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

Our love for schnauzers began with an encounter between a 14-year-old boy and a stately pepper-and-salt Giant Schnauzer. That boy was Arnaud. Although it would take nearly nine more years before he welcomed his first schnauzer into his home, the spark had already been ignited.

In 1997, Xtazy of Taita’s Ushabti entered his life — a pepper-and-salt Standard Schnauzer — along with his first steps into the world of national and international dog shows. With success: in 2001, Xtazy became Belgian Champion.

That same year, a dream came true: the foundation 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 had warmly welcomed Arnaud into their world. When Christel moved to Germany, she entrusted her kennel name to Arnaud — a gesture he still cherishes with pride and gratitude.

Over the years, his interest grew in a lesser-known but enchanting variety: the white Miniature Schnauzer. Still rare and underappreciated in Belgium at the time, but with rapidly improving quality abroad. This fascination led to a small but purposeful breeding program with carefully selected parents — a personal contribution to the recognition and improvement of the breed.

A passion passed on across generations

That love for schnauzers didn’t stop with Arnaud. His daughter Aube was quite literally born among schnauzer puppies. From an early age, she happily accompanied him to dog shows, and as a teenager, she began presenting dogs in the ring herself.

At just 15 years old, she independently traveled to Germany to learn the art of grooming from Werner and Christel. Like her father, she feels a deep commitment to the white Miniature Schnauzer — especially to their temperament, beauty, and expressiveness.

Today, Arnaud and Aube form a close-knit team in a small, family-run, F.C.I.-recognized hobby kennel. Arnaud holds the official certificate for breeding LO.S.H. dogs. All our dogs live with us in our home, as full family members. They are surrounded with love, respect, and attention — and this is reflected in their stable temperament, playfulness, and strong bond with us.

Randi — The beginning of everything

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

Randi was exceptional both in character and accomplishments: she became Belgian, Luxembourg, and International Champion. She had two litters, with a total of 18 puppies. One of her daughters, Xtazy of Taita’s Ushabti (04/03/1998 – 22/12/2009), also became Belgian Champion and brought years of joy to our family. We still miss them both every day.

In the spirit of Ushabti

In Ancient Egypt, a pharaoh would be buried with a figurine: an Ushabti. This figurine symbolized friendship and protection in the afterlife. The word literally means “answerer” — someone who would answer on behalf of the deceased when called to account.

Just as an Ushabti remains loyal to its master, the schnauzer is known for its loyalty, sense of justice, and watchfulness. Randi embodied that like no other.

It is in her spirit that we strive to raise all our schnauzers: honest, affectionate, brave, and faithful.