We spent a very long time trying to come up with the right kennel name. Originally we had planned to go with the kennel name, "Falkor", and we used that name in our website and advertising. The Canadian Kennel Club, however, had different ideas. As such, we are officially registered under the "TienLung" prefix.

When I was first trying to come up with a kennel name, I was working as a massage therapist for a Chinese chiropractor in Calgary. As this doctor was fluent in Cantonese, we had a great many Asian clients. It was through these clients that I was truly introduced to the Chinese culture.

Dragons are referred to as the divine mythical creature that brings with it ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune. The Chinese Dragon, or Lung, symbolizes power and excellence, valiancy and boldness, heroism and perseverance, nobility and divinity. A dragon overcomes obstacles until success is his. He is energetic, decisive, optimistic, intelligent and ambitious. To me, a boxer is all those things and more.

As boxers were once used as guard dogs, I thought it fitting to use the name "Tien Lung", which represents the Celestial Dragon in Chinese mythology. According to legend, Tien Lung guards the gates of heaven from evil. Fitting, considering our boxers guard our hearts from harm...