Emmi with her babies
© J Lincoln

Emmi and Kulta's new born babies
© J Lincoln

Puppies born today!!! It is with much excitement that I can finally announce the birth of teh first litter at Armahani Kennels, 7 bouncing babies born in the early hours of this morning to my precious girl Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) to my handsome Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD).

I am thrilled to pieces with our 4 handsome boys and 3 beautiful girls. All of the puppies look like they will have fairly clear markings, and have various amounts of white on them.

Emmi kept me up for two nights in a row, starting to get restless Friday evening and clearly in the first stage of labour by Saturday morning. A huge thanks to Vanessa Brotto, of Articmal Kennels who came around in the morning to help me out with my first whelping, sacrificing this pre-Christmas time with her husband and children. Particularly since Emmi decided to d-r-a-a-a-a-g the whole first part of the process out such a long time so that it wasn't until the crack of dawn until all of the babies were born (or so we thought!) and she could drive home fueled by not much more than caffeine!

I was only expecting 5 puppies. An x-ray last week indicated 4, maybe 5 if I was lucky, so I was hanging out for the 5, although she wasn't looking that big. We spoke earlier in the day about what I would wish for and I said 3 girls and 2 boys would be perfect. So I had a big grin on my face when it all seemed over with 5 pups - yep, 3 girls and 2 boys!! We cleaned out the whelping box, gave Emmi a quick break outside, and wouldn't you know it, she promptly came inside and delivered number 6!

Over an hour later with Emmi quietly relaxed behind me with her babies, everything put away or cleaned up, Vanessa half way home, and me stupidly (yet thankfully) thinking I would log onto my computer to send an email at 5am before heading to bed for a quick sleep, I must have been distracted by a sound behind me. Because I turned around to see that Emmi had just delivered number 7! Talk about heart pumping stuff - although I have to say I am just that little bit proud of myself for managing it alone :-), even if my hands were shaking like a leaf afterward! I kept my eyes prized open with toothpicks for a good while after that just to be absolutely sure there was no number 8 hiding away.

Mum and her little Christmas reindeer herders are healthy and doing really well. Their page can be found on the Current Treasure page which will be updated regularly with photos as they grow. While their registered names are still being determined, it seemed apt that they should have Santa's Reindeer names for their nick-names while they are still here.

While many of these puppies already have homes to go to, there are a couple that may be still available. Please contact me if you are interested.

Louis and I reuniting at Melbourne quarantine
© M Lincoln

Louis chilling out at quarantine
© J Lincoln

My beautiful boy Louis
© V Brotto

After a very long journey, my beautiful boy Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg) has finally arrived in Australia and back into my arms again. He arrived on Wednesday morning, and I've had the pleasure of two visits now to Melbourne quarantine to share cuddles and time, and get to know my boy again.

Louis and I have had a long journey to get here. From discussions between his breeder and myself over a year before he was born. To plans with my friend Kit Brillinger who agreed to raise him for me in the USA before he had undergone the tests needed to come to Australia. To a joyous event at Charles de Gaul airport in Paris earlier this year where I was able to pick up both Louis and his sister Ciowa at 8 weeks of age for the flight to Michigan. And from there all of the dramas we have had along the way - flights being diverted to the UK (leaving me with my heart in my throat knowing the pups weren't allowed on British soil), microchips going missing, paperwork problems, and then the last set of dramatic circumstances where a problem was found with Louis' import permit just as he arrived in LA on his first leg of his trip home.

Thanks to some quick action on the part of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Louis' holiday in sunny California didn't last too long until he was on his way again. He touched down in Melbourne two days ago, to much relief from both Kit and I to have him finally on his home soil.

Louis has been having a grand life in Michigan, being raised with Kit's same aged puppy Pilgrim (Lecibsin Kumppani) as well as his Aunt Journey (Gottorp's Danish Journey) and older friend Chill (Forest Trails Wind Chill Factor). He has even had some show success in his time over there, taking a 1st and 3rd place in his class at a very young age at the USA Speciality, a couple of Novice Puppy in Shows and a 2nd Place in Group at a UKC All Breeds.

On Thursday I got to have my first visit and cuddle with Louis in such a long time, joined with my parents who wanted to see their latest "grand-dog" (a picture of my Dad and "his Louis" is already gracing his screen saver). And then today I was able to share my joy with Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels who came along to meet Louis (and help me take some photos). A little unsure at first, after such a long an tumultuous trip, Louis soon warmed up to us, and quickly claimed me as his mum for all cuddles. He is quite the little clown, who doesn't spend much still time and clearly loves a play.

Louis still looks very much a puppy, but it is clear just what a beautiful young adult male he will be very soon. At the smaller end of the scale in stature, he has lovely bone and substance, a beautiful head with those smaller ears that I love, rear angles to die for, and a length of neck that adds beautifully to a gorgeous outline that will have him looking truly magnificant in the ring. And that's before all before he starts moving!! In type he is very much like my Emmi, and they should make an interesting pair when I finally have them out and about together.

A huge thanks to Louis' breeder Véro in France who agreed to let Louis come all this way, and to the breeder and owner of his sire "Oiva", Niki Alison of Oberitz in the UK, who first initiated the contact for me. Thanks also to all of those in the USA who have been a support and a friend during this time. But most importantly, of course a huge debt of gratitude and thanks to Kit, without whom this never would have happened. For all of her care of Louis over the last eight months, and also the enormous amount of driving, paperwork filling out, and drama resolving - I can never thank you enough.

Louis will come home to Armahani in the middle of January.

Kulta and I today with his third qualifying certificate and CCD ribbon
© B Harris

Some congratulations today with my Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure) earning his third qualifying pass in the Community Companion Dog class at Croydon & District Obedience Dog Club's obedience trial. This third pass gives Kulta his title and he will now be known as Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD - just as soon as I can get the paperwork into Dogs Victoria! This third pass was under judge Mr E Booth.

With lots of other committments this year, we haven't been into the trial ring for a long time, but Croydon is my own home club, so it was lovely to both support them, and see Kulta finally get that last leg amongst friendly faces. We were in good company, with four other Croydon members gaining CCD qualifying passes today.

I'm very proud of my boy, who didn't look like laying down even once during his sit stay today - even if it was hot summer weather!

More information on obedience trialing in Australia, including the requirements to earn the various titles, can be seen HERE.

Emmi and Kulta - the expectant couple
© E Guest

Big news today with confirmation that my beautiful Emmi (Aus Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) is expecting puppies. We headed to the vet for an ultrasound tonight with fingers crossed, to witness the very happy sight of those babies.

The sire of the litter is my own handsome boy Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure). More details, including the pups pedigree, can be seen on the Future Treasure page. I am very excited about the beautiful puppies that these two gorgeous Lappies should produce. I am expecting all of the pups to be black with strong markings.

Puppies are due on the 23 December 2007, so stay tuned for lots of news and photos. For more information, please feel free to contact me.

Kulta practicing his herding
© G Cunningham

Kulta practicing his herding
© G Cunningham

A fun few days for Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure) and I as we ventured off on a three day herding clinic together.

A variety of dogs, including Kulta, attended the clinic, run by Canadian herding trainer Lynn Leach, who is a Canadian Kennel Club and American Kennel Club herding judge. Lyn specialises in training all breeds, particularly providing assistance for loose eyed breeds.

We had a lovely range of dogs there, including Australian Shepherds, a Bearded Collie, a Briard, an Old English Sheepdog, a couple of Border Collies, an Australian Cattle Dog doing the stock work, and of course most importantly Kulta the Finnish Lapphund! If I could have, I would have loved to have Emmi and Schatje there as well.

We had a fantastic time, making new friends and learning so much - particularly what I've been doing wrong all this time! I was feeling a little discouraged at our progress on day 2, but we had a super day 3 with our last run for the clinic definitely being the highlight. While I say that it felt like Kulta was finally getting things together, I suspect the truth was that he was actually breathing a big sigh of relief that I was starting to get things together :-).

Information about ANKC herding tests and trials in Australia can be found on the Dog Sports page.

Bring on the next time!

Emmi in the show ring
© Smart Snaps

Another thrilling day for Emmi (Aus Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl), this time much closer to home at the Ballarat Dog Club Championship Show, where she was awarded Best Intermediate in Group under Victorian judge Mrs L Black.

This may very well be Emmi's last opportunity to earn one of these awards as I'm not sure if we will make it back out again this year, with her coming into season today. She will be mated this time around to Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure), and by the time she has recovered from maternal duties and is back in the ring she will have graduated into the Open class.

Stay tuned for lots of news over the last few months of the year with hopefully puppies and also the arrival of Louis into Australia!

Emmi being awarded Runner Up Best in Group at the Perth Royal Show
© S Waho

Probably the most thrilling day, I have had showing to date!!!! Emmi and I made our way across to Western Australia to show at the Perth Royal Show under well known Finnish judge Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen.

Gaining Best of Breed under such a judge, and hearing such lovely complements about Emmi's excellent type was thrilling enough. Being shortlisted amongst such incredible competition during Group judging was pretty amazing. But nothing can possibly compare to that moment in the Group specials ring at a Royal show to have the words "the Runner Up Best in Group is ... the Finnish Lapphund!"

There was a large cheer from ringside, where a wonderful cheer squad of the Western Australian Lappie owners were gathered, and a bit of a scream from myself which scared poor Emmi half to death before I was able to gather myself and work out what I was meant to do next :-).

I can't begin to thank those in WA who made me feel so welcome over the weekend, particularly Barbara and Sarina Laurin with Boots, Asha and Varda who looked after Emmi and I over the couple of days. I had such a wonderful time that it would have been a fabulous memory regardless of the results of the day for Emmi.

The enormous thanks always have to go to Emmi's breeders Matti Takanen and Riitta Takalo, and to Johanna Ollila who raised Emmi for the first 9 months of her life, for entrusting this simply amazing girl to my care.

Emmi will see very little of the show ring for the next short while as she hopefully concentrates on maternal duties for the first time. We hope to get back out again in mid 2008.

Full breed results for the day are below:

DOG CHALLENGE: CH JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM THE BEST (Boots)

BITCH CHALLENGE: CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)

BEST OF BREED & RUNNER UP IN GROUP: CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)
PUPPY OF BREED: THELDAROY STARE IN NV (AI) (Suvi)

CLASSES:

INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE Janoby Kennels CH JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
2ND PLACE T Pierce THELDAROY THE WAY TO GO (Jari)

OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE S & B Laurin CH THELDAROY IM THE BEST (Boots)

PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE T Pierce THELDAROY STARE IN NV (AI) (Suvi)
ABSENT D Mousley THELDAROY OUT TO IMPRESS (Tiia)


INTERMEDIATE BITCH
1ST PLACE JL Lincoln CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
2ND PLACE S & B Laurin THELDAROY THE WAY TO DREAM (Varda)

OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE Mr L & Mrs R Seare & S & B Laurin CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)

Bitch Challenge and Runner Up Best of Breed - Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl) "Emmi"
© J&C Pedini

Reserve Dog Challenge - Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl) "Alaska"
© J&C Pedini

1st Place Australian Bred Dog - Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure "Kulta"
© J&C Pedini

That time of the year is here again, with the Royal Melbourne Show on and Finnish Lapphund breed judging by Brazilian judge Mr Fernando Quilles today, with 20 Lappies entered. My lovely Emmi (Aus Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) was awarded Bitch Challenge and Runner-Up Best of Breed for the second year in a row, while Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) made his Royal debut just out of the puppy class by earning the Reserve Dog Challenge. Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure) also did me proud by winning first place in the Australian Bred Dog Class.

A big congratulations to Kulta's "big brother" Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT), owned by Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels, for winning his forth Melbourne Royal BOB in a row.

Full results are below:

DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: TEELIKAMENTTEN IIKKA (IMP FNL) (Alaska)

BITCH CHALLENGE: CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: CH FIDELIS GRATIA FINNICA (IMP FNL) (Angel)

BEST OF BREED: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
PUPPY OF BREED: JANOBY BEEN LOOKING FORU (Cheeky)

CLASSES:

PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE Mr L & Mrs R Seare THELDAROY FOLLOW IN NV (AI) (Ollie)
2ND PLACE Janoby Kennels JANOBY BECAUSE I AM (Elliot)

JUNIOR DOG
1ST PLACE Mrs V Brotto, J Lincoln & P Francis TEELIKAMENTTEN IIKKA (IMP FNL) (Alaska)

INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE Mr W & Mrs S Gill ARTICMAL BORN TOBE WILD (Tor)
ABSENT Mr L & Mrs R Seare CH THELDAROY SO EZY TB ME (Teppo)

AUSTRALIAN BRED DOG
1ST PLACE JL Lincoln CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
2ND PLACE Janoby Kennels CH JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
3RD PLACE Mr L & Mrs R Seare CH ARTICMAL ABLE TO SHINE (Osky)

OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
2ND PLACE P Francis FJALLFARMENS RAIMO (IMP SWD) (Jaska)
3RD PLACE Mr L & Mrs R Seare CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (IMP FNL) (Manu)

PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE Janoby Kennels JANOBY BEEN LOOKING FORU (Cheeky)
2ND PLACE Mr L & Mrs R Seare THELDAROY NVUS WHISPERS (AI) (Whisper)

JUNIOR BITCH
1ST PLACE Mr L & Mrs R Seare JANOBY BACTO THELD AROY (Hannah)

INTERMEDIATE BITCH
1ST PLACE JL Lincoln CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
2ND PLACE Mr L & Mrs R Seare CH WATERSEDGE TRU CALLING (IID) (Enya)

AUS BRED BITCH
1ST PLACE Janoby Kennels CH JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)

OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE Mr L & Mrs R Seare CH FIDELIS GRATIA FINNICA (IMP FNL) (Angel)
2ND PLACE 1673 Janoby Kennels CH THELDAROY WILD ABOUT ME (Kiki)

Picnic Participants - from left to right (the dogs) Kulta, Emmi, Pennja, Spirit, Atticus, Genghis, Blaze, Alaska, Kusko
© J Lincoln

A few of us gathered in Melbourne for a "Lappie Picnic and Walk" at Albert Park Lake today.

The weather turned out a lovely day for us, with just a nice bit of sunshine without it being too hot for the dogs taking a walk around the lake. It was lovely to see some of the new puppies in Victoria, as well as the old faces.

As well as Kulta, Emmi & Alaska, today we had Pennja (Miavig Brandy Ncream), Spirit (Theldaroy Spirit Dreams), Atticus (Articmal Tarkya Kupari), Genghis (Magpielane Eskikuva), Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT), Kusko (Setareh Tarmo), and Annikki (Magpielane Amara).

Photos of today's picnic can be found HERE. Photos from previous picnics can be found in the Photo Albums.

Alaska in the ring with Vanessa
© J Lincoln

Vanessa Brotto from Articmal Kennels and I took Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) out for his first shows this weekend, travelling up to Hamilton in country Victoria for a weekend away. With us came Kulta, Emmi and Kulta's "big brother" Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT). On the Sunday we were joined by Alaska's other co-owner Pam Francis from Magpielane Kennels with Johanna (Magpielane Eija) in Baby Puppy and Winter (Magpielane Alkutalvi) in Minor Puppy. It was a lovely weeked.

But the accolades were all Alaska's! On Saturday under Mr E Singer (VIC) he simply thrilled us by taking the dog challenge over the older boys. Blaze and Kulta are both consistent winners, with Blaze a multi-Royal BOB winner, so we were just over the moon that he did so well. He had to make do with Runner up Best of Breed behind Emmi, but then took it a step further by gaining Puppy in Group.

On Sunday, under judge Mr A McQuire (QLD) he did one better, beating Emmi for the BOB before going on to earn another Puppy in Group.

We couldn't be more thrilled with such an exciting debut for our handsome young man!

In NSW Scribble's (Articmal Tarkya Kastanja), jointly owned with Ben & Amanda Helps of Cuebiyar Kennels, winning ways continued, gaining another Baby Puppy in Group under Mrs A Spanswick (NSW). Congratulations Amanda and Ben!

Scribble on the move
© B Helps

This weekend was a fantastic one for the girls! It started on Friday with our young female puppy Scribble (Articmal Tarkya Kastanja), jointly owned with Amanda and Ben Helps of Cuebiyar Kennels and Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels, having her debut in NSW at the Mudgee & District Kennel & Obedience Club. On her three month birthday, under Victorian judge Mrs S Sutherland she was awarded third place in the Baby Puppy Sweepstakes.

She continued the shining the next day, being awarded Best Baby Puppy in Show at the Western Region Working Dog Club under NSW judge Mrs J Fynmore. A big congratulations and thanks to Ben and Amanda who Scribble lives with and is proudly shown by!

Also on Saturday, in Melbourne, I was showing at the Ladies Kennel Association of Victoria, where Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) was awarded Best Intermediate in Group under Victorian judge Mrs J Hocking.

Thanks to all of the judges who recognised our lovely girls this weekend!

Louis Being Awarded Best Novice Puppy in Show
© C K Rogers

Some great news from the USA today where my French born boy Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg) was entered his first shows in the Novice Puppy Class (equivalent to our Baby Puppy). He was shown in two shows in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. His first show was under judge Ms Debbie Beam for breed judging, and I am proud to announce he then went on to be awarded Best Novice Puppy in Show under judge Ms Pam Moore.

His second show was under judge Ms Mary King, and AGAIN he was awaded Best Novice Puppy in Show also under Ms King.

I am told both general special judges referred to him as "magnificant" when they made their awards, and his handler (and current "mum") Kit Brillinger in the USA was told that he was definitely "going places" once he has matured!!

I couldn't be more thrilled and proud, knowing that one of the "places" he is going is home to Australia to wow them all here! A big thanks to both Kit and Louis' breeder Véro!

Edge (Articmal Tarkya Kaakao) with his new mum Tanya before flying to Queensland today
© J Lincoln

Alaska with Vanessa and his new pal Blaze at his new home
© T Brady

Emmi being judged at the Victorian Spitz Breeds Show
© C Geary

It has been a very busy week , with the new puppies all going off to their new homes to be welcomed by their very excited families.

First were Scribble (Chestnut) and Buster (Cinnamon) now living in NSW. Scribble is now making her home with Amanda and Ben and their Lappie Meeko. She is in joint ownership with Vanessa and I and will be seeing the show ring there. Buster was a long awaited and planned for surprise from Ray to his girlfriend Janaia. We loved being in on this secret as Ray explained to us how long Janaia had been begging for a Lappie to join Pippen, their Border Collie, a request he had been pretending to resist. Little did Janaia know that Buster was on his way, and would be the means by which Ray was planning on proposing (the ring was attached to his collar)!! Congratulations to Ray and Janaia on their engagement!

Staying in Victoria, and picked up this week were Scratch (Coffee) now owned by Shannon and Georgia and happily settling in, Diesel (Darkest Winter) being welcomed into the Moss family, Aggi (Moonlight) and Bear who have gone together to the wonderful McLeod family where they are very much adored and already neighbourhood celebrities, and Atticus who makes his home with Libby and her husband and young twins and who will hopefully one day see the obedience ring.

The last to leave was Edge (Hot Chocolate) who is owned by Mat and Tanya in Queensland, also in joint ownership with us. Mat and Tanya have been looking forward to a Lappie to show for a long time, and I'm sure they will have a lot of fun with Edge. Tanya flew down herself to spend a couple of days before taking Edge home this morning.

Their litter page has now been updated with photos of the puppies with their new owners, and has been moved into the Past Treasure part of this site. You can find their page HERE. Edge and Scribble both now have their own pages and photo albums.

While it is always sad to say goodbye, this weekend was also a time of welcoming, as Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) came home from quarantine. I was the lucky person who got to rescue Alaska from "jail" yesterday on my way to Vanessa's place. He was so happy to see me, and to walk out of those gates.

When we arrived, he very quickly settled in, meeting Macey and Blaze and making himself at home. When I left it felt like he had been living there forever. I saw him at a show today, where he came along for the outing, and he was just relaxed and happy as can be. He is quite the sure of himself young man, although I think he quickly realised he'd met his match in his cousin Emmi! Alaska is entered into his first show in Australia in just a few weeks, and we are certainly looking forward to getting him out there.

Which brings us to today's news, at the Victorian Spitz Breeds Club Championship Show, where there was a nice entry of 11 Finnish Lapphunds entered this year under NSW judge Mrs W Slatyer. There Emmi (Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) made me very proud by not only going Best of Breed, but then taking it a step further and being awarded Best Intermediate in Show. It was at this show last year, on the weekend that she became an Australian Champion, that Emmi was Best Junior in Show, so it was lovely to repeat the effort this year.

Alaska with his three new mums in Australia - from left to right is myself, Pam from Magpielane and Vanessa from Articmal
© A Lincoln

Me reuninting with Alaska in Melbourne Quarantine today
© V Brotto

A very big day today, with our first visit to quarantine to see our lovely boy Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)), the first time they had seen him for his co-owners Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels and Pam Francis from Magpielane Kennels, and for me, the first oportunity to hug him since my visit to Finland in March.

In the very early hours of yesterday morning, a fair while before dawn, a Qantas plane landed down at Melbourne airport, with this precious cargo on board. Alaska had left Finland two days before, having to spend almost 24 hours in UK quarantine before his flight here to Melbourne. I received the phone call at 8am from quarantine to say he was here safe and well, which proceeded a flurry of text messages between Finland and here as all who loved him shared in the joy.

Alaska has been raised for the last 9 months in Finland by Saila Tapio and Mika Kujamäki of Teelikamentten Kennels, and I know just how much they love him and how they are going to miss him dreadfully. We just cannot thank these wonderful people enough for breeding and raising Alaska with such love and care and then saying goodbye to him and sending him to the other side of the world knowing they may never see him again. The gratitude all of us here in Australia have for the wonderful breeders who have entrusted us with their babies knows absolutely no bounds!

Today Pam, Vanessa and I met at Melbourne quarantine to visit our boy. We had a wonderful time playing, cuddling, and of course taking lots of photos. I was amazed how Alaska has grown and matured since I last saw him. Still very much a puppy in looks and personality, he is really showing just how magnificant an adult he is going to be. Photos of Alaska taken today in quarantine can be found HERE.

Alaska is supurbly balanced boy, who when he moves just seems to float. He has terrific substance and bone, a beautiful straight front, and lovely moderate angulation front and back. He will have a strong head, with gorgeous little ears that are just slightly tipped - much coveted in Finland and gaining me lots of exclamations of delight from breed specialists when I was with him in Finland. He is also just the most loving boy, welcoming quiet affection and cuddles equally with a good game and play. We can't wait to show him off and watch him come into his own as he matures.

Vanessa is the very lucky one who will get to take Alaska home with her at the end of his quarantine stay next week. While that is how it has always been planned, and I know it is the right thing so I can leave room for Louis' arrival at the end of the year, it was a little bit of a heartbreak today to hand over my wonderful boy to her care, knowing he won't be coming home with me this time. I know he will be loved to bits, and will have a wonderful life at Articmal, and I am lucky that I will still get to see him frequently.

Of course, if you spot two exhibitors outside the Group 5 ring one day, fighting over a gorgeous boy Lappie, exlaiming "it's my turn to take him in!" "no, it's my turn" - well you know that will be us!!!

Kya with her 8 babies not long after birth
© V Brotto

Puppies born today!!! It is with much excitement that Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels and myself can announce the birth of 8 bouncing babies to our precious girl Watersedge Tru Diamond (IID) "Kya" to the handsome Fjällfarmens Ummiko (Imp Swd) "Tarka". This litter is a joint one, but will be registered under the Articmal prefix.

There are 6 handsome boys and 2 beautiful girls.

Kya had a rather long labour, starting not long after lunch time yesterday, but not producing her first puppy until about 11am today. This first boy was to our surprise, a brown coloured lappie like his dad. While we knew Kya had a 50/50 chance of carrying the brown gene (her sire carries this), we have never been sure. And boy did they keep coming. Out of 8 puppies, 6 of these are brown and only two (one of the girls and one of the boys) are black.

All of the puppies look like they will have fairly clear markings.

Mum and bubs are healthy and well, and relaxing together. Their page can be found on the Current Treasure page which will be updated regularly with photos as they grow.

While many of these puppies already have homes to go to, there are a few still available. Please contact either myself or Vanessa if you interested.

Louis strutting his stuff beneath the "Stars and Stripes" at the Finnish Lapphund Club of America's Specialty Match
© L Drumm

A rather unexpected triumph in the USA today where the Finnish Lapphund Club of America held their specialty match and puppy sweepstakes.

The newest Armahani addition, French born C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg "Louis", who is living in America until he has completed all of the blood tests to come to Australia, was entered in these shows, only just slipping into the 3-6 Month old baby puppy class.

Knowing Louis would be the very youngest in his class (and well and truly looking it), with some quite serious competition from a number of older pups, I hadn't been expecting great things just yet. This show was meant to be just a good socialisation experience for Louis.

Well didn't this little man prove me wrong in great style! In a large class of 7 puppies, Louis placed FIRST in the Sweepstakes under judge Ms JA Maley, and THIRD in the regular classes under judge Mr EA Thielen.

I am extremely thrilled and proud of my baby boy. A huge thanks to Kit Brillinger who is raising Louis for me, as well as her friend Debbie Fullerton who handled him to his wins (I understand he gave her quite the challenge being full of mischief), and also to his breeder Véronique Valy for this delightful puppy.

The scene around my friend Johanna's house on my arrival. This weather lasted my first 24 hours before spring arrived, and two weeks later it had all melted
© J Lincoln

Experiencing a ride on a reindeer sleigh in Lapland - I took a later ride
© J Lincoln

Yes, that is me - sledding in eastern Finland
© J Lincoln

After five and a half weeks away from home I arrived back in Australia late last night, very happy to see my human and dog family again. There was much excitement when I walked into the house, poor little Emmi quite unable to control herself for a good five minutes.

I have had an absolutely amazing time, seeing the home country of our beautiful breed for the first time, as well as a few other places, attending shows, visiting some breeders, meeting friends and making new ones, cuddling many lappies, having a couple of adventures, and undertaking a few "tourist" activities along the way.

In quick summary, my five weeks consisted of:

• Two weeks spent mainly in the south of Finland, seeing a bit of the country and city, catching up with friends, visiting a few kennels, meeting and getting to know our puppy Alaska, as well as a quick journey up to Lapland

• Attending the Lapphund Club of Finland's obedience trial and specialty show in Seinäjoki, where I was able to handle Alaska to Best Opposite Sex Puppy (one of my more thrilling experiences), as well as Fin Ch Lumiturpa Mimmi, the dam of my female Emmi, to second place in the champion bitch class. And where I was also able to see Alaska's sire, Multi Ch Lumiturpa Api go Best In Show for yet another year.

• Attending another show in Mänsälä where I was able to see a few breeds that we don't have in this country, as well as have another opportunity to handle Mimmi, this time taking her to BOB and 3rd place in Group (in answer to the obvious question, no I don't speak Finnish and the judge didn't speak English, but judge hand signals appear to be universal *grin*)

• A week spent in the Karelia region about 15 minutes from the Russian border, enjoying the most beautiful winter scenery and learning to drive a husky sled (with only a couple of falls!)

• A couple of days in Denmark, seeing more lappies, and admiring this beautiful country - seriously not long enough and I hope to go back one day

• A flying 24 hour visit in France to pick up my new puppy Louis, and fly him and his sister Ciowa across to America

• About four days in the USA, getting to know Louis, seeing a tiny corner of the Mid-West, and then a quick discovery of Memphis - including a visit to Graceland!

• A similar length of time in the UK, which turned on some glorious weather for me to really enjoy some lovely walks and drives through amazingly beautiful countryside

Photos during my time away can be found HERE.

Alaska showing in Finland
© S Tapio

Alaska continues his winning ways in Finland, again being awarded Best Opposite Sex Puppy of Breed.

The judge, Mr Pekka Teini, wrote this critique about Alaska:

"Colour: black and tan. Puppy has gorgeous balance. Right expression. Foreguarters and hindquarters are good balance. Good angulation. Beautiful tail. Good quality of puppy coat"

This was Alaska's third show in Finland, and he has been awarded either Best Puppy or Best Opposite Sex Puppy at all three. He will attend one more show in his home country with his breeders Saila Tapio and Mika Kujamäki before coming to Australia in mid-June where we are hoping and expecting his winning ways to continue.

Alaska, also known as Teelikamentten Iikka is jointly owned with Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels and Pam Francis of Magpielane Kennels.

Our new boy C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg, better known as Louis, at 8 weeks of age
© J Lincoln

Louis having fun in the Michigan snow
© J Lincoln

Louis with his sister Ciowa des Chevaloupsgreg who is staying in the USA
© J Lincoln

The big news from Armahani Kennels continues, with the introduction of our new boy Louis, who I met for the first time yesterday at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris where he was delivered to me (along with his sister Ciowa) by his breeder Véronique Valy, ready to fly to America.

Louis, better known as C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg, is just 8 weeks old, and is just the most completely gorgeous, delightful puppy, with not only extraordinary good looks but also an adorable, playful and happy temperament. He is going to be raised in Michigan, USA by my good friend Kit Brillinger, of Calaban Kennels, until he is old enough and completed all of the blood tests to come to Australia. Born in France, of an English sire and Danish dam, with some fantastic Finnish breeding behind him, he is a complete international treasure.

It seems that I have been planning for Louis, whose pedigree brings together a number of my favourite Lapphunds, for a very long time. It has been a long journey full of anticipation as I waited for the much longed for breeding to finally happen, the puppies to be born, and then leaving on my trip, not too sure at that stage which of the two boys puppies born would be joining me. But all of the anxiety was certainly worth it when I finally met my precious boy.

It hadn't been intended, when I originally planned my travel, that Louis would be more than about 4 weeks old by the time I came home, so I hadn't expected to do more than visit him. However, when his dam Jokkaa came into season early, it worked perfectly for me to take him to America myself, along with his sister Ciowa who is owned by a breeder there. Our journey was certainly an adventurous one, our plane to Detroit being diverted to London at one stage - an event which almost had me in a complete panic knowing the puppies didn't have the necessary health clearances to be on British soil. Thankfully we weren't taken off the plane and were soon on our way again.

Our adventures continued trying to get through USA immigration and customs. I think perhaps an Australian traveling from France to the US with two puppies is a somewhat unusual occurrence!

However, neither of the two pups appeared remotely concerned by the delays, greeting us happily at the other end, and very quickly settling into Kit's place and making friends with her 11 week old boy Pilgrim (Lecibsin Kumppani). Ciowa will move to her new home in a few weeks time, while Louis will stay for about 7 months before he can come to Australia toward the end of the year.

A huge thanks to Louis' breeder Véro, for this wonderful little boy, to Kit for her extreme generosity in agreeing to raise Louis for me, and to my good friend Niki Alison, in the UK, the breeder and owner of Louis' sire Oberitz Oivallus, who has shared this exciting journey with me from day one.

Louis' new page, including a link to his photo album, can be found HERE.

Alaska and I being awarded first place at the Lapphund Club of Finland's specialty show
© M Kujamäki

Meeting Alaska for the first time at Teelikamentten Kennels
© J Ollila

Alaska being judged at the Lapphund Club of Finland's specialty show in Seinäjoki
© M Kujamäki

Alaska in the show ring
© S Tapio

Some news direct from Finland today where I had the extreme joy and pleasure of not only attending the Lapphund Club of Finland's specialty show held in Seinäjoki (unbelievable in itself), but also having the added honour of taking our puppy Teelikamentten Iikka "Alaska" jointly owned with Articmal and Magpielane Kennels, into the ring for the first time.

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Alaska was awarded BEST OPPOSITE SEX PUPPY - under specialty judge Tapio Kakko from Jäkäläkummon Kennel.

Alaska's critique was as follows:

"Good proportions. Good boned male puppy. Strong head but lower jaw could be strengthened. Stop is a little flat. Beautiful tipped ears. Beautiful angulation. Already very sound. Beautiful movement. Good temperament."

I met Alaska for the first time a few days ago at Teelikamentten Kennels, where his breeders and current guardians, Saila and Mika, were generous enough to let me take him back to my friend Johanna house where I have been staying so I could have a few days of bonding with our wonderful little man. Alaska is quite the puppy, winning you over completely with his confident and loving temperament.

It was certainly an interesting and rather amusing experience handling in Finland where I don't understand the language and where I didn't have much of a clue what was going on :-), but luckily the steward (secretary in Finland) was a great help!

After all of the puppies in Alaska's class (5- 7month old male puppies) had been individually examined and critiqued, and they were all back in the ring, the judge called out some of the puppies individually and gave his critique out loud. Because I couldn't understand a word, and the process was so different from showing in Australia, I just assumed they were the winners and we hadn't placed.

When the process continued I thought "oh, well, must be one more to place". So you can imagine my surprise when the judge came up to me and explained to me in English that we were placed first! It took a few seconds for it to sink in! It seems that the first group of puppies were being excused.

There was a break while the older boy puppies were being judged (7-9mnths) and then we were back in against the winner of that class. Again when the steward handed a rosette to the older puppy I though "oh well, that's it" - but no that was just the prize from his class, and she had to explain to me that Alaska had actually WON best male puppy!!! It was just thrilling, and an experience I doubt I will ever get to replicate!! We had another turn a little later against the winning bitch puppy, a beautiful little girl from Fidelis Kennels, whose turn it was to shine.

Later in the day I got to handle the dam of my Emmi, Fin Ch Lumiturpa Mimmi, in the champion bitch class, and took her to second place behind Alaska's half-sister Teelikamentten Encore (Piitu), and then shortlisted for the best bitch places. By then I think I may have worked out a little of what I was meant to be doing.

What a thrilling day!!

It ended rather sadly, however, with tearful goodbyes to Alaska, who returned with Saila and Mika to Teelikamentten Kennels. Alaska will hopefully see a few more shows in Finland before his journey to Australia in the middle of the year where it will be our turn to see him shine.

In the meantime, I am traveling for a few more weeks, seeing a few more lappies and a bit more of this part of the world before I return home.

The hopeful parents, Tarka (Fjällfarmens Ummiko) and Kya (Watersedge Tru Diamond)
© J Lincoln

Over the last few days our girl Kya (Watersedge Tru Diamond (IID)), jointly owned with Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels has been mated to the Swedish import Tarka (Fjällfarmens Ummiko (Imp Swd)), owned by Magpielane Kennels. We are hoping Kya will have puppies around the 8 May 2007. This will be Kya's first litter, and we are very excited about the beautiful puppies these two lovely lappies should produce.

Kya's litter will be a joint one, but will be under the Articmal prefix. Information about this litter, including pedigree and Kya and Tarka's health results can be found on the Future Treasure page.

For questions about this litter, please contact Vanessa.

Alaska at five and a half months of age being shown in Finland, handled by Mika Kujamäki
© S Tapio

Some time to shine for our puppy Teelikamentten Iikka "Alaska", jointly owned with Articmal and Magpielane Kennels, who was entered in his first ever show, an informal puppy show, on the weekend. Alaska was one of 8 lappie puppies entered in the show, and the youngest of the group, and we are very pleased to announce that he was awarded Best Puppy of Breed, out of the younger of the two puppy classes (minor: 5-7 mnths, puppy: 7-9 mnths).

The judge, Ms Hilkka Salolahti, had this to say about Alaska:

"Size and proportion are very well. Strong bone structure with good head and expression. Good neck and topline. Good tail. Good body. Moves very well"

Thanks and congratulations to Alaska's breeders Saila and Mika who are raising Alaska for us until he is ready to come to Australia about the middle of the year.

My two girls Kya and Emmi (with Kulta in the middle)
© V Brotto

It is a really happy and excited household here at Armahani Kennels tonight with great health results back for our girls Emmi and Kya.

Kya (Watersedge Tru Diamond (IID)), jointly owned with Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels, received a very good hip score of 3/4 (an international B grade) and 0/0 for her elbows.

My complete star Emmi (Aus Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) received perfect zeros all round, with a hip score of 0/0 (an international A grade) and 0/0 for her elbows - the very best results possible, and certainly enough to give me plenty of tears of joy this afternoon.

I am truly ecstatic, and big congratulations and thanks are extended to both Emmi and Kya's breeders for these lovely girls. Both girls will be having their first litters this year, Kya in the first half of the year to the lovely Swedish import Tarka (Fjällfarmens Ummiko (Imp Swd)), and Emmi in the second half of the year to my own boy Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure). More details can be found on the Future Treasure page.

Our new boy in Finland, Teelikamentten Iikka, better known as Alaska, at 14 weeks of age
© S Tapio

Alaska at 9 weeks of age in the snow with his mum (a little bald for winter after maternal duties) Kiia
© M Kujamäki

A very Happy New Year from all at Armahani Kennels!

As it promises to be a big year, it seems fitting that I should start the New Year with some exciting news, by introducing our absolutely gorgeous new boy Alaska, jointly owned by myself, Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels and Pam Francis of Magpielane Kennels. It has been hard on all of us keeping mum about Alaska over the last ten weeks, but we all thought it would make a nice new year's announcement.

Alaska, better known as Teelikamentten Iikka, is currently 16 weeks old, and still living with his breeders in Finland, our good friends Salio Tapio and Mika Kujamäki (who are keeping us sane with plenty of regular photos), until he has finished all of the testing requirements to come to Australia (in the middle of the year, when he will be 9 months old). He will then live with Vanessa, her human family, and lappies Blaze, Macey, Kusko and my jointly owned girl Kya. In the meantime he is having fun in the snow with the rest of the Kennel Teelikamentten lappies, tormenting Salia & Mika's cat, and enjoying Christmas holidays in Lapland.

We are all extremely excited about Alaska, and thrilled with how he is turning out. His sire is the consistently top winning male lappie, the stunning Int, Fin, Dk Ch V-03 V-04 PMV-06 Lumiturpa Api, a boy who I have dreamed of owning a son of for a long time. His dam, is the beautiful Kiia (Staalon Hurlumhei) whose own sire from Sweden Int, Fin, Sw, N Ch Fjällfarmens Alaska is another favourite, and of course, our Alaska's name sake.

He will be a welcome addition to all of our breeding programs, and we are hoping will also have plenty of shining to do in the show and obedience rings. But more importantly, all three of us just can't wait for this gorgeous boy to arrive for all the cuddles his three new mums are saving up for him!

Alaska's new page, including a link to his photo album, can be found HERE.