About Us

In 2004, a friendship was formed between myself ; Claire Gray: "TINSNIPS"; Mini Wires AUST. and Denise Fahey : "WICKERBY"; Mini & Std Wires N.Z. At the time I was ready to give it all up after all the hard work due to the politics of the show ring. A mutual respect for each other and the fact both of us had a similar vision "We" decided to work together, share bloodlines and our love of wires.

Tinsnips was established in 1979 and prior to that Claire had been breeding and showing basset hounds and dachshund mini smooth hairs. Wires were always her passion but back then were as rare as hens teeth so when the opportunity finally came up to buy her first bitch "Ch Bontharambo Karaway" (Tiffany) she jumped at the chance. Tiffany produced two litters and in the second litter a dog called CH Tinsnips Fozzie Bear was born. A dog before his time there are still lines going back to this amazing character.

Denise established her dachshund kennels (Wickerby) in 2002 but prior to that was involved in the breeding and showing of Welsh terriers; boxers and whippets. Fate bought the two kennels together and now all breeding is done as a team. Ideas are bounced around and we share the trials and tribulations that breeding and the show world have to offer. When time and finances permit we like to dual title the dogs but this is becoming more and more difficult with the ridiculous airfares, veterinary costs and taxes applied.

At all times we aim to produce the best we can and the breeding of our wires is a hobby not a business. Litters are planned well in advance and are bred only to preserve lines or to take a step forward in our breeding program. Although litters are few and far between we occasionally have pups available to show or pet homes. Please feel free to contact either of us for a chat about the fur-kids. We are only too willing to spend some time talking about our passion but meanwhile over the following pages we would like to present our fur kids and hope you enjoy them and wish us well in our venture.