About

The Story Behind Kingsford Kennel

Teddy Kingsford Miller with Brage in Norwegian mountains

About Teddy

I'm Teddy Kingsford Miller, based in Rjukan, Norway, with frequent trips to Oslo. But my heart is in the mountains, particularly during ptarmigan season, when the high plateaus become a testing ground for everything a bird dog can do.

I've been hunting since I was young, but it wasn't until I started working with pointing dogs that I truly understood what partnership in the field means. There's something profound about watching a dog do what centuries of breeding, instinct, and training have prepared them for—locking onto scent, holding a point, and working with you as a true team.

German Shorthaired Pointers captivated me because of their versatility, their drive, and their ability to handle the Norwegian terrain and climate. Brage is my current partner, and training him has taught me more about patience, observation, and respect for the process than I ever expected.

Kingsford Kennel exists to document this journey—not as a business, but as a passion. Whether it grows into something more in the future remains to be seen. For now, it's about the dog, the hunt, and the mountains.

Email: kingsfordkennel@gmail.com

Location: Rjukan, Norway (Oslo area)

Our Philosophy – Hunt First, Always

At Kingsford Kennel, a few core principles guide everything:

1

Working Ability Over Appearance

A bird dog's value is measured in the field, not the show ring. While I appreciate breed standards, my focus is on drive, nose, trainability, and the instinct to hunt. A dog who loves their work and excels at it—that's what matters.

2

Ethical Training Methods

I believe in training that works with a dog's natural instincts, not against them. Positive reinforcement, clear communication, patience, and respect for the dog's individual pace. Force-free methods build confidence and partnership.

3

Breed Preservation with Purpose

If I ever breed, it will be to preserve and enhance the working traits that make these dogs exceptional hunters. Health, temperament, and hunting ability will be non-negotiable priorities. No shortcuts.

4

Transparency

This website is honest about where I am in the journey. Right now, I'm training Brage and evaluating the future. I'm not selling puppies. I'm not making promises. I'm sharing the process, the learning, and the love of the work.

5

Respect for the Land and the Game

Hunting is a privilege. The Norwegian highlands are a gift. Ptarmigan hunting is challenging, ethical, and deeply connected to the landscape. I hunt responsibly, sustainably, and with gratitude.

Why Rjukan?

Rjukan sits in Telemark, surrounded by mountains, plateaus, and some of the best ptarmigan habitat in Norway. The terrain is demanding—rocky, steep, with weather that can change in minutes. It's exactly the environment that tests and builds a world-class bird dog.

The high-altitude plateaus where we train and hunt require stamina, sure footing, and a dog who can work independently but check in regularly. Ptarmigan behavior varies with the season and weather, which keeps both dog and hunter sharp.

I also travel to Oslo regularly, which gives Brage exposure to different environments—urban socialization, varied training grounds, and the balance between city life and mountain work. It's important that a hunting dog is well-rounded, calm in all settings, and focused when it matters.

Looking Ahead – Honest Thoughts on Breeding

I'm often asked: "When will you have puppies available?"

The honest answer: I don't know yet.

Kingsford Kennel is currently in a planning and evaluation phase. I'm considering the possibility of breeding in the future—whether through Brage (if he proves himself as a hunting dog and passes all health clearances) or potentially introducing another breed that complements or expands what I'm learning.

Breeding isn't something I'll rush into. It requires:

  • Proven working ability in the field over multiple seasons
  • Health clearances (hips, eyes, genetic testing)
  • Temperament assessment (stable, confident, trainable)
  • The right partner (dam or sire that complements strengths)
  • A clear purpose (producing working dogs for ethical hunters)

I'm also exploring other breeds—English Pointers, Brittanys, Vizslas—to understand what might fit the Norwegian landscape and my training philosophy. I'm not locked into one path.

If and when breeding happens, it will be done thoughtfully, transparently, and with the same passion that drives everything else at Kingsford Kennel.

For now, I'm focused on Brage's training, learning from every hunt, and building the foundation for whatever comes next.