A brief history of Buckleigh Kennels


For many years we have owned, bred and loved Smooth Fox Terriers. We acquired our first Smooth in 1964 from Winnie Stout of Quissex fame. We finished our first Champion in 1966, won our first Terrier group in 1969, our first Specialty show in 1986, and our first Best in Show in 1993. The years in between were filled with attending college, raising a family and business careers.

Through our early involvement with Smooth Fox Terriers we acquired an appreciation, understanding and love of the breed and an education in sound breeding principles, as well as an informed opinion in proper breed type. Since moving to New Hampshire in 1987 we have had more room for the Smooths, but still maintain a small select breeding program. Many of the top Smooth Fox Terrier dogs of the past are incorporated into our bloodlines. Today the Buckleigh name is seen in pedigrees of top winning Smooths Coast to Coast. We have bred or finished well over 60 Smooth Fox Terrier AKC Champions. Normally we condition and show our own Smooths. We have traveled to many parts of the US and Canada attending breed Specialty shows and to England several times.

We have successfully campaigned nine Smooth Fox Terrier champions into the top five breed ratings nationwide, all owner handled. During the same time frame, a litter sister to one of these dogs was rated Number One Smooth Fox Terrier bitch in the country. We are presently campaigning a dog rated in the top five, a multiple group and Best in Specialty winner. We have successfully competed at and have enjoyed many fine wins at Fox Terrier Specialty Shows nationwide. Having shown our home bred Smooths to Winners Dog, Winners Bitch (twice), and Best of Winners and Best in Sweepstakes at the prestigious Montgomery County All Terrier show, with three different Smooths is any breeder's dream come true.

In 1998, Mike applied to The American Kennel Club to judge at AKC Championship dog shows. At present he is approved to judge all Terrier breeds, Best in Show and Junior Showmanship. In the past few years Mike has traveled to many shows across the country and internationally as a dog show judge. We anticipate Mike will continue to apply for additional breeds to judge with The American Kennel Club.

Over the years we have worked hard to establish a breeding program we could be proud of. Although we are no longer breeding, the hard work, heartbreak and miles traveled were all worth it as over time we realized the love a Smooth Fox Terrier gives is never ending.

We would like to thank all our fellow breeders and friends whom supported, encouraged and helped us over the years. We look forward to the future with anticipation and realize the best is still to come.

Mike and Nance Buckley