We had a simply incredible Melbourne Royal this year!

Our breed judging was held on Monday under Irish judge Mr M Forte. I took five dogs along this year, although only handled the four, with big thanks to Rachael Holloway for taking Loki's lead for the occasion (as if I had a choice!).

First in as Avicii (Armahani Lapis Lazuli Lurjus) who did an awesome job at his first royal taking 1st place in the Baby Puppy Dog class, and earning several lovely complements from the judge on his soundness.

Loki (Ch Armahani Jade Jylha) was next, taking 1st place in the Aus Bred Dog class, against some very competitive competition (amongst them all breeds Best in Show winners, and previous major royal best of breed winners). Loki shows rarely, and not in the last six months, so I was so proud of what a great job he did.

Then to Tortik (Supreme Ch Armahani Heliodorr Halu (AI) RA JC), also out for the first time in six months, who was simply on fire, and not only took 1st in his class, but went on to win firstly Dog Challenge, and then Best of Breed!

In the girls, little Kira (Armahani Lapis Loimuta) strutted her stuff in a very adorable way to take out 1st in the Baby Puppy Bitch class against some lovely competition.  She later went on to beat her brother for Baby Puppy of Breed.

Then finally my Baby (Am Ch Ch Calaban's Dirty Dancing RE ET JC) placing 1st in the Open Bitch class, and then going Reserve Bitch Challenge.

Kira had to come back into the ring a little later to compete for Baby of Ring, which we were absolutely thrilled to win.  We then got the opportunity to compete for Baby Puppy of Day, where again she did an awesome job, but the winner of that went to a very lovely German Wire Haired Pointer who went on yesterday to win Best Baby Puppy in show.

Yesterday was General Specials day and I returned with Tortik to represent our breed.  The last time I was there was 7 years ago with Emmi, where she became the first Finnish Lapphund in history to be shortlisted in group at a major Royal show.  Well, Tortik was clearly determined to follow in her footsteps, because I was incredibly proud  for us to be called out in the final 8 shortlist. 

Not to be left out, young Leevi (Armahani Kunzite Kuutamo (AI) RA JDX ET HT JC) made his way to the Royal Agility Games Trail today, getting quallies in both Snooker and Strategic Pairs.  He and his SP partner also gained 1st place, so he got to get his own royal podium photo as well!

​It was mother and son time today at Knox’s obedience and rally trial. Two passes a piece (Leevi in CCD and Rally Excellent A and Baby in Rally Advanced B and a Rally Excellent B)

Leevi broke the ‘Armahani first mum is watching curse’ and Baby overcame all of her fears in her worst nightmare trial conditions (go strong positive reinforcement history!) and didn’t die after all!!!

​Love the days people completely floor me with the unexpected! Well today was certainly one of them.

Lumi (Grand Ch Armahani Diamond Davvir (AI) CD RN JDX ADX ADO GD SPD SD ET WPD) has been retired from the show ring for quite some time, but today much to my surprise, took a little fun outing with Bianca Ralphs at Wagga, and got himself a Runner up in Group and Aus Bred in Group!

No keeping the good ones down!