About Halo Tibetan Terriers

My journey in purebred dogs began in 1997, when I entered the world of conformation showing with Dobermans. For many years, Dobermans were at the heart of my dog show life, shaping my understanding of structure, movement, temperament, and the responsibility that comes with thoughtful breeding.

In 2010, after losing a very special Doberman, I found myself at a crossroads. For several years, I had been considering adding a second breed—one that offered a different temperament and lifestyle fit—yet still aligned with my values around health, soundness, and preservation. That moment of loss became the catalyst to act on that idea, and my search led me to Tibetan Terriers.

After extensive research, I was drawn to a breeder whose program closely matched my goals and priorities, particularly a strong health-first philosophy. That search brought me to Nikkie Kinziger-Francois of RiLee Tibetan Terriers—and the rest, truly, is history.

My first Tibetan Terrier was a black and white bitch aptly named Journey. What I could never have anticipated was how much that single decision would change the trajectory of our dog show lives. Journey was not only the beginning of my love for the breed, but the foundation of a program built on quality, integrity, and shared vision.

Over the following years, my husband, Zack, and I made the decision to phase out of Dobermans and focus fully on Tibetan Terriers as our primary breed. What began as a breeder relationship quickly grew into something far more meaningful. From that initial placement came not only an exceptional foundation of dogs, but a deep personal bond. Nikkie has since become my best friend, mentor, and trusted partner—someone with whom we share values, goals, and an unwavering commitment to doing right by the breed.

Today, Zack and I continue to co-own and co-breed alongside Nikkie, with no end in sight. We are affectionately referred to as “RiLee South,” a designation we are deeply honored by. Together, our program reflects the same core values: preservation of the breed, health-first breeding decisions, and a commitment to producing sound, well-bred Tibetan Terriers who excel both in the ring and as cherished family companions.

Halo Tibetan Terriers exists because of Journey—both the dog and the path she set in motion—and because of the relationships, mentorship, and shared dedication that define responsible breeding. With Zack’s support and partnership, and Nikkie’s mentorship and friendship, we are proud to carry that legacy forward.