All About Dogs by LowchensAustralia.com

Toni has been showing and breeding dogs since 1977, when her husband brought home a Great Dane puppy which the breeder had told him was show quality. Well, with the first blue ribbon she was hooked! The husband went, and with him the dog (gee, she missed the dog!) but then she saw a picture on the front cover of the National Dog Annual of Frank Vallely & Rudi Van Voorst's Bichon Frise, Aust Ch Jazz de la Buthiere of Leijazulip (Imp Frn) and so began a love affair that hasn't ended. Toni got her first Bichon in 1979, and showed and bred until 1990 when family demands became too much. Over that time, though, her two top winners, Ch Chismene Benson Bear and her home-bred Ch Beauroi Star Struck gave her much joy, with a Best In Show, multiple Best in Group wins, and multiple Class in Group and Class in Show wins. In fact, Ch Beauroi Star Struck was the first South Australian bred male to gain his championship title in that state. Even though she hasn't owned the breed for some years, she still retain an active interest in Bichons and they will always hold a very special place in her heart.
In 1987, Toni met Löwchens! Well, as it is with Löwchens, they managed to wangle a way into her heart and she has owned and shown several to their Australian championship titles since then. Her present 'partner in crime' is Ch Chismene Thunda Downunda, a Runner Up in Show winner and a multiple Group, Class in Group and Class in Show winner. He is now retired through injury after his short but illustrious show career, and enjoying the life of a country gentleman (should we say larrikin!) with his beloved Noni (Chismene No Doubt).
Also in 1987, Toni was introduced to Whippets. Whilst Löwchens brought the comedy to her life, Whippets have brought a loyalty, a deep affection and a companionship like no other. Her Aust Grand Ch Blakriva Star Attraction is a multiple Group, Class in Group and Class in Show winner, and has been Challenge Dog or Best of Breed over consecutive years at major shows such as the Royal Canberra Show and the NSW Spring Fair, as well as Reserve Challenge Dog over a large entry at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. She has owned and bred a number of champions, including Ch Taejaan Secret Kisses who was Runner Up in Group and Class in Show at the Royal Canberra Show 1995, and she hopes that the tradition continues as her daughter takes up the reins with her own Whippet and the family prefix of Beauroi.
Toni commenced judging in 1995 and Toys were her first group. She has judged in Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Western Australia and New Zealand, including the latter three Toy Dog Club specialties. She is also licensed to judge the Hound and Non Sporting groups.