DAKLEY KENNELS was established in Canberra in 1966 when Joan and Daryl Cross decided they wanted a canine friend but were unsure of what type of dog they wanted.
  They had heard of dachshunds but like many present day newcomers to the ‘dacchie’ world, did not know that they came in three different coat types and that there were miniature and standard versions available (in Australia).
  A visit to a respected Canberra judge who had at the time Standard Long Haired dachshunds soon put them on the right track with a recommendation that they look at the miniature version as it appeared to suit their requirements.
  This led to a visit to leading Canberra breeder Don Ferguson of Gretold Kennels who just happened to have a nice little male baby puppy available at the time.
  Although not suited to the showring ‘Pip’ (Gretold Phillip) soon became the pride and joy of the Cross household.
  The need for a ‘mate’ for Pip then took them back to Don Ferguson who remarkably had a beautiful little bitch that he said he would let them have.
  Thus Gretold Gigi joined the family and she was the original brood bitch from which the Dakley line of miniature smooth dachshunds came from.
  From then on, and with encouragement from the dachshund and hounds fraternity in Canberra, the Cross’s and the Dakley dogs became regular faces at dog shows round Canberra and Southern New South Wales.
  Dog Shows were not the only interest of Joan and Daryl - they were also heavily involved in athletics, being formerly competitors, then administrators and coaches in the ACT Association
  This at times led to them being unable to spend as much time as they would have wished at shows as they were required at competitions from local to international level.
  In 1982 they moved to Queensland where Daryl took up the position of State Director of Coaching for the Queensland Amateur Athletic Association which meant he was involved on most weekends at athletic competitions, thus negating any involvement in dog shows.
  However, they retained their interest in dachshunds and by the mid 1990’s were back showing again, this time with a new line of miniatures originating from the little red bitch Alequin Serrain which they had been fortunate in obtaining as a seven month old puppy in 1995.
  As well as being regular exhibitors both Joan and Daryl have been actively involved within the Dachshund Club of Queensland. At the end of 2003 Daryl took over the reins as President of the Club while Joan has been secretary for some years.
  Both have retained their involvement with athletics and have officiated at major international competitions in Australia including the World junior Championships in 1996, the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, the Goodwill Games in 2001 and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Contact information: Tel (617) 3209 7321 - 0408 097 321
Email: dakleykennels@yahoo.com.au