Emmi in the agility ring
© mr j creative

We had a very fun and tiring weekend for the Portland Dog Obedience Club's obedience and agility trials. This was our first agility weekend away, spent with friends from our local obedience club, and what a great time we had! Largely it was a testing time for us, to see how both Emmi and Louis would cope with a full weekend of agility, and also narrow down the things we need to work on over summer.

But despite that, there was still a little bit of shining with Emmi earning her third Novice Jumping qualification, with a second fastest time in ring, under judge Mr M Tyler, and hence her Jumping Dog (JD) title.

That largely finishes off Emmi's year, having earned titles in three different disciplines (obedience, herding and agility) this year. What a star this beautiful girl is!

Our conclusion is that for Emmi, a full weekend was quite tiring, whereas Louis could have easily kept going! And we do have a few things to work on, some of which I knew about (ie weaves), and some of which were great new learnings (ie don't let someone give Louis his post-run treat up-wind of Emmi as she is commencing her own run!!)

Louis with his ribbons from the weekend
© C Whitehead

The great success continued for Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CD HT PT (Imp USA))! After our big weekend last week, we headed in another direction this time, to Millicent in South Australia. Other than a Royal a few years ago, I've never shown in South Australia, so it was lovely to spend some time there, and particular fun enoying the company of fellow Lappie enthusiasts Cait and Scott.

It was a three show weekend, and Louis was in fine form, earning RUNNER UP TO BEST EXHIBIT IN GROUP at the Saturday afternoon show under Mr P Martin of South Australia. This was a particularly nice win given during breed judging Mr Martin commented that his decision between Louis and Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)) for Best of Breed was one of the hardest decisions he'd had all day.

Then on Sunday, under Mrs D Smith of Queensland, Louis did one better, going BEST EXHIBIT IN GROUP and Best Open in Group.

We will be having a well deserved break for the next couple of weeks!

Louis being awarded Runner Up Best in Show
© S K Photography

We have had an absolute whirlwind of a weekend, and one which has certainly put Louis back into his wonderful run of this year. Very early Saturday morning, we headed up to Albury for another fun couple of days of showing, and also an obedience trial on the side for Emmi.

While the obedience certainly wasn't our most successful venture to date, in the show ring, Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CD HT PT (Imp USA)) simply shone! On Saturday he was awarded BEST EXHIBIT IN GROUP and Best Open in Group at the Albury Show Society, under Queensland judge Mrs C Speed. And then to top things off, we had the sheer thrill of going RUNNER UP TO BEST IN SHOW and Best Open in Show under Victorian judge Prof B Corbitt. On Sunday, at the Albury and Border Kennel Club, he continued his winning ways, being awarded RUNNER UP TO BEST IN GROUP , again under Prof Corbitt.

We took the drive back home on Sunday night in order to be in Melbourne for the next two days of showing at our traditional Cup Weekend shows. Monday was a miserable, muddy and rainy day at the Victorian Women's Dog Club where Louis was Best of Breed. Tuesday was a little more pleasant at the Sunbury Dog Club, our second biggest show of the year after the Melbourne Royal. There Louis was again Best of Breed, with Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)) being awarded Runner Up, and this time was shortlisted for Best in Group under our judge from the Netherlands, Mrs E Bakker Van De Woestine, a real honour at such a prestigious show!

Taija (Armahani Crystal Cuovgat) in the show ring
© N Toohey

It was back in the show ring this weekend. It was very much appreciated that the Southern Cross Kennel Club was one of the first Victorian clubs to offer the neuter class, so that swung our decision, with a few events on offer over the weekend, to enter those shows. It is always lovely to have our Lahti (Ch Armahani Amethyst Apina) out again.

We had the pleasure of exhbiting under two NZ judges, who both expressed their pleasure at being able to see some Finnish Lapphunds during their judging appointments. On Saturday night, judge Mrs C Wallace gave Emmi her Best of Breed, and followed up later in the evening with awarding Lahti Best Neuter in Group.

Then today, under judge Mrs V Mc Cambridge, Louis was Best of Breed. And this time the group honours went to a rather naked Taija (Armahani Crystal Cuovgat) being awarded Best Intermediate in Group.

I'm very proud of both of these young girls!

Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)
© M Gurney

Today we entered out first ever agility trail, held at our local club, Ballaarat Dog Obedience Club. Both Emmi and Louis were just entered in the novice jumping ring.

Louis was the first in. It was only yesterday that I remembered I hadn't really done much in the way of training him for the tyre jump! Although we had a few practice goes yesterday, the tyre with the start gates either side were clearly unfamiliar to him, because he looked at me oddly at his release, ducked underneath, and then proceeded to do the rest of the course perfectly!! Emmi, however, was the star, qualifying with a 2nd fastest time in the ring under judge Mr R Padfield.

It was Emmi's turn to shine again in the afternoon, again qualifying and again with a 2nd place in ring.

Louis' afternoon run was ..... "interesting" to say the least, as he had one of his silly-Louis moments where everything just gets a little bit too exciting!

It was a great day, and to top it off Emmi was awarded fastest club member dog for the morning trial! What a star this girl is!

Best of Breed - Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)
© animal images

Following the success of Melbourne, we headed off to the other side of the country for the Perth Royal Show. It has been a number of years since I've taken the trip, but I do love to get the opportunity to catch up with the Western Australia Lappie crowd, see dogs who have all grown up, as well as meet the new ones. It was a lovely day, spent with some lovely people!

It was Emmi's day yet again, going Best of Breed under German judge Mr Jochen Eberhardt. She had this honour last time we flew to Perth, so I think the atmosphere must certainly agree with her!

Full results from the Lapphund judging are below:

RESULTS

Dog Challenge – Mirawee Powers That Be
Reserve Dog Challenge – Ch Theldaroy Im The Best
Bitch Challenge – Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)

Best of Breed – Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)
Runner Up Best of Breed – Mirawee Powers That Be

CLASSES

Intermediate Dog (1 entry / 1 absent)

State Bred Dog (1 entry / 0 absent)
1st Ch Mirawee Powers That Be (Arlo)

Open Dog (4 entries / 1 absent)
1st Ch Theldaroy Im The Best (Boots)
2nd Ch C’est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CD HT (Imp USA) (Louis)
3rd Ch Theldaroy The Way To Go (Jari)

Intermediate Bitch (1 entry / 1 absent)

State Bred Bitch (1 entry / 1 absent)

Open Bitch (2 entries / 1 absent)
1st Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl) (Emmi)

Best of Breed - Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)
© Pedini Photography

Runner Up to Best of Breed - Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)
© Pedini Photography

Another Royal Melbourne Show! This is the big occasion for our showing calendar (although perhaps our first specialty champ show may surpass it next year)! Our breed judging was held last Wednesday 28 September, with our judge from Sweden, officially Finnish judge Mr B Skalin, lending a sense of excitement with a Scandinavian judge in the ring! It was extra special to have him provide us with his thoughts and critiques on our dogs in the ring - a normal practice in Finland, but something those of us here in Australia don't usually experience, but which most of us are a big fan of.

Matching last year, we had 25 Finnish Lapphunds entered, with three absences, including our girl Kyla (Armahani Crystal Cearpmat) who for the second year in a row inconveniently timed her season!

It was another exciting outcome for Armahani! The biggest thrill was certainly the Best of Breed win for my beautiful Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl))! For the preceding five years Emmi has been awarded RUBOB, and I'd been trying to not to hope too much that this would finally be her year! There was certainly a stray tear when Mr Skalin made his decision, and big thanks go to my fellow exhibitors who must have guessed my secret wish (or at least shared it with me) for the big cheer ringside! Emmi is the first Lapphund bitch to be awarded Best of Breed at the Royal Melbourne Show since 2002!!!

It didn't quite stop there though. Dog Challenge and Runner Up Best of Breed went to our beautiful boy Alaska (Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)), looking just spectacular after a full year away from the show ring, with a big congratulations to his co-owner and handler V Brotto of Articmal Finnish Lapphunds. The Reserve Challenges were extra special, with both going to two of our beautiful dogs, showing at their very last Royal show. The RDCC went to our "old boy" Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD HT) who certainly didn't act his 8 1/2 years as the naughtiest dog exhibiting, who will be largely retired next year. The RBCC went to our lovely cream girl Mischa (Ch Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit) with enormous congratulations to co-owners and handlers S Chouffot and G Brassington of Caleebra Finnish Lapphunds.

Mischa is the grand-daughter of Emmi and Kulta on one side of her pedigree, and the daughter of Alaska on the other side, so it certainly was a family affair for her. The top results were almost a replica of 2008 with Mischa's dam Lahti (Emmi and Kulta's daughter) taking the reserve bitch challenge that year.

Today was General Specials day, with Emmi and puppy Ruby (Taigakoira Aamutahti) representing the Lapphunds. It was thrilling indeed when Mr Skalin pulled Emmi out as one of his eight top finalists during Group 5 judging!! This is the first time a Finnish Lapphund has been shortlisted for best in group at one of the three major royal shows, so we couldn't be prouder!

Full results from the Lapphund judging are below:

RESULTS

Dog Challenge – Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)
Reserve Dog Challenge – Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD HT
Bitch Challenge – Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)
Reserve Bitch Challenge – Ch Armahani Bloodstone Mischa

Best of Breed – Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl)
Runner Up Best of Breed – Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)
Puppy of Breed – Taigakoira Aamutahti

CLASSES

Junior Dog (1 entry / 0 absent)
1st Ausvarg Dragonvalcore (Nike)

Intermediate Dog (3 entries / 0 absent)
1st Ch Watersedge Secret Agent (Larry)
2nd Armahani Bloodstone Bihci HT (Ahti)
3rd Ch Armahani Crystal Caibmat (Dolce)

Aus Bred Dog (5 entries / 1 absent)
1st Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD HT (Kulta)
2nd Articmal Dynamic Illusion HT (Taavi)
3rd Ch Theldaroy Simply Magic (Varda)

Open Dog (3 entries / 0 absent)
1st Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl) (Alaska)
2nd Ch Janoby Because I Am (Elliot)
3rd Ch C’est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CD HT (Imp USA) (Louis)

Puppy Bitch (2 entries / 1 absent)
1st Taigakoira Aamutahti (Ruby)

Junior Bitch (2 entries / 0 absent)
1st Janoby Ever So Sweet (Ella)
2nd Janoby Ever So Wild (Alera)

Intermediate Bitch (6 entries / 1 absent)
1st Ch Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit (Mischa)
2nd Kalevi Autumn Sunshine HT (Tarja)
3rd Lapinlumon Muotkakukka HT (Imp Dmk) (Mutkis)

Aus Bred Bitch (1 entry / 0 absent)
1st Ch Janoby All About Aura (Roara)

Open Bitch (2 entries / 0 absent)
1st Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD HT (Imp Fnl) (Emmi)
2nd Ch Janoby Been Looking Foru (Cheeky)

Louis earning his PT
© K Edwards

What an amazing day today was, spent at the Victorian Herding Association's Herding Trial with good friends.

It was quite the success for Armahani Kennels. Firstly with my beautiful Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD (Imp Fnl)) handled by myself, and her handsome grandson Ahti (Armahani Bloodstone Bihci) handled by Mel Scriven, both earning their two Herding Test qualifications to earn their HT titles! I couldn't be prouder, particularly when Ahti was awarded the encouragement award by the two judges across all of the dogs competing at HT level today! This boy shows a lot of promise, and I'm sure he will have lots of fun in the herding arena in the future.

Not to be outdone, Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA)) then earned his two Pre-Trial Test qualifications to gain his PT title! Louis is the first Lappie in Australia to earn this title, and I am thrilled to pieces we have made it this far.

It was a great day for the Lappies generally, with several of Kalevi Kennel's crew also gaining their HT titles, with big congratulations to Taavi (Articmal Dynamic Illusion), Mutkis (Lapinlumon Muotkakukka (Imp Dmk)), and Tarja (Kalevi Autumn Sunshine).

Emmi and Louis with Dolce and Taija
© M Gurney

We have just arrived home from a simply fantastic weekend away in Sydney for the Dogs NSW Spring Fair. It is the first time we have shown in Sydney, and while it was a great chance to go somewhere new, most importantly it was absolutely lovely to meet up with and treasure time with great friends!

Mel Scriven, with Ahti (Armhani Bloodstone Bihci), came with me for the journey, meeting up with Shareen Chouffot, with Dolce (Ch Armahani Crystal Caibmat) and Mischa (Ch Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit), half way. As I had all of my guys with me, including Kulta, who doesn't show a huge amount these days, it was quite the family reunion!

Best of all, we got to seen some of the lovely NSW Lappies, and spend a beautiful sunny weekend sharing, eating and partaking of the occasional wine :-) with many of their wonderful owners, handlers and friends.

Louis and Emmi were dog challenge and bitch challenge at all three shows, with Louis taking BOB at all three, and Emmi RUBOB at two of the three.

Louis with some of his ribbons from today
© R Diamond

Some brilliant early spring sunshine today and we headed up to Bendigo in the afternoon for their Obedience Dog Club's trial. It actually ended up quite hot for the dogs in the ring, not to mention their handler, so I think we've been firmly acclimatised to winter!

It was Louis' day, to my surprise, because today was not his best effort ..... but he did enough, earning a pass in the novice ring with a score of 177 and a 2nd place in ring, under judge Ms Y Ross (Vic).

That was his third novice qualifying score, so his CD title, and he will now be known as Aus Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CD HT (Imp USA).

Emmi has been a little "creative" in the ring on the last couple of occasions with her recall, just to keep things interesting! So no luck for her today.

Ahti (Armahani Bloodstone Bihci) - his first time herding
© N Toohey

We had just an amazingly fun day today at the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria's (FLCV) first herding fun day out at Double K Herding. We've been planning this event for a long time, and we had a number of very excited participants.

There were twelve lovely Lappies trying their paw at the herding game for the first time ever. They included Finn (Magpielane Shooting Star), Tarja (Kalevi Autumn Rain), Rex (Watersedge Kings Counsel), Taavi (Articmal Dynamic Illusion), Echo (Magpielane Dream of the Wild), Tasha (Janoby Clear Future), Mutkis (Lapinlumon Muotkakukka (Imp Dmk)), Sohvi (Watersedge Little Black Dress), Ahti (Armahani Bloodstone Bihci), Bear (Ch Janoby Clear The Way), Alera (Janoby Ever So Wild), and Ruby (Taigakoira Aamuntahti).

It was thrilling to see how well they all did, with a few future herding stars amongst them I am sure, each improving over their two runs. I was particularly proud of young Ahti, who really was a super star, and seems to have found his calling. Hopefully, after today, we will see some more Lappies out in the herding test and trial rings before too much longer.

Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA) - Runner Up Best in Group
© N Toohey

We haven't been showing a lot of date as we concentrate on a few other things, but we were out with the gang today at the Ladies Kennel Association Championship Show. There Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA)) once again did me very proud, going RUNNER UP BEST IN GROUP under judge Ms D Saltau (Vic).

I'm so very very proud of how my baby boy is doing this year and can't thank enough the judges who have recognised him!

During the week we also received some good news from one of his daughters, with the health results back for Kyla (Armahani Crystal Cearpmat) giving a hip score of 1/6 and an elbow score of 0/0.

Miia with her puppies
© S Ewenson

Even more puppy news today, with the birth of six beautiful babies sired by our Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA)) at Kalevi Kennels in the early hours of this morning.

A big congratulations to Sarah and David, and the mother of the puppies Miia (Articmal Chasing Rainbows).

Miia and Louis produced a nice even litter this time around, with three boys and three girls. All are thriving and doing well.

It will be very exciting to watch these little crazy ones grow!

Kulta with his lovely daughters Lahti and Katrikki
© J Lincoln

We had a lovely day today at the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria's walk and picnic. It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD (Imp Fnl)) and Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA)) came along with me, but it wasn't until half way through that we turned around to see the lovely surprise of Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD HT) and Schatje (Mijke Zavier CDX HT) arriving with my parents, and the bigger surprise of Lahti (Ch Armahani Amethyst Apina) who is staying with them for a couple of weeks. This was Lahti's first Lappie picnic, so we couldn't resist by get some nice family photos with her parents, sister Katrikki (Ch Armahani Amethyst Albmi) and son Ahti (Armahani Bloodstone Bihci).

More photos of the various Lappies who were at the picnic can be found by FLCV members in their latest edition of Lappie Dayz.

Tanssija with her lovely puppies
© K Brillinger

More excitment from American, this time with the birth of new grand-puppies. Our beautiful Tanssija (UKC Ch Armahani Amethyst Aatto) gave birth to seven beautiful puppies, sired by the handome UKC Gr Ch Finale Zazza Espresso.

There are two girls, and five boys, all black and tan with the exception of one of the little girls who is cream. All are thriving and doing very well.

Congratulations to Kit Brillinger of Calaban Kennels. Once again we look forward to watching these little ones grow, and hopefully doing as well as their lovely half-siblings.

The handsome Toby winning Group 4 - Calaban's Armahani IWannaTalkAboutMe
© C Peterson

It has been brilliantly exciting to share in news from the USA this weekend, as our American friends have made their debut in the Herding Group as (finally) a fully recognised American Kennel Club breed.

While there have been some great stories, with new American Champions, and incredibly, group placements on their first week, the BIG and thrilling news for us came from California. There the lovely young Toby (Calaban's Armahani IWannaTalkAboutMe) at only 13 months of age, was awarded not one, but two Group 4s (4th place in group) at his debut AKC weekend!

Toby, owned, loved and handled, by Carmen Peterson, is the son of our Tanissja (UKC Ch Armahani Amethyst Aatto) and Pilgrim (UKC Gr Ch Lecibsin Kumppani), and while officially bred by both myself and Kit Brillinger, the credit for his lovely breeding really rests solely with Kit!

To add some icing to the cake, we also received the lovely news that the young son of Alaska (Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)), Denali (Valkea's Glazier Peak), in another part of the country, was awarded a forth placed puppy in group!

We are so incredibly proud of these lovely boys and wish them and their owners many more wonderful wins to come.

The beautiful Mischa - Ch Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit
© S Chouffot

We have some exceptionally sad news to share today after so many months of good news. Late last week, both Dolce (Ch Armahani Crystal Caibmat) and Mischa (Ch Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit) went off to have their eye tests.

While Dolce'e eyes were fine, sadly Mischa has been diagnosed with Geographical Retinal Dysplasia (GRD). While hers is a very subtle case, and does not (and will not in the future) impact her vision in anyway, it does put paid to any breeding career she may have had.

Mischa will be shortly desexed. She will continue to be loved and adored by S Chouffot and G Brassington at Caleebra Kennels, where she will continue her obedience training, and will hopefully still see the show rings in the neuter class.

Huge thanks to Shareen and Glen for continuing to take such good care of this precious girl, and for making the difficult decisions that breeders often face.

No trial photos today, so instead a herding photo of Louis from yesterday
© J Watson

It was Louis' turn to shine this weekend.

After a fabulous day doing some herding training yesterday, with Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA)) definitely having one of those days where things just seemed to click, today we were off to the Broadmeadows Obedience Dog Club's obedience trial.

Both Louis and Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD (Imp Fnl)) were competing in the novice ring under judge Mrs D Ayton. Louis was the star, earning his second novice pass with a nice score of 187 and a 4th place in ring. Emmi, unfortunately didn't have so good a day for her first time in the novice ring, so it is a better luck next time for her.

Our lovely FLCV trophies
© J Lincoln

We have been hardly doing any showing these last couple of months, but the Victorian Spitz Breeds Club annual championship show is one we try never to miss. It is usually our seond biggest show of the year for the Lappies here in Victoria, seing an entry of 20 this year, with just a few absent. It was lovely to see and catch up with everyone

Despite his baldness, it was Louis' (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA)) year this year, being awarded Best of Breed. He was followed up by Taija (Armahani Crystal Cuovgat) who beat her mother to be awarded the Bitch Challenge, with Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD (Imp Fnl)) coming in as her second with the Reserve, and then taking out Runner Up Best of Breed. Emmi, or one of her daughters, has taken out the Bitch Challenge at this show every year since 2007!

Next year, the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria will be holding their inaugural championship show at the same place and venue, so with two champ shows on offer we are sure it is going to be a HUGE event!

Photo coming
© ?

We had a lovely day today in some glorious early winter sunshine (probably the last to enjoy for a while) at the Working Dog Club of Victoria's restricted to Group 5 obedience trial.

Emmi started the day in fine style, gaining her third and final qualifying score needed to gain her CCD title, doing it impressively with a score of 95 and a 1st place in her ring, under judge Mr G Eades. Emmi will now be known as Ch Lumiturpa Emmi CCD (Imp Fnl).

She continued her winning ways in the afternoon, earning a bonus qualifying score with 93 and another 1st place, under judge Mr F Brueckner.

Obviously concerned she was now hot on his tail, Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA)) pulled his paw out, and after a not very impressive performance in the morning for his first trial in the Novice ring, he made up with it with his first qualifying score of 178, which was also a 1st in ring, under judge Ms L Vaughan. Unfortunately a good portion of those lost points were due to his very naughty handler, so when she gets her act together, we should see some nice things out of him.

Louis feeling pretty happy!!
© N Boyd

I'm a relieved girl tonight, with Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA)) back home where he belongs. It has been a very quiet and lonely few days for Emmi and I without him at home.

But he has been very busy, performing some important duties at Kalevi Kennels, where he was paying a ah-hmm..... special ah-hmm...... and rather romantic visit ah-hmm..... with Miia (Articmal ChasingRainbows).

Thanks to Sarah and David for looking after my baby over the last few days, and returning him today, arriving just in time to see Emmi earn Best of Breed at the Bulla Autumn Extravaganza Oaks Show.

For more information on the (hopefully) coming litter, click HERE. For now we keep all fingers crossed!

Louis and Emmi with their qualifying certificates and ribbons
© J Meier

After a few weeks away we were back in both the show and obedience rings this weekend. Yesterday we did a double header at the Caulfield and District Kennel Club Championship Show, followed by the Dogs Victoria Twilight Fundraising Championship Show. Both Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg HT (Imp USA)) and Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa (Imp Fnl)) did me proud, taking out Best of Breed and Runner Up Best of Breed - just swtiching the order amongst themselves over the two shows. Both were shortlisted for Best in Group, but no extra ribbons to take home this time around.

But the big day was today where they were both entered the Mornington Obedience Club's Trial at KCC Park - again competing in CCD. They were in different rings, but both did me very proud. Emmi qualified under judge Ms S Stephens with a score of 89 and a 4th place, as did Louis under judge Mrs N McIlroy with a score of 92 and a 3rd place.

For Louis, it was his third qualifying score, so I am thrilled to announce that he has earned his CCD obedience title, making him now Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg CCD HT (Imp USA).

Now it is on to Novice for him, while Emmi still has one more pass to go.

Emmi - Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)
© M Lincoln

My super stars continue their winning ways over this weekend. Saturday and Sunday we were entered their first obedience trials, and my first for a number of years! To say I was excited yet very very nervous would be an understatement!

Our first effort on Saturday 23rd April, at the Easter Trials ran by the Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee of Dogs Victoria, came with great success for Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA) HT) under judge Mrs K Houlden, earning a score of 95/100 in the CCD ring, with a 2nd place, and giving him his first qualification toward his CCD title.

While Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) didn't do as well on the first day, she more than made up for it the second day on Sunday 24th April, earning a score of 92, under judge Ms C Geary, which gave her a 1st place and also her first qualification toward her CCD title. Louis is a step ahead of her however, also gaining a qualifying score of 88 on the second day, making that his second.

To top off a great weekend, today we showed at the Town and Country Kennel Club Championship Show, where under judge Mrs A Bieberitz (Vic), Louis was awarded Best of Breed, Emmi Runner Up Best of Breed, and then .... Louis made RUNNER UP BEST IN GROUP !

Emmi - Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)
© N Toohey

We took a trip to Albury for the first time this weekend, for a three day show weekend. The winning attraction was the availability of the neuter class, allowing me to bring Lahti (Ch Armahani Amethyst Apina) out for a play again. And what an amazing weekend it was!

On Friday, at the Corowa & District Kennel Club, under judge Ms P Hartwell (NSW) Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA) HT) made it back to back weekends, taking out yet another BEST IN GROUP and Open in Group. He was followed up by Lahti, who was awarded Best Neuter in Group.

Saturday it was only Lahti's turn to shine, taking another Best Neuter in Group under Ms M Thomas (NSW).

Then Sunday it was my beautiful Emmi's (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) turn, taking the best of breed over Louis and then herself going BEST IN GROUP and Open in Group under judge Ms J Ford. Taija (Armahani Crystal Cuovgat) was also shortlisted for Junior in Group, and Lahti earned her third Neuter in Group for the weekend!

What an AMAZING weekend!!

Louis - Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA) HT
© N Toohey

The amazing run continues, with an absolutely incredible win today, with Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA) HT) not only taking out another BEST IN GROUP and Best Open in Group at the Central Victoria Canine Club's Championship Show at the Bulla Exhibition Centre, but then going on to be awarded RUNNER UP BEST IN SHOW!!!! and Best Open in Show.

Enormous thanks to our judge for both group and general specials judging, Mrs V Morrow of NSW, for recognising my spectacular boy, who is certainly giving me quite the 2011!

I am still feeling a litle speechless at the year we are having. Louis has been long admired by a number of judges, but his fourth birthday has seemed to herald something special indeed, and I am thrilled with the attention we are getting. Although there have been more and more attention paid to the Lappies in the show ring over the last year or so, with a number of successful youngsters about, I honestly thought it was still a few years off before we would start to see these kind of wins in the Victorian show ring.

I am immensly proud of my boy, and truly thankful for his breeder, V Valy of Chevaloupsgreg Kennels in France for letting him come to Australia, and my good friend K Brillinger of Calaban Kennels in the USA for being his first mum while he met all of the Australian import conditions.

Only time will tell what my beautiful mama's boy still has in store.

Louis in action
© K Edwards

A change of pace today, but still one of success for my amazing boy Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)). We were entered some herding tests at KCC Park today, and he did me very proud passing both tests, giving him the qualitifications he needed to earn his HT title.

We've been out of the herding arena for a couple of years, and ventured back late last month at a three day workshop held with Canadian trainer and judge Lynn Leach. I attended a similar workshop a few years ago with Kulta, and had an amazing time, so was keen as mustard to sign Louis up when I heard she was coming out again.

Louis is full of enthusiasm for this new pastime ... perhaps a little too much at times! And I certainly have to be far quicker on my feet than I ever was with Kulta. We're hoping to find the time to dedicate outselves to it a bit more this year, and have lined up a nearby venue for the occasional practice (thanks Sam!!).

Today I tried Louis out on his paces at a VHA herding trial. There are three test levels under ANKC herding rules, herding instinct certificate (which Louis passed a couple of years ago), herding test, and pre-trial test. Louis did the middle of these two, passing both times under judges Mrs M Duke and Ms S Templeton. There is a big jump to the next level up, so now the real work begins!!

The beautiful Blaze - Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT - doing what Blaze always did best, enjoying a cuddle, at a Lappie picnic in 2008
© J Lincoln

Very very sad news for the Lappies community today with the passing this afternoon of one of our early greats, the adorable, and lover of all humans, Blaze - Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT. Beloved companion and "heart and soul dog" of his owner Vanessa of Articmal Kennels.

Most in the Australian Lappie world either knew Blaze, or at the very least have heard of him. For so many of us, he was one of the first Lappies we ever met, and one of the key reasons we were convinced they must be the most perfect breed in existence. Handsome, affectionate, adoring of all people, dogs and particularly children, and definitely addicted to continuous cuddles from every single person he ever met, I don't think there will ever be another quite like him. I lost count a long time ago of the people who would meet Blaze and decide that all they wanted for their next dog was a Lappie.

Blaze was the front runner of big winners here. A multi class in group and show winner, back when there were only a handful of Lappies ever to be seen in the show ring in Australia, a multi Royal BOB winner - I believe it was 5 Melbourne Royals in a row, and one year Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne Royals. I know a few of us asked whether he was to be retired from the Royal ring to give someone else a chance! :D Blaze was also the first Lappie to ever be titled in herding, after showing his aptitude with a deer that turned up at Vanessa's property one day.

Run free beautiful Blaze. Your legacy here will never be forgotten. Your life lives on in the progeny and grand-progeny that warm their owner's homes and hearts. Run free with the Malamute friends you grew up with, and with your dad Finn. I know you'll be there to greet your hu-mum with the biggest kiss and cuddle when it is eventually her own time to see you again.

Louis - Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)
© N Toohey

A great day for Armahani Finnish Lapphunds today. Indicating that he is on a bit of a roll, Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)) followed up his Best in Group win of a fortnight ago by taking out RUNNER UP BEST IN GROUP at the Bendigo Kennel Club Championship Show under judge Mr R Bridgford (Vic), with a big thanks to our judge.

Now four years of age, Louis is maturing into such a handsome boy, and it is a great thrill to have both fellow group 5 exhibitors and judges recognise his qualities. The Group 5 ring in Victoria is well known for some spectacularly excellent dogs, and it has always been an enormous privilege each time we are shortlisted amongst them. To be starting to see some wins amongst such a group as well is a real honour!

It was particularly nice to see our the group 5 BIG winner go on to take out Best in Show, giving me an opportunity to showcase our breed in the General Specials ring again.

It was a good day of judging generally, with Louis taking Best of Breed at both shows, and his daughter Taija (Armahani Crystal Cuovgat) being his second and taking the two Runner Up Best of Breeds, with a nice Lappie entry of seven.

In another part of the country, Louis' son Dolce (Ch Armahani Crystal Caibmat) took out Best of Breed, and our beautiful Mischa (Ch Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit) took out Runner Up Best of Breed at the Canberra Royal. Although Armahani had kind of stacked the odds this year, with only our dogs present for judging, it was lovely to hear the wonderful comments the European judge had to say, including that he believed Mischa was the nicest cream Lappie he had ever seen anywhere! That after saying that, he still hesitated between her and her brother Blaez (Armahani Bloodstone Bajann) for RUBOB is exceptionally encouraging.

All up, it was a great day for Lappies across the country. Warm congratulations go to S Ewenson with her girl Miia (Articmal Chasing Rainbows) who won Australian Bred in Group at another Victorian show, K Thompson with her girl Ella (Findol Fade To Black) awarded Puppy in Group in South Australia twice today, C Howard with her boy Nike (Ausvarg Dragon Falcore) - Scribble's son - for his two Minor Puppy in Groups in New South Wales, and R&C Seare with Riki (Theldaroy Anyone Dare To Diffa) also with a Minor Puppy in Group in Queensland. The Lappies are making their mark!

Louis - Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)
© N Toohey

Back into the show ring today, after a quiet six weeks or so. And back with a "pow!" with Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)) going BEST IN GROUP at the Sunshine Kennel Club's 78th Championship Show at the Bulla Exhibition Centre, under judge Mr Glenn Moore (Vic).

This one caught me quite unawares, and I believe my expression was fairly priceless when the judge called us out. After a good period of time of being constantly shortlisted down to the last few with my heart in my throat, it is ironic that it happened almost without me realising!

I'm so very very proud of my beautiful boy, and it was an enormous privilege to represent our breed in the general specials ring for the first time in Lappie showing history here in Victoria!!!

Sincere thanks to our judge Mr Glenn Moore for recognising the qualities of my handsome young boy. And to all of the group 5 exhibitors, both Lappie people and the numerous others, for the big cheer that accompanied his win, and the many congratulations afterward. It is extra special to know that Louis has so many fans ringside, keen to see him do well.

Mischa (Ch Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit)
© S Chouffot

Another celebration, between ours and the Chouffot/Brassington households tonight, with beautiful Mischa earning the final points needed to now be known as Australian Champion Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit.

A big cheer for this lovely girl, and her wonderful owners Shareen Chouffot and Glen Brassington. This certainly was a team effort, with the fight for Mischa's show lead meaning she was well experienced in having different handlers!

Mischa is the little cream girl known as Twinkle while she was here, from our litter with Lahti (Ch Armahani Amethyst Apina) and Alaska (Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)), making her the first second generation champion for Armahani Kennels.

Louis, Kulta and Emmi
© J Lincoln

It's been a busy time for health testing over the last month, as the Bloodstone and Crystal kids start to hit that time of their lives.

Mischa (Armahani Bloodstone Bilaidit), Dolce (Ch Armahani Crystal Caibmat) and Taija (Armahani Crystal Cuovgat) have all had their hip and elbows scores done. Mischa is a 9/8 in hips, and 0/0 in elbows, Dolce 4/4 in hips and 0/0 in elbows, and Taija 3/8 in hips and 0/0 in elbows. We're just waiting for results back also for Ahti (Armahani Bloodstone Bihci).

Today we had six Lappies in at Animal Eye Care for their annual eye check-ups and certificates, with all clear results. Certificates were renewed for Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure CCD HT), Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) and Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)), and first annual certificates received for Ahti, Kyla (Armahani Crystal Cearpmat) and Taija.

Louis - Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA) in the show ring recently
© BiJu Photography

A lovely start to the 2011 year with a show weekend, spending some time with friends at the Kyneton and District Kennel Club Championship Show yesterday and the Historic Maldon Kennel Club Championship Show at the same venue.

Yesterday was pretty special, with our girl Taija (Armahani Crystal Cuovgat), gaining her very first challenge points over her mum Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) under judge Mrs N Renwood (Vic). In all her time showing, Emmi had only ever lost the challenge to another female on three occasions, so winning against her is no easy feat. Today we almost thought she was going to do it again under judge Mrs B Doyle (Vic) who commented that Taija is fast coming up behind Emmi.

It was also a great weekend for Louis (Ch C'est Louis Armstrong des Chevaloupsgreg (Imp USA)) who took the Best of Breed and was shortlisted for group at both shows, and was awarded Best Open in Group yesterday.

We don't show a lot over summer, and won't be out for the rest of this month, but it was a lovely start to 2011!