I did not choose the Thai Bangkaew breed.

The breed found me

Dogs and animals have always been a part of my life.

My journey with dogs began long before the Thai Bangkaew. I worked in the United States as an assistant to a professional show dog handler, and it was there that I fell in love with the Shar Pei. I later bred Shar Pei successfully in the United Kingdom and became deeply involved in the world of showing and breeding.

But over time, I became increasingly concerned about the health problems within the breed. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to stop breeding Shar Pei. Our last dogs stayed with us as much-loved pets.

When our last Shar Pei passed away, we had no dogs for three years.

Then Chaya came into our life.

She was a rescue from Thailand’s illegal dog meat trade. I adopted her without knowing what breed she was. In fact, I had never heard of the Thai Bangkaew.

To me, she was simply Chaya, our adopted rescued dog, our companion, and a pet. I thought she was a mixed breed.

I simply knew her as an intelligent, loyal, and extraordinary dog who captured my heart. Later, I discovered her breed, and that discovery changed the course of my life.

But after three years away from dogs, I realised how much I missed the world of dog shows. So I began looking for another dog, a breed I could show and become involved with again.

I started researching breeds, studying standards, histories, and characteristics, searching for the right one.

All the while, I had no idea that the dog I had already brought home was the answer.

When I eventually discovered that my rescued dog was a Thai Bangkaew, everything changed.

I learned that there were more dogs like her, a legendary guardian breed with deep cultural roots in Thailand, yet almost completely unknown in Europe. I learned that their intelligence, independence, and loyalty were often misunderstood, and that true examples of the breed deserved to be carefully preserved.

For the first time, I understood what I had in Chaya.

And at that moment, my path became clear.

I did not decide to breed Thai Bangkaew for popularity, trends, or profit. I made that decision in honour of her, the dog who found me, taught me, and changed my life.

Everything I had learned through my years with dogs as a handler’s assistant, exhibitor, breeder, and owner now had a new purpose.

Since then, I have dedicated myself to preserving, promoting, and developing the Thai Bangkaew Dog in Europe. Through carefully planned breeding, direct imports from Thailand, and a commitment to maintaining breed type, character, and health, Roy Hill has become home to Champions, World Winners, European Winners, and breed history-makers.

I never set out to find the Thai Bangkaew.

I was simply looking for a dog to rescue, and later, a breed to show.

Instead, I found my breed.

And every puppy I breed carries a part of Chaya’s legacy.

Through them, her story continues — from Thailand to the world.

My soul breed found me.

Sabine van der Zwan