Throughout my life I have been involved with Rough Collies and numerous other pets of differing types secretly nurturing a desire that one day I would be able to have a litter of puppies, I have been breeding Birman cats for about 14 years.

After my marriage to Graham, and having numerous pets including two adorable Rough Collies a family quickly followed, our five children born between the years 1997 and 2003. It was after the birth of the fifth child that we decided to try and make my dreams and animal ambitions become reality.

My first couple of choices for a kennel name were turned down so our 3rd choice GATAJ, the initials of each of our five children, was chosen for both Rough Collies and Birman Cats.

After searching long and hard for a suitable breeder to provide the type of Rough Collie we wanted to promote we were lucky enough to come into contact with Gill Brown (Atendus) who has been an exemplary example to us and has also become a very close friend to me.  Gill gave us the opportunity of having our first Rough Collie Puppy, Maddie (Atendus Maid of Surprises), on breeding terms, something for which I shall be eternally grateful.

Following a successful mating with Gill’s Atendus French Franc, Maddie produced a healthy litter on 08.06.2010, from which we chose to keep Willow (GATAJ Willow of Surprises); a puppy who we hoped would go on to be the foundation for future GATAJ puppies.

During a visit to Gills house I saw my first Blue Merle puppy and was instantly smitten as this puppy was already spoken for Gill put me in touch with Sue Steele (Moyles) and soon I was the proud owner of my own Blue Merle Puppy, Maisie (Moyles Mistletoe N Kisses). Again thanks to both of them for providing me with this opportunity.

The showing of Rough Collies had not really been on my agenda but, following an introduction from Gill to John and Margaret Congdon (Aaronwell) and several talks with all three of them I began to take the topic more and more seriously. I would like to thank all of them for the help and advice given, and I would like to think taken.

The first show we entered was the WECS Open Show in April 2011 judged by Mrs Sue Randall. Willow was entered in Puppy Bitch and Maisie in Post Graduate Bitch. To our utter delight and amazement we were awarded a second and first placing respectively. Well, we were hooked.

We have continued and enjoyed to attend many shows, meeting and befriending many acquaintances along the way. We would take this opportunity of thanking all the judges concerned for the many placings awarded and for giving us ’newcomers a chance’. Special thanks must go as well to all the people we have met and friends made who have been so helpful and welcoming.

Pleased and proud to have the Top Winning CC Rough Collie 2022 with Ch Gataj Struck By Lightning , 6 CC and 2 RCC In 2022, and to be Top Breeder 2022, thanks to all the judges that made this possible.

Our aim at Gataj is to provide a good social foundation which will endeavour to promote a healthy and happy basis for all who enjoy our ‘home’. 

All of our dogs are eye tested and are hip scored.