We are Lasse and Kim-Are Næss Leistad, living in the beautiful village of Buvika, 20 kilometers south of Trondheim. Kim-Are works as a primary school teacher, while Lasse holds a Master's degree in intensive care nursing and works as a university lecturer at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). We have been together for 20 years, are married, and have two children. In 2021, we founded Kennel BUViKON.

We own both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Welsh Corgi Pembrokes. Our journey with dogs began in 2012 with our first Bernese Mountain Dog, and since then we have had six Bernese and four Pembrokes. Our interest in dog shows was sparked after being invited to participate in the ring, and since then it has become a passion. We have been members of BMDC since 2012 and NWCC since 2023. Kim-Are has held several positions in the local BMDC, including leader of the local branch.

We have shown dogs throughout Norway, from Agder to Troms, and have participated in shows in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, and at Crufts in Birmingham. Our dogs have given us many joyous moments in the ring and achieved numerous top placements. For several years, our Bernese Mountain Dogs have ranked among the top 10 in Norway’s annual list. In 2024, our first Pembroke topped the list of male dogs in Norway.

A great joy has been showing dogs for friends, which has given us broader knowledge of different breeds. Kim-Are has also had the pleasure of holding handler training sessions, providing insight into almost all FCI groups. Additionally, Kim-Are is an authorized ring secretary, has completed the Norwegian Kennel Club’s cynology course, and has been a judge at a match show and a puppy show.