A little about Lorien

My kennel name "LORIEN" comes from JRR Tolkein's epic Lord Of The Rings, where Lorien was the home of the elves, a place of great beauty, magic and power.

  The Lorien dogs today are the result of four decades of careful selection and breeding and form a ten-generation unbroken line  going directly back to my first champion, Ch Philberlyn's Nox CDX.

  My breeding goal has always been a handsome, intelligent, substantial German Shepherd Dog of beautiful type, physical and mental soundness, and with the breathtaking correct movement of the flying trot.

  A little about Twyla Miner

I found the world of dog shows in the late 1960's in southern California.  My mentors were the Freidbergs of Philberlyn Kennels, and my foundation stock came from their dogs of the Arbywood line.  The other major influence on me and on my breeding program was Joan Ortigara of Pinebeach Kennels, a dear and sorely missed friend.

  I've been "in dogs" about 38 years,  I've raised about 40 litters, bred and/or owned about 30 champions, 2 select champions, 4 ROMs, trained and exhibited to 5 CDs and 1 CDX.  I eventually found that I also enjoy judging and in 1995 became an AKC licensed Conformation Judge.

  The companionship, protection and love that comes from day to day living with these fantastic dogs is basic to my life.  Plus, I find this hobby and avocation of breeding, exhibiting & judging German Shepherd Dogs ever challenging and rewarding.