Celebrating Excellence In Ethical Breeding

Achieving recognition in the Royal Kennel Club Breeders' Competition sponsored by Agria and supported by Our Dogs is no small feat. It represents years, often decades, of dedication, ethical decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to producing healthy, happy dogs who truly embody their breed.

This year, Lireva Pomeranians once again secured a prize position on the leaderboard, a result earned not through volume, but through consistency, quality, and care.

Following the announcement of the results, we spoke with Averil, the breeder behind Lireva Pomeranians, about her lifelong passion for the breed, her approach to ethical breeding, and why competitions like this matter, not just to breeders, but to dogs themselves.

A lifelong love for Pomeranians

Averil’s journey into dog breeding began in childhood. Raised in a household where Samoyeds were bred and shown as a hobby, dogs were always part of daily life. But as a young girl, she knew she wanted a smaller breed, one that could live fully indoors while still possessing intelligence and spirit.

That wish led her to the Pomeranian.

Having had a Pom, she says, she would not want anything else. Often affectionately described as “little walking teddy bears,” Pomeranians quickly captured her heart and became a lifelong passion.

Originally bred as small herding dogs from the Pomerania region of northern Europe, Pomeranians retain a sharp intelligence and confident outlook that often surprises people unfamiliar with the breed.

Big personalities in small dogs

Pomeranians are frequently described as small dogs with big personalities, and Averil believes this is one of their most appealing traits. Beneath the glamorous coats and confident show-ring presence is a dog that thrives on engagement, structure, and training.

She is clear that despite their size and appearance, Pomeranians are not toys. They are dogs, and like all dogs, they need boundaries, guidance, and appropriate training.

When raised correctly, Pomeranians are adaptable, eager to please, and responsive to positive reinforcement. They are equally capable of living in busy towns and cities or accompanying their owners on long countryside walks. Their versatility makes them well suited to modern lifestyles, provided their needs are understood and respected.

Breeding with purpose, not volume

At the heart of Lireva Pomeranians is a clear philosophy: breed for health, temperament, and breed type, always. Each litter is planned carefully, often with the intention of producing just one puppy to retain for her own breeding programme.

If more puppies are born, the remaining pups are placed in carefully selected homes. These owners become part of an extended family, with ongoing support and contact encouraged throughout the dog’s life.

All puppies are bred and reared in the home, experiencing everyday household life from an early age. From household noises to car journeys and early handling, this environment helps ensure puppies leave well socialised and prepared for life in a family setting. Each puppy joins their new family with 5-weeks free Agria Insurance, keeping them protected and assured for the unexpected as they adjust to their new home. As an Agria Breeder Club Member, Averil ensures 5 Weeks Free (5WF) is activated for every puppy, reinforcing her commitment to responsible new homes.

Health, honesty, and long-term responsibility

While Pomeranians are generally a healthy breed, responsible breeding requires ongoing vigilance. Averil monitors known breed considerations carefully and actively breeds away from potential issues.

Equally important to her is the long-term relationship with puppy owners. She encourages owners to stay in touch throughout their dog’s life, not in an intrusive way, but so support is always available if needed.

This approach also allows her to keep detailed lifetime records spanning decades, including longevity and causes of death. These records help build a clear picture of how her lines develop over time and directly inform future breeding decisions.

The importance of veterinary partnerships

A strong, trusted relationship with a knowledgeable veterinary practice is another cornerstone of responsible breeding. Averil stresses the importance of working with vets who understand toy breeds and are willing to listen and collaborate.

This relationship becomes particularly vital during whelping, emergency care, and surgical decisions, where experience with small breeds can make a significant difference. Having a vet who knows both the breeder and the dogs provides reassurance and continuity of care during critical moments.

Advice for puppy buyers

For prospective puppy owners, Averil offers clear and practical advice. Research is essential. Buyers should ensure puppies are properly registered, that breeders are licensed where required, and that visits are made to see where puppies are bred and raised.

She encourages buyers to trust their instincts and be prepared to walk away if something does not feel right. Purchasing a puppy should never be rushed. Taking time to ask questions and verify information protects not only the buyer, but the welfare of dogs more broadly.

Success at the Royal Kennel Club Breeders' Competition sponsored by Agria and supported by Our Dogs

For Lireva Pomeranians, success in the Royal Kennel Club Breeders' Competition sponsored by Agria and supported by Our Dogs is about far more than titles or trophies.

The primary motivation for taking part is simple: the dogs enjoy it. The competition provides a rare opportunity for the dogs to go into the ring together, something they clearly relish.

That enjoyment, combined with decades of careful, ethical breeding, has seen Lireva Pomeranians consistently recognised at the highest levels of the competition, making this latest achievement both meaningful and well deserved.

Sarah White, Breeder Channel Manager, comments: “Averil and her Lireva Pomeranians look absolutely fabulous representing their breed. It’s been a joy to watch them shine, and I wish them the very best of luck at Crufts — could this be the third time they take the top spot and are crowed top breeders at Crufts, after their wins in 2012 and 2023?”

Looking to the future

Despite years of success, Averil remains motivated by the same goal that first inspired her to breed: the pursuit of excellence.

There is always the hope of breeding something even better, she says. As long as that passion remains, and as long as Pomeranians continue to share her home, Lireva Pomeranians will remain a benchmark for responsible, ethical breeding in the modern dog world.