23 December 2018
Alaska's first babies are born at Articmal
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.
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.
20 December 2008
Memphis leaves quarantine for his new home
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.
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.
12 December 2008
Frozen semen arrives in Australia from Fin Ch Lumiturpa Taatsi
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.
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.
7 December 2008
A Finnish Lapphund picnic in Melbourne for Christmas
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.
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.
23 November 2008
Ending the year with another Intermediate in Group for Alaska
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!
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!
21 November 2008
Welcoming our new boy Memphis to Australia
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!
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!
23 September 2008
Armahani takes a clean sweep at this year's Melbourne Royal
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.
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.
21 September 2008
Edge becomes an Australian Champion
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!
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!
12 September 2008
More Royal success in Adelaide with Alaska BOB and Emmi RUBOB
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.
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.
29 August 2008
Frozen semen arrives safely in Australia from the famous Ressi
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!
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!
14 August 2008
Alaska is BOB at Queensland Royal
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.
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.
28 July 2008
Tanssija becomes a UKC Champion in America with three group placements
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!
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!
26 July 2008
Alaska becomes an Australian Champion and is Best Intermediate in Group
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.
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.
12 July 2008
Kulta earns his Herding Test (HT) title
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".
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".
21 June 2008
Louis earns another Best Junior in Group
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.
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.
14 June 2008
Louis is awarded Best Junior in Group
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!!!!
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!!!!
30 May 2008
Scribble becomes an Australian Champion
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!
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!
24 May 2008
Louis is awarded Best Junior in Group
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.
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.
10 May 2008
Schatje, Kulta and Louis all have success in herding tests
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.
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.
19 April 2008
Louis has his first show in Australia
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.
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.
6 April 2008
Alaska is awarded another Best Intermediate in Group
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!
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!
30 March 2008
Alaska is awarded Best Intermediate in Show
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.
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.
24 March 2008
An Easter Lappie picnic in Melbourne
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.
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.
21 March 2008
Saying goodbye to Tanssija - a little Aussie in America
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!
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!
8 March 2008
Alaska is awarded Best Junior in Group
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!
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!
19 February 2008
Saying goodbye as the puppies go home
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.
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.
3 February 2008
Show success for Edge in far north Queensland
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!
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!
12 January 2008
Louis comes home and joins the gang at Armahani
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.
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.
23 December 2007
Emmi and Kulta's seven previous puppies are born
Puppies born today!!! It is with much excitement that I can finally announce the birth of the first litter at Armahani, 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 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.
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 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.
14 December 2007
Louis finally arrives in Australia and back to his mum's arms
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.
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.
2 December 2007
Kulta earns his Community Companion Dog (CCD) obedience title
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!
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!
19 November 2007
Kulta and Emmi are expecting puppies
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.
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.
17 November 2007
Kulta's herding adventure
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!
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!
13 October 2007
Emmi is awarded Best Intermediate in Group
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!
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!
30 September 2007
Emmi is Runner up in Group at the Perth Royal show
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)
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)
25 September 2007
Lappies at the Melborne Royal show
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)
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)
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15 September 2007
A Lappie picnic at Albert Park
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.
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.
18 September 2010
Fun at another FLCV walk and picnic
Today we attended another of the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria's regular Lappie Walks and Picnics, this one held at Albert Park. These are always great days, catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, seeing new puppies our and about, and watching how others have grown.
It was a great turn out this time around, with lots of old and new faces. There were even three pups from a recent Janoby Kennel litter, and three pups from a recent Kalevi Kennels litter, all catching up with their siblings!
For ourselves, it was lovely to catch up with Katrikki (Armahani Amethyst Albmi) and Kirra (Armahani Crystal Cumma) and their families. It was been a while since I’ve seen Katrikki, so it was very exciting to see how breathtakingly beautiful she is!
More photos can be seen on the FLCV web site.
It was a great turn out this time around, with lots of old and new faces. There were even three pups from a recent Janoby Kennel litter, and three pups from a recent Kalevi Kennels litter, all catching up with their siblings!
For ourselves, it was lovely to catch up with Katrikki (Armahani Amethyst Albmi) and Kirra (Armahani Crystal Cumma) and their families. It was been a while since I’ve seen Katrikki, so it was very exciting to see how breathtakingly beautiful she is!
More photos can be seen on the FLCV web site.
2 September 2007
Alaska debuts with two Puppy in Groups while in NSW Scribble is Best Baby in Group
Vanessa Brotto from Articmal 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!
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!
12 August 2007
Girls shine this weekend with Emmi and Scribble both earning class in group/show awards
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!
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!
29 July 2007
Louis is Best Novice Puppy in Show twice in the USA
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!
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!
8 July 2007
Kya's puppies go home, Alaska comes home and Emmi is Best Intermediate in Show
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.
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.
8 June 2007
Alaska finally arrives in Australia and we have our first visit
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 and Pam Francis from Magpielane, 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!!!
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!!!
10 May 2007
Kya and Tarka's eight precious babies are born
Puppies born today!!! It is with much excitement that Vanessa Brotto of Articmal 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.
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.
4 May 2007
Louis has his first win at the Finnish Lapphund Club of America specialty match
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 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.
25 April 2007
Back home in Australia
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:
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
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21 April 2007
Alaska is Best Opposite Sex Puppy again in Finland
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.
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.
14 April 2007
Introducing our new boy .... Louis
The big news from Armahani 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.
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.
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25 March 2007
Alaska is Best Opposite Sex Puppy at Finland Specialty Show
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.
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.
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11 March 2007
Kya and Tarka prepare for parenthood
Over the last few days our girl Kya (Watersedge Tru Diamond (IID)), jointly owned with Vanessa Brotto of Articmal has been mated to the Swedish import Tarka (Fjällfarmens Ummiko (Imp Swd)), owned by Magpielane. 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.
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.
25 February 2007
Alaska has his first win in Finland
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.
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.
18 January 2007
Hip and elbow results for Kya and Emmi
It is a really happy and excited household here at Armahani 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.
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.
1 January 2007
Introducing our new boy ... Alaska
A very Happy New Year from all at Armahani!
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 and Pam Francis of Magpielane. 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.
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 and Pam Francis of Magpielane. 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.
25 December 2006
Merry Christmas from all at Armahani
To all of our friends, and those who like to drop in on occasion to see the latest news at Armahani, we'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
It has been an exciting year here, starting with the arrival of Emmi into our family, and continuing with the wonderous success she has had here in Australia to date. Schatje and Kulta have both had some success in the herding ring, and Kulta has also made it 2/3rds of the way to gaining his first obedience title. Hopefully each of them will continue with their success over the following 12 months.
We are expecting a very big year in 2007, with some interesting announcements planned and hoped for, so please check in every so often to see what we are up to.
Have a very safe and happy Christmas, and a successful 2007 filled with friends, laughter and joy!
It has been an exciting year here, starting with the arrival of Emmi into our family, and continuing with the wonderous success she has had here in Australia to date. Schatje and Kulta have both had some success in the herding ring, and Kulta has also made it 2/3rds of the way to gaining his first obedience title. Hopefully each of them will continue with their success over the following 12 months.
We are expecting a very big year in 2007, with some interesting announcements planned and hoped for, so please check in every so often to see what we are up to.
Have a very safe and happy Christmas, and a successful 2007 filled with friends, laughter and joy!
3 December 2006
A Lappie Christmas picnic
Today we had our end of year "Lappie Picnic" and general play time.
Much fun was had by lappies and humans alike with a few newcomers (both human and lappie) and many of the traditional crew playing and tumbling (the lappies that is).
As well as Kulta, Emmi & Kya, today we had Anika (Articmal Able To Achieve), Pennja (Miavig Brandy Ncream), Leila (Terhakan Utu Leena), Kusko (Setareh Tarmo), Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT), Willoughby (Setareh Simo), Koda (Articmal Born To Blaze), Loka (Theldaroy Best By Far) and Tor (Articmal Born To Be Wild).
Photos of today's picnic can be found HERE. Photos from previous picnics can be found in the Photo Albums.
Much fun was had by lappies and humans alike with a few newcomers (both human and lappie) and many of the traditional crew playing and tumbling (the lappies that is).
As well as Kulta, Emmi & Kya, today we had Anika (Articmal Able To Achieve), Pennja (Miavig Brandy Ncream), Leila (Terhakan Utu Leena), Kusko (Setareh Tarmo), Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT), Willoughby (Setareh Simo), Koda (Articmal Born To Blaze), Loka (Theldaroy Best By Far) and Tor (Articmal Born To Be Wild).
Photos of today's picnic can be found HERE. Photos from previous picnics can be found in the Photo Albums.
26 November 2006
Emmi is awarded Best Intermediate in Group
Other than Royals and a few select shows with friends, there hasn't been a lot of showing from us here at Armahani over the second half of the year as the kids concentrate on their obedience training. But this weekend we took a couple of days to enjoy.
Yesterday was our highlight day, with my precious Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl) "Emmi"awarded Best Intermediate in Group at the Daylesford & District Agriculture Show. Group 5 judging was split for this show, so while breed judging, where Emmi was also awarded Bitch Challenge and Best of Breed, was by Victorian judge Mr I Hinde, group judging was conducted by South Australian judge Mr M Brown. Emmi has only recently turned 18 months of age and moved into the Intermediate class, so this was her first of these wins.
Today at the Sovereign City Kennel Club Champ Show under Mrs L Harwood, Emmi was again awarded the Bitch Challenge and this time Runner up Best of Breed.
Kulta didn't have the best of weekends, coming up lame on Saturday from a shoulder injury - I suspect caused by the huge head-over-heels multi-somersault tumble he took on Friday when kamikaze-Emmi launched at him from across the other side of the dog park :-D! So I think he will need a few days of rest to heal (if his girlfriend will only allow it!).
Yesterday was our highlight day, with my precious Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl) "Emmi"awarded Best Intermediate in Group at the Daylesford & District Agriculture Show. Group 5 judging was split for this show, so while breed judging, where Emmi was also awarded Bitch Challenge and Best of Breed, was by Victorian judge Mr I Hinde, group judging was conducted by South Australian judge Mr M Brown. Emmi has only recently turned 18 months of age and moved into the Intermediate class, so this was her first of these wins.
Today at the Sovereign City Kennel Club Champ Show under Mrs L Harwood, Emmi was again awarded the Bitch Challenge and this time Runner up Best of Breed.
Kulta didn't have the best of weekends, coming up lame on Saturday from a shoulder injury - I suspect caused by the huge head-over-heels multi-somersault tumble he took on Friday when kamikaze-Emmi launched at him from across the other side of the dog park :-D! So I think he will need a few days of rest to heal (if his girlfriend will only allow it!).
8 October 2006
Kulta earns another CCD obedience trial pass and is placed third in the ring
We were back in the obedience ring today, trialing at the Knox Obedience Dog Club trial. My clever boy Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure) earned his second pass in the CCD (Community Companion Dog) class, increasing his score by 3 from last time to earn 91 points, and being placed third in the ring, under judge Mrs U May (Vic). Kulta now has one more pass to earn to gain his CCD title.
Kulta went back into the ring later in the day for a second go, but was far too tired (and far too interested in the magpie sitting watching him in the empty ring next door!) to manage a repeat performance. He did, however, provide some fantastic entertainment for those watching on the sidelines from our club Croydon & District Obedience Dog Club. When Kulta is hot he is hot, and when he's not .... well let's just say all you can do is laugh, and the judge and I certainly had a good chuckle together.
Regardless he is my super-star tonight and will be thoroughly spoiled for dinner.
Kulta went back into the ring later in the day for a second go, but was far too tired (and far too interested in the magpie sitting watching him in the empty ring next door!) to manage a repeat performance. He did, however, provide some fantastic entertainment for those watching on the sidelines from our club Croydon & District Obedience Dog Club. When Kulta is hot he is hot, and when he's not .... well let's just say all you can do is laugh, and the judge and I certainly had a good chuckle together.
Regardless he is my super-star tonight and will be thoroughly spoiled for dinner.
21 September 2006
Lappies at the Melbourne Royal Show
Another Royal today, this time our home based Melbourne Royal show, and an exciting year it was, with Emmi being awarded Bitch Challenge and Runner-Up Best of Breed, and Kulta Reserve Dog Challenge, under Argentinean judge Mrs Jacqueline Quiros-Kubat. I was very proud of both of my babies!
A big congratulations to Kulta's "big brother" Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT), owned by Vanessa Brotto of Articmal, for winning his third Melbourne Royal BOB in a row (and also his third Royal Show BOB this year, having earned the award at Queensland and Sydney Royal shows).
For the second year in a row I also had the pleasure of handling the lovely Jaska (Fjällfarmens Raimo (Imp Swd)), owned by Pam Francis of Magpielane, to a first place in his class.
It was another lovely day, although certainly long with our breed judging being right at the end of the day.
Full results are below:
DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
BITCH CHALLENGE: CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FNL) (Macey)
BEST OF BREED: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
PUPPY OF BREED: ARTICMAL BORN TOBE WILD (Tor)
CLASSES:
PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE 1662 WJ Gill ARTICMAL BORN TOBE WILD (Tor)
JUNIOR DOG
ABSENT 1663 V Brotto SETAREH TARMO (Kusko)
INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE 1664 P Francis FJALLFARMENS RAIMO (IMP SWD) (Jaska)
2ND PLACE 1666 Janoby Kennels JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
ABSENT 1665 P Francis FJALLFARMENS UMMIKO (IMP SWD) (Tarka)
AUSTRALIAN BRED DOG
1ST PLACE 1667 JL Lincoln CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE 1668 V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
JUNIOR BITCH
1ST PLACE 1670 JL Lincoln CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
2ND PLACE 1669 M Graham & L&R Seare THELDAROY SWEET DREAMS (Heli)
AUS BRED BITCH
1ST PLACE 1671 Janoby Kennels JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 1672 V Brotto CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FNL) (Macey)
2ND PLACE 1673 Janoby Kennels CH THELDAROY WILD ABOUT ME (Kiki)
A big congratulations to Kulta's "big brother" Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT), owned by Vanessa Brotto of Articmal, for winning his third Melbourne Royal BOB in a row (and also his third Royal Show BOB this year, having earned the award at Queensland and Sydney Royal shows).
For the second year in a row I also had the pleasure of handling the lovely Jaska (Fjällfarmens Raimo (Imp Swd)), owned by Pam Francis of Magpielane, to a first place in his class.
It was another lovely day, although certainly long with our breed judging being right at the end of the day.
Full results are below:
DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
BITCH CHALLENGE: CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FNL) (Macey)
BEST OF BREED: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
PUPPY OF BREED: ARTICMAL BORN TOBE WILD (Tor)
CLASSES:
PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE 1662 WJ Gill ARTICMAL BORN TOBE WILD (Tor)
JUNIOR DOG
ABSENT 1663 V Brotto SETAREH TARMO (Kusko)
INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE 1664 P Francis FJALLFARMENS RAIMO (IMP SWD) (Jaska)
2ND PLACE 1666 Janoby Kennels JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
ABSENT 1665 P Francis FJALLFARMENS UMMIKO (IMP SWD) (Tarka)
AUSTRALIAN BRED DOG
1ST PLACE 1667 JL Lincoln CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE 1668 V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
JUNIOR BITCH
1ST PLACE 1670 JL Lincoln CH LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
2ND PLACE 1669 M Graham & L&R Seare THELDAROY SWEET DREAMS (Heli)
AUS BRED BITCH
1ST PLACE 1671 Janoby Kennels JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 1672 V Brotto CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FNL) (Macey)
2ND PLACE 1673 Janoby Kennels CH THELDAROY WILD ABOUT ME (Kiki)
17 September 2006
Another Lappie picnic held in Victoria
Today a few of our Lappies here in Victoria gathered again for their regular "Lappie Picnic" and general play time. This time there were 13 lappies present (and their owners) as well as honourary member, my Keeshond Schatje.
A generally fatastic day of running, playing, tumbling and begging for food was had by all, leaving my kids happily exhausted this evening.
As well as Kulta, Emmi & Kya, present were Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT "Blaze", Ch Viksalan Jiella (Imp Fnl) "Macey", their son Articmal Born To Be Wild (Tor) and daughter Articmal Able To Achieve, Theldaroy Best By Far "Loka", Fjällfarmens Raimo (Imp Swd) "Jaska", his two sons Setareh Simo "Willoughby" and Setareh Tarmo "Kusko", Fjällfarmens Ummiko (Imp Swd) "Tarka"and for the first time, Australia's most recent import Terhakan Utu Leena (Imp Fnl) "Leila".
A generally fatastic day of running, playing, tumbling and begging for food was had by all, leaving my kids happily exhausted this evening.
As well as Kulta, Emmi & Kya, present were Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT "Blaze", Ch Viksalan Jiella (Imp Fnl) "Macey", their son Articmal Born To Be Wild (Tor) and daughter Articmal Able To Achieve, Theldaroy Best By Far "Loka", Fjällfarmens Raimo (Imp Swd) "Jaska", his two sons Setareh Simo "Willoughby" and Setareh Tarmo "Kusko", Fjällfarmens Ummiko (Imp Swd) "Tarka"and for the first time, Australia's most recent import Terhakan Utu Leena (Imp Fnl) "Leila".
2 September 2006
Kulta earns his first obedience trial pass in CCD
There were plenty of tears today when my gorgeous boy Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure) earned his first ever obedience pass in the new CCD (Community Companion Dog) class with a nice score of 88 points (out of 100, with a pass being 75). We were trialing at the Sunbury & District Obedience Dog Club, under judge Mr G Eades (Vic) who was very complimentary about Kulta's working potential.
It has been a very long and hard road to get Kulta to this point (hence the tears!). Unlike Schatje and Emmi, Kulta is a very chilled, laid back dog, with not a lot of working drive. So, up until recently, I had given up on ever taking him into the obedience ring. It has only been over the past month or so that I've been watching him and thinking perhaps we could give it a go after all. So I just so proud of him, and thrilled to pieces with his small achievement today.
Huge thanks to those who have encouraged me to keep faith in Kulta's potential. In particular my friend Chris Geary, who was there to cheer us on today and whose own boy, Kulta's German Spitz mate Jai (Aus Ch Ryfrost Worth the Wait) earned his CCD title today. And also Linda Vaughan of Absolutely Fabulous Dog Training for her recent help and encouragement to give Kulta the chance.
It has been a very long and hard road to get Kulta to this point (hence the tears!). Unlike Schatje and Emmi, Kulta is a very chilled, laid back dog, with not a lot of working drive. So, up until recently, I had given up on ever taking him into the obedience ring. It has only been over the past month or so that I've been watching him and thinking perhaps we could give it a go after all. So I just so proud of him, and thrilled to pieces with his small achievement today.
Huge thanks to those who have encouraged me to keep faith in Kulta's potential. In particular my friend Chris Geary, who was there to cheer us on today and whose own boy, Kulta's German Spitz mate Jai (Aus Ch Ryfrost Worth the Wait) earned his CCD title today. And also Linda Vaughan of Absolutely Fabulous Dog Training for her recent help and encouragement to give Kulta the chance.
14 August 2006
Lappies at the Royal Queensland Show
Today was the culmination of lots of planning and a very long journey for Vanessa Brotto of Articmal, and myself (made longer by our lack of navigation skills!), along with four of our Lappies to make it from here in Victoria to the Queensland Royal for the first time for both of us this year. With an entry of 20 Finnish Lapphunds (our biggest entry for a Royal Show yet!) we knew we just had to be there, with the added bonus of seeing some of the country's Lappies that we knew only by name and reputation.
Both Kulta and Emmi were placed first in their classes under South African judge Mrs L Brand - Kulta in the Australian Bred Dog Class and Emmi in the Junior Bitch Class. Emmi then went on to be awarded Reserve Bitch Challenge, a thrilling feat for my lovely girl at such a young age, and out of coat (mind you, what little she had was fluffed up to within an inch of its life!).
Full results are below:
DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (IMP FNL) (Manu)
BITCH CHALLENGE: CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FNL) (Macey)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
BEST OF BREED: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (IMP FNL) (Manu)
PUPPY OF BREED: THELDAROY SWEET DREAMS (Heli)
CLASSES:
JUNIOR DOG
1ST PLACE 1341 LC & RA Seare ARTICMAL ABLE TO SHINE (Osky)
2ND PLACE 1342 MG Waters CH ARTICMAL ABLE TO ACHIEVE (Jaari)
ABSENT 1340 V Brotto SETAREH TARMO (Kusko)
INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE 1343 CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (Imp Fnl) (Manu)
AUS BRED DOG
1ST PLACE 1344 JL Lincoln CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
2ND PLACE 1346 MG Waters CH WATERSEDGE ALIAS ALEKSI (IID) (Aleksi)
3RD PLACE 1345 LC & RA Seare THELDAROY SO EZY TO B ME (IID) (Teppo)
OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE 1347 V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
2ND PLACE 1348 LC & RA Seare CH MIEHTEBIEKKA URSUS (IMP FNL) (Ursus)
PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE 1349 MR Graham, L&R Seare THELDAROY SWEET DREAMS (Heli)
JUNIOR BITCH
1ST PLACE 1351 JL Lincoln LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
2ND PLACE 1352 LC & RA Seare CH WATERSEDGE TRU CALLING (Enya)
3RD PLACE 1353 MG Waters WATERSEDGE TRU COLOURS (IID) (Katja)
ABSENT 1350 V Brotto & JL Lincoln WATERSEDGE TRU DIAMOND (IID) (Kya)
INTERMEDIATE BITCH
1ST PLACE 1354 MG Waters CH FIDELIS HALTIATAR (IMP FNL) (Taru)
AUS BRED BITCH
1ST PLACE 1355 MG Waters WATERSEDGE TRU DESTINY (IID) (Jaana)
2ND PLACE 1356 LC & RA Seare CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 1357 V Brotto CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FNL) (Macey)
2ND PLACE 1358 LC & RA Seare CH FIDELIS GRATIA FINNICA (IMP FNL) (Angel)
3RD PLACE 1359 MG Waters GR CH THELDAROY WILD NOT ME (Laani)
Both Kulta and Emmi were placed first in their classes under South African judge Mrs L Brand - Kulta in the Australian Bred Dog Class and Emmi in the Junior Bitch Class. Emmi then went on to be awarded Reserve Bitch Challenge, a thrilling feat for my lovely girl at such a young age, and out of coat (mind you, what little she had was fluffed up to within an inch of its life!).
Full results are below:
DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (IMP FNL) (Manu)
BITCH CHALLENGE: CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FNL) (Macey)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
BEST OF BREED: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (IMP FNL) (Manu)
PUPPY OF BREED: THELDAROY SWEET DREAMS (Heli)
CLASSES:
JUNIOR DOG
1ST PLACE 1341 LC & RA Seare ARTICMAL ABLE TO SHINE (Osky)
2ND PLACE 1342 MG Waters CH ARTICMAL ABLE TO ACHIEVE (Jaari)
ABSENT 1340 V Brotto SETAREH TARMO (Kusko)
INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE 1343 CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (Imp Fnl) (Manu)
AUS BRED DOG
1ST PLACE 1344 JL Lincoln CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
2ND PLACE 1346 MG Waters CH WATERSEDGE ALIAS ALEKSI (IID) (Aleksi)
3RD PLACE 1345 LC & RA Seare THELDAROY SO EZY TO B ME (IID) (Teppo)
OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE 1347 V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
2ND PLACE 1348 LC & RA Seare CH MIEHTEBIEKKA URSUS (IMP FNL) (Ursus)
PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE 1349 MR Graham, L&R Seare THELDAROY SWEET DREAMS (Heli)
JUNIOR BITCH
1ST PLACE 1351 JL Lincoln LUMITURPA EMMI (IMP FNL) (Emmi)
2ND PLACE 1352 LC & RA Seare CH WATERSEDGE TRU CALLING (Enya)
3RD PLACE 1353 MG Waters WATERSEDGE TRU COLOURS (IID) (Katja)
ABSENT 1350 V Brotto & JL Lincoln WATERSEDGE TRU DIAMOND (IID) (Kya)
INTERMEDIATE BITCH
1ST PLACE 1354 MG Waters CH FIDELIS HALTIATAR (IMP FNL) (Taru)
AUS BRED BITCH
1ST PLACE 1355 MG Waters WATERSEDGE TRU DESTINY (IID) (Jaana)
2ND PLACE 1356 LC & RA Seare CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 1357 V Brotto CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FNL) (Macey)
2ND PLACE 1358 LC & RA Seare CH FIDELIS GRATIA FINNICA (IMP FNL) (Angel)
3RD PLACE 1359 MG Waters GR CH THELDAROY WILD NOT ME (Laani)
6 August 2006
Schatje passes his first herding test and Emmi her herding instinct test
Today all three of my dogs were entered in herding tests being run by the Victorian Herding Association in country Victoria. Emmi (Ch Lumiturpa Emmi (ImpFnl)), at her first herding trial and only her second exposure to sheep, gained her first Herding Instinct Test qualification. And Schatje (Mijke Zavier CDX) gained his first qualification at the Herding Test level.
Unfortunately it wasn't so successful a day for Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure), also competing at the Herding Test level, who just let his enthusiasm get a bit too much the better of him to manage a pass today.
For more information regarding herding in Australia the About Dog Sports page has a description of herding under ANKC rules.
Unfortunately it wasn't so successful a day for Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure), also competing at the Herding Test level, who just let his enthusiasm get a bit too much the better of him to manage a pass today.
For more information regarding herding in Australia the About Dog Sports page has a description of herding under ANKC rules.
9 July 2006
Emmi becomes and Australian Champion and then is awarded Best Junior in Show
We had a big two days of showing this weekend with a couple of Lappies (and their owners of course) visiting from Western Australia, and the 10th Anniversary Championship Show for the Victorian Spitz Breeds Club, where we had the fourth largest breed entry with 13 Lappies!
Not only was Emmi awarded Bitch Challenge and Runner Up Best of Breed on both days, not only did she become an Australian Champion, but she also excited the life out of me today by being awarded Best Junior In Show under Victorian judge Mr R Bridgford at the Victorian Spitz Breeds Club Championship Show.
I was certainly amazed and thrilled by this win because Emmi has lost her lovely Finnish winter puppy coat over the last few weeks (and spread it all over our house!)
What a way to finish!
Not only was Emmi awarded Bitch Challenge and Runner Up Best of Breed on both days, not only did she become an Australian Champion, but she also excited the life out of me today by being awarded Best Junior In Show under Victorian judge Mr R Bridgford at the Victorian Spitz Breeds Club Championship Show.
I was certainly amazed and thrilled by this win because Emmi has lost her lovely Finnish winter puppy coat over the last few weeks (and spread it all over our house!)
What a way to finish!
2 July 2006
Emmi has her first herding lesson
I took Emmi (Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl)) along with Kulta (Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure) and Schatje (Mijke Zavier CDX) for her first herding lesson today, where she once again showed just what a naughty yet brilliant girl she is.
First to have his lesson was Schatje, in the big yard, while Emmi and Kulta were tethered at the side to wait their turn. Emmi had no interest in waiting, being quite entranced with those running fluffy things, and kept up a constant bark at about 200 decibels! I'm not sure if Schatje could hear me over the din - I certainly couldn't hear our instructor Ross, that's for sure.
It was right at the end of Schatje's lesson that Kulta came bolting over to us, half his lead dangling, the other half still on the fence. We were ready to blame him until half way through his lesson (again accompanied by the loud rock-music of Emmi's voice) we noticed my little miss innocence quickly chewing through Schatje's lead inbetween barks!
So two good Black-Dog leads, and the loss of our hearing later, we left the sheep to nurse their migraines, and made our way to the small yard where another group of sheep were to experience Emmi in the flesh.
My eyebrows rose when Ross suggested I drop her lead, but didn't she surprise me. Rather than the chaos I anticipated, Emmi did a fantastic job for her first lesson - steady, certain, focused. She showed quite a natural aptitude in gathering and keeping the sheep together and moving (unlike Kulta who can cut corners and split them a bit), and even managed to stop when told (well ... the third time!), and recall away from them. I was mightily proud that's for sure.
First to have his lesson was Schatje, in the big yard, while Emmi and Kulta were tethered at the side to wait their turn. Emmi had no interest in waiting, being quite entranced with those running fluffy things, and kept up a constant bark at about 200 decibels! I'm not sure if Schatje could hear me over the din - I certainly couldn't hear our instructor Ross, that's for sure.
It was right at the end of Schatje's lesson that Kulta came bolting over to us, half his lead dangling, the other half still on the fence. We were ready to blame him until half way through his lesson (again accompanied by the loud rock-music of Emmi's voice) we noticed my little miss innocence quickly chewing through Schatje's lead inbetween barks!
So two good Black-Dog leads, and the loss of our hearing later, we left the sheep to nurse their migraines, and made our way to the small yard where another group of sheep were to experience Emmi in the flesh.
My eyebrows rose when Ross suggested I drop her lead, but didn't she surprise me. Rather than the chaos I anticipated, Emmi did a fantastic job for her first lesson - steady, certain, focused. She showed quite a natural aptitude in gathering and keeping the sheep together and moving (unlike Kulta who can cut corners and split them a bit), and even managed to stop when told (well ... the third time!), and recall away from them. I was mightily proud that's for sure.
3 June 2006
Emmi is awarded Best Junior in Group
After a couple of weeks break, we were back in the show ring today where my beautiful Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl) "Emmi" was again awarded Best Junior in Group at the Box Hill & District Kennel Club Championship Show under Victorian judge Mrs E Warner.
Mrs Warner's exclamation to me on handing over the ribbon was "I just love her!". And if the congratulations outside of the ring are anything to go by, I think that opinion may be shared by a few.
Emmi is now only a few challenges short of her Australian Championship, earning her biggest challenge so far, a 10 point Best of Breed, a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, her brother Eppu who she grew up with in Finland is wowing them back in the home country and earning some seriously impressive wins.
How lucky am I to have this beautiful girl as my foundation!
Mrs Warner's exclamation to me on handing over the ribbon was "I just love her!". And if the congratulations outside of the ring are anything to go by, I think that opinion may be shared by a few.
Emmi is now only a few challenges short of her Australian Championship, earning her biggest challenge so far, a 10 point Best of Breed, a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, her brother Eppu who she grew up with in Finland is wowing them back in the home country and earning some seriously impressive wins.
How lucky am I to have this beautiful girl as my foundation!
13 May 2006
Kulta and Schatje earn their Herding Instinct Certificate
Yet another win for our boy Alaska (Ch Teelikamentten Iikka (Imp Fnl)) this weekend. We took a bit of a trip with a number of our Lappies to Mildura, in Victoria's North-West, for a weekend of showing. My "home" ground, Mildura was where I first started showing Lapphunds a number of years ago, before moving back to Melbourne. So it is always lovely to visit, see old faces, and enjoy the slightly warmer weather.
Alaska was shortlisted for Group in both of the shows attended this weekend, and then awarded Best Open in Group by judge Mr T Syme (Vic) at the Red Cliffs Ladies Kennel and Obedience Club Championship Show.
We are very proud of our beautiful boy!
Alaska was shortlisted for Group in both of the shows attended this weekend, and then awarded Best Open in Group by judge Mr T Syme (Vic) at the Red Cliffs Ladies Kennel and Obedience Club Championship Show.
We are very proud of our beautiful boy!
29 April 2006
Emmi is awarded Best Junior in Group
Another win for my beautiful girl Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl) being awarded Best Junior in Group at the Central Victorian Canine Club Championship Show under Queensland judge Mr N Wood.
Emmi only had her first birthday a few days ago and started entering in the Junior class, and after her Puppy in Group win just last week it is clear this girl has something special to wow them with!
To say I am proud of her is just such an understatement!
Emmi only had her first birthday a few days ago and started entering in the Junior class, and after her Puppy in Group win just last week it is clear this girl has something special to wow them with!
To say I am proud of her is just such an understatement!
28 April 2006
Kulta and Kya both test clear for prcd-PRA
Results from Optigen have arrived for prcd-PRA status of both Kulta (Aus Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure) and Kya (Watersedge Tru Diamond (IID)).
I am very pleased to announce that both have come back with the genotype normal/clear. This will certainly make some of my breeding plans easier as it means neither can pass the PRA gene onto their offspring.
Generally results have Australia have been positive, with mostly normal/clear, only a few carriers to date and no affecteds. The future for this breed in Australia is only brighter.
For more information about prcd-PRA in the Finnish Lapphund please see the Health & Care page.
I am very pleased to announce that both have come back with the genotype normal/clear. This will certainly make some of my breeding plans easier as it means neither can pass the PRA gene onto their offspring.
Generally results have Australia have been positive, with mostly normal/clear, only a few carriers to date and no affecteds. The future for this breed in Australia is only brighter.
For more information about prcd-PRA in the Finnish Lapphund please see the Health & Care page.
222 April 2006
Emmi is awarded Best Puppy in Group
A very exciting day today with my beautiful girl Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl) being awarded Best Puppy in Group 5! This was at the Greensborough & District Kennel Club Championship Show which was held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, with a big thanks to Queensland judge Mrs S Johnson for recognising just what a special girl Emmi is.
It was also lovely to gain the congratulations of many other Group 5 exhibitors watching outside the ring who have been admiring Emmi since she hit the Australian show scene just four weeks ago.
This was Emmi's last show in the Puppy Class, as she has her first birthday in a couple of days time. To date she has been awarded the bitch challenge in every show she has been in, and Best of Breed in the majority.
Lots of Emmi kisses and cuddles (and they are plentiful!) across the miles to Matti, Riitta and Johanna in Finland! Thank you yet again for this stunning girl.
It was also lovely to gain the congratulations of many other Group 5 exhibitors watching outside the ring who have been admiring Emmi since she hit the Australian show scene just four weeks ago.
This was Emmi's last show in the Puppy Class, as she has her first birthday in a couple of days time. To date she has been awarded the bitch challenge in every show she has been in, and Best of Breed in the majority.
Lots of Emmi kisses and cuddles (and they are plentiful!) across the miles to Matti, Riitta and Johanna in Finland! Thank you yet again for this stunning girl.
14 April 2006
Lappies at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
Today was breed judging for Finnish Lapphunds at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, under Finnish judge Mr J Juslin. We didn't make the trip this year, but results are below for those interested. There was an entry of 12 Lappies, which I only wish I had been able to see. Congratulations to all of the winners.
DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
BITCH CHALLENGE: JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: MIAVIG DOUBLE CHOC (Mehka)
BEST OF BREED: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
PUPPY OF BREED: ARTICMAL ABLE TO SHINE (Osky)
CLASSES:
PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE 2389 LC & RA Seare ARTICMAL ABLE TO SHINE (Osky)
2ND PLACE 2390 B & A Helps ARTICMAL ABLE TO TRIUMPH (Meeko)
JUNIOR DOG
1ST PLACE 2391 Janoby Kennels JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE 2392 LC & RA Seare CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (Imp Fnl) (Manu)
OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE 2393 V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
2ND PLACE 2394 GC & SV Burnside GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE 2395 GC & SV Burnside MIAVIG DOUBLE CHOC (Mehka)
2ND PLACE 2396 LC & RA Seare THELDAROY SWEET DREAMS (Heli)
JUNIOR BITCH
1ST PLACE 2398 Janoby Kennels JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
ABSENT 2397 LC & RA Seare WATERSEDGE TRU CALLING (Enya)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 2400 Janoby Kennels CH THELDAROY WILD ABOUT ME (Kiki)
2ND PLACE 2399 LC & RA Seare CH FIDELIS GRATIA FINNICA (Imp Fnl) (Angel)
DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
BITCH CHALLENGE: JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: MIAVIG DOUBLE CHOC (Mehka)
BEST OF BREED: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
PUPPY OF BREED: ARTICMAL ABLE TO SHINE (Osky)
CLASSES:
PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE 2389 LC & RA Seare ARTICMAL ABLE TO SHINE (Osky)
2ND PLACE 2390 B & A Helps ARTICMAL ABLE TO TRIUMPH (Meeko)
JUNIOR DOG
1ST PLACE 2391 Janoby Kennels JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE 2392 LC & RA Seare CH LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (Imp Fnl) (Manu)
OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE 2393 V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
2ND PLACE 2394 GC & SV Burnside GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE 2395 GC & SV Burnside MIAVIG DOUBLE CHOC (Mehka)
2ND PLACE 2396 LC & RA Seare THELDAROY SWEET DREAMS (Heli)
JUNIOR BITCH
1ST PLACE 2398 Janoby Kennels JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
ABSENT 2397 LC & RA Seare WATERSEDGE TRU CALLING (Enya)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 2400 Janoby Kennels CH THELDAROY WILD ABOUT ME (Kiki)
2ND PLACE 2399 LC & RA Seare CH FIDELIS GRATIA FINNICA (Imp Fnl) (Angel)
2 April 2006
Another Lappie picnic and Emmi's first Best of Breed
Yesterday a number of us gathered yet again to allow our lappies the experience of playing with their own kind. We had 9 "real" Finnish Lapphunds there as well as the usual honourary member of the pack (my Keeshond Schatje).
As well as Kulta, Emmi & Kya, other lappies included Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT "Blaze", Ch Viksalan Jiella (Imp Fnl) "Macey", Theldaroy Best By Far "Loka", Fjällfarmens Raimo (Imp Swd) "Jaska", Fjällfarmens Ummiko (Imp Swd) "Tarka", and joining us for the first time, Jaska's young son Setareh Simo "Willoughby" who Kulta was inseparable from for the entire day.
Photos of today's picnic can be found HERE. Photos from previous picnics can be found in the Photo Albums.
After such an exhausting day at her first picnic, Emmi did me proud today at the Canine Museum Foundation Inc Championship Show, under judge Mr T Syme (Vic) by taking out her first Best of Breed from the Puppy Class, gaining 8 points toward her Australian Championship. Kulta was Runner Up Best of Breed.
As well as Kulta, Emmi & Kya, other lappies included Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT "Blaze", Ch Viksalan Jiella (Imp Fnl) "Macey", Theldaroy Best By Far "Loka", Fjällfarmens Raimo (Imp Swd) "Jaska", Fjällfarmens Ummiko (Imp Swd) "Tarka", and joining us for the first time, Jaska's young son Setareh Simo "Willoughby" who Kulta was inseparable from for the entire day.
Photos of today's picnic can be found HERE. Photos from previous picnics can be found in the Photo Albums.
After such an exhausting day at her first picnic, Emmi did me proud today at the Canine Museum Foundation Inc Championship Show, under judge Mr T Syme (Vic) by taking out her first Best of Breed from the Puppy Class, gaining 8 points toward her Australian Championship. Kulta was Runner Up Best of Breed.
11 March 2006
Kulta and Schatje pass their first herding instinct test
Today both of my boys, Finnish Lapphund Ch Theldaroy Best Treasure "Kulta" and Keeshond Mijke Zavier CDX "Schatje" were entered in a Herding Instinct Test conducted by the Victorian Herding Association under ANKC rules.
I'm very excited to announce that both boys qualified the test, Schatje under Victorian judge Mr G Cunningham and Kulta under Ms S Gibson from WA. Kulta is the second Finnish Lapphund to pass a herding instinct test in Australia, the first being his older brother Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT). I have not heard of another Keeshond passing previously, so I am not sure if Schatje is the first, but I would welcome any information to tell me otherwise.
It was a very long and hot day for all of us while we waited for the Pre-Trial Tests and Herding Tests to be completed. Schatje was first in, and did an outstanding performance to easily qualify in just over 2 minutes (10 minutes is allowed). Kulta had his turn a few dogs later and I have to admit, spent the first part of the test wavering between over-enthusiasm and under-enthusiasm before finally getting it together to do some very nice work and qualify in 3 min 45 sec.
Needless to say, I'm very proud of them both!
Both boys need another pass to then be eligible to enter the next level, the Herding Test. Under changes to herding rules made a little over a year ago, there is no longer a Herding Instinct Test title, so we have a little more work to do before the boys will start earning herding titles.
For more information regarding herding in Australia the About Dog Sports page has a description of herding under ANKC rules.
I'm very excited to announce that both boys qualified the test, Schatje under Victorian judge Mr G Cunningham and Kulta under Ms S Gibson from WA. Kulta is the second Finnish Lapphund to pass a herding instinct test in Australia, the first being his older brother Blaze (Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT). I have not heard of another Keeshond passing previously, so I am not sure if Schatje is the first, but I would welcome any information to tell me otherwise.
It was a very long and hot day for all of us while we waited for the Pre-Trial Tests and Herding Tests to be completed. Schatje was first in, and did an outstanding performance to easily qualify in just over 2 minutes (10 minutes is allowed). Kulta had his turn a few dogs later and I have to admit, spent the first part of the test wavering between over-enthusiasm and under-enthusiasm before finally getting it together to do some very nice work and qualify in 3 min 45 sec.
Needless to say, I'm very proud of them both!
Both boys need another pass to then be eligible to enter the next level, the Herding Test. Under changes to herding rules made a little over a year ago, there is no longer a Herding Instinct Test title, so we have a little more work to do before the boys will start earning herding titles.
For more information regarding herding in Australia the About Dog Sports page has a description of herding under ANKC rules.
3 March 2006
Emmi comes home
This afternoon I had the pleasure of bringing home from Melbourne Quarantine my gorgeous girl Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl). The excitement is certainly apparent in our household this evening!
After tearing her away from the staff at quarantine (threats of keeping her another month are just NOT amusing!), Emmi and I drove happily the 45 minute drive to her new home. She is a great driving companion - not a sign of travel sickness, happily sitting and looking out of the car window at her new country.
We met my two boys down at our local park where Kulta promptly fell in love. Of course, that is partly explained by the fact that Emmi, after promising the possibility for the last few weeks, finally chose the last couple of days to come into season (and certainly explains the very goofy, cross-eyed expression on his face in the photo opposite).
Emmi has settled in very happily, completely stable of any strange sights and sounds, and seeming like she has lived here forever (she is currently laying here at my feet with a big tired smile on her face - intermittently broken by her jumping to her feet for another cuddle). Stay tuned for many more adventures of Emmi in her new country - I'm sure there will be plenty of news over the next few months!
After tearing her away from the staff at quarantine (threats of keeping her another month are just NOT amusing!), Emmi and I drove happily the 45 minute drive to her new home. She is a great driving companion - not a sign of travel sickness, happily sitting and looking out of the car window at her new country.
We met my two boys down at our local park where Kulta promptly fell in love. Of course, that is partly explained by the fact that Emmi, after promising the possibility for the last few weeks, finally chose the last couple of days to come into season (and certainly explains the very goofy, cross-eyed expression on his face in the photo opposite).
Emmi has settled in very happily, completely stable of any strange sights and sounds, and seeming like she has lived here forever (she is currently laying here at my feet with a big tired smile on her face - intermittently broken by her jumping to her feet for another cuddle). Stay tuned for many more adventures of Emmi in her new country - I'm sure there will be plenty of news over the next few months!
23 February 2006
Lappies at the Canberra Royal Show
Today was breed judging for Finnish Lapphunds at the Canberra Royal Show, under judge Mr P John of India. None of my dogs were entered this year, but for interested "Lappie Followers" the results are below. Congratulations to all of the winners.
DOG CHALLENGE: GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: CH STAALON KOLUMBUS (IMP FNL) (Kolumbus)
BITCH CHALLENGE: CH LECIBSIN HEISSULIVEI (IMP FNL) (Lily)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: CH KAIZEN SHEZA LIL MINX (Minx)
BEST OF BREED: CH LECIBSIN HEISSULIVEI (IMP FNL) (Lily)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
CLASSES:
PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE 1102 C Erwin SETAREH SISU (Fraz)
ABSENT 1103 M Davies SETAREH OSKARI (Ianto)
AUSTRALIAN BRED DOG
1ST PLACE 1104 G&S Burnside GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE 1104 K Eronen CH STAALON KOLUMBUS (IMP FNL) (Kolumbus)
PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE 1106 G&S Burnside MIAVIG DOUBLE CHOC (Mehka)
2ND PLACE 1107 C Erwin SETAREH ASTA (Pepe)
AUSTRALIAN BRED BITCH
1ST PLACE 1108 K Eronen CH KAIZEN SHEZA LIL MINX (Minx)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 1109 K Eronen CH LECIBSIN HEISSULIVEI (IMP FNL)) (Lily)
2ND PLACE 1110 C Erwin CH BRAMBLEWAY ANJUSKA CD (Nooshi)
DOG CHALLENGE: GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: CH STAALON KOLUMBUS (IMP FNL) (Kolumbus)
BITCH CHALLENGE: CH LECIBSIN HEISSULIVEI (IMP FNL) (Lily)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: CH KAIZEN SHEZA LIL MINX (Minx)
BEST OF BREED: CH LECIBSIN HEISSULIVEI (IMP FNL) (Lily)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
CLASSES:
PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE 1102 C Erwin SETAREH SISU (Fraz)
ABSENT 1103 M Davies SETAREH OSKARI (Ianto)
AUSTRALIAN BRED DOG
1ST PLACE 1104 G&S Burnside GR CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
OPEN DOG
1ST PLACE 1104 K Eronen CH STAALON KOLUMBUS (IMP FNL) (Kolumbus)
PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE 1106 G&S Burnside MIAVIG DOUBLE CHOC (Mehka)
2ND PLACE 1107 C Erwin SETAREH ASTA (Pepe)
AUSTRALIAN BRED BITCH
1ST PLACE 1108 K Eronen CH KAIZEN SHEZA LIL MINX (Minx)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 1109 K Eronen CH LECIBSIN HEISSULIVEI (IMP FNL)) (Lily)
2ND PLACE 1110 C Erwin CH BRAMBLEWAY ANJUSKA CD (Nooshi)
2 February 2006
Emmi arrives in Australia
An enormously exciting day for Armahani with the arrival of my beautiful girl Lumiturpa Emmi (Imp Fnl) from Finland. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to the faith and trust shown in me by Matti Takanen and Riitta Takalo, of the hugely successful Lumiturpa Kennels, for allowing this gorgeous girl to wing her way to me.
But if I am speechless at that, how can I begin to thank my true friend Johanna Ollila, her husband and boys, for adopting Emmi as part of their family, to be raised with her brother Eppu until she grew old enough to come to Australia. Johanna has kept me sane over the last nine months with photos and updates, has gone through the massive paperwork required, all of the vet visits and blood testing needed, not to mention the various chewed articles of furniture and clothing! She managed to do all the last minute preparation to get Emmi ready for and onto her flight, while having her own (human) baby boy less than a week ago! Johanna, I can never thank you enough.
Emmi touched down at Melbourne Airport at 6.35am yesterday morning. After an almost sleepless night, I received word on the way to work that she had landed and was being taken through customs. A couple of hours later I was able to speak to quarantine officials to be told she had traveled well, and I could finally relax.
This afternoon I was able to visit her for the first time. I had the luck to be able to share that pleasure with my parents (very keen to see their grand-daughter for the first time - I got a "congratulations on the safe arrival of your baby girl" card yesterday *grin*), and my friend Pam Francis from Magpielane Kennels who traveled a couple of hours to be there for the occasion. I was lucky enough to be with Pam when she visited her boy Tarka for the first time in quarantine last year, so it was lovely to be able to have a role-reversal this time.
I was hoping to be able to write here that Emmi is everything I had ever dreamt and imagined. Instead I have to write that Emmi is far far more than I ever could have dreamt and imagined. An absolutely gorgeous girl, she is perfect in every way. I spent the first few moments with her rather speechless, in awe that this special girl is actually mine. Pam's first words on arrival were "oh Jacq!" and all I could say in response was "I know! I know!"
Emmi is all female, with just the most lovely head and feminine expression. Those ears I could just gobble up, they are so adorable. Her angulation is lovely, her top line perfect, and that bone!! Boy oh boy, this girl sure has substance! She is simply stunning now, and still only 9 months of age.
Add to this the most delightful temperament you can imagine. She has gone through the trauma of a very long flight to a very strange place only one day ago, but was as happy as you could imagine and greeted everyone with kisses and cuddles. This is a girl who will just melt your heart and make you fall in love with her. Even the quarantine official who is in charge of her care over the next month, after being told NO she cannot take her home, has already put in a puppy order *grin*.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the last 18 months. Riitta & Matti, Johanna, and all of the wonderful Finnish Lapphund people here and overseas for support and encouragement through a journey that has been tumultuous at times, always exciting, and worth every second. For Emmi and I, our life together has just begun, and I am sure it will be full of lots of fun, love and a good dose of glory!
I just cannot wait to bring her home! That happy occasion will be on the 3 March.
But if I am speechless at that, how can I begin to thank my true friend Johanna Ollila, her husband and boys, for adopting Emmi as part of their family, to be raised with her brother Eppu until she grew old enough to come to Australia. Johanna has kept me sane over the last nine months with photos and updates, has gone through the massive paperwork required, all of the vet visits and blood testing needed, not to mention the various chewed articles of furniture and clothing! She managed to do all the last minute preparation to get Emmi ready for and onto her flight, while having her own (human) baby boy less than a week ago! Johanna, I can never thank you enough.
Emmi touched down at Melbourne Airport at 6.35am yesterday morning. After an almost sleepless night, I received word on the way to work that she had landed and was being taken through customs. A couple of hours later I was able to speak to quarantine officials to be told she had traveled well, and I could finally relax.
This afternoon I was able to visit her for the first time. I had the luck to be able to share that pleasure with my parents (very keen to see their grand-daughter for the first time - I got a "congratulations on the safe arrival of your baby girl" card yesterday *grin*), and my friend Pam Francis from Magpielane Kennels who traveled a couple of hours to be there for the occasion. I was lucky enough to be with Pam when she visited her boy Tarka for the first time in quarantine last year, so it was lovely to be able to have a role-reversal this time.
I was hoping to be able to write here that Emmi is everything I had ever dreamt and imagined. Instead I have to write that Emmi is far far more than I ever could have dreamt and imagined. An absolutely gorgeous girl, she is perfect in every way. I spent the first few moments with her rather speechless, in awe that this special girl is actually mine. Pam's first words on arrival were "oh Jacq!" and all I could say in response was "I know! I know!"
Emmi is all female, with just the most lovely head and feminine expression. Those ears I could just gobble up, they are so adorable. Her angulation is lovely, her top line perfect, and that bone!! Boy oh boy, this girl sure has substance! She is simply stunning now, and still only 9 months of age.
Add to this the most delightful temperament you can imagine. She has gone through the trauma of a very long flight to a very strange place only one day ago, but was as happy as you could imagine and greeted everyone with kisses and cuddles. This is a girl who will just melt your heart and make you fall in love with her. Even the quarantine official who is in charge of her care over the next month, after being told NO she cannot take her home, has already put in a puppy order *grin*.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the last 18 months. Riitta & Matti, Johanna, and all of the wonderful Finnish Lapphund people here and overseas for support and encouragement through a journey that has been tumultuous at times, always exciting, and worth every second. For Emmi and I, our life together has just begun, and I am sure it will be full of lots of fun, love and a good dose of glory!
I just cannot wait to bring her home! That happy occasion will be on the 3 March.
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3 Janury 2006
Happy New Year and Armahani web site launches
A Happy New Year from all of us here at Armahani, a very new kennel in Melbourne, Australia dedicated to the Finnish Lapphund breed. It seems like it has been a long time in the making, but our web site finally launched this evening.
I hope this site manages to express some of the love I have for the Finnish Lapphund, and, of course, my babies in particular. You can see my Finnish Lapphunds by clicking on the Dogs page in the menu bar, or choosing their individual pages. He couldn't possibly have been left out, so Keeshond Schatje also has his own page where he gets to show-case just how clever he is.
If you would like to know more about us, our interests, or the Finnish Lapphund breed, the Information menus will take you there. Or go to 2005 News to see what has been happening to us since September 2005.
Not much puppy news just yet, but those pages will be updated closer to the end of the year.
I hope you enjoy your time here, I will try to keep it updated as frequently as possible with all of our news and happenings. Please Contact me if you have an questions, feedback, or would just like to chat about Finnish Lapphunds.
I hope this site manages to express some of the love I have for the Finnish Lapphund, and, of course, my babies in particular. You can see my Finnish Lapphunds by clicking on the Dogs page in the menu bar, or choosing their individual pages. He couldn't possibly have been left out, so Keeshond Schatje also has his own page where he gets to show-case just how clever he is.
If you would like to know more about us, our interests, or the Finnish Lapphund breed, the Information menus will take you there. Or go to 2005 News to see what has been happening to us since September 2005.
Not much puppy news just yet, but those pages will be updated closer to the end of the year.
I hope you enjoy your time here, I will try to keep it updated as frequently as possible with all of our news and happenings. Please Contact me if you have an questions, feedback, or would just like to chat about Finnish Lapphunds.
10 December 2005
A lappie Christmas picnic
It is starting to become a semi-regular event for myself, Vanessa Brotto of Articmal and Pam Francis of Magpielane to gather with our dogs for a "lappie picnic" and today was our Christmas picnic. We had fifteen Finnish Lapphunds there (plus an honorary member of the team, my Keeshond Schatje), ranging in age from four years to six weeks (Articmal's latest litter of seven puppies).
It always a sheer joy to see them all playing happily together, and I'm sure they love it just as much as we do. As an added bonus I got to see and cuddle my little girl Kya who lives at Articmal.
We hope to have our next picnic in March 2006, hopefully with the addition of Emmi, whom I'm sure will lead the boys on a merry-dance. While all but one of the pups will be long into new homes by then, we should still have a gathering of at least ten lappies.
It always a sheer joy to see them all playing happily together, and I'm sure they love it just as much as we do. As an added bonus I got to see and cuddle my little girl Kya who lives at Articmal.
We hope to have our next picnic in March 2006, hopefully with the addition of Emmi, whom I'm sure will lead the boys on a merry-dance. While all but one of the pups will be long into new homes by then, we should still have a gathering of at least ten lappies.
4 December 2005
Kulta and Schatje go herding
Both my boys, Finnish Lapphund Kulta and Keeshond Schatje, were used as test dogs today for an assessment for trainee herding judges (sorry, no photos!). This was their first opportunity to experience herding in test or trial conditions. Both did very well, and I was told that both would have passed their Herding Instinct Test if they had been being assessed. Next year we'll try it for real!
13 November 2005
Schatje gets his CDX and goes Best in Trial
A different pace this weekend, as my Keeshond Schatje went back into the trial ring after a long absence while we moved and got used to living in Melbourne.
On Saturday 12 November, he was entered in the Southern Obedience Dog Training Club trial under judge Mr R Hanson, and was awarded 190 points out of a possible 200.
On Sunday 13 November, he was entered in the Ballarat Dog Obedience Club trial under judge Mrs M Deakes, and again received a score of 190. In this trial, that gained him a first place in his ring, and then, to our excitement, BEST IN TRIAL. To top it off, that was the final pass Schatje needed for his Companion Dog Excellent title, and he will now be known as Mijke Zavier CDX! What a weekend!
On Saturday 12 November, he was entered in the Southern Obedience Dog Training Club trial under judge Mr R Hanson, and was awarded 190 points out of a possible 200.
On Sunday 13 November, he was entered in the Ballarat Dog Obedience Club trial under judge Mrs M Deakes, and again received a score of 190. In this trial, that gained him a first place in his ring, and then, to our excitement, BEST IN TRIAL. To top it off, that was the final pass Schatje needed for his Companion Dog Excellent title, and he will now be known as Mijke Zavier CDX! What a weekend!
31 October 2005
Kya's first challenge points and Best Puppy in Show
I had the pleasure of showing Kya at her first ever showing this weekend. Kya hasn’t been out and about in during her Baby Puppy time due to her co-owner and “mum” Vanessa having her own baby.
On ever first day of showing, she picked up her first 7 challenge points taking Bitch Challenge under judge Mr S Oates (Ireland) at the Working Dog Club of Victoria Champ Show.
On the same day at the Working Dog Club of Victoria Open Show under judge Mr P Wood (Vic) she was awarded Best Puppy in Show!
Kulta also shone, being awarded Best of Breed at all three shows of the weekend.
On ever first day of showing, she picked up her first 7 challenge points taking Bitch Challenge under judge Mr S Oates (Ireland) at the Working Dog Club of Victoria Champ Show.
On the same day at the Working Dog Club of Victoria Open Show under judge Mr P Wood (Vic) she was awarded Best Puppy in Show!
Kulta also shone, being awarded Best of Breed at all three shows of the weekend.
26 October 2005
Emmi meets the snow
Emmi got to experience her first snow of a Finnish winter today!
Unfortunately she won’t be seeing much of this stuff in Australia – but doesn’t she look like she’s enjoying it!
Unfortunately she won’t be seeing much of this stuff in Australia – but doesn’t she look like she’s enjoying it!
16 October 2005
Emmi's first show in Finland
Emmi was shown for the first time in Finland this weekend at the Lapphund Club of Finland’s specialty show.
Shown in the 5-7 month old puppy class, with 18 other female puppies in her class, Emmi, although not winning her class, received many favourable comments from both judge and spectators.
Her critique from judge, breed specialist Eija Lehtimäki (loosely translated): Strong conformation puppy with strong (good) head. Very good body, tightly twisted tail. Good position legs. Right coat quality. Good movement and character.
Congratulations to Emmi’s brother Lumiturpa Eemeli who was awarded Best Opposite Sex Puppy, and her breeders Matti & Riitta whose kennel again received the BIS kennel award.
Emmi and Eemeli’s sire Eetu (Multi Ch Lecibsin Hurmuri Hukka) was second placed Veteran Male of Breed, just behind their grandfather Fin Ch Lumiturpa Nörri!
Shown in the 5-7 month old puppy class, with 18 other female puppies in her class, Emmi, although not winning her class, received many favourable comments from both judge and spectators.
Her critique from judge, breed specialist Eija Lehtimäki (loosely translated): Strong conformation puppy with strong (good) head. Very good body, tightly twisted tail. Good position legs. Right coat quality. Good movement and character.
Congratulations to Emmi’s brother Lumiturpa Eemeli who was awarded Best Opposite Sex Puppy, and her breeders Matti & Riitta whose kennel again received the BIS kennel award.
Emmi and Eemeli’s sire Eetu (Multi Ch Lecibsin Hurmuri Hukka) was second placed Veteran Male of Breed, just behind their grandfather Fin Ch Lumiturpa Nörri!
19 September 2005
Lappies at the Royal Melbourne Show
This Sunday saw the breed judging for Finnish Lapphunds at the Royal Melbourne Show. This is the biggest dog show in Australia, with this year over 4100 dogs entered. Also known affectionately as the “Lappie Specialty” it is usually the show with the biggest Finnish Lapphund entry, with many interstaters making the trip. In 2005 there were 15 lappies entered under Norwegian judge Mr R Campbell.
Congratulations goes to Kulta’s older brother Blaze (Aus Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT) for taking our Best of Breed for the second year running. Kulta took first place in his class, Intermediate Dog. And I also had the pleasure of handling the stunning youngster Fjällfarmens Raimo (Imp Swd) “Jaska” to win the Junior Dog class. Jaska is owned by Pam Francis of Magpielane Kennels.
Very big congratulations also goes to Runner Up Best of Breed Aus Gr Ch Brambleway Aku “Aku” who was Best of Breed at both Canberra & Sydney Royals this year. His sister Aus Ch Brambleway Aslakka “Asha” was Bitch Challenge, his daughter Aus Ch Miavig Finnish Dream “Casey” was Reserve Bitch Challenge, and his daughter Janoby All About Aura “Aura” was Puppy of Breed!!
A wonderful day was had, and it was a pleasure catching up with everyone again, and seeing some of the young imports for the first time. It was particularly special in the every exhibitor at least went home having taken out one class.
Hopefully our numbers will be even bigger next year,
Full results for the show were:
DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: GRAND CH. BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
BITCH CHALLENGE: CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: CH MIAVIG FINNISH DREAM (Casey)
BEST OF BREED : CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: GRAND CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
PUPPY OF BREED: JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE 1654 Janboy Knls JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
2ND PLACE 1653 Ms P Francis FJÄLLFARMENS UMMIKO (IMP SWD) (Tarka)
JUNIOR DOG
1ST PLACE 1655 Ms P Francis FJÄLLFARMENS RAIMO (IMP SWD) (Jaska)
2ND PLACE 1656 LC&RC Seare LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (IMP FIN) (Manu)
INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE 1658 Ms JL Lincoln CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
2ND PLACE 1659 LC&RC Seare CH MIETEBIEKKA URSUS (IMP FIN) (Ursus)
AUSTRALIAN BRED DOG
1ST PLACE 1660 Mrs V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
2ND PLACE 1661 G&S Burnside GRAND CH. BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE 1662 Janboy Knls JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
INTERMEDIATE BITCH
1ST PLACE 1657 G&S Burnside CH MIAVIG FINNISH DREAM (Casey)
2ND PLACE 1664 LC&RC Seare FIDELIS GRATIA FINNICA (IMP FIN) (Angel)
3RD PLACE 1660 Mrs V Brotto CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FIN) (Macey)
AUSTRALIAN BRED BITCH
ABSENT - LC&RC Seare CH THELDAROY JUST THE BEST (Kaisa)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 1667 LC&RC Seare CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)
2ND PLACE 1666 Janboy Knls CH THELDAROY WILD ABOUT ME (Kiki)
Congratulations goes to Kulta’s older brother Blaze (Aus Ch Theldaroy Im Not Wild HIT) for taking our Best of Breed for the second year running. Kulta took first place in his class, Intermediate Dog. And I also had the pleasure of handling the stunning youngster Fjällfarmens Raimo (Imp Swd) “Jaska” to win the Junior Dog class. Jaska is owned by Pam Francis of Magpielane Kennels.
Very big congratulations also goes to Runner Up Best of Breed Aus Gr Ch Brambleway Aku “Aku” who was Best of Breed at both Canberra & Sydney Royals this year. His sister Aus Ch Brambleway Aslakka “Asha” was Bitch Challenge, his daughter Aus Ch Miavig Finnish Dream “Casey” was Reserve Bitch Challenge, and his daughter Janoby All About Aura “Aura” was Puppy of Breed!!
A wonderful day was had, and it was a pleasure catching up with everyone again, and seeing some of the young imports for the first time. It was particularly special in the every exhibitor at least went home having taken out one class.
Hopefully our numbers will be even bigger next year,
Full results for the show were:
DOG CHALLENGE: CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE: GRAND CH. BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
BITCH CHALLENGE: CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE: CH MIAVIG FINNISH DREAM (Casey)
BEST OF BREED : CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
RUNNER UP BEST OF BREED: GRAND CH BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
PUPPY OF BREED: JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
PUPPY DOG
1ST PLACE 1654 Janboy Knls JANOBY ALL ABOUT ASLANN (Aslann)
2ND PLACE 1653 Ms P Francis FJÄLLFARMENS UMMIKO (IMP SWD) (Tarka)
JUNIOR DOG
1ST PLACE 1655 Ms P Francis FJÄLLFARMENS RAIMO (IMP SWD) (Jaska)
2ND PLACE 1656 LC&RC Seare LAPINLUMON MUNDUS (IMP FIN) (Manu)
INTERMEDIATE DOG
1ST PLACE 1658 Ms JL Lincoln CH THELDAROY BEST TREASURE (Kulta)
2ND PLACE 1659 LC&RC Seare CH MIETEBIEKKA URSUS (IMP FIN) (Ursus)
AUSTRALIAN BRED DOG
1ST PLACE 1660 Mrs V Brotto CH THELDAROY IM NOT WILD HIT (Blaze)
2ND PLACE 1661 G&S Burnside GRAND CH. BRAMBLEWAY AKU (Aku)
PUPPY BITCH
1ST PLACE 1662 Janboy Knls JANOBY ALL ABOUT AURA (Roara)
INTERMEDIATE BITCH
1ST PLACE 1657 G&S Burnside CH MIAVIG FINNISH DREAM (Casey)
2ND PLACE 1664 LC&RC Seare FIDELIS GRATIA FINNICA (IMP FIN) (Angel)
3RD PLACE 1660 Mrs V Brotto CH VIKSALAN JIELLA (IMP FIN) (Macey)
AUSTRALIAN BRED BITCH
ABSENT - LC&RC Seare CH THELDAROY JUST THE BEST (Kaisa)
OPEN BITCH
1ST PLACE 1667 LC&RC Seare CH BRAMBLEWAY ASLAKKA (Asha)
2ND PLACE 1666 Janboy Knls CH THELDAROY WILD ABOUT ME (Kiki)
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