Blackthorn is located in a quiet, wooded area outside of Williamsburg, Virginia. The dogs have the woods to hunt moles and voles, with many ground hog dens to explore in the fields surrounding us. Mostly though, they prefer the couch and Animal Planet on the TV.
Blackthorn was established in St. Louis, Missouri in 1965 by Maureen and Paul Thomann who began breeding Miniature Schnauzers. Jim and Judy Franklin joined them in 1970, and Blackthorn branched into Kerry Blue Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers. In 1973 the Franklins moved to Virginia with the Smooth Fox terriers and established our kennel in the east. In the 70's and 80's the Thomanns produced several group winning and BIS Kerrys, and were licensed by AKC to judge. Maureen died in 1984, but Paul went on to become a well-known terrier group judge, now also judging many herding breeds. The Blackthorn Smooths in the east enjoyed success in the ring as well, producing specialty winners, BISS, and group winners. Judy is now judging all Terriers and the group.
Ch Blackthorn's Moody Blue, group winning Kerry shown by Maureen Thomann