Breed Protector

Every breed carries its own history and purpose. My work is to preserve them with respect, knowledge, and love.

Janita’s first dogs were poodles. She played a particularly active role in promoting the breed, breeding it, and preserving its quality in Lithuania. Later, Bichon Frisés, Maltese, and Pomeranians joined her work — all of which have been bred and raised at the TAURO KENNEL since 1994.

Bichon Frisé

The Bichon Frisé is a small, companion breed dog known for its charming appearance and high intelligence. It possesses all the qualities of an ideal family pet, along with a strong desire to share its affection with those around it. Bichon Frisés are highly adaptable companions that get along exceptionally well with other dogs and children.

Maltese

Maltese dogs are affectionate and loyal companions, constantly expressing boundless love for their owners. They are known for their endless energy, both outdoors and at home. When socialized from an early age, they get along very well with children and other animals. Maltese dogs do not enjoy being alone — they thrive on human companionship and simply love being close to their owners.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians, also known as German Miniature Spitz, are small companion dogs that resemble tiny foxes. Their most distinctive feature is their thick, luxurious coat, which gives them an elegant appearance. Pomeranians are friendly and intelligent dogs that get along very well with children and other animals.

Bichon Frisé

The Bichon Frisé is a small, companion breed dog known for its charming appearance and high intelligence. It possesses all the qualities of an ideal family pet, along with a strong desire to share its affection with those around it. Bichon Frisés are highly adaptable companions that get along exceptionally well with other dogs and children.
Maltese

Maltese dogs are affectionate and loyal companions, constantly expressing boundless love for their owners. They are known for their endless energy, both outdoors and at home. When socialized from an early age, they get along very well with children and other animals. Maltese dogs do not enjoy being alone — they thrive on human companionship and simply love being close to their owners.
Pomeranian

Pomeranians, also known as German Miniature Spitz, are small companion dogs that resemble tiny foxes. Their most distinctive feature is their thick, luxurious coat, which gives them an elegant appearance. Pomeranians are friendly and intelligent dogs that get along very well with children and other animals.

First and foremost, I see myself as a breeder and a guardian of the gene pool. For me, breeding is about preserving and improving genetic heritage. It is both a mathematical and a creative process — a complex strategic game where genetics, experience, mathematics, and intuition come together. It requires understanding bloodlines that go five to ten generations beyond your dog, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, recognizing how certain traits may emerge and develop across generations, thinking several steps ahead — and sometimes even stepping back. It is a continuous process of observation, analysis, decision-making, and responsibility. The greatest miracle is watching a champion emerge from a tiny puppy. You see its structure, its character, and begin to recognize the traits of its lineage — grandparents, great-grandparents, even earlier generations. In that moment, you realize that before you is not only a new life, but also the result of your knowledge, experience, and work. We cannot observe human development in the same way, as it is a much longer process. A dog’s full cycle can be seen within five to seven years. I can take part in that journey, knowing four, five, or even six generations behind it. And that is a profound kind of wonder. Development is a living evolution — like a chessboard, where every decision has consequences, and every combination can open new possibilities. Even with all the knowledge and experience, there is always room for a miracle — that exceptional dog who must not only be born, but also recognized, nurtured, and prepared for the greatest victory. A breed is a legacy — the work of dozens of generations of people who devoted their lives to preserving what we have today. My responsibility is to understand these breeds, the distinct approaches of each breeder, to grasp their essence, to know their strengths and weaknesses — and to continue this work with respect, knowledge, love, and a commitment to constant growth.

Carefully selected top genetic lines from across the globe — a heritage assembled piece by piece from different corners of the world. Each line has been chosen with intention, guided by a deep understanding of its strengths and limitations. This gene pool is paired with top-tier care, provided by veterinarians, trainers, groomers, and a dedicated daily care team. It is a system designed to deliver exceptional results.

85

American champions

35

European champions

31

World champions

In 2023, at the World Championship in Geneva, TAURO KENNEL took 1st place in the Breeder Group, earning the title of the best kennel in the world in the Bichon Frise category. It was a historic moment — a global recognition confirming that focused dedication, responsible selection, and years of experience lead to the highest level of achievement.

In 2022, at the World Dog Show in Madrid, TAURO KENNEL was ranked among the TOP 4 in the Breeder Group.

In 2018–2019, at the World Dog Show in Shanghai, the kennel also placed in the TOP 4 Breeder Group.

In 2025, at the European Championship, TAURO KENNEL was recognized among the TOP 4 best Breeder Groups with Pomeranians.

In 2025, in Helsinki, TAURO KENNEL was named the best Pomeranian kennel in the world.

International Recognition and Achievements in the US

In 2024, Janita J. Plungė was recognized as the TOP Pomeranian breeder in the United States.
In 2025, she was once again named the best Pomeranian breeder in the U.S.

Pomeranian Rankings in the United States

United States Rankings 2024:

• “Tauro Burgundia” – No. 1 Pomeranian

• “Tauro Pranciškus” – No. 7 Pomeranian

United States Rankings 2025:

• “Tauro Da Vinci” – No. 1 Pomeranian

• “Tauro Zanzibar” – No. 13 Pomeranian

American Pomeranian Club (APC) National Specialty Show Results

2024:

• Tauro Pranciškus – Best of Breed

• Tauro Burgundia – Best of Opposite Sex

2025:

• Tauro Burgundia – Best of Opposite Sex

• Tauro Da Vinci – Award of Merit

• Tauro Pranciškus – Award of Merit

2026:

• Tauro Faleme – Winners Bitch, Best of Winners

• Tauro Da Vinci – Award of Merit

• Tauro Aušra – Select Bitch

Westminster Dog Show, New York

2025:

• Tauro Burgundia – Best of Opposite Sex (BOS)

• Tauro Pranciškus – Select Dog

• Tauro Zanzibar – Award of Merit

2026:

• Tauro Aušra – Best of Opposite Sex (BOS)

At the age of fifteen to sixteen, Janita began her journey as a trainer, working with dog training, children, and toy breeds. By the time she was twenty, she had founded the Lithuanian Poodle Club. From the age of seventeen, she was already leading the DOSAAF Lithuanian Poodle Club section, and at that time, every grooming session taking place in Kaunas was carried out with her knowledge and involvement. She grew alongside the world of poodles — witnessing its evolution firsthand, participating in dog shows across the former Soviet Union, becoming familiar with the strongest bloodlines, and bringing them to Lithuania. Her world expanded beyond national borders into the international arena of the time. Janita entered the show world at sixteen — not as a spectator, but as someone preparing dogs for results. Her life revolved around dogs: their development, care, grooming, observation, analysis, and continuous learning through hands-on experience. By seventeen, she already felt firmly in her place. Not because of ambition, but because her work spoke through results — the dogs were winning, and judges’ evaluations spoke for themselves. The greatest compliment was not a trophy, but a quietly asked question ringside: “Who prepared this dog?”

At the age of 23, Janita became an international dog show judge, and by 25, she was the youngest in the world to hold such a position. This stage of her career was not only a significant recognition, but also a responsibility — to evaluate according to the highest international standards. “Judging has always meant more to me than awarding titles. It is the ability to see the whole picture — a dog’s anatomy, movement, character, unique traits, and the essence of the breed. Years of experience in breeding, grooming, and daily care allow me to evaluate not in theory, but based on real practice and a deep understanding of the breed,” she says. For her, dog shows have never been about awards. The ring reveals how much work has been invested, how well the dog has been prepared, and how deeply the handler understands it — their knowledge of the breed, structure, and temperament. Titles are the result. The cause is always the same: discipline, knowledge, and respect for the breed.

“Dog shows are a game, but breeding is an art” — a phrase that has become her credo.

Janita has been involved in breeding since the age of seventeen — nearly her entire life. She approaches it with great responsibility and deep respect. She is profoundly grateful to the people who shared their knowledge with her and helped her build this extensive experience.