Jeremy & Rachel McClister
1. My name is Jeremy McClister, and my wife, Rachel, and I live in central Kentucky. We have been involved with dogs since 2004 and have been actively breeding both Toy and Standard Manchester Terriers under the kennel name Earendil. Our journey began when Rachel, who was already showing Doberman Pinschers when we met, introduced me to the sport. Her mother wanted a small breed to show, which led us to our first Toy Manchester. The following year, we met Jerri Hobbs of Heaven Hi Manchesters and brought home a Toy girl named Jade—and the rest is history.
We are passionate about the breed and the sport. Rachel and I are both avid fans of The Lord of the Rings series, and our kennel name, Earendil, is inspired by those stories. We are proud members of both the American Manchester Terrier Club (AMTC) and the Mid-Kentucky Kennel Club. I currently serve as President of the AMTC.
2. One of the key hallmarks of the Manchester Terrier is the slight, subtle rise over the loin. This feature is essential to proper breed type and structure, yet unfortunately, we continue to see inconsistency in this area within the breed. Preserving these hallmarks is critical to maintaining the integrity and function of the Manchester.
3. Yes, we maintain a long waiting list for our puppies and have never had trouble placing them in quality homes. Demand for well-bred Manchesters remains strong.
4. Technology has been a great asset. We maintain an informative and up-to-date website and utilize breeder management tools like Breeder Cloud Pro to organize our records and waiting lists. Social media has also been incredibly helpful for staying connected with potential puppy buyers and the community. Additionally, Rachel has launched a podcast called The Manchester Terrier Experience which provides education and insight into the breed for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
5. Absolutely. Public education is key. Many people don’t understand the difference between purebred dogs and mixed breeds, especially with the rise in popularity of designer crosses. That said, I do believe interest in dog ownership is growing. As members of the dog show community, we have a responsibility to educate the public in a respectful and approachable way.
6. Attracting newcomers and supporting Junior Handlers should always be a priority. The long-term health of our sport depends on engaging and mentoring the next generation of breeders and exhibitors.
7. The introduction of Owner-Handled Groups has been a fantastic development. It’s encouraging to see dedicated owner-handlers recognized for their hard work and passion. More judges are paying attention to these exhibitors, and it’s fostering a sense of community and accomplishment among participants. Additionally, these Groups have helped to bring more recognition to lower-entry breeds like the Manchester Terrier by giving them more visibility and opportunities to shine in the ring.
