Our Story
Daughter of Bydand
The next generation of Bydand Newfoundlands
To be the next generation of Bydand means carrying forward a lineage of passion and excellence.
At Meriwether Newfoundlands, we selectively breed out litters with the intent of producing healthy, well-bred dogs capable of working like they were originally bred to do, compete in the conformation show ring, or live the life of luxury as companion pets.
Meet Niki
I grew up with Newfoundlands and was first introduced to the breed in 2000 when I was in kindergarten. Jenny was a wonderful dog and left a lasting impact on our family. I even chose her birthdate when I started National Newfoundland Dog Day as a way to honor her memory.
Growing up, I was very involved in the dogs. I helped Mom with all sorts of things from showing in the conformation ring, to helping with litters. I also participated in the 4H dog club when we lived in Michigan.
But I never wanted to be a dog breeder. I wanted to participate and be active in the breed without breeding. The universe always seems to have a way of pushing you in directions you never intended on going in though.
Outside of dogs, my interests vary. I plant a garden every year. I’m an award winning photographer. I very much enjoy shooting the aurora (space is cool!) and lightning (I love the adrenaline high of chasing the storms!). I enjoy camping and kayaking in the summer and plan on teaching Niya all about the kayak.
Fun Facts about Me
I run the dog blog Love Newfoundlands
I started Love Newfoundlands as a way to keep doing something I love, blogging, while transitioning away from travel blogging and a life of travel all the time.
I love little dogs too and have a Havanese
Vala is my little one. Vala is 16 years old now and has been with me since high school. I’m pretty sure she’s going to live forever at this point.
Why Meriwether?
Coming up with my kennel name was something I struggled with for a while. Mom’s kennel name is Bydand (pronounced like boo-don) and it comes from the family crest. I always thought I wanted something that had meaning to the family, something that tied in with our Scottish ancestry. Then one day while suggesting names for another kennel, it hit me.
I love my adopted home state of North Dakota and have no plans of ever leaving. Why not name my kennel after a historical figure that spent time in North Dakota and had a Newfoundland.
Meriwether Lewis was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition across the US to the west and on that trip he brought his Newfoundland dog Seaman along for the adventure.
Today you can visit the statue of Seaman in Washburn, North Dakota, just a short drive north of the capital city of Bismarck.
Club Memberships
Jamestown Kennel Club
The Jamestown Kennel Club is an all breed kennel club located in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Northstar Newfoundland Club
Northstar Newfoundland Club is the closest regional Newfoundland club to me in Minnesota.
Newfoundland Club of America
The Newfoundland Club of America or NCA is the parent breed club in the United States.