Our Dogs
At West Coast Van de Engelenwacht, our dogs are the heart of our breeding program. We are dedicated to preserving the unique character, intelligence, and working heritage of the Cairn Terrier and Dutch Shepherd. With an emphasis on health, sound temperament, and thoughtful breeding, we strive to raise exceptional dogs who embody the finest qualities of their respective breeds.
We invite you to meet the dogs who make our program possible.
Our Cairn Terriers
Spirited, courageous, and full of character, the Cairn Terrier is a remarkable little dog with a rich Scottish heritage. Originally bred to work independently in the rugged Highlands, Cairns are intelligent, tenacious, and deeply devoted to their families.
At West Coast Van de Engelenwacht, we cherish the breed's natural instincts, confident disposition, and unmistakable personality. Our breeding program emphasizes sound health, balanced temperaments, and the preservation of the qualities that have made Cairn Terriers beloved companions for generations.
Genetic Screening · Embark
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO): Clear
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
(GCL/Krabbe disease): Clear
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK): Clear
Results refer to the variants tested.
Additional genetic testing documentation available upon request.
Northwest Cedar
Our Matriarch
“Cedar” · Cairn Terrier · Breeding female
AKC RN39063402
Affectionate, sensitive, and deeply devoted to her family, Cedar is happiest close to her people. She brings a gentle, snuggly warmth to our home, along with the watchful, protective spirit we love in a Cairn.
As a mother, Cedar is attentive and devoted. She has raised puppies with lovely manners and affectionate temperaments—a reflection of the care she gives them.
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West Coast Callie
Our Next Generation
“Callie” · Cairn Terrier · Future breeding prospect
Daughter of Northwest Cedar
AKC RN42285301
Energetic and endlessly playful, Callie brings a joyful spirit to our home. She loves spending time with the other Cairns, though her favorite playmate is Finn, our Dutch Shepherd. Her playful nature also makes her a much-loved companion to our young son.
Callie is a prospect for the next generation of our Cairn Terrier program. Her health testing is underway, with age-appropriate OFA evaluations still ahead. Any future breeding plans will depend on her maturity, completed health evaluations, and suitability for our program.
Our Dutch Shepherds
Intelligent, versatile, and exceptionally devoted, the Dutch Shepherd is a remarkable working breed with a proud heritage rooted in the Netherlands. Originally developed as an all-purpose farm dog, the breed is celebrated for its athleticism, trainability, natural vigilance, and unwavering partnership with its handler.
At West Coast Van de Engelenwacht, we admire the Dutch Shepherd's remarkable working ability and balanced character. As we develop this portion of our breeding program, our focus will be on sound health, stable temperaments, functional structure, and preserving the versatility and integrity of this extraordinary breed.
Fijne Dromen Hendrix
“Finn” · Dutch Shepherd · In Development
FCI & AKC
Rooted in herding ancestry, Finn is an energetic, eager-to-please young dog with a natural interest in moving livestock—even our backyard chickens. He brings a playful spirit to family life and is a much-loved companion to our young son.
Finn is showing moderate drive, a willingness to learn, and emerging watchfulness. Friendly and attentive to his surroundings, he continues to develop as we learn more about his temperament, instincts, and abilities.
We look forward to sharing his progress as he matures, from everyday adventures to training milestones and future health evaluations. Any potential role in our breeding program will depend on his maturity, completed testing, and suitability.
Growing with Finn
Follow along as Finn grows. We will share dated notes here on his training, everyday adventures, maturity, and health evaluations.
October 31, 2026 · A Young Dog in Development
Moderate drive, an eagerness to learn, a lively interest in herding, and emerging watchfulness are shaping the young dog we are getting to know.
Preserving the Dutch Shepherd’s Heritage
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is an international federation of national kennel organizations that recognize one another’s pedigrees and uphold established breed standards. An FCI-recognized pedigree documents a dog’s ancestry through this system.
You may also encounter BRN numbers and KNPV working lines. BRN is a lineage-tracking database, while KNPV is a Dutch working-dog organization with demanding training and certification programs. Neither designation alone establishes an FCI-recognized pedigree, and a pedigreed dog may also participate in KNPV.
We respect the dedication behind accomplished working dogs. Our own developing program is committed to preserving and strengthening FCI-pedigreed Dutch Shepherd lines, with thoughtful attention to health, temperament, genetic diversity, functional structure, and working ability.