Kennel Wayosi is located in Fetsund, 30 minutes outside Oslo – Norway. We live in the middle of the forest, surrounded by space and nature.
We own and breed Rhodesian Ridgebacks and German working-line Airedale terriers, focusing on preserving and maintaining their working abilities and overall functionality. Our kennel name “Wayosi” comes from the Swahili word “Wayo”, meaning “footprint”, combined with the initials “S” and “I” for our first dogs, Sheriff and Isi. This symbolises the foundation of our breeding journey.
My family has had dogs for generations: Airedale terriers since 1978 and Riesenschnauzers since 1993. We have had several SAR dogs (search and rescue), in addition to competing in obedience and working trials. I bought my first Rhodesian Ridgeback in 2005, followed by my first Airedale in 2009. Growing up surrounded by dogs and training, I learned a lot about canine mentality, health, and training from my family.
Our breeding goal is to preserve both breeds’ physical and mental traits, staying true to their original purpose. We prioritise functionality and health in our dogs, selecting breeding combinations carefully to maintain these standards. A stable temperament is essential, making them excellent workers, companions, and family pets.
Our breeding goal is to preserve both breeds’ physical and mental traits, staying true to their original purpose. We prioritise functionality and health in our dogs – with no compromises made in these areas, selecting breeding combinations carefully to maintain these standards. A stable temperament is essential, making them excellent workers, companions, and family pets.
We cannot guarantee success in every aspect of the dog’s future, but we ensure that we set the right premises for it with our focus on mentality and health.
In our breeding program, we conduct thorough assessments, including mentality assessments, working trials, conformation evaluations, and comprehensive health screenings (HD/ED/spine X-rays, cardio tests, DNA tests, and eye examinations). These evaluations help us maintain and improve our dogs’ desired traits and address areas requiring improvement.
While breeding show champions is not our sole focus, we place great importance on breeding dogs with sound mental and physical health. High standards are set for breeding suitability to produce “Wayosies” that are well-balanced, exhibiting an appropriate level of activity, confidence and cooperativeness. Known for their initial high energy, the puppies are expected to mature into well-adjusted, humorous, and dignified adults with the right training.
Find literature about mentality and genetics here!
- Certified as a dog trainer at Level 1 by the Norwegian Kennel Club (NKK instruktør trinn 1) since 2008.
- An approved Rally Obedience instructor with the Norwegian Rally Obedience Club since 2015.
- Held several key positions on the board of the local dog club, Fet og Omegn Hundeklubb, since 2013.
- Served as the leader of the Mentality Committee in the Norwegian Rhodesian Ridgeback Club from 2010 to 2015.
- Currently a member of the Committee responsible for Breeding, Health and Mentality within the Norwegian Rhodesian Ridgeback Club, a position held since 2018.
- Past roles include serving as a board member for the Norwegian Kennel Club in the Oslo/Akershus region (NKK region Oslo/Akershus), as well as holding positions such as vice chairman and board member in Stovner Hundeklubb, the Norwegian Rhodesian Ridgeback club, and the Airedale Terrier breed group.
