Alaska's puppies born at Articmal Kennels
© V Brotto

Congratulations today to Articmal Kennels, where a litter of six babies were born over the hours of this morning, sired by our jointly owned boy Alaska (Aus Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl). The lovely dam of the litter is the Finnish import Ch Viksalan Jiella (Imp Fnl) "Macey."

There were four girls and two boys born, all black with tan points and with varying amounts of white markings. All are big and healthy babies who are doing well.

This is Alaska's first litter, and we are looking forward to seeing these beautiful babies grow up. All the best to Macey and her babies over the coming weeks, and a congratulations also to the lucky owners who will have them home in a couple of months time.

Memphis walking today with Scribble and Alaska
© J Lincoln

Today I had the pleasure of "springing" Memphis (Sugarok Southern Sensation) from quarantine and taking him to his new home at Articmal Kennels, where he will live with his joint owner, Vanessa Brotto, along with the other Lapphunds there, including our other jointly owned kids Alaska (Aus Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) and Scribble (Aus Ch Articmal Tarkya Kastanja)

He settled in fabulously easily today, meeting and having first walks with his new kennel mates, mixing with the older boys with no problems, gaining a crush on Scribble, and developing a bit of "hero-worship" for his new yard-pal Blaze (older brother to my Kulta, who also sees him as hero material).

Memphis will have a few months to settle in through the hotter months of the year, and get used to his new life and routine. Then we hope to have him out and about in the show ring early in 2009, where we look forward to showing off our latest treasure.

Fin Ch Lumiturpa Taatsi "Topi"
© P Hallberg

Another frozen arrival at Armahani today with the safe arrival into Australia of semen from another lovely Finnish Lapphund, Topi (Fin Ch Lumiturpa Taatsi). Although now largely retired from the show ring, Topi had a very successful show career in Finland, consistently being graded Excellent by both all breeds and specialist judges.

I first heard about Topi from someone who had seen and admired him at a specialty show in Finland, but was never able to track him down until through pure coincidence it turned out that my new girl Emmi, also from Lumiturpa Kennels, was being raised by Johanna Ollila, the same person who owned him. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit him in early 2007, and wasn't dissapointed. He is a very solid, compact and typy Lapphund, with a gorgeous full coat and strong, broad, teddy-bear head. Very male, he is a real standout, and I was hopeful we could find a way to make him part of the Armahani breeding program.

Enormous thanks to Johanna, who manages to make my importing adventures (either for live dogs or just the "working bits") incredibly smooth and easy with her amazing organisation skills.

Picnic Participants - from left to right (the dogs) - (top) Bear, Leisel, Blaze, Scribble, Louis, Miia, (bottom) Jaari, Elly, Tash, Finn, Lumi, Atticus, Loki, Finn, Kulta, Katrikki, Emmi, Ben
© V Brotto

A few of us gathered today in Melbourne for our Christmas Lappie Picnic and walk in Maribyrnong. We had our biggest picnic yet, with 18 Lappies (along with their people, and the usual Keeshond interloper!) joining the fun, many for the first time.

What excitement it was today to pull up and see so many beautiful Lappies, of different colours, and to get to meet for the first time and renew lots of aquaintenances. Although I don't know who was more excited, me or my own kids in the back of the car, whose eyes nearly popped out of their heads to see so many "relatives" to meet them.

Gathering today and sharing in the fun, including Christmas dress-ups and doggie Kris Kringles, were Lappies Bear (Janoby Clear The Way), Leisel (Magpielane Snow Hush), Blaze (Ch Thedaroy Im Not Wild HIT), Scribble (Ch Articmal Tarkya Kastanja), Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA), Miia (Articmal Chasing Rainbows), Jaari (Ch Articmal Able to Achieve), Elly (Magpielane Enkili), Tash (Janoby Clear Future), Finn (Articmal Chasing Kisses), Lumi (Magpielane Amber Dusk), Atticus (Articmal Tarkya Kupari), Loki (Articmal Born For Glory), Finn (Articmal Born To Fly), Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD HT), Katrikki (Armahani Amethyst Albmi), Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)), Ben (Magpielane Eero)

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

Alaska (Aus Ch Teelikamentten Iikka)
© J Lincoln

Another turn for celebration for Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) who today earned another Intermediate in Group award, under Victorian judge Mrs C Hobday, who had only good things to say about our beautiful boy. Alaska is co-owned with his handler Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels, and Pam Francis of Magpielane Kennels. He was shown, at this last show for us this year, at the Sovereign City Kennel Club Championship Show.

Alaska has had a very successful year as a youngster, and we just couldn't be prouder of him. As well as a number of class in group and show wins, and being repeatedly pulled out for group shortlisting, he has managed a number of very significant breed wins against successful older competition. These include being Best of Breed at all three of the Royal Shows he attended this year - Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne - with entries of 18, 11 and 20 respectively.

Just a few weeks ago I got the pleasure of showing him myself (yes, I'm allowed very occasionally!) in Brisbane under breed specialist Ms M Talvitie from Finland, where he was awarded her Best of Breed and his excellent type praised. Unfortunately Ms Talvitie didn't judge our group judging, but Alaska still managed to show his versatile appeal, under both breed specialists and international all breeds judges, but being shortlisted for group by Thailand judge Mr E Sangkunakup.

We are sure next year will just bring continued success for this stunning young boy!

Memphis and I meeting at Melbourne quarantine
© V Brotto

Our beautiful boy Memphis
© J Lincoln

Memphis with his two new mums
© A Lincoln

Another very exciting day for Armahani with the arrival of our handsome new boy Memphis (Sugarok Southern Sensation) who arrived in Australia yesterday from, yes, Memphis, Tennessee! I and his co-owner, Vanessa Brotto from Articmal Kennels, had the pleasure of our first visit at quarantine to meet this stunning and delightful young man, who is just 9 months of age. He will stay in quarantine for the next four weeks before taking his new home at Articmal, along with our other co-owned kids, Alaska and Scribble, and Vanessa's other Lappies.

Memphis is a beautiful traditional wolf-sable (or agouti) colour, which although being the second most common colouring for Lappies across the world, is exceptionally rare for Australia. It has long been my dream to bring out a wolf-sable, but doing so with Memphis was almost by accident. Originally his breeder, Linda Marden and I were arranging for frozen semen from his black and tan sire, the exceptional Multi Ch Janmanin Aleksanteri "Api", but when that didn't work out due to his age, it seemed like that was one dream not to be a reality.

I almost didn't pay any attention to the birth of Api's litter with Linda's lovely wolf-sable girl Zoie (UKC Grand Ch Sugarok Modern Marvelle). busy as I was at the time with my own litter of pups. But when the pick boy turned out to be the most adorable, fluffy wolf-sable pup you could imagine (check our Memphis' photo album for just how cute he was!) there was no way I could resist him. And hence, Linda has helped me make two of my dreams come true!

Unfortunately I'm not able to have him here at Armahani, and I couldn't bare to send him too far away, so I have the most enormous gratitude that Vanessa was yet again willing to co-own another Lappie with me, and I know he will do marvelously well at Articmal, while I still get to cuddle him on regular occasions.

It was quite the thrill to finally meet Memphis for the first time today, to see what a handsome young boy he has turned out to be. Although a little unsure, like all of our import kids usually are on their first visit, after such a long trip, this lovely curious boy was soon warming up to us and enjoying cuddles, although we did notice we was rather interested in the American accents from visitors in the next run over ... perhaps those people sounded a little more "normal" to him than us :-).

Memphis is going to be a very handsome Lapphund, with a beautiful strong head with the lovliest darkest eyes I have seen in a Lappie, lovely type and substance. He is nicely structured, with a natural "four-square" resting position. All of that, along with his beautiful colour, is most certainly going to result in this young boy being quite the centre of attention when we have him out and about.

My enormous thanks to Linda and Steven for taking the time from all of their efforts for our breed in the USA, to give us a helping hand here in Australia. For allowing me to have this beautiful baby in the first place, and for all the work it takes to get him ready for import. Thanks is never remotely enough!

Alaska, Emmi & Lahti
© Pedini Photography

Dog Challenge and Best of Breed - Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl) "Alaska"
© Pedini Photography

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

Reserve Bitch Challenge and Puppy of Breed - Armahani Amethyst Apina "Lahti"
© Pedini Photography

An absolutely incredible day for Armahani today at the Royal Melbourne Show, with our dogs taking both challenges, both reserves, and puppy of breed. We had an entry of 20 Lapphunds this year, with 17 of those making it for the day. Our judge was Mr I Awashima of Japan.

Dog Challenge was awarded to our incredible Alaska (Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) - jointly owned with Articmal and Magpielane Kennels, after some deliberation between him and Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD HT). That brought Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)) back into the ring, who had come second to Alaska in the Intermediate class. Another round of deliberation followed, this time between Kulta and Louis, before the reserve was awarded to Kulta. I believe from comments made in the ring, the judge particularly liked the young Louis, but his smaller stature held him back this time around.

Then it was time for the girls, where my beautiful Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) was awarded her fifth royal Bitch Challenge. But the big shock (and very pleasant surprise) was still to come when the young Lahti (Armahani Amethyst Apina) was brought up from the puppy class to be awarded the Reserve Challenge over some very lovely older bitches. To say I was proud was a complete understatement!

This lovely young 9 month old girl lives with the Field family, where she is jointly owned as their beloved only pet, and has been shown only once before as a baby puppy. I had only managed one short 5 minute training session with her leading up to the Royal, but she is clearly her mother's very smart daughter remembering I was the person she needed to stand there lovely for to get those nice pieces of kabana!! Lahti is from my first ever litter out of Emmi and Kulta, and is an important part of our future plans.

Alaska went on to win his third Royal Best of Breed in a row (following Brisbane and Adelaide over the last few months), and Emmi was Runner Up Best of Breed, while Lahti also earned the Puppy of Breed.

I couldn't be more proud of all my beautiful Lapphunds, and owe a great deal of thanks to all of their breeders who have entrusted me with their babies over the last few years, and helped me on my way. I never would have imagined those five short years ago when baby Kulta came into my life that I would experience such a wonderful day so soon.

A big thanks also to Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels, and Wayne Sharp of Janoby Kennels who happily stepped in to handle one of my dogs when I had another in the ring.

Alaska and Lahti will return to the ring on Saturday to be proud representatives of their breed on General Specials day.

Edge (Aus Ch Articmal Tarkya Kaakao)
© T Brady

A big congratulations today for Edge (Articmal Tarkya Kaakao), along with his co-owners Mat and Tanya Brady, who today earned the final points to become an Australian Champion.

Edge, who is still only 16 months old, lives in Queensland, where he is loved and adored (and a little spoiled of course!) by Mat and Tanya, and has had to earn his title the hard way, winning a number of challenges and best of breeds against some much older dogs over the last few months. I, along with his other co-owner, Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels, are very proud of this team and the hard work they have put in.

We wish Mat and Tanya continuing success with their boy, and his new puppy friend, and are very honoured to have been a small part of their initial entry into the Lappie world - an entry which I'm sure will develop in significant ways over the years.

Way to go guys!

Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl) "Alaska"
© Ik Photography

More Royal success for Armahani, this time at our first trip to the Royal Adelaide Show where 11 Lappies were entered. There our fabulous boy Alaska (Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) - jointly owned with Articmal and Magpielane Kennels - was Dog Challenge and Best of Breed, and my beautiful Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) was Bitch Challenge and Runner Up Best of Breed. Our judge for this Royal was Mr Maurice Le Cussan from New South Wales.

For Alaska, this was his second Royal Best of Breed in a row, while Emmi now has four Royal challenges under her belt, all wins pointed in the double figures.

We are so proud of our beautiful imports, who continue to show off their sensational breeding. We are forever indebted to their breeders, Saila Tapio & Mika Kujamäki of Teelikamentten Kennels who bred Alaska, and Matti Takanen & Ritta Takalo of Lumiturpa Kennels who not only bred Emmi, but are also the breeders and owners of Alaska's spectacular sire.

Fin Ch & Fin Working Ch BH JK3 PM-04 Lecibsin Kultakuono "Ressi"
© T Jääskeläinen

Here at Armahani we are very proud to announce the safe arrival into Australia of frozen semen from the rather famous Finnish Lapphund, Ressi (Fin Ch & Fin Working Ch BH JK3 PM-04 Lecibsin Kultakuono). As well as being a very successful show and working trial dog in Finland, Ressi has a number of stunning progeny around the world, and we look forward to boasting accolades about Aussie-Ressi kids one day in the future.

I have been a very long admirer or Ressi. Not only is he a spectacular specimen of his breed in conformation, he has the most delightful temperament, and incredible working ability. Amongst his accolades is the boast that he is the first Finnish Lapphund in breed history to earn a Finnish Working Championship.

Almost a year and a half ago I got to visit Ressi in his home at Peikkovuoren Kennels in Finland, where I was introduced to some Finnish customs, and experienced the very warm hospitality of Taina Meittinen and Ari Friman and their extended family. It wouldn't be an underestimation to say I fell in love with this beautiful boy. I already knew I would be blown away by his teddy-bear good looks and spectacular type. But when you meet this boy in the flesh, kneeling in the snow to take his photo, and watch him gleefully break away to roll around in the first bit of dirt and leaves he can find, coming back to grin at you at his obviously improved appearance for suitable photo taking, you can only laugh and give him a big cuddle. At 8 years of age, he was so full of the joy of life, and watching him do a bit of work with Taina filled me with awe.

The journey to finally have his semen here in Australia for the benefit of our breeding program has been a long, and at times arduous one, spanning over two years of organisation. Enormous amounts of gratitude are extended to Taina for all of the hard work she went through making sure everything was in order, and traveling across the country to the most suitable clinic for collection - TWICE when a beaurocratic error left us needing to commence the whole process over again!!

Now to the continued patient wait until the time is right to try for Ressi babies here at Armahani!

Alaska winning BOB at Queensland Royal with his handler Vanessa Brotto
© S Brady

A big win for our fabulous boy Alaska (Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) at the Queensland Royal where he was awarded Best of Breed amongst a large line up 8 dogs and 10 bitches. The judge for this Royal was Mr Katsumi Nakano from Japan.

Alaska just continues to surpass all of his expectations for him, and at less than two years of age, we are sure the best is well and truly still to come.

We had a lovely time in Queensland, albeit a very long trip for such a flying visit. It was wonderful to visit Mat and Tanya Brady of Yobhonden Kennels, and see the young Edge (Articmal Tarkya Kaakao) for the first time since he was 8 weeks old (updated photos now on his page) who is turning into a handsome young man. Thank you Mat and Tanya for your hospitality.

We will head back to Brisbane on the weekend for General Specials day where we will be very proud to again show Alaska off.

UKC Ch Armahani Amethyst Aatto "Tanssija"
© ?

Some amazing news arrived this morning from the USA, with word that little Tanssija (Armahani Amethyst Aatto) became a UKC Champion over the weekend, at only 7 months of age. What made it even more amazing, was that she made her title with three Group Placements.

First was a Group 3 (3rd place in group) under American judge Gene Reynolds, followed by a Group 2 (runner up best in group) under judge Deb Beean and then another Group 2 under judge Nancy Eilks. To say I am awed and absolutely thrilled by this little girl's achievements is a complete understatement!

Tanssija is from my first litter, out of my beautiful girl Emmi and handsome boy Kulta. She lives in the USA where she is loved by Kit Brillinger of Calaban Kennels. I'm told that she is a born show girl just like her mum, and received some lovely comments by the judges, including what a pleasure it was to judge such a nice, typey and sound Lapphund. I'm sure this is just the beginning for this very young girl!

Alaska (Aus Ch Teelikamentten Iikka)
© J Lincoln

A congratulations for Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) who today earned the final points to become an Australian Champion. He did it in complete style, also going Intermediate in Group, under Victorian judge Mr T Horchner. Alaska is co-owned with his handler Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels, and Pam Francis of Magpielane Kennels.

We are incredibly proud of this stunning boy who first established just how great he was going to be, prior to coming to Australia, by taking out Best Opposite Sex Puppy, under a well known breed specialist, from a very large line up at the Lapphund Club of Finland's specialty show.

Since arriving in Australia, despite losing his thick coat not long afterward, and still acclimatising before he gets it back again, he has had amazing success in very limited showing. Just a youngster, he has consistently defeated every Lapphund he has been up against, many of those very successful show dogs in their own right.

With such beautiful type and structure, we have no doubt that once he has matured, and finally gets the coat we know is just itching to appear, he will be quite the unstoppable force.

Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD HT) herding on an earlier occasion
© G Cunningham

Kulta got an outing today away from the torment at home of Emmi in season, down to KCC Park where he was entered in the second of his Herding Tests at the Border Collie Club of Victoria's herding trial.

I'm very proud to announce that Kulta gained the second pass he needed, under judge Mr D F Ball, in order to earn his Herding Test title, and can now be known as Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure C.C.D H.T. Kulta is the first Finnish Lapphund in Australian history to be titled in three different disciplines, although I'm sure there will be more soon following in his footsteps.

Working (in any discipline) doesn't come very easily or naturally to my laid back couch potato of a dog, contrary to the others in my household, so it is exra special that Kulta has done his breed so proud.

Although I can't brag too much. The lure of there possibly being more available girls in season somewhere left him needing a bit of encouragement to actually work today, and his test form does say "needs a bit more concentration" :-). Still he scraped through - as the judge said "he did it all - it may not have been pretty - but he did it all".

Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)
© V Brotto

Another week and back into the show ring again for my lovely boy Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)), where he again walked away with the Best Junior in Group.

This time thanks are extended to New South Wales judge Mr D Strachan who was judging at the Canine Amenities Club of Victoria Championship Show, for recognising my beautiful man.

Louis is gaining in confidence in every outing, and continues to be oodles of fun. I'm sure he will continue to gain attention as he matures (and hopefully grows an adult coat!).

Thanks yet again to his overseas fan base who share together in his achievements - his breeder Véronique Valy in France, Kit Brillinger of Calaban Kennels in the USA who raised him, "Grandma" Niki Alison from Oberitz Kennels in the UK who bred and owns his sire Oiva, and "Grandma" Margit and "Grandpa" Arne Gottorp from Gottorp's Kennels in Denmark who bred his dam Jokkaa.

Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)), my French born boy at 16 Months of Age
© E Guest

Another win in the ring for my young French boy Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)) where under South Australian judge Dr R Veale he was awarded Best Junior in Group at the Frankston & Pensinsula Kennel Club's Championship Show.

This delightful little man, despite now being in the middle of his junior blow, is still winning hearts with the judge exclaiming how lovely he is, also giving him the Best of Breed. It is so heartwarming to receive the congratulations from other group 5 exhibitors in the ring when our lovely breed receives this kind of recognition, and I hope they are aware of how grateful we are for their support.

Of course, I do need to also extend thanks to those other exhibitor who have been helping me out with handling my dogs in the ring during run offs, and expecially those who have had the dubious pleasure of holding Louis outside the ring while I take Emmi in to be judged. I'm sure with a bit of maturity he'll learn to cope a little better when his mum and his girl go off to have some fun without him!!!!

Scribble (Aus Ch Articmal Tarkya Kastanja) shown here at 9 months of age
© A Helps

A congratulations for Scribble (Articmal Tarkya Kastanja) who today earned the final points to become an Australian Champion. She is sitting on an amazing 222 points already, but had to wait until she earned those 25 following her first birthday to claim her title.

Scribble is co-owned (along with her breeder Vanessa Brotto) with Amanda and Ben Helps in NSW where she lives and is shown, and a big and warm congratulations are extended to them for all their hard work, including the class in group awards Scribble has won along the way.

We wish Amanda and Ben continuing success with this little cutie!

Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)), my French born boy at 15 Months of Age
© V Brotto

More show success for my lovely French boy Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)) at only his second Championship show. There he took out Best Junior in Group at the Caulfield & District Kennel Club under Victorian judge Mr C Moore.

Louis is such a funny boy to show, so keen and eager to please, but a bit of a goof-ball puppy! The sight of him streaking across the ring to me, escaping from his minder while I had Emmi being examined at the other end of the ring, will go down as one of my more memorable embarrassing show moments!

He is oddles of fun, such a little show-man, and has already managed to accumulate a small fan base here in Victoria. I am really looking forward to watching his career progress as he matures. A huge thanks to his breeder Véronique Valy in France, and also to Kit Brillinger of Calaban Kennels in the USA who raised him for me.

Photos to come
© S Templeton

Back into the herding today for all of my boys. Schatje, Kulta and Louis were all entered in tests at the Victorian Herding Association's herding trial at KCC Park, all under Victorian judge Ms B Steele.

It was Louis's first go in any test, and only his second exposure to stock, so I was very proud of this little man who gained his Herding Instinct Certificate. I'm not sure who was breathing harder after it was over though, me or him, as we attempted to show that he could display "control" as well as "instinct" :-). Slowing him down will be my next challenge. I can see this boy covering a mob of hundreds of reindeer no problem, he'll just need to learn that covering three sheep doesn't require quite so much running :-).

Kulta, and my Keeshond Schatje were next, both in the next level up from the instinct test, doing a Herding Test. Kulta gained his first pass at this level, so has one more to go. While for Schatje, who already had one pass, this was his title.

I'm very proud that Schatje can now be known as Mijke Zavier C.D.X. H.T. and I believe he is the only Keeshond in Australia to have earned a herding title to date.

My very happy boy Louis
© J Lincoln

It was finally turn for my new boy Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)) to hit the show ring for the first time in Australia this weekend. This lovely boy arrived into our home when the Amethyst litter had not long been born and I was taking a break from the show ring over summer, so it has taken a while for his first outing to arrive, giving him plenty of time to settle in and get used to his new life (destroy a few items of furniture etc etc :-)).

Louis had a fantastic time at the Greensborough & District Kennel Club Championship Show, winning his first challenge over Kulta under South Australian judge Mrs B Ferguson, and getting a lot of positive attention around the Group Five ring.

But our real thrill came during the lunch break during the Working Dog Club of Victoria's Breed Competition, where amongst a line up of approximately 40 Group Five dogs of all ages, Louis was awarded Best in Show!! A huge thanks to Mr Colin Hamilton for recognising the quality of this wonderful young boy.

I'm looking forward to sharing a wonderful and successful show career with the lovely Louis, and am particularly thankful to his breeder in France, Véro Valy, for letting him come all the way to Australia.

An older photo of Alaska in the show ring
© J Lincoln

Another show win for our incredible boy Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)), just a week after his last success. Yet again he was awarded Best Intermediate in Group this time at the Canine Museum Foundation's Championship Show at KCC Park under Victorian judge Mr A Macandie.

Unfortunately Alaska, with co-owner Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels on the other end of the lead, didn't get to strut his stuff in the general specials ring with the Best in Show coming out of the Group 2 Intermediate class.

We're sure the great wins will continue for this fantastic boy!

Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) at 18 Months of Age
© V Brotto

Some more show success for our amazing boy Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) today. Out at the Sovereign City Kennel Club Championship Show, under Victorian judge Mrs J Hocking, he was awarded Best Intermediate in Group against a large and strong intermediate class. He then went on to gain Best Intermediate in Show under another Victorian judge Mrs L Watson.

This was Alaska's first weekend in the intermediate class, having only turned 18 months of age a couple of weeks ago. He was shown by his co-owner Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels with his other co-owner Pam Francis of Magpielane Kennels there to cheer on in the background.

Alaska is hard to look past, even out of coat, with lovely balance and structure, movement that takes the breath away, impressive substance, and a very strong masculine head very much like his sire's. We are very proud of him, and thankful to his breeders Mika Kujamäki and Saila Tapio for letting him come to Australia, and looking forward to all the future holds for him.

Picnic Participants - from left to right (the dogs) Kisses, Winter, Mia, Spirit, Pennja, Louis, Atticus, Katrikki, Blaze, Banjo
© V Brotto

A few of us gathered in Melbourne for a "Lappie Picnic and Walk" in Werribee, Melbourne today. It was a lovely day, catching up with some old faces, and introducing a few new ones, as we took a walk in the sunshine together before stopping for a picnic.

The dogs had a ball catching up and making new friends - they seem to always know their own breed and are very excited to see one another.

Gathering today were Kisses (Articmal Chasing Kisses), Winter (Magpielane Alkutalvi), Miia (Articmal Chasing Rainbows), Spirit (Theldaroy Spirit Dreams), Pennja (Miavig Brandy Ncream), Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA), Atticus (Articmal Tarkya Kupari), Katrikki (Armahani Amethyst Albmi), Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT) and Banjo (Magpielane Aaro)

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

Tanssija (Armahani Amethyst Aatto) enjoying this wonderous white stuff!
© K Brillinger

Tanssija playing with "Uncle Pilgrim"
© K Brillinger

Tanssija playing with "Uncle Pilgrim"
© K Brillinger

The new family together, clockwise from Tanssija is Chill, Journey and Pilgrim
© K Brillinger

It was a bitter-sweet week this week, with my beloved little girl, Tanssija (Armahani Amethyst Aatto) heading out of my arms and into those of Kit Brillinger, of Calaban Kennels in Michigan, USA. Tanssija had to stay with us a few extra weeks before she was old enough to take the long journey to America, and managed to have everyone here fall completely in love with her - both human and canine with her cheeky personality and naughty antics.

Tanssija was picked up on Monday morning, to spend the day and night having her final vet clearences. Her flight to San Fransisco left Tuesday lunch time and arrived in the afternoon (US Pacific time), before another night and day of rest prior to her domestic flight. She finally arrived in Detroit on their Wednesday evening, with me waiting by the phone at work on Thursday here anxiously watching for news that she'd arrived safe. What a journey!

I am so proud to send this beautiful, stunning girl from my lovely Emmi (Aus Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) and Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure C.C.D.) to make her mark in America. But I am especially proud of how well she handled her trip, with all the stories along the way of her winning over new friends with her happy-go-lucky nature. I had warned Kit that she may be a little unsure for a couple of days recovering from her trip, but clearly I had underestimated her lovely stable temperament. I got this email from Liz Bonner, in the USA, who lives close to Detroit International Airport, and where Kit and Tanissja stayed overnight before heading home:

"Tanssija came right out of the crate, and I took her outside to go potty while Kit signed the paperwork. As soon as she found a spot to potty, a big jet flew over us. She just looked up, as if to say, "what ever!" :)

Then we came back inside, walked right past a women vacuuming the hallway. She acted as though she had been around noisy things all her life. Once we got back to the office she ran to Kit and greeted her as though she was finally reunited with long lost family! Then, she did the same to everyone in the office. The gentleman that carried her over said "Hi pretty girl. Remember me? I'm the one who brought you over here" as he stooped down and called her to him. Tanssija seemed anxious to show her gratitude :)

She is adorable, steady as a rock, good as gold, very curious, and her positive attitude and personality is overflowing. She also seems to know her name (she comes when called like a rocket ship) and seems to understand that sitting and then looking up at you (in the cutest way possible) she will "get more attention."

Can you tell I'm smitten with her? :) I can see why you would miss her."

Tanssija is now in her new home. There is still the last of the winter snow on the ground in Michigan so she has got to experience this wonderous white stuff already (bit different from the heat waves we've been having!), and has met her new Lappie family Journey (UKC Ch Gottorp's Danish Journey, who is aunt to my Louis), Chill (Forest Trails Wind Chill Factor) and Pilgrim (UKC Ch Lecibsin Kumppani).

I'm sure I will still feel a pang in my heart as I think of her over the next little while, but I am so happy she is safe in her new home, and know she will be loved and adored by Kit and Ron, and I look forward to the photos and stories as she grows. She is such a natural showy girl, and I'm sure Kit is going to have a lot of fun with her in the ring.

Cyber kisses, my little treasure!

Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) at 18 Month of Age (in summer coat!)
© J Lincoln

Back to some show success today, with Alaska (Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) being show by his co-owner Vanessa Brotto of Articmal Kennels to Best Junior in Group at the Mt Elephant & District Kennel Club's Championship Show, under Victorian judge Miss F Ward.

Alaska, despite only having been shown a few times in Australia so far (and spending the majority of that time completely out of coat!), is over half way to his championship title, and it really surpassing out expectations, walking away with an in group award more often than not. This was only his second show in the Junior class, and we anticipate very big things from this stunning boy once he matures.

Thanks to his breeders, Mika Kujamäki and Saila Tapio for this beautiful boy!

One of the Amethyst Litter in their last days here
© J Lincoln

We said goodbye to the puppies from the Amethyst litter over the last few days, with all of them making their way into their new homes, except for Tannsija (Dancer) who will stay with us for a few more weeks.

First to go on Sunday was Lahti (Vixen) who makes her home with the Field family here in Melbourne. Lahti will hopefully join us in the show ring on special occasions, and will come back to Armahani for a litter when she is old enough. Later in the afternoon, Katrikki (Comet) left for home, also in Melbourne, with the McRae family, who have waited a long time for their own Lappie.

On Monday the four boys flew to their new homes. Mitch (Prancer) made his way to Sydney and his new owners Mary Frances and Mark, where he has already shown how smart he is by learning to sit and drop, and is giving them much joy. Zion (Dasher) was next, flying to Queensland to join Mandy and Sam, where it was apparently "love at first sight" when he arrived.

Mikka (Blitzen) then headed to northern Victoria where he will be loved and campaigned in Kulta's old stomping ground by Sharon Donaldson of Ausled Kennels. Billy (Donner) made his way to central New South Wales and the Johnston family where he will be shown with much love.

We wish all of the puppies and their new owners every success in all they do together, and plenty of love for the rest of their lives.

Happy puppy Edge (Articmal Tarkya Kaakao)
© M Brady

An exciting time for Mat & Tanya Brady, the co-owners of Edge (Articmal Tarkya Kaakao), this weekend, who took their boy up to Mackay in North Queensland for some showing fun.

The young Edge certainly gave them a wonderful time, not only coming away with his first lot of championship points, but also earning THREE Best Minor Puppy in Group awards! These were all under Queensland judges, Dr D McGreevy, Mr D Weil and Mrs R Hartmire.

A huge congratulations to Edge, Mat and Tanya!

Schatje, Louis, Emmi, Kulta and I
© M Lincoln

A happy occasion today with Louis (C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA) finally coming home from quarantine. It has been a long journey for Louis to make it here to Armahani, leaving his last home over 5 weeks ago, spending a week in LA and then the four weeks required at quarantine.

This morning I picked him up and brought him home to our new house for his first walk with Kulta and then his introduction to the rest of the gang. He's settled in well, adopting prime position as my shadow while he gets used to this next change in his life. I'm sure it will be only a matter of days before it is like he's been here forever. He is a very loving and very active boy, and I think we are going to have a lot of fun together.

Many thanks to the people who have shared and assisted in Louis' journey home.

Louis will join us in the show ring a little later in the year when the puppies have grown.