For as far back as I can remember, I have had a deep, abiding love for animals, especially dogs and horses. As I was growing up, there was always a dog of “mixed heritage” in the household. 

My involvement with purebred dogs came much later, when I obtained my first Newfoundland in 1993. I began showing and breeding with these majestic, gentle giants. While out showing my Newfie one day, I chanced upon a most beautiful tri coloured dog similar in overall appearance and size to the Newfie. I quickly discovered that this dog was a Bernese Mountain Dog. So began my involvement with this gorgeous breed, a passion which has continued through until this day, with three generations of Bernese Mountain Dogs having graced the lounges at Magpielane. 

Due to the unavoidable onset of middle age, I began to look for a smaller breed of dog, that would be easier to care for than my giant breeds (less surface area for a start!). I happened to see a television segment on Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, a Canadian breed which had just arrived in country. I was immediately smitten, as they seemed to have all the qualities I was looking for in a smaller dog (with the longest breed name imaginable!). After a long wait, my beloved Jontie arrived in 1998. She was to become the great-grandmother to the last Toller litter born at Magpielane. 

My interest in Finnish Lapphunds first began, when an English Bernese Mountain Dog magazine to which I subscribed, contained a photo a Bernese breeder with her recently acquired Finnish Lapphund. I loved the look of this dog, so began some research on the breed. However, there were none available in Australia at the time and I had just begun my journey with the Tollers, so I put the Finnish Lapphunds to the back of my mind. However, in 2002, I saw this stunning smaller type of Spitz dog at a show and knew immediately it was a Lappie. The flame that had been put on pilot flared and needless to say, there are now six Finnish Lapphunds playing in the yards here at Magpielane, including three imports. I never dreamed that I would ever be involved in importing dogs, but that’s how strong an effect the Lappies have had on me. 

First and foremost, my dogs are my dearly loved pets and companions. They all come inside the house at night to sleep. It’s amazing how the dogs will all find their own comfortable sleeping spot, with most parking themselves under or around my bed. Consequently, my house resembles a giant kennel (!), but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I couldn’t abide the thought of my dogs being housed in concrete runs, sheds or crates. During the day, they are free to romp and play in the yards, under the shade and shelter of the gum trees. They are all in together – stud dogs, bitches, younger ones, neutered ones and retired pensioners. Very rarely is there a grumble between any of them. 

House and dog yards at Magpielane

Because all the dogs are such an integral part of my daily life, I know each of their personalities intimately. This places me in a strong position to acquaint puppy buyers with the personalities of the offspring of each dog and to advise prospective owners on which ones would most likely meet their particular needs.

For various reasons, I am only able to enter dog shows on a very limited basis. Nevertheless, I believe that I am more than capable of objectively assessing the strengths and weaknesses of my own dogs and making carefully considered breeding decisions as a result. Dog showing for me is more of a social pastime, than a competitive pursuit. 

My consuming passion is the art, science and joy of dog breeding. My mission is to breed sound, happy, healthy pups, which will enrich the lives of loving owners, as my dogs have done for me. I strive to produce puppies with strong breed type and correct conformation; the athletic ability to succeed in the agility rings; but above all else, with the soundness and temperament to be healthy, loving companions. 

All puppies bred at Magpielane are VCA registered, vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and health guaranteed for a year. They are whelped and raised within our home with the utmost dedication, love and care. I am always available for after placement support and I strongly encourage owners of my pups to stay in touch. Prospective owners are carefully selected. 

Magpielane is located in the beautiful Pyrenees wine region of central Victoria. Visitors are always welcome to come and meet the dogs and talk about things canine over a cup of coffee. 

Pamela Francis
Magpielane