A New Name, Rooted in Our Story

It has been a little quiet here lately, and I know some of you may be wondering what we have been up to. Thank you for continuing to follow along. I have been giving a lot of thought to the future of our kennel, and I am excited to finally share this next chapter with you.

West Coast Cairn Terriers is becoming West Coast Van de Engelenwacht. This change brings together two parts of my life that have become deeply intertwined: my unexpected love for Cairn Terriers and my longstanding devotion to working dogs.

I have always loved working dogs, particularly German Shepherds. When I welcomed a retired local apprehension dog into my home, I knew I would always want a working dog in my life. There is something deeply meaningful to me about that partnership—the trust you build, the work you share, and the companionship that continues long after the work is done.

Cairns came into my life much less deliberately. If you have followed my story, you know they were not a breed I would have sought out on my own. Once introduced, though, I fell completely in love with their cheeky, fiery spirit. They have small bodies, big brains, and even bigger attitudes. They have taught me so much, especially how much more I still have to learn.

They also helped bring me out of a very dark place in my life. I will always be grateful to them for that, particularly Cedar. She holds a place in my heart that goes far beyond her role in our breeding program.

As different as Cairns and shepherds might appear, living with them together helped me recognize something they share. While doing farm chores, I would often look up to find my retired German Shepherd and my young Cairn sitting side by side, quietly watching over me. My younger German Shepherd would remain close, accompanying me as I worked. Each had found a place from which to keep an eye on me.

I firmly believe in guardian angels, and those ordinary moments stayed with me. I began to see my dogs as earthly reminders of that faithful, watchful presence. Once I recognized it, I knew I wanted our kennel name to reflect it. Van de Engelenwacht was chosen to evoke that image of angels keeping watch.

The name also makes room for a direction I have been considering carefully: developing a Dutch Shepherd breeding program.

As I thought about where my experience might be most useful, I saw German Shepherd breeders doing work I deeply admired. That led me to consider another breed, and eventually to Dutch Shepherds. I was drawn to their intelligence, drive, versatility, and the balance I hoped to find in a dog that could work enthusiastically and settle alongside its people.

The more I learned, the more I wanted to help people understand the breed beyond its reputation. My particular interest lies in its herding heritage and in developing FCI-pedigreed lines with respect for the breed standard. I hope to contribute to preserving a capable working dog whose temperament, structure, and ability are considered together.

Different programs pursue different goals, and I respect that. This is the direction I want ours to take, with time spent learning, evaluating each dog as an individual, and making thoughtful decisions. Finn is part of that beginning, and I look forward to sharing his development as he grows.

Our Cairns remain an essential part of this story. They brought me to breeding, challenged me, and helped shape the person and breeder I am becoming. The lessons they continue to teach me will come with us into this next chapter.

Ultimately, I want our work to improve the lives of the people who welcome our dogs home, whether as puppies or adults, and to contribute thoughtfully to the breeds they choose. Our name has changed, but our mission and commitment to quality remain. I am excited about what this change makes room for, and I hope you will be excited to follow along.

To our puppy families, friends, and everyone who has supported West Coast Cairn Terriers: thank you for being part of our beginning.

Welcome to West Coast Van de Engelenwacht.

Raised with Purpose. Rooted in Tradition.