year highlights and accomplishments to see how our dogs have excelled in shows, sports, and other milestones.
- Club Affiliations and Memberships
- Canadian Kennel Club since 2006
- Secretary/Treasurer for the Canadian Manchester Terrier Club
- First Vice President for the Moncton Kennel Club
- Professional Development
- Certificate in Canine Nutrition (Cert.CN)
- Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy
- Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (in progress)
- Working towards becoming a CKC conformation judge
Holding Myself Accountable
As a preservation breeder, I take responsibility not just for the puppies I produce, but for the long-term health and well-being of the Manchester Terrier breed. Every litter is carefully planned with both the present and future generations in mind, ensuring that each puppy contributes positively to the breed.
I am committed to continuous learning, staying informed about genetics, health screening, and breeding practices, and reporting health results to public databases such as the OFA to promote transparency and sound breeding decisions. I am also certified in canine nutrition and am currently working toward a certification in canine fitness and athletic conditioning, further supporting my ability to raise structurally sound, well-prepared dogs. I actively show, train, and compete with my dogs to keep them mentally engaged and physically capable, demonstrating the qualities I aim to pass on.
As part of my ongoing commitment to education and to giving back to the purebred community, I am also working toward the (very)-long-term goal of becoming a CKC-licensed conformation judge. My experience in multiple breeds, combined with decades of hands-on involvement in showing, training, and breeding, has inspired me to pursue this path as another way to support the sport.
Supporting puppy buyers is an essential part of my role. I offer guidance, mentorship, and lifelong support, and I always welcome puppies back if their home circumstances change.
I maintain memberships in the Moncton Kennel Club, the Canadian Manchester Terrier Club, and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), adhering to ethical standards and local regulations, and sharing my knowledge with anyone interested in learning about the breed.
Castle - Remembering our Afghan Hound
Am/Can CH Taji Curlious Dreams In Red MazShalna CGN NTD
CH Thaon's Starpower x CH MazShalna's Outlaw Torn Taji
For my 30th birthday, I decided to take on a new challenge by welcoming an Afghan Hound named Castle into my life. He wasn’t much bigger than a Chinese Crested when he arrived from his breeders in Pennsylvania, but it didn’t take long for him to grow into the elegant, commanding presence Afghans are known for.
Castle wasn’t just a stunning show dog, he became a gentle protector and guardian of puppies, testing my grooming, training, and handling skills in ways I’d never experienced before. His playful spirit, grace, and intelligence brought a unique energy to our home.
Afghans have a rich history, and much of that knowledge is preserved by passionate breeders and fanciers. Through Castle, I had the incredible opportunity to learn from these experienced individuals, gaining insights into the breed’s care, grooming, and temperament. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for Afghans but also fueled my ongoing desire for learning and helped shape how I raise and train all of my dogs.
Past Champion Chinese Cresteds
Throughout my involvement with the Chinese Crested breed, I’ve had the pleasure of owning, breeding, and handling a variety of both hairless and powderpuff Chinese Cresteds. Below are just a few of these exceptional dogs. Their accomplishments go beyond achieving their Canadian Championships and include prestigious titles such as Best in Specialty Show, Best Puppy in Group, and Best Puppy in Show, along with numerous group placements.
Several of these dogs also earned their Championships in the United States, and one even went on to become a Champion in Sweden and Luxembourg! In addition to their conformation success, many also excelled in performance events, including Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) and Rally Obedience.
I was also a founding member of the Chinese Crested Club of Ontario and have had the honor of serving on the Chinese Crested Club of Canada board in various positions, including President, Secretary, and Treasurer. My involvement in these organizations allowed me to actively contribute to the growth and promotion of the breed while supporting fellow breeders and enthusiasts.
