Arnaud & Aube — In the spirit of Randi’s Ushabti

Our love for Schnauzers began with an encounter between a fourteen-year-old boy and a stately pepper-and-salt Giant Schnauzer. That boy was Arnaud. Although it would take several more years before he welcomed his first own Schnauzer into his home, the spark had already been ignited.

In 1997, the first Miniature Schnauzer entered Arnaud’s life. The dog struggled with various issues, which made him aware at an early stage of how essential knowledge, care and responsibility are within breeding. That experience laid the foundation for a clear conviction: it had to be done differently and better, with respect for both dog and breed.

One year later, in July 1998, his first own Schnauzer followed: Xtazy of Taita’s Ushabti, a pepper-and-salt Standard Schnauzer. That same year, Xtazy’s mother, Randi, also came to live with us.

With Xtazy, Arnaud took his first steps into the world of national and international dog shows — a formative journey that further shaped his vision on breed purity, character and quality. In 2001, Xtazy became Belgian Champion.

That same year, another dream took shape: the founding of our kennel “of Randi’s Ushabti.” The name is a tribute to the kennel of Taita’s Ushabti of Werner and Christel Stamm-Behets, who warmly welcomed and guided Arnaud in his early years. When Christel later moved to Germany, she entrusted the kennel name to Arnaud — a gesture that is still carried with pride and gratitude today.

Over the years, Arnaud’s interest grew towards a lesser-known but particularly elegant variety: the white Miniature Schnauzer. Long considered rare and undervalued in Belgium, while quality abroad continued to evolve. This fascination led to a modest yet purposeful breeding program, with carefully selected parent dogs — a personal contribution to the preservation and further development of the breed.

A passion that connects generations

That love for Schnauzers did not remain with Arnaud alone. His daughter Aube quite literally grew up among Schnauzer puppies. From an early age, she accompanied him to dog shows and gradually developed her own affinity with the breed and the show world.

At a young age, she travelled to Germany to learn the art of grooming from Werner and Christel Stamm-Behets. Like her father, she feels a deep connection with the white Miniature Schnauzer — and especially with their character, expression and elegance.

Today, Arnaud and Aube form a close-knit team within a small, family-run FCI-recognised hobby kennel. Arnaud holds the official certificate for breeding LOSH-registered dogs. All our dogs live with us in our home, as full members of the family, surrounded by calm, structure and attention. This is reflected in their stable temperament, playfulness and strong bond with their people.

Randi — the beginning of everything

Champion Randi Het Rittzenbroek was the first Schnauzer of Christel Stamm-Behets. She was born on 7 February 1993 and came to live with us on Christmas Eve 1998. She passed away on 30 December 2004, but her influence is still deeply felt today.

Randi was exceptional in both character and achievements, earning multiple national and international titles. She became a mother twice, producing a total of eighteen puppies. One of her daughters, Xtazy of Taita’s Ushabti (04/03/1998 – 22/12/2009), also became Belgian Champion and brought joy to our family for many years. Their presence lives on in everything we do today.

In the spirit of Ushabti

In Ancient Egypt, a pharaoh would take an Ushabti figurine with him into his tomb. This figure symbolised loyalty and protection in the afterlife. The word literally means “answerer” — someone who would respond on behalf of the deceased when called upon.

Just as an Ushabti remains faithful to its master, the Schnauzer is known for its loyalty, sense of justice and vigilance. Randi embodied these qualities like no other.

In her spirit, we strive to raise all our Schnauzers: honest, affectionate, courageous and loyal.