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About Us



Cricket Hill Border Terriers



Dawn Kelley
AKC Breeder of Merit





YESTERDAY
Dawn was a long-time breeder and exhibitor of Labrador Retrievers under the Lorien prefix when, in 1995, her family obtained their first Border Terrier. And the rest, as they say, was history.In June of 1995, an 8 week old Bandersnatch Voyager made the trip from his breeder, Marg Pough in Ithaca, NY to Richmond, VA. When the little male puppy emerged from his crate with that "I own the world" attitude, it was love at first sight! "Buddy" went on to earn his Championship, taking Best of Breed from the classes over already Champion specials when still just a puppy. Always up for something new, Buddy earned his Junior Earthdog title in a single trial weekend at the ripe old age of 10. He was a wonderful dog, kind and willing. And Marg became a helpful mentor and dear friend.
In 2000, Bandersnatch Luna at Lorien joined the family. Another sweet and gentle soul, Luna retired from the show ring due to an illness in our family, just shy of her championship. She also earned her Junior Earthdog, Canine Good Citizen certification and was also a certified Therapy Dog. She was with her beloved owner in the final minutes of his life.
2004 welcomed Lorien's Jump for Joy (photo left). An offspring of Buddy and Luna, Cricket displayed an exuberant love for life and was off to a promising show career when she lost her life in a tragic accident at age 2, just days after being bred to CH Towzie Tyke Jed. From that moment on, Dawn's Border Terriers took on the prefix Cricket Hill in her honor and memory.
TODAY
Today Cricket Hill carries on the lineage of those early days, and additionally has welcomed GCH CH Baillieswells Loch Dhu, an English import bred by Professor Anthony Milton GCH CH Happy Hobbits Pie in The Sky who came to us courtesy of his breeder, Sandy Gillen and most recently, Bandersnatch Many Hands Make Light Work, from Marg and Amanda Pough - a return to our roots!
TOMORROW
Cricket Hill is dedicated to breeding healthy, happy Border Terriers that conform as closely as possible to the breed standard in conformation and temperament. We continue to pursue the breeding of that elusive perfect Border Terrier......


our TEAM



DAWN KELLEY



Owner, Exhibitor





Dawn has been showing dogs since 1977. Starting with Labradors, she added her first Border in 1995. She has earned multiple Championships, Grand Championships and performance titles on her dogs.



LYMAN KELLEY



Owner, Exhibitor





Lyman called Dawn about a Border Terrier in 2015 and married her in 2016, formally entering the world of dog sports! Here he is, pictured putting his first title on the dog that started it all for "us" - Cricket Hill Tiny Tim BCAT.



hannah ruffner



Assistant, Handler





Hannah began showing Borders as Dawn's apprentice in 2014. While still co-owning and showing some Cricket Hill dogs, she is now also establishing herself a breeder and exhibitor in her own right under the prefix RuffnReady Terriers.



maddison sherman



Assistant, Apprentice, Handler in Training





Maddi is a teenager just beginning her journey as an exhibitor. The photo was of her very first puppy class win.

Her skills and confidence continue to grow.

Watch out for her in the rings!



CRICKET HILL BORDER TERRIERS


Heathsville, VA


borders@crickethillkennels.com


(804) 580-5227


(804) 580-0071