About Us

About Sylvia

In 1987 I chose to leave the world of being an orchestral musician and establish Zenchel Boarding Kennels and Cattery. I have bred, shown, trained, trialed and loved Labrador Retrievers for over 40 years. The knowledge and experience I have gained over the years assist me in my aim to breed Labradors with the desired intelligent, keen and biddable temperament, are structurally sound and are of sufficient quality to do well in conformation under specialist breeder/judges and perform to a high standard in breed appropriate dog sports.

I take a keen interest in all the wonderful advances in health screening for our dogs and finding a balance between all the information that is available to us and the maintenance of correct breed type and temperament.

I am a Life Member of the Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria and have held the position of President several times over a period of 40 years. I have also been President of the National Labrador Retriever Breed Council and am currently Secretary.

I have sat on the Committee of Management of Dogs Victoria for ten years; chaired the Dogs Victoria Canine Health Committee for fifteen years and have been Vice Chair of the Australian National Kennel Council Canine Health Committee.

I am currently the facilitator for the Dogs Australia Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) and the Dogs Australia Officially Registered Canine Health Information Database (ORCHID).

I’m also Secretary of the Canine Museum Trust – check it out, it’s very special!

I have been judging Labrador Retrievers at Championship Show level since 2003 and am licensed to judge Gundogs (Sporting Dogs, FCI Groups 7 & 8) at Championship Show level. I have judged in several states of Australia, in New Zealand three times, United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. You’re welcome to have a look at some of the dogs (link) I have awarded.

I also coordinate the Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria’s Rescue and Rehoming Program.