The kennel name was registered over 25 years ago and was originally home to German Shepherd Dogs and American Cocker Spaniels. It is recognised as a leading Showteam offering Professional handling service throughout Europe and further. It is home to World, European, Group & Best in Show winners and numerous Multi Champions & International Champions across all the groups.

Woodhaven kennels produced Ireland’s first Male American Cocker to gain the title of Show Champion in the form of Show Champion Woodhaven Spellbinder who was owned by Eamon McMann but shown by Dorothea.

Dorothea continued to show and breed American Cockers and had much success in the breed, to include an outstanding bitch Show Champion Danton Feather Duster who not only had success in the breed ring but also winning Groups.

We started to introduce new breeds to Woodhaven and although some came and went others became breeds that have become main stays of the kennel to this day. Although not all of the breeds stayed with the kennel the success was the same as in other breeds. Some of these breeds included an Irish and GB Champion Miniature Long haired Dachshund, Champion Japanese Shiba Inu, Champion Tibetan Terrier, Champion Lowchens, Champion Chinese Cresteds, Champion German Shepherds, Champion Griffon Bruxellois, and  Champion Portuguese Podengo.

Our main breed is Chinese Cresteds, the first being a powder puff that to this day is Ireland’s top winning Chinese Crested Powder Puff also qualifying for Irish Show Dog of the Year towards the end of his career. The Chinese Crested has become the main stay of Woodhaven and we have spent a lot of time and effort to promote correct height and type within this breed, through careful selection of bloodlines and homes for puppies leaving the kennel.

Eamonn, Kate and Danielle are the new generation of Woodhaven Kennels following in their parents’ footsteps and continuing the tradition in their families, making them 4 generation involved in showing dogs at the highest level.

Sadly, Andrew, our youngest son, was taken from us by his killing in the USA in June 2008. His involvement in dogs and the effect he had on the people he meet on our travels was evident by the floods of support and condolences that we received after his killing. He will be greatly missed and is a great loss to us and the world of dogs.