In 1970 we purchased our first house, and our first afghan, and have progressed in the usual way from exhibitors to breeders and judges, and in fact now derive our living from the dog world owning Brierdene Pet Care Centre, and producing Laser Lites, our own range of coat care products for show dogs.

The first 5 years of our afghan life was a lot of fun – we met so many people, became involved in the Queensland Afghan Hound Association, and generally started to learn a bit about the dog world. In 1975 after Paul had finished his University studies, we set off on a world holiday that took us to the USA, Britain and Europe. During this tour, we were fortunate enough to see afghans which were to set the standard for our thinking about the breed. Specifically, we saw afghans with wonderful movement, and these powerhouse hounds in motion fired our enthusiasm to new heights. They became the picture in our minds eye that has guided, and influenced us to consider movement as one of the most important breed characteristics. The unique movement of the afghan is a sight to behold.

As a relatively small kennel, we now breed very sparingly, and may only produce one or two more litters before we call it quits. Our home kennel consists of 8 Afghans and 2 Lhasa, and we have many other afghans living with co-owners. Our afghans are very much a part of the household, and they are kenneled close to the house so that we can have regular interaction with them. We believe strongly that the mental and physical well being of the dogs is a key to success, and hence have a huge fenced area where the dogs run freely on a daily basis. Their enclosed area has a paved pathway that winds around our house and along the fenceline, so they are very rarely confined.

We have bred over 50 afghan hound champions. Amongst these are Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Danish, Italian, Mexican, International, New Zealand and Australian titles. There are only 6 afghan specialty shows per year in Australia, and for us, these are the main event. As Australia’s Top Specialty Best In Show Winning Kennel of All Time, we are proud to have bred 15 individual Specialty Best In Show winners, for a total of 26 Specialty Best In Shows, including three of the 13 National Specialties with Ch. Khandhu Laser Litefoot, Ch. Khandhu Stand Out, and Ch. Khandhu Femme Fatale. We have also bred at least 15 individual All-Breeds Best In Show Winners.

Brierdene Pet Care Centre was purchased by us in 1992, and after a short time, we both retired from our regular jobs, and concentrated on our own business. Caring for up to 100 dogs and 40 cats keeps us fairly busy, particularly in the school holidays. Owning the boarding kennels has allowed us the freedom to travel. We are fortunate to have friends with afghans who move into our house and care for the dogs when we are away. Everyone gets a little freedom from the responsibility of owning dogs. As judges, we are both licensed to do all hounds, and I am also able to do all the Gundogs (Sporting).

Some years ago, we were frustrated at not being able to purchase our usual hair care products because they were being imported from the USA. This led Paul to think about using his scientific skills to develop similar products here. The result is a complete range of hair care products called Laser Lites. We now have retail outlets throughout Australia, and around the world. In fact we now have outlets in 23 different countries, and have been awarded Export Grants by the Australian Government 3 years in a row.

Most importantly though, we have owned some truly lovely afghans who have been wonderful companions. It is indeed difficult to imagine life without an afghan. .

Paul & Pauline Hewitt

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