My name is Ilona Bartos. Originally from Poland, I now live in the beautiful city of Vienna, which I have proudly called home for many years.

My passion for dogs began in childhood and has remained a constant throughout my life. Alongside my family, my dogs are the most important part of my world. Before embarking on my breeding journey, I spent many years learning from experienced breeders, visiting kennels, studying pedigrees and educating myself about the breed. Many of these encounters developed into lasting friendships that continue to enrich my life today.

I regularly travel throughout Europe and beyond with my dogs, training alongside friends and fellow Retriever enthusiasts, sharing knowledge and experiences, and continually striving to learn more about these remarkable dogs. These journeys have shaped me both as a handler and as a breeder.

The foundations of ReedBed were laid in 2012 with my first breeding bitch, Norbeck Fiona of Tweedshot, affectionately known as “Apple”, bred by StanTweedy. With her, a lifelong dream became reality. Apple was an exceptional bitch who left an indelible mark not only on my own breeding programme but also on the wider Retriever community.

Sadly, Apple has since passed away. Losing her left an enormous void, as she was not only an outstanding breeding bitch but also my faithful companion, working partner and once-in-a-lifetime dog. She was the Apple of my eye! However, her legacy lives on through her many descendants, who continue to carry her qualities forward. Numerous successful breeding programmes, both in the UK and internationally, have been founded upon her bloodlines, and many breeders have built their own kennels around her progeny. This is something of which I am immensely proud, and I have no doubt that Apple’s influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

My dogs are first and foremost beloved family members. They share my home, enjoy free access to the house and garden, and accompany me in nearly every aspect of daily life. I firmly believe that a close partnership between dog and owner forms the foundation of trust, harmony and successful training.

Since 2007, I have also been an active hunter, and my dogs are always by my side in the field. Preserving and developing the natural working abilities and instincts of the Retriever is extremely important to me. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a dog perform the work it was bred to do with enthusiasm, determination and genuine enjoyment.

For more than twenty years, I have been actively involved in working and performance activities with Retrievers. My first two Golden Retrievers were trained as search and rescue dogs and took part in international deployments. Working with highly capable dogs taught me the importance of health, sound temperament, trainability and careful breeding decisions.

My breeding programme follows the strict regulations and health requirements of the Austrian Retriever Club (ÖRC). I am a member of the Austrian Kennel Club (ÖKV), which is affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In addition, my kennel name is registered with The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom.

Why do I breed Retrievers? Because they embody everything I admire in a dog: their calm and steady nature, unwavering loyalty, close bond with their people and reliability in everyday life. At the same time, they possess the independence, intelligence, speed and exceptional willingness to work that make them such versatile and rewarding companions.

My aim is to breed healthy, sound and capable Retrievers that excel not only as cherished family companions but also as working dogs in the field and in competitive activities. Health, temperament, working ability and the preservation of true breed type remain at the heart of every breeding decision I make.

It is this unique combination of qualities that makes the Retriever such an extraordinary breed and the reason why I continue to dedicate myself to them with passion, commitment and immense pride.