About Zenchel
In 1987 I chose to leave the world of being an orchestral musician and establish Zenchel Boarding Kennels and Cattery. I have bred, shown, trained, trialed and loved Labrador Retrievers for over 40 years. The knowledge and experience I have gained over the years assist me in my aim to breed Labradors with the desired intelligent, keen and biddable temperament, are structurally sound and free of inherited diseases, and are of sufficient quality to do well in conformation under specialist breeder/judges and perform to a high standard in breed-appropriate dog sports. Extensive use is made of x-ray schemes, eye testing, cardiac testing and DNA testing.
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I am a Life Member of the Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria and have held the position of President several times over a period of 40 years. I have also been President of the National Labrador Retriever Breed Council.
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For 15 years, I was Chair of the Dogs Victoria Canine Health Committee and deputy Chair of the ANKC Canine Health and Wellbeing Committee. I am also secretary of the Canine Museum Trust – check it out, it’s very special.
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I am currently the facilitator for Dogs Australia Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) and the Dogs Australia Officially Registered Canine Health Information Database (ORCHID).
I have been judging Labrador Retrievers at Championship show level since 2003; I am licensed to judge Gundogs (Sporting Dogs, FCI Groups 7 & 8) at Championship Show level. I have judged in several states of Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. You're welcome to have a look at some of the dogs I have awarded.
I also coordinate the Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria Rescue and Rehoming scheme. Please see my “Rescue” page for details.