About Us
The History of Curlious
Hi, I’m Kate, and I live alongside my Manchester Terriers near Moncton, New Brunswick. My dogs live in my home as members of my family, and puppies are raised in that same environment. I believe living with the dogs every day is an important part of understanding their individual personalities, needs and temperaments. 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 breeding and 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
- Secretary for the Atlantic Terrier Association
- Professional Development
- Certificate in Canine Nutrition (Cert.CN)
- Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy
- Graduated from the Elite K9 Athlete Program
- Pursuing CKC conformation judge license
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. My goal is to produce healthy, sound, well-tempered Manchester Terriers who can make positive contributions to the breed, whether in the show ring, dog sports or as companions.
I am committed to continuous learning and staying informed about genetics, health screening and responsible breeding practices. I report health results to public databases such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), promoting transparency and helping inform sound breeding decisions. My education in canine nutrition, hydrotherapy and athletic conditioning further supports my understanding of canine health, fitness and physical development. I actively show, train and compete with my dogs, giving me opportunities to evaluate their structure, movement, temperament and abilities in a variety of settings while keeping them mentally engaged and physically active.
As part of my ongoing commitment to education and to giving back to the purebred community, I am pursuing a long-term goal of becoming a Canadian Kennel Club licensed conformation judge. I am preparing to write the required examinations, continuing to develop my knowledge of breed standards, structure and movement, and building on my years of experience showing, breeding and evaluating dogs.
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.
Being involved in local and national dog clubs is an important part of my commitment to the sport and the breeds I love. Membership provides opportunities to learn from experienced breeders and exhibitors, exchange knowledge, stay connected with the wider dog community and contribute to the continued development of our sport. Shows and trials rely on a network of dedicated, unpaid and often unseen volunteers, and I believe giving my time and support is an important way to give back to a community that has given me so much.
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 dogs. Their accomplishments go beyond achieving their Championship, and include group wins and placements, wins in tough breed competition at specialties, and multiple puppy group wins. 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!
I was also a founding member of the Chinese Crested Club of Ontario, and have served on the board in both the Ontario club and the Chinese Crested Club of Canada in various positions, including President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Through my involvement in these organizations, I have had the opportunity to support the breed and work with others who share an interest in its preservation and promotion.
