Kayla Phillips of Svajonė Kennels shares her journey, passion, and commitment to preserving the Beauceron breed with integrity.
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Kayla Phillips
1. Animals have been an essential part of my life for as long as I can remember—truly, since before I could walk. While many people have videos of their first steps, I have a video of my first time on the back of a horse. I was raised around AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and APHA (American Paint Horse Association) cow horses, and from a young age, my mom included me in every step of the process, from researching pedigrees, conformation, and health to choosing the right stallion, to foaling, raising, and eventually, marketing the offspring.
In addition to horses, my mom also dedicated much of her time to rehabilitating dog-aggressive (DA) and human-aggressive (HA) Rottweilers and German Shepherd Dogs. We experienced many successes, but also faced heartbreaking challenges. As I grew older, I came to understand that despite all her experience and dedication, some outcomes were simply out of her control. Often, the root of the issue traced back to the very beginning: the choices made by breeders, whether through lack of knowledge, education, or a mismatch in placements.
When the time came for me to bring home my first well-bred, AKC (American Kennel Club)-registered puppy, I approached the journey with care and research. I knew I wanted to be part of something that could make a positive impact on the future of dog breeding. As I began exploring the world of purebred dogs, I quickly realized how much I loved it. Now, a decade later, my family and I are fortunate to share our lives with two incredible breeds. We’re excited to continue contributing as trainers, breeders, and co-breeders—because in this world, it truly takes a village.
Svajonė Kennels was born from a dream—and as someone who has always been a dreamer, it felt only natural that the name reflects that. Svajonė means “dream” in Lithuanian, a word that holds deep meaning for me. I’m incredibly grateful to God each day for the opportunity to grow and enjoy my small, heartfelt program of Beaucerons.
2. The Beauceron is a remarkably versatile breed, truly a jack of all trades. Eager to please and naturally driven, they approach every task with enthusiasm and heart. At the core of the breed’s true nature lies a sound temperament; it is essential for the Beauceron to fulfill its purpose as a capable, confident, and trustworthy partner. With just one glance, they leave a lasting impression—stoic, steady, and powerful. Their presence should convey strength without heaviness, embodying a balance of substance and elegance, like a finely chiseled work of art. Without these essential components, the Beauceron becomes just another dog, lacking the distinctive qualities that make the breed so exceptional and so deeply cherished.
3. Though still relatively unknown, the Beauceron is a breed steadily gaining recognition and admiration in the United States. With that growing popularity comes both excitement and concern. As interest in the breed increases, a small yet dedicated group of ethical breeders is working diligently to rise to the occasion and guide this growth with care and integrity.
Personally, I’ve been fortunate not to face challenges in placing puppies, but I’m aware that others in the community have encountered difficulties, particularly those whose practices may not align with responsible breeding standards. As stewards of this remarkable breed, it’s more important than ever to remain thoughtful, intentional, and committed to preserving the Beauceron’s unique qualities for generations to come.
4. We strive to maintain a high level of independence in our breeding program, while remaining deeply grateful for the guidance we’ve received from our trusted reproductive specialists. Their mentorship has been invaluable in helping us build both knowledge and confidence. As a result, we are equipped to manage much of the reproductive process in-house, including progesterone testing, ultrasound imaging, and all aspects of breeding, with the exception of surgical procedures. This level of hands-on involvement allows us to stay closely connected to every stage of the process and ensure the highest standards of care for our dogs.
5. Within our close-knit Beauceron community, there has long been a thoughtful and balanced appreciation for the value of purebred dogs. For the most part, this perspective has fostered a culture of responsibility, respect, and deep commitment to the breed. Many owners who have chosen to work with reputable breeders demonstrate an exceptional level of dedication, actively engaging their dogs in a wide range of physical and mental activities that honor the Beauceron’s intelligence, drive, and versatility. This shared commitment plays a vital role in preserving the integrity and well-being of the breed as it continues to grow in recognition.
6. Within our breed, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of new breeders entering the community, many of whom are still finding their footing and may be navigating this path without strong, consistent mentorship. At the same time, some more established breeders are producing in higher volumes and placing any puppy free of disqualifying faults into show homes, regardless of overall quality.
This combination has led to a growing number of Beaucerons in the ring that lack true breed type across multiple key aspects. In light of this, it is more important than ever for judges to take the time to deeply understand and uphold the Breed Standard. Their role is critical in recognizing and rewarding dogs that embody the essence of the Beauceron—and in withholding recognition where it is not merited—regardless of reputation or familiarity with the handler. The integrity and future of the breed depend on it.
7. One encouraging shift I’ve observed in recent years is the growing recognition of rarer breeds at the Group and Best in Show levels. It’s truly rewarding to see these unique and often underrepresented breeds receiving the spotlight they deserve. This positive development reflects a deeper dedication among judges—those who invest the time and effort to understand the nuances of less familiar Breed Standards. Their commitment not only elevates the quality of judging but also reinforces the importance of preserving and honoring the diversity within the purebred dog community.
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