Our journey to CLOUDKNINE Dachshunds
Welcome to CLOUDKNINE Dachshunds, where a lifelong passion for these extraordinary dogs blossoms into a commitment to excellence. Our story is one of dedication, learning, and an unwavering love for preserving Miniature Smooth Dachshunds. Discover how our journey began and what drives our pursuit of healthy, happy, and champion-quality Dachshunds.
Building a legacy from the ground up
We are not a multi‑generational dog‑show or breeder family; we built our foundation from the ground up. Along the way, we have been fortunate to learn from breeders and mentors who inspire us, challenge our thinking, and encourage us to remain open to new ideas and evolving practices. These relationships have been dynamic and deeply influential—rooted not only in learning from established experience, but also in open dialogue that invites innovation and thoughtful exploration beyond traditional approaches.
Through this exchange, we have grown into breeders who define ourselves independently, thoughtfully, and collaboratively—sometimes aligned with our mentors’ philosophies, and in other cases shaped by the confidence to think outside the box. Each influence, whether direct or indirect, has played a meaningful role in bringing us to where we are today: grounded in knowledge, guided by integrity, and committed to preservation breeding with purpose and conviction.
To us, preservation breeding is about far more than producing puppies—it is a responsibility. It means holding ourselves to the highest standards, honoring the history and function of the Dachshund, and ensuring that every dog we bring into the world reflects what the breed is meant to look like, move like, and act like. We are lifelong students of the breed, committed to continual learning, open‑minded growth, and meaningful collaboration with like‑minded breeders who share our dedication to doing right by this remarkable dog.
The name CLOUDKNINE is rooted in a childhood dream of one day breeding top‑quality, champion dogs. When the opportunity to finally bring that dream to life arrived, it truly felt as though we were on cloud nine. By adding a playful nod to the “K9” at the heart of our passion, CLOUDKNINE became the name that proudly represents who we are, what we believe in, and the purpose behind every dog we breed.
Family first: The heart of CLOUDKNINE
At CLOUDKNINE, our dogs are adored family members first and show dogs second. Their lives begin—and remain—at the heart of our home, because we believe a loving, enriched environment is the foundation of their well‑being, confidence, and development. This philosophy shapes every decision we make and is the backbone of our breeding program.
We breed with purpose, intention, and a long‑term vision. Each pairing is planned with the future of our program in mind, and every litter is designed to move us forward. We breed for ourselves first, ensuring that at least one puppy is meant to carry our program into the next generation, while others join exceptional pet homes or select reputable breeding programs that share our values.
Nothing is accidental. Nothing is done “just because.” Every CLOUDKNINE puppy is the result of thoughtful evaluation, careful research, and a commitment to giving each dog the strongest possible start in life. Our dedication to excellence begins long before a puppy is born—and continues for their entire lifetime.
Whisky's triumph: A defining moment
Our journey has been marked by many memorable moments, but none more profound than 'Whisky's' Best in Show win. BIS Can CH CLOUDKNINE Classic Old Fashioned (Whisky) took time to mature, build her confidence, and truly embrace the show ring. Patience for her development, combined with our dedicated and continued training, culminated in a spectacular win in beautiful British Columbia the summer of 2025. Whisky's achievement not only completed her Canadian Championship but also earned us our first Best in Show, proving that patience and perseverance truly pay off. She continues to be a strong foundation for the future of our kennel.
What is a preservation breeder?
A preservation breeder focuses on the long‑term stewardship of the Dachshund breed, making thoughtful breeding decisions that support health, soundness, and breed integrity for generations to come—rather than breeding for trends or short‑term demand.