Elbereth Finnish Lapphunds & Border Collies

Seven Week News

2011-11-10T21:16:00.001Z

Sorry for the lack of puppy updates -but its been hectic few weeks, the puppies are now eight weeks old and all happily settled in the lovely new homes, names applied for with the Kennel Club, it takes longer with overseas sires and when one owner cant settle on the name!!!

The full picture of puppy weights is below:

	Birth	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5	Week 6	Week 7
pup 1 (d)	340	800	1200	1900	2300	2800	3700	4300
pup 2 (d)	410	800	1200	1800	2600	3200	4250	4900
pup 3 (b)	360	700	1000	1600	2200	2600	3500	4200
pup 4 (b)	340	710	1100	1700	2300	2700	3700	4300
pup 5 (d)	400	900	1300	2000	2750	3600	4800	5500
pup 6 (d)	330	700	1150	1800	2575	3100	4300	4900
pup 7 (b)	400	700	1050	1700	2400	2800	3800	4300

Whilst at my surprise party Pia kindly took some photos - it was getting dark - so light was limited - but hope you will enjoy these 6 1/2 week shots

Elbereth Tuuri - now living with Irene & Dave

Elbereth Myrsky (aka Kuulen Tuulen) - now living with Kay & Charlie and Lacey the lappy

Elbereth Myssy - now living with mum at Bridus

Elbereth Taskuvaras - now living with Karen and Clive and the clever Taivas

Elbereth Tulin Kaukaa - joins Karen and Sheridan and the border collies, Meg & Bobby

Elbereth Tarmo - living with Kosley family and their GSD

Elbereth Leena - living with the Heath family

Oh What a Night......

2011-10-29T16:56:00.001+01:00

in late October!!!

I was planning one last trip over to Sue's before the puppies started to leave home, to take over yet more puppy goodies/papers, and would be leaving from our caravan holiday site in Liphook, Sue just said could I get there after 4.00 as she had an appt before. I thought might get there early to make sure I was back to site for Nepalese Curry with camping buddies! But was delayed leaving for a number of reasons!!! Arrived at Stonepit Kennels about to sweep into my "usual" spot in car park only to find - jam packed with cars - so parked in opening to field! Why so many cars I asked myself - then guessed some of Emma's friends had left cars there on way to airport - plus a few clients collecting dogs etc etc. As I walked round I saw Pia's Discovery and then thought she has finally popped by to get some pictures. How daft/gullible am I!

Walked in kitchen to find loads of friends there to wish me Happy Birthday and celebrate Matka's new Championship title! Then I realised why my camping buddies had been so reluctant to come to see the puppies with me, the so and sos were following behind with Stuart and Phillip and the dogs!

the lovely cake

Then Sue and Sam (the key instigators) disappeared - to get lemonade was explanation - not believable but I had no idea they were popping to Gatwick to get Jordie who had flown in from Holland!!!!! Sue's Tony cooked a great BBQ, a lovely cake was cut in honour of Matka, and we had a super night. How they all managed to keep the whole surprise from me I will never know - must be so gullible!!! Was a late night back and so Sam and I never made it to Midland Counties show - but pleased to hear that Chris Murray's Elbereth Mikko ShCM took BOB, making up for her and Terry missing the party too!

Thanks to everyone for being there, for making it so special, for the gifts, and special thanks to Sam and Sue for making it happen and to Helle for capturing the occasion on camera.

A lot is said about cut throat nature of dog showing - but I can say thanks to the dogs I have some lovely friends, and very special memories, thank you.

Puppy Eye Test

2011-10-28T14:47:00.000+01:00

This week the pups headed off on their first big adventure - a trip to the vet to have their eyes tested. Sue bundling all seven into the safety crate in her car and then bravely headed off, across the country lanes. With the combination of Sue's steady driving and Radio Two's soothing choice of music the pups made it there and back without being sick or making a mess, bodes well for their longish journeys to new homes. The pups were checked over by Sally Turner, eye specialist, whilst DNA results for Mamo and Kepponen mean the pups cannot get prcd-1 PRA it is important to keep checking out for other conditions and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) is congenital in some breeds - and is seen in Finnish Lapphunds - so always worth getting baby pups checked. So pleased to report the little ones passed the tests, and were much admired.

The pup's are seven weeks old on Monday - and start to leave home from Tuesday, exciting and fun times ahead for their new owners.

Belated 4 Week and New Five Week Pictures

2011-10-17T00:19:00.002+01:00

Pups are doing really well and enjoying the mild October weather and their outside puppy run - this week has seen lots of visitors and on Saturday they 'survived' the attentions of five extra people plus Sue, Tony and I!!!! and they loved it.

Ok so I realise I forgot to post the pictures and weights from last week - so double this week - with thanks to Karen for the week five pictures:)

	Birth	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5
pup 1 (d)	340	800	1200	1900	2300	2800
pup 2 (d)	410	800	1200	1800	2600	3200
pup 3 (b)	360	700	1000	1600	2200	2600
pup 4 (b)	340	710	1100	1700	2300	2700
pup 5 (d)	400	900	1300	2000	2750	3600
pup 6 (d)	330	700	1150	1800	2575	3100
pup 7 (b)	400	700	1050	1700	2400	2800

Pup 1 - Dog

Week 4


Week 5

Week 5

Pup 2 - Dog

Week 5

Week 4

Week 5

Pup 3 - Bitch

Week 4

Week 5

Pup 4 - Bitch

Week 4

Week 5


Week 5

Pup 5 - Dog

Week 4

Week 5

Pup 6 - Dog

Week 5

Week 4

Week 5

Pup 7 - Bitch

Week

Week 5

In Memory of Tuukka

2011-10-16T22:16:00.001+01:00

Elbereth Tuukka at TabanyaRuu

Sire: Fin Ch Lumiturpa Nörri Dam: WW02 Sulyka Mischa at Elbereth

26.04.2000 to 15.10.2011

The pet passport litter born on the 26/4/11 was a special litter in every sense of the word, and they have been a big influence on the breed here in the UK, and Tuukka was the essence of that litter. Tuukka was a great big bear, who touched everyone's heart.

Liz wanted a flashy marked pup from Echo's last litter, but every time she came to visit the big bear cub of a pup just caught her eye, he was laid back, had a lovely white chest and feet - but was dark! How many hours did Liz and I deliberate, which pup would it be!!!

I remember him well always laying out in the sun - trying to cool down laying flat on the grass, with his hind legs stretched back behind him, in the "frog" position that all who knew him called Tuukkaring!

He grew onto be a super show dog, of great strength and balance - one of those dogs that is a delight to show - free standing and never putting a food wrong. It was a pleasure to handle him for Liz, and when he won BOB at Crufts 2004 under Jeff Luscott, and we had to run hell for leather to the Group ring, it was a very special day, and we had a terrific fan club cheering us on .

But more than a show dog -he was Tuukka, the gentle giant who accepted the little Spitz into the family, loved everyone - and through his great nature convinced many of today's owners that a lappy is a perfect dog. Anyone who met him could not fail to love him. His temperament continued to amaze the veterinary profession when 3.5 years ago an old injury meant he had his shoulder fused, and he became a bionic dog - under the amazing care of Noel Fitzpatrick.

But sadly the wear and tear on his body just was too much, and after a perfect day in October he was given peace, reunited with his sire and dam. A lot of tears have been shed by all who knew him, but were grateful to him for touching our hearts. A special thank you to Liz, Rory, Dexter and Carelle for loving this special boy so much.

Pups are Three Weeks old

2011-10-04T22:00:00.000+01:00

and growing into proper little dogs, they are moving around so much more easily - and now are making noises to incite each other into play! They are also really getting to grips with eating and are thoroughly enjoying their moistened dinners. Have a look and see who is YOUR favourite this week!

And yes the tan markings are coming through - who was it that said they were solid coloured!!!!

Pup 1 - Dog - 1900g


Pup 2 - Dog - 1800g

Pup 3 - Bitch - 1600g

Pup 4 - Bitch - 1700g

Pup 5 - Dog - 2000g

Pup 6 - Dog - 1800g

Pup 7 - Bitch - 1700g

Week Two Puppy Update

2011-09-29T21:50:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the delay - I know many of your eagerly await these updates - but its been "One of those weeks" !!! The hungry little monkeys have started to try semi solids - milky porridge and Royal Canin "Mother and Baby" though think they are 'wearing' more than they are eating!


Pup 1 - Dog 1200g

Pup 2 -Dog 1200g

Pup 3 - Bitch pup 1000g


Pup 4 - Bitch pup 1100g

Pup 5 - Dog pup 1300g

Pup 6 - Dog pup 1150g

Pup 7 - Bitch pup 1050g

Week One for Mamo's puppies

2011-09-20T21:16:00.000+01:00

Well the puppies are doing very well, and we even had to raise the small side on the whelping box as a couple had "gone over the side" this has somewhat ruined Mamo's pillow - as the side is now a bit high for her to rest her head! The tan markings are coming through - the two browns already showing bright markings. The pups were rather wriggly this week - so not as easy to photograph.

Pup 1 - Dog - 800g

Pup 2 - Dog - 800g

Pup 3 - Bitch - 700g

Pup 4 - Bitch- 710g

Pup 5 - Dog - 900g

Pup 6 - Dog - 700g

Pup 7 - Bitch 700g

New Puppies - Mamo x Kepponen

2011-09-15T20:26:00.000+01:00

Just a day earlier than expect Mamo had her litter of puppies, the scan had indicated a good sized litter - and this was not doubted from the size of poor Mamo in the weeks leading up to the whelping, she delivered SEVEN bonnie puppies, 4 boys and 3 girls, and as expected the puppies are black and brown tricolours (two girls are brown/parki as its called in Finland). Poor Sue had a busy day helping me at Richmond on Saturday and had a couple of disturbed nights with Mamo, and then had to stay up through the Sunday eve to Monday morning late whelping the puppies, but Mamo delivered them easy, and they are doing fine.

Pictures of the new family and their details:

Pup 1 - 22:45 Tri Dog, birth weight 340g

Pup 2 - 23:48 Tri Dog, birth weight 410g


Pup 3 - 24:05 Tri Bitch birth weight 360g


Pup 4 - 24:30 Brown Tri Bitch birth weight 340g

Pup 5 - 01:23 Tri male birth weight 400g


Pup 6 - 03:00 Tri male birth weight 330g

Pup 7 - 16:04 Brown tri bitch birth weight 400g

Watch this space as they say for weekly updates

The First UK Champion!

2011-09-13T23:09:00.000+01:00

Have to say it was such an amazing weekend I am worried I will wake up to find it was all a dream.... Richmond Ch show saw the breed have its last Challenge Certificate of the year on offer - a single CC for the BOB only to be awarded by Mrs Zena Andrews - who is Patron of the FLC of GB club and has judged the breed regularly since it was in the Imported Register classes. E Matkamies was the only Finnish Lapphund this year to have won two CCs already (City of Birmingham - Sue Dunger and SKC - Julie Vaughan), so everything was crossed. But with an entry of 56 and many of the other CC winners of the year present it was not going to be easy. But am so pleased to say that he did it!!!! he won his third CC, and therefore subject to the Kennel Club's confirmation he becomes the first UK Champion Finnish Lapphund. If that was not enough, E Mikko SHCM was reserve Best Dog and Elbereth Penikka was reserve best bitch.

Then the weekend ended with some new arrivals, check out the next blog post for their introduction.

Tassu and Onneli

2011-09-06T19:48:00.000+01:00


Elbereth Otso (aka Tassu)

Could not resist sharing these two lovely photos of Onneli (now 6 years of age) and Tassu (nearly eight), as taken by the O'Connell family. Onneli is the mother of Elbereth Ainokainen, the little Choclate Button, born in March 2009. Tassu is from Toive's first litter and was made in France.

Lumiturpa Onneli at Elbereth

Elbereth Taivas

2011-08-24T18:24:00.000+01:00

A special well done to Elbereth Taivas who won reserve best bitch at Bournemouth Championship show, at six years of age she is really maturing well as this lovely picture taken by owner Karen White shows. Taivas is not only very pretty but also very bright and willing, and she makes a super model for Karen's fabulous photos

Introducing Lumiturpa Mamman Mamo

2011-08-23T17:31:00.000+01:00

Lumiturpa Mamman Mamo

We are really pleased to be able to finally announce the arrival of Lumiturpa Mamman Mamo who is joining myself and Sue Bird, Mamo is a lovely gentle tri colour bitch who was mated to Lecibsin Kepponen in Finland before she set off , and we are pleased to report that the scan shows we are expecting puppies in mid September, photos (c) Tuula Harjamäki

Lecibsin Kepponen

World Winner Show 2011

2011-07-14T21:54:00.000+01:00

Took a few days off and headed to Paris for the World Winner show, I had previously visited Helsinki in 1998 and Amsterdam in 2002, where Echo & Peikko did the amazing double. In Paris we had entry of 41 under Carla Molinari and entries came from France, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and the UK. I was very pleased to show both Elbereth Kia Joins Bridus and Elbereth Matkamies in the open classes and for then both to be awarded excellent, Matka also taking his first overseas CAC. Matka's sire Multi Ch Lecibsin Macce won BOB and the WW11 dog title.

And then they were gone

2011-06-10T19:17:00.004+01:00

The puppies reached seven weeks of age and then started to leave home, and to enjoy new lives with their super families, am hopeful that we will get regular pictures as they grow up to share on this blog.

Maunu

The amazingly chunky first born - Mauno now weighs a whopping 5060g - must take the record for the heaviest pup I have bred at this age! Looks like he might be nicknamed Marmite having joined Bill and Jean in Crawley, W Sussex.


Nicotiemus

Am sure our second boy - Nicotiemus is going to look like his handsome dad, he is a more normal 4030g, and has gone north to the Lakes and now lives in Barrow with Rose and Andy, hopefully will contribute to the entries in the north of England and Scotland! His dad is owned by Jordie and Nico, not sure if its a compliment having a pup named after you!!!

Lumikko

Another heavyweight in puppy dog three, AKA Lumikko now at 4650g, who will be kept busy in his new family - joining Ciaran, Clair, Sarah, Shauna and Mum & Dad in Northwood.

Kiitos

The only bitch in the litter was the fourth born, though much lighter than her brothers she is still a pretty hefty 3860g, now called Kiitos (we are guessing that she will have plenty of nick names!) she is joining Inko and Paula and Adam in Camberley - yes Surrey Lappy numbers continue to rise!!! You can check on Kiitos' news on her family blog - Living with a Lappy

Onni

Onni was our little stowaway - the surprise bonus boy - at 4860g he'd struggle to hide away now being a chunky chap. He has headed west to Wiltshire to join Mike, Charlotte and Sam.

Fingers crossed we will be seeing a number of these in the show ring at some point!

A special well done to Kaisa who returned to the show ring when her pups were eight weeks of age - to qualify for Crufts for life being awarded her Stud Book number on winning Open bitch under Harry Tast at Southern Cos

Kaisa and Lumikko

More super pictures - courtesy of Pia

Six Week Update

2011-06-07T22:58:00.000+01:00

OK so I know its late - but been busy getting Guildford show sorted too! The puppies have names now too!

Maunu

Boy 1 is a massive 4240g and is now called Elbereth Maunu, such a chunky boy with very laid back attitude.

Nicotiemus

Boy 2 weighing in at 3400g is Elbereth Nicotiemus (Nico for short), the very pretty boy, who is looking more and more like his dad for markings.

Lumikko

Boy 3: 3940 is Elbereth Lumikko (Mikko for short), Mr friendly - looking forward to joining his big family where he is guaranteed lots of cuddles and fun!

Kiitos

The Girl is now 3370g and is called Elbereth Kiitos, the genders are supposed to be different in this breed and even at this young age she is definitely feminine, so pretty with lovely head.

Onni

Boy 5 is another heavy weight at 4240g he is now Elbereth Onni like Maunu he is a gentle giant, taking life slowly and eating everything - his little white tip is all that differentiates the brothers at this stage.

The six week photo shoot is brilliant as usual, with some super shots and the ever patient feline friends!!!

WOW WOW WOW

2011-05-22T17:42:00.001+01:00

Its a long way to SKC, but it was well worth the 860 mile round trip!!! Julie Vaughan judged the breed and awarded a second CC to Matkamies, amusingly that makes him the breed record holder LOL - he is only dog/bitch on more than one CC! Like at the Club Show it became a show down between Matka and his uncle Mikko - this time the positions reversed - with Matka in top spot and Mikko taking reserve. Of the three DCC available to Elbereth Dogs (so far - I awarded first CCs) they have all been won by Mikko and Matka, and they have two reserves as well between them. Also really lovely to see Niki win BOB and BCC with Oberitz Onnetar, in the week when Niki had to say farewell to Dizzy (Elbereth Noki at Oberitz) Onnetar's dam.

Thought you might like to see these pictures of Matka the day after his first CC win - getting muddy in the bogs on a walk! Who says show dogs don't have a life!!!!

Crumbs Five Weeks Already!

2011-05-15T20:31:00.000+01:00

The little monsters are 5 weeks old already and now real dogs playing - sleeping, playfighting and eating - eating a lot actually!! They love the Royal Canin puppy food. So no surprises with the new weigh-in! This week we attempted the show poses - some standing shots for you to enjoy. The puppies emulating their dad who gained yet another title recently - winning BOB at the German Winner Centenary show. Check out Usko


Puppy Dog 1

Puppy dog 1 - is now a whopping 3430g (having gained 770g in a week!), as you can see he like his litter mates is now getting very fluffy, they are really developing thick coats.

The weather is being kind to us so they are getting to spend quite a bit of time outside, so if you check puppy cam and no one is there they are probably playing outside. Also Kaisa is now not keen to spend too much time with them, or allow them to suckle - not surprising - five greedy pups each with very strong sharp teeth!


Puppy Dog 2

Puppy dog 2 is 2720g (he gained 600g)

- his markings are really lightening now - think he has the look of his father about him. His white flag drops from his chest to his tummy, and he has a very noticeable white chin, which is very endearing.


Puppy Dog 3

Puppy dog 3 is now 3100g (gained 660g) - he is Mr Cheeky Chappy - the first to try anything new. Notice the steadying hand behind - to stop him making a run for it! He loves a cuddle.

Puppy Girl

Our little puppy girl is now 2760g (gained 570g), she also has very defined markings and the little white bib, like her brothers she has super dark eyes which I love. Definitely a girly.


Puppy Dog 5

Then to our little stowaway again - last but definitely not least and actually not little at all at 3400g (gained 730g)! Have to say when looking at the sitting picture I cannot resist saying "does my bum look big in this?"

And if these ten gorgeous pictures are not enough for you there are some super shots - only another 62 to look through on Pia's flicker

Four Week Puppy Update

2011-05-09T21:00:00.000+01:00


Dog Puppy 1

The pups are now getting very active with very waggy tails, and playing with the wide range of toys - though an empty plastic milk bottle and rope toy from one of their new families are the favourites I think. The four week weights show these are are certainly chunky pups - Puppy dog 1 now is a hefty 2660g, with chunky legs.

Puppy dog 2 is the smallest (2120g) but by no means small compared to other litters bred, he is the pup who had most markings when born, though others are fast catching him up in the glamour stakes.

Puppy dog 3 is the one who is first to try and escape, very keen to interact, a real friendly chap, he is weighing in at 2340g. Pups 1,3,5 are very similarly marked so hard to tell apart and funnily the smaller dog and the bitch are similar in markings and size.

The pretty little girl - is definitely all girl, she weighed in at 2190g and already has many fans! I love her little white bib!

Then we have our little stowaway - well given he is heaviest of the five he could hardly go un-noticed now! Puppy dog 4 is now 2670g. Just noticeable feature from that of the boys 1 & 3 is the little white tip at the end of his tail, shown off in this picture.

As ever there are a selection of delightful poses on flicker

Birmingham National Show - Amazing Day

2011-05-08T09:34:00.000+01:00

The National saw the third set of CCs being offered for the breed, and the judge was Sue Dunger (Sulyka) who imported the breed into the country and bred the first litters - so a person well known and respected, for many of us we would not have lapphunds if it was not for Sue. Sue awarded the Dog CC and BOB to Elbereth Matkamies, and the bitch CC to his litter sister Elbereth Kia Joins Bridus, both of course being Great-grandkids of Echo (WW02 Sulyka Mischa at Elbereth), they are the result of three generations of mating my original bitch line to Finnish dogs, Echo to Lumiturpa Nörri, Toive to Lecibsin Hapmi and Kyky to Lecibsin Macce. Then the reserve Bitch CC was awarded to Elbereth Penikka, an Echo Granddaughter being from Toives last mating to Lecibsin Kultakuono. What a day - our breeder team, of Matkamies, Mikko, Kia and Penikka won the breed competition, and we also had a second team of Kippis, Apina and Marja who were third in the breed, so a very proud day finished off by second in the breeder group overall.

Week Three Update

2011-05-02T21:31:00.000+01:00

Well the puppies have been getting used to a variety of food as part of the weaning process, enjoying Royal Canine puppy mousse, Scrambled eggs, Ambrosia Creamed Rice and now soaked Royal Canin Puppy Food. These all on top of the undivided attention of their doting mum, Kaisa, who is still very much with the puppies, attending to their every need. The puppies are now very aware of their surroundings and play with each other and experiment with their new toys, though its still amusing that they fall over a lot! As they get more puppy like and less like guinea pigs the pictures are really showing them off.


Dog Pup No 1

Dog Puppy 1 now at 1950g, markings are really coming through and you can see how the hair is getting longer so it appears curly around neck.


Dog Pup No 2

Dog Puppy 2 is similar to the bitch in both markings and weight, coming in this week at 1700g. At the moment he does not quite have his full nose pigmentation - but it is coming.


Dog Pup No 3

Dog Puppy 3 is still very similar in colouring to the first born, but he is lighter, weighing in at 1720g and his hind feet boast most two full white toes on one foot whereas Pup 1 has only the tiniest white tipping.

Puppy Bitch

The girl is getting prettier and prettier, she weighs 1700g, see her little white bib and how much her markings have developed.

Dog Pup No 4

The last born is taking every advantage of the extra softened food that is being dished up - weighing in at a whopping 2090g you can see his wavy coat developing too.

And what a lovely group photo, with plenty more to take a look at on Pia's flicker pages.

Busy Week

2011-04-28T22:03:00.000+01:00


Kaisa and pups at 2.5 weeks

Well its been a busy week for the pups, first they had to suffer worming! Three daily doses of Panacur 10% syringed into their mouths - definitely feel quite mean for doing it - well actually Pia did the syringing I just held them LOL. There is often a stigma attached to puppies with worms, people thinking its a sign of bad breeders - FACT - all puppies are likely to have round worms - though yes the pot bellied poor doer puppies of years gone by are hopefully no longer seen unless puppies bought from puppy farms! Looking at the science - actually no matter how many times you worm a bitch throughout her life - you cannot have any impact on the cysts which lie dormant (don't read if squeamish or eating). Kaisa had her first worming at two weeks of age and has been regularly wormed since then, but as you will see from the link we have to assume the pups have worms. They will be wormed again at 5 weeks of age and possibly again before leaving home, then I advise monthly worming till six months of age.

More pleasant subject - weaning - Kaisa is definitely doing a great job as a mum, feeding the pups well and they grow daily - easy to see - just compare this picture taken by Pia today with one from when they were born, see how huge they are already.

In my experience lappy puppies are very forward compared to other breeds I have bred - and they are not slow to try out semi solid food - so yesterday they were given the chance to try Royal Canin Puppy Mousse a highly palatable soft food which was quickly eaten, today they were quick again to take advantage of the mousse and later in the day they tried rice pudding! Both were well appreciated and Kaisa got the treat of cleaning both the puppy food bowl and the puppies after they had stood and laid in the food!!!

When weaning puppies we use a special bowl - which is designed to stop the puppies standing in the bowl - but if you catch sight of them as they grow you will see the more adventuress of them soon learn to climb on the centre of the feeder anyway! Which of course reminds me to let you know that during daylight hours we normally have two web cams running, check out the overhead view or the view at lower level especially late morning when you might see the feeding time!

Now the pups have their eyes opened its incredible how quickly they develop, they now play with each other - trying to bite and even interact with Kaisa, trying to stimulate her to regurgitate food (by licking at her muzzle). They have started to bark, and definitely move more intentionally - though at present are not that steady on their feet.

Week Two Update

2011-04-25T21:26:00.000+01:00

The puppies continue to do really well weight wise - Kaisa certainly is looking after them well. The bitch puppy was the first to open her eyes and her brothers soon followed.

Week Two weights are:
Puppy Dog 1 - 1370g
Puppy Dog 2 - 1220g
Puppy Dog 3 - 1160g
Puppy Bitch - 1180g
Puppy Dog 4 - 1370g

They are getting more mobile - sliding around the puppy pen, as ever as nice humans we provide them with luscious vet beds to lie on and move around (they can get better traction on the fleecy bedding) but with the heat, they actually tend to migrate to the newspaper at the edge where its much cooler. They also don't tend to pile up for warmth lying spread out on their sides to stay cool. Some fabulous shots (as ever) from Pia on flicker.

They are now trying to stand up - though they are not very good at it yet - and tend to fall over a lot - but now they will progress quickly.

For those who like a real time waster there is now a choice of web cams - a view from above and a closer view more at Kaisa's level.

Puppy Cam is HERE

2011-04-22T13:09:00.000+01:00

For those of you who like to get your puppy fixes, I am pleased to report that Puppy Cam is now running and you can take a peek at Kaisa and the puppies. Of course they are not yet quite two weeks old - so actually not a lot happening - but still puppy watching is a very addictive activity, be warned - no jobs will get done now! The puppies and Kaisa have moved back to Pia's house now and have been relocated to the bigger puppy pen, this is helping keep Kaisa cooler as the weather has turned amazingly warm here. The Puppy cam will not always be rolling - they do need a little privacy now and again - and will of course be turned off when its dark:)

One Week Update

2011-04-18T13:50:00.000+01:00


Dog pup 1

The puppies are doing really well - moving from what I term the Guinea Pig stage to the Beaver stage, these being the animals the puppies look like as they develop!

They are feeding well and Kaisa is being a very attentive mum, and keeps them spick and span, its so funny to hear them mumbling away in disgust as she up ends them to wash them from top to bottom, you can really imagine them say "Ohhhhh Mum get off me" The two boys 1 and 3 are very similarly marked, both have white chins and small white star on chest and odd white toes on back feet, others have more unique markings with the last born having a tiny white tip to his tail like great grandma Echo (Sulyka Mischa at Elbereth) did.


Dog pup 2 - has smudge on nose

The puppy weights have near on doubled as you expect:
Dog Puppy 1 - 850g
Dog Puppy 2 - 760g
Dog Puppy 3 - 790g
Bitch Puppy - 700g
Dog Puppy 4 - 810g

Well that's as accurate as I can get with the neonatal scales I use, especially as now the pups wriggle around in the bowl of the scales making it hard to read a moving needle! As ever a bigger selection of photos are available on Pia's flicker pages


Dog pup 3

They have also been subjected to their first toenail cutting session. Something I do weekly to protect poor Kaisa as they pummel her tummy when drawing off the milk, and it also helps the feet and nails to stay a good shape.

Bitch pup


Dog pup 4

Puppies Have Arrived

2011-04-11T15:46:00.003+01:00


dog pup 1

Kaisa wasted no time in getting down to having her puppies. Having 'prepared' her nest, she was very unsettled on Sunday morning and tried to bury her breakfast - since, when it comes to food, Kaisa is very much a chip off the old block (Toive) this forewarned me that her labour was not far away.

dog pup 2

I would have guessed she would have the puppies over the night of Sunday/Monday, but she was a good girl and decided to have them in day light hours. The first really noticeable contraction was at about 16:00hrs on Sunday 10th April, and by 16.45 the first boy puppy (with white tipped hind feet) was born, weighing on at a good 400g, a few minutes to find out what to do and clean him up and the contractions started again with the second puppy another boy born at 17:15 (380g), he has a little white streak like a lightening flash from chest to tummy. Both puppies were quickly suckling - something I am keen to get started as this stimulates the bitch to produce more oxtytocin which brings milk down and encourages uterus to contract - to push out next puppy.


dog pup 3

The scan had shown 4 puppies, and Kaisa still looked 'pregnant' so we were expecting more: only another half hour passed (17:45) and out came the third puppy - yet another boy at 400g, settling down to enjoy the new family we had to wait an hour for the fourth - a little girl at 18:45, another with the tiniest of white tips to toes and a white bib at her throat, she was a shade lighter than the boys at 350g.

the bitch pup

I then got Kaisa to stand as I was not convinced she was empty, and a gentle feel highlighted what appeared to be another puppy - so I set the 4 puppies suckling and we did not have long to wait for the "stowaway" and 4th boy at 19:15, weighing in at 400g as well (he has the tiniest white tip to his tail). A lovely even litter all good weights.


dog pup 4

The pups don't have a lot of white on them, but markings are bright and already very noticeable, so think they will follow mum, Kaisa (Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen) and dad, Usko (Int/NL Ch Fidelis Duuri) with lovely markings. On health front, Kaisa has a hip score of 8:6 and Usko is A, both are prcd-1 PRA clear so puppies will be genetically clear of this form of PRA, they both hold a current clear eye certificate. All the puppies are already spoken for:) More photos of the lovely new family.

Nesting

2011-04-10T11:35:00.000+01:00

It never fails to amaze me how bitches know the safe sort of places to prepare for puppies. Kaisa is normally a lively girl who wants to follow her family about, but now as she prepares for her puppies she seeks out tiny corners, where she thinks it will be safe to give birth. At first she selected the downstairs cloakroom, a tight squeeze by the side of the loo, but a good place in her mind, she could see out and was enclosed on all sides. hen when she went outside she selected the small kennel which used to be Hapmi's shelter, grumbling when Matka tried to entice her out to play!

She is not normally allowed upstairs - but took to going up there well especially when she found here was a purpose built safe haven for her - and having spent her first night shredding the paper and blanket, and now just lies there waiting:)

Expectantly Waiting

2011-04-08T21:09:00.000+01:00


Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen

As summer starts early - (how lovely is this weather), a girl just has to make sure she puts her feet up and relaxes, ahead of the pitter patter of little paws, check out Kaisa, relaxing in style!

With less than a week to go till the birth of her puppies Kaisa is now taking it easy, with the sudden increase in temperature - unusually high for April, she is happy to take gentle walks on leads, rather than crazy runs with her pal Jalo, and is getting in plenty of beauty sleep.

Its funny how good bitches look when they are in whelp, positively blooming - even if a little broad across the waist!

Now all we can do is wait, and see how the week unfolds.

Amazing Day

2011-04-05T21:55:00.003+01:00

The 2nd April saw the Finnish Lapphund Club of GB host the first ever breed club Championship show at Stoneleigh, the judge was one of Finland's very well known and respected Rainer Vuorinen, so we expected a super turn out of dogs, I understand there were just over 100 entered.

BIS Mikko and RBIS Matkamies by Llovall Design

Winner of Limit dog was Elbereth Matkamies, and winner of Open Dog was Elbereth Mikko ShCM, the two boys are Good Citizen Award Holders, both having achieved Gold Level, so they were both entered in the Good Citizen class. The judge spent what seemed an age making his decision between uncle and nephew, at one point raising both hands to the air saying Ohh la la! He awarded the class to Mikko, and then went on to award Mikko the DCC, with Matkamies being called in to challenge for the res DCC, which he was given.

Elbereth Riku made a rare appearance to the ring - qualifying for Crufts 2012 by a second place in Post Graduate, and Elbereth Pilkku won the veteran dog class. Of course at the end of the show tension mounted as the judge selected his BIS, which was Mikko, and then for RBIS he selected Matkamies over the BCC winner - the lovely Taimi. Then when Pilkku won BVIS I was over the moon. My breeder Teams were first and third and E Penikka qualified by a third in Open, plus cannot forget little Tiia, who was only at her second show - and was superbly handled by Sam Moore to win the Special Yearling class!

Catching up

2011-03-06T17:53:00.001Z

Crumbs its already the third month of 2011 and I have not posted since December! Must try harder, just seem so busy these days! With only a few days to Crufts, I can honestly say I am really looking forward to judging the breed at the event with the first set of Challenge Certificates. A lovely entry of 61 dogs making 69 entries with of course some 30 Elbereth owned or bred dogs ineligible. Sadly the Elbereth Team is also not able to compete in the Breeder Final - as KC rules say you cannot judge and exhibit at an event, but it was nice to have qualified. I am hoping that this year will be an exciting year for new litters, have a number of exciting plans in pipeline, and have finders crossed that we will soon have puppy news to share.

Hope you like this super picture of E Norppa and E Taika AW, sent to me by Annmarie, the two dogs looking very regal in front of the beautiful Hampton Court Palace!

A dog for all seasons!

2010-12-20T21:40:00.000Z

Elbereth Tosi in the sun

I often get asked how do lapphunds cope with the English summers, and I say when did we last have a good long summer!!!

But yes it does get warmer here in UK than in their native Finland but even Hapmi who arrived one lovely summer back in 2005, when we had temps of 27C and more - soon acclimatised. I do find my lot are less inclined to run about in the summer - and I take them out in the cooler times of the day, then they lay about either outside in the shade or on the cool tiled or laminate floors in doors.

But this winter - with snow that actually looks like snow - is an absolute delight for them and whilst Pigga is not keen to leave her warm bed indoors to venture into the garden, even she is very perky and keeps up on walks in the snow!

Elbereth Tosi in the snow

On today's walk it was noticeable how Diesel started to show the effects of the cold, and the discomfort of snow balls between her toes, whereas the lappies were taking 'snow baths' by rolling around, or running along and scooping up the snow with their noses!

Its interesting to see how the lapphund hair really does insulate by noticeably standing off their bodies more in the cold to trap more air underneath for warmth/insulation.

Catching up

2010-12-05T21:16:00.001Z

E Matkamies

At the Scottish Working and Pastoral breeds Ch Show - Chris Murray did the double yet again with her lovely E Mikko ShCM and her and daughter Karen's E Ainonkainen aka the Chocolate Button, way to go this lovely pair, in fact Aino is giving Elbereth Suvi at Cochochr a run for her money for the top bitch spot:)

Lumiturpa Pigga at E

At the open shows, Matkamies has had two recent BOBs, at the Nordic and Stroud, many thanks to judges Mrs L Wells and Mrs S Hirst.

The UK suddenly had a spell of very cold weather and snow fell on most of the country - although we only had a few centimetres, but the dogs definitely loved it - becoming very wild/crazy out on their walks. So thought I'd share a couple of pictures, one of Matka and one of the Pigga La La.

I do find it funny that having lived for the first 4 years of her life in Finland - Pigga has to be pushed outside at night for a tiddle if its cold!!! She really does love her creature comforts now - building up as many blankets and vet beds etc as possible to make a snug nest even when in doors!

Taivas & Hile

Had to share this lovely photo taken by Karen White - of her gorgeous Elbereth Taivas and Elbereth Hile at Morval - who both live in the New Forest and enjoy beautiful walks in this fabulous scenery. The heather really shows them off well.

Kia

Another enjoying the snow is Elbereth Kia, who is Matka's sister, they had a lot more snow in Sussex than we got in Surrey.

Manic times

2010-11-05T21:40:00.000Z

Do you think it would be good idea to have metric days - maybe 30 hours a day instead of 24!! Then I might stand a small chance of keeping up with everything! Since last post, lots have happened, Matka delighted Phillip and I by winning his two classes at the FLC of GB show and then Best dog at City of Birmingham under Val Foss. We then had a lovely day at South Wales with Matka taking BOB under Bob Gregory and his Aunt Elbereth Suvi at Cochochr ShCM. Suvi has a great record at this venue winning Best bitch there every show this year:) .

At Midland Cos it was a super double for Chris Murray's Elbereth Mikko ShCM and Sylvia Hughes' Suvi, with their aunt Elbereth Noki at Oberitz taking res BB at 10.5 years of age.

Now we have all the health tests covered we are planning a 'romantic' assignation between E Matkamies and E Penikka, so could be some more handsome wolf sables about in the new year - fingers crossed.

Kaisa

The Kennel Club's monthly magazine - The Kennel Gazette features the Finnish Lapphund in the November issue - and I was really proud that they chose a lovely photo of Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen for the cover.

One question I get asked a lot is what is the difference between the border collie and Finnish Lapphund? They are of course both herding breeds, but have totally different work ethics. The collie is a very dedicated worker, often has a compulsive behaviour disorder and will never stop performing - be it herding - be it chasing a ball or running on an agility course. The lapphund is more selective - they like to do their own thing - but know when its right or wrong, they are just as easy to train as a border collie, just don't always do what you ask every time - that I guess is part of their charm! and their great sense of humour! As to grooming - because the Lapphund is heavy coated people assume they need a lot of grooming, yet their coats are really low maintenance, and really takes a lot of neglect before it matts - whereas the low tail of a collie is a definite brush for all loose brambles and twigs! And the long hair tends to knot up easily.

Matka wins his first BOB

2010-08-30T15:29:00.000+01:00

We took a long trek north to the Scottish Kc show, and had a very successful show. Was so proud and thrilled that Matka won his first BOB under Mrs D Stansbury, Phillip was delighted back home, but glad he did not not have to travel with us! Penikka won her class, and Matka's first girlfriend E Ainonkainen was best bitch for Karen and Chris, so that was super and then to finish off a super day, E Mikko ShCM was res BD to nephew Matka!! Suddenly the 8 hour drive home did not seem so bad!

Here is a delightful picture of Matka, taken by Karen White at Bournemouth.

What an amazing week

2010-08-18T16:51:00.001+01:00

Well I was myself busy judging at both Paignton and Bournemouth shows - first Estrela Mtn Dogs then Pyrenean Mtn Dogs, but the Elbereth Team did me proud. First at Paignton under Mr J Bispham we had a new BOB winner in Judi Cross' Elbereth Marja, giving Hapmi yet another BOB winning offspring to his credit and pushing him further in the lead as top sire. Res BB was Marja's half sister Elbereth Apina at Pavoskas ShCM.

Then at Bournemouth, the breed was judged by Mr K Baldwin, it was a first BOB for Ian & Pia Reynold's Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen, following a number of reserve BB, she was handled by Sam Moore and Lyn Etches, and shortlisted in the group. The res BD was my son, Phillip's Elbereth Matkamies, his 6th such award and he is still only a junior. Kaisa's win puts Toive well on top for the top brood spot again.

Trip to Holland

2010-07-22T19:00:00.000+01:00

Fidelis Duuri (Usko)

A busy weekend in the caravan at NW and P breeds and then judging at the German Spitz Breeders and Owners Club. to get home and pack and then head for Holland Monday morning.

Had a super journey and having left home at 9.00am arrived in a very sunny Holland at 18.00 to meet Jordie and Nico and their lovely dogs. The reason for the trip - a romantic liaison betwenn Kaisa and Usko. It was definitely love at first site between the dogs, and now we just wait for a 4 week scan in mid August to see if the trip was successful. One thing is for sure, I and Kaisa were made very welcome by Jordie and Nico and we had a lovely time, the weather was amazing and hit 33C on the Tuesday.

Fidelis Duuri

Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen

Both Kaisa and Usko are prcd-1 PRA clear so any puppies from this mating will be genetically clear, and both have recent clear eye tests and are hip scored. If the mating is successful then this will be a third generation pet passport litter, Kaisa's dam, Toive being from the UK's first ever pet passport litter (any breed - back in 2000), and Kaisa herself being "made in Finland" after Toive's successful trip to meet the handsome Fin/WT Ch Lecibsin Kultakuono. Usko himself was born in Finland, so the litter will have strong Finnish roots.

Peterborough Show

2010-07-10T21:38:00.004+01:00

One of the best things about Peterborough show was meeting up with young Tiia, who I have not seen since she was a baby. Tiia was the darkest puppy born from the mating of Multi Ch Lumiturpa Otso and Elbereth Taru at Pavoskas, when Otso popped over from Finland to visit Crufts. Tiia has not had any ring craft training so I wondered how she would react to what was only her second ever show, and given that she sent much of her first upside down having her tummy rubbed. Well she was a little star and though I had to tickle her tummy when she was stood up to keep her happy, she was very settled and trotted around the ring like a pro, to win the Junior Bitch class and qualify for Crufts at her first Championship show outing.

Matka won his Junior dog class and took another res BD, and Penikka took her 4th Res BB of the year to go with her BOB at Bath.

Its been very hot here, and the dogs are lucky that we live near the river Thames, and that means they get a chance to cool off after a walk. Who says show dogs cant have fun!

And yes some lapphunds do like water - though you wont see Pigga getting wet, she stays just on the edge - happy to take a sip - but does not do getting wet in any form!! Toive is a swimmer and disappeared a few times to chase the canoeists!

Toive is on the left of the group of four above with Matka, and the two collies, Diesel and daughter Topo. Topo taught Matka to swim when he was a little pup - well - she swam off after her ball when he was a pup and he just jumped into the lake and followed her to find it was sink or swim!

Windsor Ch Show

2010-07-07T18:39:00.004+01:00

At a very sunny Windsor show Penikka followed in her sisters footsteps with a res Best bitch, not bad two show two different litter mates doing well, so proud of the girls.

Blackpool Ch Show

2010-06-30T21:01:00.003+01:00

What a hot weekend for Blackpool - but a very pleasant show and amazing results. I took four dogs (on my own) to the show and won 3 classes and a third place! First we had Matka back in the ring - he is still not yet in his best coat - but its coming and he won the Junior dog class. Elbereth Jalo at Arktinen won Post Grad dog and Elbereth Mikko ShCM won open. So Chris Murray and I had three dogs to handle in the challenge - in steps helper, Lucy - dragged off one of the nearby trade stands (thanks Lucy). Mikko going onto win Best Dog. Then in the bitches, Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen won Post grad bitch and res Best bitch, so super day for the two Arktinen dogs on their first visit to the ring this year!

Southern Cos

2010-06-10T20:49:00.000+01:00

Southern Cos show had a super entry of 65 dogs for Tuula Savolainen, and Elbereth Taivas did really well winning Post grad bitch and second in limit behind the ultimate BOB winner. Taivas is a real credit to the breed being so adept at learning tricks and 'performing' for her owner's amazing photos (it's Taivas that appears on the front cover of the 2010 SFLS year book. Here is Taivas playing with her favourite toy on a walk in the New Forest.

Bath Championship Show

2010-06-01T20:43:00.000+01:00

Team Elbereth had an amazing day at Bath, where our judge was Mr D Weller, first best dog was Elbereth Keskiyö at Infindigo ShCM and then his half sister Elbereth Penikka won Best bitch and BOB. The team were Group 2. These wins put Lecibin Hapmi and Elbereth Toive into the lead for top stud and top brood for the year to date. It was also lovely to see Elbereth Apina at Pavoskas ShCM win her class back in the ring after her litter.

A Super National Show

2010-05-11T21:13:00.003+01:00

At the Birmingham National under Ferelith Somerfield, Team Elbereth had a super day - and I stayed at home with too many jobs to do! Winning Junior D/B was Elbereth Ainokainen for Karen Rowe and Chris Murray - Aino being the beautiful Chocolate Button bred from Onneli and Sankari. Elbereth Mikko ShCM then won the Open Dog class and took BD & BOB for Chris Murray (he is from Hapmi and Toive's litter), and then Aino took BOS over older bitches in the open class, not bad - a first BB at 14 months of age. Then to really put the icing on the cake as they say.... Elbereth Hile at Morval came second to Aino in Junior and won Best Puppy - a great way to celebrate her last puppy class for Ro & Sam Moore (Hile combines yet more overseas breeding with Elbereth being by Multi Ch Lumiturpa Otso out of Elbereth Taru at Pavoskas). Well done to the team:)
Photo by Les Denman

Catch Up

2010-04-27T17:54:00.003+01:00

Message to self - must try harder to keep the blog up to date! Just the normal excuses of so much going on!!

Looking back – so what news have I missed: starting with most recent first – Happy Birthday to “The Pet Passport Litter” hard to believe that they were 10 years old on 26th April!!! Hope Toive, Tuukka, Magic, Lusa, Dizzy, Mikka, and Kesa had a good day – and RIP Nalle.

At WELKS we had a super sunny day in good company and the three lappies I took did very well under Mrs S Hewart-Chambers, with Satu qualifying for Crufts on a rare outing (in coat) – special thanks To Lyn Etches for handling her. Toive surpassed herself, just short of her 10th birthday to take res BB, and Matka won res BD at 13 months of age. The breeder team were then 3rd in the Group, though we were rather rushed into the ring and more thanks to Karen and Sam for helping out and to Jarkko and Tuula for stepping in to the limelight.

Whilst at the show I took the chance to get the dogs eye tested, and Toive, Satu and Matka all gave a super performance of the lappy temperament for the vet.

Matka’s hip score is now official; he scored in at 6/7 which is very pleasing as on par with breed average.

Looking back to W & P Breeds of Wales, we had a super day under Mrs l Cartledge, three classes all won by bitches, Elbereth Kukka At Cochochr beat brother Matka in the Junior class, Elbereth Penikka won Post Grad and Res BB, with big half sister Elbereth Suvi At Cochochr ShCM winning open and taking BOB!!! The Breeder team of Suvi, Kukka, Matka and Penikka were G2, thanks again to Sam and Lyn for helping with the handling!

Then fingers crossed for the lappy stork to visit, Elbereth Ilo at Starlapps and Elbereth Kimmi have had a romantic liaison, watch this space as the say.

Silver Good Citizen

2010-03-25T21:48:00.005Z

Young Matka had his Good Citizen Silver test last night and did very well, passing and getting the silver award at only 1 year of age! Was not that long ago that I wondered if we could get him to stay still for the two minute down!! He celebrated by playing with the two blondes in his life; a golden retriever and pale coloured GSD bitch. I hope to put him through to the gold award - but probably later this year, as the show season soon takes off and its harder to get the training in when you are out and about at shows!

The Kennel Club runs the KC Good Citizen Scheme - which encourages owners to train their dogs to a simple level of obedience, this promotes sensible dogs for our community.

Crufts 2010

2010-03-16T18:07:00.002Z

A big well down to the Elbereth Dogs who were placed at Crufts - especially the two babies Ainokainen and Matkamies who each won the special puppy and special junior classes for their sexes, with Aino taking best puppy - which made it a super week for her owners Karen and Chris following the birth of Karen and Brendon's son.

The Elbereth breeder team had qualified for the breeder finals (the only lappy team to reach the required points) and I am very grateful to Pia for her help with making the Finnish costumes and to Chris, Nina, and Sam who stayed over an extra day at Crufts to help handle the team of Matkamies, Mikko, Ainokainen and Kimmi (thanks also to Vanessa and Mark for letting me borrow Kimmi!). You can catch a brief glimpse of us in the video.

New Bronze KC Good Citizen Award

2010-02-22T22:18:00.001Z

The little chocolate button, aka E Ainokainen is not just a pretty face, today getting her Bronze Good Citizen award, well done Karen and Aino

Last Open Show Puppy Class

2010-02-15T09:25:00.002Z

At his his last puppy class at an open show - Matkamies won Best puppy AVNSC pastoral and the pastoral puppy group under Patsy Hollings. In a few weeks he will be one year old, just before Crufts, but qualifies to enter the Special Puppy Class at Crufts. He already has 6 points towards his ShCM:)

Super Weekend

2010-01-31T20:20:00.004Z

Well January 2010 has been a bit of a roller coaster month - but pleased to say it certainly ended on a high! What a bumper load of super show reports to share, first Chris Murray's Elbereth Mikko ShCM took G1 at a show in the North of England (name escapes me!) then Chris and daughter Karen's puppy Elbereth Ainokainen took puppy group 2!

Mikko pictured left

Then on the same day at the other end of the country and South Devon show, Elbereth Keskiyö at Infindigo ShCM took Group 2 for Jennifer Simmons and Jay Henson.

Then not to be outdone by his uncles and adopted sister Aino - Matkamies went to the Chichester Show on 31st January, to win Best Puppy and Best AVNSC under Mrs C Nicholson and then Adult Group 2 and then won the Puppy Group. The group winner was a Pyrenean who went onto BIS so Matka was in good company. Matka then went RBIS behind a really cute Pomeranian. A lovely weekend at all levels.

Manchester Dog Show

2010-01-25T19:41:00.002Z

What a super day we had - only took Matkamies and Penikka and they won their classes - with Matkamies taking Best Puppy (his last Championship show puppy) and then reserve Best Dog! Then having won post grad bitch - Penikka went onto Res Best bitch. E Ainokainen also had a good day for Karen & Chris, winning Best puppy and res Best Bitch in the rare breed classes. The Elbereth team of Mikko, Aino, Matka and Penikka were then placed third in the pastoral group final for the breeder competition. Thanks to Chris and Sue for staying to the end of the show!

Boston Championship Show

2010-01-09T20:52:00.003Z

Well the journey to Peterborough was very easy in spite of the snow - very little traffic on the roads and the M25 was the best its been for years! Matka was the only FL at the show and he did well, coming second in the AVNSC puppy dog class, behind a Pembroke corgi who went on to be best dog! Then in a strong Puppy stakes class he won 3rd - prize money of £10 too!!!!

After the show he enjoyed a run in the grassy car park with another stick!

Snow Balls

2010-01-09T20:47:00.004Z

Following a trend started by Toive's son (Tassu) and niece (Taivas) - a couple of shots of Toive (at a few months short of her tenth birthday) playing with a snow ball!

Check out the mad grandson, Matka in the photo on the right leaping about with a stick in his mouth!

Golden Oldies

2010-01-09T20:35:00.007Z

First some more lovely shots of the two sisters - Kira and Zuni - born 9th March 1998!!

First Kira - the only cream lapphund born at Elbereth (so far) so very special - photographed Summer 2009 so eleven years old and looking and acting on the day like a two year old!

Then her sister Zuni, who looks to be having a lot of fun in the snow - just 2 months short of her 12th birthday!!

Then the lovely Pigga enjoying the sun in July 2009 (she was 11 in August)

New Photos

2009-12-30T16:42:00.012Z

At this festive time of year its so lovely to get photos and news from the dogs you have bred, and maybe not seen for a while, especially the oldies. Below are some pictures of old friends.

Elbereth Lapinkulta (owned by Andrew and Claire) - such a stunning boy.

Two Elbereth Lappies headed down under in 2009 to start a new life with Emma, Miles and son Ruari in New Zealand, Elbereth Ukko and Elbereth Haave took the journey well and have settled in to the new life and large open spaces.

Haave is a Toive granddaughter! here she is looking for possums in a tree!

Here is a picture of Alfie - one of our lovely collies - taken early in 2009 - "Elbereth Soda on the Rocks" born July 1995

Anyone for guessing who this might be in the snow - taken this December? No its not Toive - but her sister Lusa - who lives with Tara and Boyd and their family.

Toive's older sister Zuni is still well and here is a photo of her at eleven years of age, Zuni and her cream sister Kira survive their siblings Pasha and Sasha.

Top Dogs

2009-12-20T16:24:00.006Z

was really chuffed to see that Toive and Hapmi completed the year as top Brood and Top Stud respectively in the Dog World Competitions, Toive is only bitch this year to be the mum of FOUR different BOBs - Suvi, Mikko, Kyky (all from same litter sired by Hapmi) and Kimmi who is from her first litter. Suvi and Mikko also managed to secure her top spot adding some repeat BOBs and BOS wins too! I am so grateful to all the owners and judges who made this possible.

This year the following Elbereth Dogs have achieved a best of Sex (or BOB)
Elbereth Mikko (4 BOB and 1 additional BOS plus 8 res BD - Toive x Lecibsin Hapmi)
Elbereth Kimmi (1 BOB - Toive x Osky des Chevalousgreg)
Elbereth Suvi at At Cochochr (1 BOB and 2 additional BOS - Toive x Lecibsin Hapmi)
Elbereth Kyky (1 BOB - Toive x Lecibsin Hapmi)
Elbereth Susi (1 BOS - Lumiturpa Pigga x Lecibsin Hapmi)

Res Best of sex award were won by:
Elbereth Mikko
Elbereth Norppa (3 RBD - Lumiturpa Pigga x Lecibsin Hapmi)
Elbereth Matkamies (2 RBD - Kyky x Lecibsin Macce) - also 4 x best puppy
Elbereth Apina at Pavoskas (4 RBB - Lumiturpa Pigga x Lecibsin Hapmi)
Elbereth Penikka (2 RBB - Toive x Lecibsin Kultakuono)
Elbereth Toive (2 RCC - Sulyka Mischa x Lumiturpa Nörri)
Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen (2 RBB - Toive x Lecibsin Kultakuono)

Nordic Show

2009-11-29T21:34:00.000Z

It rained a lot as we headed to Coventry for the Nordic show, Kaisa and Matka having a great time playing in the back of the car - those two are great friends! For a while the steward and I thought I was only exhibitor - but Niki and Vikki were just hiding on the other side of the Hall. Sheila Hall (Sambreeze) was our judge and awarded BP and BOB to Matka - his second and still only 8 months of age!

Huntingdon CS

2009-11-19T16:41:00.008Z

Well having only just found the show in the nick of time and almost having to run straight in the ring with Matka, we were please that Matka won Best Puppy AVNSC Pastoral. This meant waiting to later in the day for the group - where under Catherine Buecheler, Matka won his first puppy group at 8 months of age.

I have been nagged for not sharing some new photos with you - so big thanks to Pia - who took these when Matka was 7 months old - hope you enjoy. (Click on them to see a bigger version)

880 Miles for a show!

2009-11-08T21:25:00.002Z

its not an easy trip to Edinburgh from Surrey - actually its quicker and easier to drive to France and Belgium! Still Penikka, Matka and I headed north on Friday and stopped over about 1 hour from Edinburgh. On way up I stopped at the Tebay services at Westmoreland, and the scenery there was breathtaking, its over 25 years since I stayed at the lakes and the short stop at the services reminded me that I must visit them again such breathtaking peaceful landscapes.

Onto the show, where we were judged by Mr T Jones, he awarded Best Puppy to Matkamies, who was also reserve Best Dog, his second such award and only 8 months of age! Penikka was reserve Best bitch, two dogs, two wins, and two reserve best of sex awards. On way home we were delighted to hear that E Ainokainen, was 5th in a good sized puppy stakes class. Matka has a definite soft spot for his honorary sister - but maybe his views on her are no longer brotherly!

Catch up

2009-11-04T21:21:00.003Z

well been soooooo busy so have not been updating the blog. On 24th October I headed to Stafford for the Midland Cos show - was please to receive - with Pia, on behalf of SFLS the prize for the best newsletter/yearbook for a Non CC breed, what an amazing honour/result. The breed was judged by Sylvia Hughes, and baby Matkamies won Best Puppy, and Alex Walker-Nicholson's gorgeous Sumi, Elbereth Susi won BB, improving on her LKA result of last year. Sumi is very much her mothers daughter and needs to be wound up to get her to show in the ring - comes with side effect of silly yap!

In same week Matkamies passed his KC Good Citizen test Bronze award!

Today news of new puppies, Elbereth Apina at Pavoskas had two tricolour boys by C section to Mr Kippis!

What a great week!

2009-10-11T18:23:00.002+01:00

First the news from USA that Matkamies is prcd-1 DNA clear normal, and then that Elbereth Apina at Pavoskas is in whelp to Elbereth Kippis to Pavoskas, five bonnie tri pups expected. Then to finish off the week we headed on a long journey to South Wales in October - not my favourite journey on a dark wet Friday night - but made all the better for a super welcome at Carol & Alan's and a great evenings company. I took three dogs, baby Matkamies, Penikka and Kyky, and what super results. Matka won PD and res BD, Penikka and Kyky both won their classes (open and post Grad bitch) and then Kyky pulled out all the stops to get BB and then Best of Breed. She is third in this litter this year to get a BOB, and 4th to get a best of sex award, and they are only 3 years old. Her win also made me very chuffed as it pushed Toive and Hapmi further into lead for top brood and top stud for the breed, with three shows remaining. Matka then qualified for the res Best of Sex stakes, and amongst older dogs from other breeds pulled off a very creditable 3rd. Drive home was much easier (VBG).

Driffield Show

2009-10-04T17:16:00.002+01:00

Driving up the A1 is getting to be a habit - and stopover at Wetherby is now a regular haunt, same hotel 3 times this show season! Headed up on the eve of Wednesday - which was not ideal as in rush hour traffic most of way - arriving shortly before 10. Dogs walked and settled, then cup of tea made and then for early night - then the 1 mile drive (result) to the Wetherby Racecourse venue or the Driffield show. We don't have lapphund classes at this show so it was AVNSC (any variety not separately classified or as some of us call it - not seriously considered!) - was lovely to meet up withChris and Mikko at the show and we had plenty of time to relax and do some shopping before the judging. Our judge Mr Nev Newton had a real mixture of breeds to work through in the AVNSC classes. I was thrilled to bits when Matkamies won the puppy dog class, and perhaps even more so when he held his own in Junior - coming second to a 16 month old Vallhund. Chris and Mikko continued their winning ways heading a very strong open dog class and then winning BD, with Ainokainen taking the puppy bitch class, putting her head to head with Matka for Best Puppy. Interestingly that although Aino is a couple of days older than Matka she is the baby at the moment so not really surprised when the baby wolf (Matka) won another best puppy! Full results of the classes.

Darlington Championship Show

2009-09-26T07:25:00.003+01:00

Last weekend I headed to to Darlington - traffic on M25 was a big problem due to a major accident - so took much longer than planned - but at least I had planned ahead and went up early afternoon the day before. Dogs and I stayed in motel and they were good as gold. Mad as ever I took FOUR dogs on my own, Toive, Matka and then Norppa and Kaisa. There were 6 Elbereth Dogs entered under Anne Hutchison and we won 6 firsts, with Mikko taking BOB, Toive Best Veteran, Kaisa res Best bitch and Matka best puppy, not a bad day! Big thanks to Yvonne Baverstock and Antony Bongiovanni for helping out in dog and bitch challenges when I realised I had more dogs in the challenge than handlers!

Richmond Championship Show

2009-09-13T14:32:00.005+01:00

I had a really super day at Richmond Ch Show, judging the border collies, there were 164 entered and very few absentees and some really lovely dogs to judge, its a bit cliched, but there were a lot of dogs who I really liked but just did not have enough first place cards to hand out! As well as super entry we were blessed with sunny warm weather and had two very experienced stewards, Roger & Arthur, so we worked through the entry efficiently and with a smile. The main winners were:

BOB & DCC - Sh Ch Grandver Celtic Quest
res DCC - Minkynips So What For Cories
BCC - Sh Ch Altricia Fancy Free Of Tudorhurst
res BCC - Locheil Crazy Chic At Bryning
Best Puppy - Grandver In Style

Full results on Higham website

I was also pleased to hear that the new puppies qualified for Crufts on their first Ch show outing, well done to Elbereth Kia, Usko and Matkamies, and also Taika and Sohvi added to the list of qualified dogs to bring the total to 28 to date for Crufts 2010.

Full results on Higham site

Puppy Foundation Assessment

2009-09-02T22:25:00.002+01:00

pleased to report that Matka has completed his first training course and progressed from the pup who did not like to walk on the shiny floor to a pup near his 6 month birthday and being awarded his Puppy Foundation Assessment, now he will have to work harder to the KC GC Bronze level, more homework!!! Picture of Matka doing a down stay and leave (not chewing his new rosette!)

Three ShCM in one litter

2009-08-26T22:09:00.002+01:00

Proud as punch to be able to say that Elbereth Suvi at At Cochochr can now add the Show Certificate of Merit title to her name, well done to Suvi and owner Sylvia Hughes, she becomes the third in a litter to gain the award, joining brothers Keskiyö and Mikko and is the 5th Elbereth bred dog to gain the award, the other two bitches being Onnekas and Apina.

Paignton

2009-08-05T22:01:00.003+01:00

Very successful day at Paignton show in the wet and damp weather - what happened to sunny Devon. Elbereth Norppa was res BD and Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen won her third Post Grad class in a row and took res BB, the judge, Jeff Horswell had awarded Kaisa res BB last year when she was a puppy, so please he still likes her!

We also qualified the young collie dog, Elbereth to Dream Again for Crufts under Sheila Gay, Jim is such a happy out going pup its hard to get all four paws on the ground at once - so was pleased he behaved!

Leeds

2009-08-01T07:18:00.003+01:00

Really please with Toive's second res BB at Leeds under Tony Powell. At Nine years old she is looking the best she ever has, and certainly does not show her age, in looks or behaviour!!!. Her daughter Kaisa won her second PG class, 2/2 is not at all bad. Mikko won res BD too, so mother and son dong well. He is a very consistent winning dog this year taking BD or res BD at all bar one show attended!

Also just heard that Mikko has won another BIS and Ryedale and Pickering Agricultural show under Hazel Fitzgibbon. Way to go Mikko!

Satu is a Grandma

2009-07-25T08:33:00.002+01:00

Satu says she is too young to be a granny, but she is thrilled that her daughter Elbereth Kuutamo D'Ypreau delivered 6 pups all by herself with no melodrama last night. She was perfectly relaxed and went to bed and when Roger & Jenny awoke they found a new family of 5 girls and 1 boy clean and feeding off their mum. That's the way to do it!

Eye Tests

2009-07-25T07:58:00.002+01:00

pleased to report that Elbereth Toive and Elbereth Norppa passed their eye test on 19/7/09, in fact John Goodyear was most complimentary about the condition of Toive's eyes given her age - she was nine in April.

Catch Up

2009-07-21T20:49:00.004+01:00

so much has happened since my last posting and the terribly sad times have pushed the good news to the back of my mind. Poor little Saaru became ill a few days in her new home, just a simple chest infection or so it seemed, sadly that was only the tip of the iceberg, she appeared to be suffering from a mysterious virus whole her body could not fight and this along with the bacterial infections she had bought her condition down very quickly. At first she was well enough to eat and did not appear to be in pain, but then as the infection took over her body her interest in food stopped and it was apparent she was hurting. Her lovely family kept me posted at all times throughout her illness, and together we made the tough decision to let her pass to the rainbow bridge, lest hope great granny Echo is teaching her a trick or too!

Quickly reviewing the shows, at Windsor we saw Impi Ikilempi make her debut and be placed third in the puppy class qualifying her for Crufts, her Granny Toive was a star and won Res Best bitch from the veteran class, with E Norppa taking Res Best dog. Then to finish off a good day the Breder team of Toive, Norppa, Penikka and Riku won the Pastoral Group Breeder class giving the team the final points to qualify for Crufts - now what do we wear!

At East of England I was judging ASD and Malinois, so watched the lappy judging from the ring side. Keith Baldwin awarded BOB to E Mikko!!! Mikko was also shortlisted in the group under Keith Nathan.

Peace at Last

2009-07-04T07:02:00.003+01:00

Well after non stop pups since the beginning of March I have to admit is is nice to be back to normal, and Matka is starting to get some training done and additional attention which he needs at 3 months of age. The 4 pups of Tiia, Hile, Saaru and Teemu have all reported back and they have settled in very well to their new homes, their new Humummies and daddies just having to train them out of early starts! Saaru and Hile already have their own web pages!

We had a lovely day at Blackpool show - much better than the gales and evacuation of last year! Especially pleased that Jarkko, Jalo and Kaisa qualified for Crufts, and Apina and Mikko won Res BD & Res BB.

And then there were two

2009-06-26T21:56:00.003+01:00

Sad times and happy times, as the pups leave home, yes after 7 weeks of watching their every development you cant fail to love them, but its great to see them set off on the adventure of their new lives and especially when you know that as they leave you have made some new friends, and for that I will always be grateful. Teemu, the boy set off this afternoon to join Elaine and Richard and their grown up family in Rochester, lets hope the cat and chickens are OK, and that Teemu quickly learns that the pool is no go area before its full of water!

Once he was gone the girls settled down to a little peace - he was starting to throw his weight about, and I think I heard Saaru cheer a little as he headed off!

Then this evening Jayne, David and Elliott came to collect the lovely gentle Tiia, Elliot finishes school tomorrow and what a great way to spend the summer training his new pup - watch out you grown ups, I think Elliott will have have Tiia performing to a high standard very soon, and young Lottie will soon add some new puppy words.

So only two girls left, they leave over the weekend.

Eye Test

2009-06-23T18:47:00.003+01:00

The Pups from Taru and Otso had their puppy eye examination today - and were given the all clear by Jeff Yellowley. Whilst the KC/BVA don't yet recognise any congenital conditions in our breed, the incidence of PHTVL/PHPV is at 1.56&% of tested dogs in Finland so it seems well to me to screen pups before they leave home.

Puppies Clean third day in a row

2009-06-22T06:29:00.002+01:00

well good news is that the pups have been clean for a third night in a row - bad new was that their mum disturbed them and I at 4.50am asking to go out (she does not sleep with them now), so I got up and put pups on grass at just after 5am, they all performed and then came in and expected me to play with then - so boy was it noisy! Now its a reasonable time to get up (6.30) they are fast asleep!!!!

By Popular Demand

2009-06-21T15:39:00.002+01:00

as a number of people have asked after Matka, here is a cute shot taken at 3 months by Pia, hard to see how he used to be able to walk through the fence gaps!

Home Checks

2009-06-21T06:57:00.003+01:00

A busy day yesterday touring around the M25 to do three puppy home checks, OK so not everyone does these but I have found them useful over the years, they give me assurances as to the homes and lifestyle my pups are going to (and yes that people are who/what they say they are), its lovely to share the excitement of the new families seeing all the goodies they have bought for the new family member and how they plan to fully integrate the pup to their lives. In addition I can help point out 'danger' zones or risky areas, like the flower pots which will be trashed, the small gap under the gate where small fury bundle would squeeze, the cat food/litter tray which will be attractive to a pup plus some how training tips, anything really to help the new families 'cope' with the demands of a lively lappy pup. I left home just before 9.00am and headed north on M25 calling into Cambridge then back on M25 to join a traffic jam going over QEII bridge to pop along to Rochester, then heading further south and picking up M23 as well to visit Haywards Heath, before getting back on M25 to come home at 20.30. A 245 mile round trip, some lovely hospitality and cups of coffee, and now I can relax and look forward to hearing how the new pups settle in their new homes, they will be leaving us next weekend.

Week Six Update

2009-06-19T17:30:00.013+01:00

The pups have been enjoying more freedom in the garden, and now eat dried food totally dry but do love their nature recipe meals and to prove they have grown up they turn their noses up at scrambled eggs! They are all very chunky and fluffy now - real puppy dogs, some new up to date pictures below:
Bitch 1 - with the paint dipped tail is a chunky monkey and very keen to please. She looks the biggest but isn't - weighing in at 2800g. Her ears are getting a lot of lift - don't think it will be long before they are fully up?

Don't forget if you click on the small pictures you get a bigger copy.

Bitch 2 is suprisingly the heavier of the girls - coming in at 3ooog, the darkest of the litter, she has rich tan legs and a cheeky look. Love her big white bib and little grey chin wonder if she will have as much tan eventually as great uncle Tuukka

Then we have the only boy - a touch hen pecked by the bossy girls, but he can and does make his weight count! He is the heaviest of the four at 3200g. As you can see he has a smiley face and plenty of markings - lets hope he follows in his dad's looks, will be interesting to see if he stays with the rich tan of now like his mum, or gets paler like dad.

The last little girl is just a shade smaller than the first at 2700g - but looks to be the 'little pup' demure in stature but not in nature, Miss Independent is she and was willing to venture through the fence to play with Matka in spite of his huge size compared to her! The others not nearly so brave!

Three Counties Show

2009-06-18T06:55:00.002+01:00

We had a lovely day at Three Counties, the weather was super and company very good. Elbereth Penikka won Res Best Bitch at only 22 months, to add to those she won as a pup last year! and the Elbereth Breeder team of Norppa, Apina, Suvi and Penikka was second in the Group final. Pia kindly came over to baby sit the pups for me so I could go to the show, and managed to get an informal shot of each of the little cheekies

Busy Puppy Day

2009-06-13T20:57:00.002+01:00

Yesterday the pups enjoyed the sunshine outside and today they had a lovely day outside meeting all their new families. As ever the pups loving every minute of the attention. Pia kindly popped over to get some lovely photos (I know I have been lapse with getting updated photos of these four - sorry). For the weight watchers, they weighed in on Friday as:
Bitch 1 - 2300g
Bitch 2 - 2500g
Dog - 2600g
Bitch 3 - 2200g

Let us hope the weather stays nice for a few days and they get to enjoy more days paying in the grass.

Southern Cos

2009-06-08T21:28:00.002+01:00

At Southern Cos there was an entry of 47 lapphunds for Finnish judge Pekka Teina!, his BOB winning two classes was Elbereth Kimmi - beautifully handled by Sam Moore for Vanessa and Mark. Sadly Sam had to leave the show before the Group judging so I had the lovely task of taking Kimmi in the Group ring under Hans Lehtinen, sadly we were not placed but Kimmi was a star, he is so lovely to show. In the breed the Elbereth "A" team of Kimmi, Penikka, Apina and Norppa won the Breeder group - and we went into the group final under Rodney Oldham, big thanks to Vanessa, Jo and Steve for staying and handling, we were second again behind the Tonkory border collies, so get closer to our target of qualifying the team for Crufts! We actually ran two teams, so thanks as well to Jalo, Sumi, Riku and Ilo for joining in the spirit of things, a "C" team was suggested but we had run out of handlers!

Week Three Update

2009-05-31T20:10:00.024+01:00

I have been so busy over last couple of weeks - with pups and getting the Guildford show ready and run, so apologies for lack of updates on the Taru x Otso pups. Hope these new photos make the wait worth while. The pups are developing fast - moving about a lot - playing and mouthing each other and now showing an interest in the toys in their puppy pen, Taru makes me laugh by joining in their games - she nuzzles then with her nose and pushes them over - to encourage them to come back for more!

Bitch 1
You can see the tan developing on her face, and the cute white chin! She does look like she has dipped her left paw and tail in a white paint pot!

Bitch 2
There is a little tan coming through on her face but its not very easy to see in photos. She too has a little white chin!

Dog
The boy has a lot of tan on his face, like his mum its seems quite rich at present but as ever with our breed its never easy to tell what the colouring as adults will actually be at this young an age as they change so much.

Bitch 3
like the boy - is heavily marked on the face and reminds me of Uncle Kimmi at this age with the quizzical eye brows.

Kuutamo has been mated

2009-05-28T19:58:00.000+01:00

Please to hear from Jenny & Roger Weetch that Elbereth Kuutamo d'Ypreau has been mated with Elbereth Sankari at Auberic, Kuutamo is a wolf sable, and may carry brown, Sankari is a Black tri and we know he carries brown, so pups from this litter could be black tri, brown tri, or black or brown wolf sables. If you would like to find out more about the litter please contact Jenny & Roger

Kippis hips

2009-05-28T19:54:00.000+01:00

great to hear from Shelley & Steve that Kippis' hip score is 4/5, one of lowest in UK, he is of course prcd-1 PRA clear by parentage.

Bath Championship Show

2009-05-25T08:38:00.002+01:00

Lovely sunny day (for a change) at Bath Championship show, BOB was Sylvia Hughes' Elbereth Suvi at Cwmeinon, with res Best Dog to Elbereth Norppa. The breeder team of Norppa, Penikka, Toive and Apina at Pavoskas won the breed class, and then went onto 2nd in the Group competition. Special thanks to Sam, Jo, Steve and Sylvia for helping with the handling.

Latest Health Results

2009-05-22T22:36:00.000+01:00

Please to report that Elbereth Kaisa at Arktinen has a clear eye certificate today and Elbereth Kippis to Pavoskas has a very good hip score - total score is 9, one of the lowest in UK, dont know the split yet though.

SKC Results

2009-05-18T07:09:00.002+01:00

A very good enty of 16 for Chris Chapman at SKC in Edinburgh, her BOB was Chris & Terry's Elbereth Mikko ShCM, with res BB to Elbereth Apina at Pavoskas ShCM. The BP Infindigo Monta Aurinko was bred from two Elbereth Dogs, Mikko's brother Keskiyö and Apina's half sister Onnekas.

Week 1

2009-05-17T17:58:00.021+01:00

The Taru x Otso babes are 1 week old now, pictures and weights below, a special litter, made in England when Otso was visiting for Crufts and Taru obliged by being in season at the right time!

Bitch 1 is still quite dark facially but has white feet and the big white tip on her tail, have pictured each pup in repose on Phillip's bean bag so you can see their white chests and feet, she weighs 750g

Bitch 2 - the first two girls could almost be twins except the for white tip on tail they have almost same markings, weight 750g

Dog Pup - is really starting to show lots of paler face markings and on legs, he continues to lead the weights being 800g this week.

Bitch 3 - like her brother is really starting to develop bright markings, she is slightly smaller than others at 600g, having been smallest born.

Torture in Devon

2009-05-14T16:58:00.001+01:00

As many of you know Pigga has been at her holiday home in Devon - taking the sea air and in theory being spoilt rotten. It started well, access to the sofa when she liked, new walks to chase squirrels without running risk of being over taken by Toive, and special walks to make sure Steve was safe on his trips "shopping". So far so good, but then............. today I received a parcel and a plea for help from Pigga I quote "PLEASE HELP ME!!, I am being TORTURED. This is what they have done to me. It was HIM, he got Kippis first then Apina. I thought I was safe, then he got me, HELP ME - Pigga"

So what has been done - she even sent the evidence - see picture.

It looks like camp commandant has groomed the poor Pigga, who can disappear into smallest corner whenever a brush or comb appears! Looks like we will have to send a rescue mission to Devon!

Matka's first Jab

2009-05-13T18:40:00.000+01:00

Today Matka went to see the vet for his check up and first jab, he received a clean bill of health, but boy did he screen when he had his injection, must be a baby boy thing !!! He did of course find all the attention in the waiting room very much to his liking, people just cant resist a fluffy lappy pup. Three weeks to the next jab!

Taru's New Family

2009-05-09T17:46:00.000+01:00

Managed to sneak the pups away from Taru for a few seconds to get a few shots, so here goes for under 24 hours old shots!
Bitch 1 white feet, big white tip to tail and big white triangle on chest, weighed in at birth at 350g, came out bum first, then found her way her a back teat for a sneaky suckle before after birth was delivered and she was cut free!

Bitch 2, similar markings, but no white tip, weighed in at 300g.

Then we had the only boy, he has a white foot on left paw a long flash of white down throat and tummy and was very notably tri marked on his face. The biggest of the four at 400g.

Taru delivered the four in 3.5 hours from start of first contraction to delivery of last pup. The final pup is another bitch, white tips on all feet, a long white flash from chin to belly button, and again a lot of cream developing on face already. She weighed 300g.
They are all strong and suckling well.

Litter Names Official

2009-05-09T17:25:00.000+01:00

I had to register Kyky & Macce's litter using the old paper form method - so still have not got their registration papers - but a quick peep on the health database shows the names of Usko, Kia, Kukka and Matkamies have been accepted - phew a relief!

Matka is learning to fetch a tennis ball - he thinks its a great game running around the open plan extension I think he cant understand how he has traction on carpet - but skids on the wooden floor, the four paw drive just does not work.

Taru's arrivals

2009-05-09T09:14:00.000+01:00

After a busy night nesting on Thursday, I was guessing Taru would have her pups as expected Friday evening, but she decided to be more considerate and whelp during the afternoon. She has four pups, three bitches and the one dog, all are black tricolours, with big white bibs and varying amounts of white on their feet - no full white legs like mum or great gran though, a couple have lots of tan marking breaking through on faces already so am thinking these could be strikingly marked like dad Multi Ch Lumiturpa Otso. The first born bitch has a white tip to her tail which seems to come down from Echo/Toive/Taru! We were expecting a few more - but after the fourth, Taru settled down to enjoy her new family and so it would appear another fab four! I tried to get some sleep but its never easy when you have new pups - I got up about every hour/hour and half just to check on them all, and when one of the pups squeaked to say it had lost its bearings on the whelping mat and could not find the milk bar!

Otso is the ninth overseas imported dog/bitch I have used in my breeding programme and we were just so lucky that Taru's season coincided with his trip to UK and I am eternally grateful to Steve and Shelley for loaning Taru to me to make all this happen.

Bits & Bobs

2009-05-08T09:14:00.000+01:00

well Matka has been enjoying his first week of walks (and no he has not had his vaccinations yet!), the first walk was a little overwhelming - especially meeting some different shaped dogs! But now he loves it and was trying to get a small poodle to play with him today. He travels in the back of the car in puppy box, so he does not eat the car! and then goes free on the walk with a trailing lead, so I can can quickly gain control if I think there is something strange ahead. He walks for 10 mins and then I carry him for 15 and then put him down again. He even seems to like taking in the sights from the comfort and lofty position of my arms. Its a slow walk, one as he does not walk very fast but more because we have to stop and meet and greet everyone who of course cannot resist him. One quick photo of a damp pup out this morning. You will spot that finally (he was the last) his ears are up!

Taru had a restless night - digging up the papers and blankets in the whelping box, so I too did not get a great nights sleep. She ate her breakfast this morning, but is keen to stay in the whelping box, guess it will be a long day and then a longer night!

And then there was one!

2009-05-02T17:51:00.000+01:00

This morning Usko left home, to join Ant, Vicky and Connor by the sea side, being a very placid chap he just sat on Vicky's lap - looked up at me as if to say cheerio see you soon, and settled down. He really is a gently boy and am sure will get on well with Scratchy the cat and Connor of course! He is a showy chap as the picture here demonstrates, and both ears are up giving him a really alert expression, lets hope we will be seeing him out and about at some shows from September!

Whilst there were only two boys left - I craftily moved the puppy pen from the study and into the Utility room, so that they would get used to being with the big girls whilst there was two - safety in numbers!! It seems to have worked a treat - Matka has not realised that he is now a single pup, as he lays in his pen surrounded by Granny Toive, Aunty Taru and cousin Satu - not forgetting Diesel Dog! Being more of a fidget it was harder to get Matka to pose.

The big Decision

2009-04-28T20:00:00.000+01:00

Well I don't think it was ever going to be easy the boys are just..... well so nice, so how can I choose one! Well choose I must and its going to be the Wolf Sable, my reason probably that he reminds me of Norppa and he is quite an independent chap. The tri has a stunning head and I can see a lot of his Dad in him, but maybe not the coat yet, of the wolf sable - although both are pretty fluffy. The tri boy is a real sweetie, very affectionate and loves to have his tummy tickled - just like his Dad!

Their names will be Elbereth Usko (faith) for the tri and Elbereth Matkamies (traveller) for the wolf sable (he will be Matka for short).

And then there were two

2009-04-26T13:58:00.000+01:00

All three girl pups have now left home on their next life adventure, joining their new families, Aino has headed North to Stockton-on-Tees to Join Karen and Brendon, coping with the long drive well, and enjoying the attention of all the humans who are drawn to visit Karen & Brendon, funny how popular you can be when you have a new Lappy pup!

The wolf sable bitch is now to be called Elbereth Kukka (Koooo-ka) and has gone to live with Aunty Suvi and Terry & Sylvia Hughes in Wales, what an adventure she will have with sheep, cattle and ponies to keep in order, just as well as she is a very busy individual!

The biggest pup - the tri bitch is joining Mark & Debbie and children Kate and Joe, in Twickenham (not too far away), to be called Elbereth Kia. The whole family have been busily learning the dos and donts of new puppy ownership, and Kate and Joe are looking forward to training her a wide variety of tricks, watch out Taivas, you may have a young pretender to your Trick Queen crown!

That leaves the two handsome boys - how am I ever going to decide which one to keep???? With poor Antony, Vicky and Connor, waiting with baited breath, for their new family member to join them.

Happy Ninth Birthday

2009-04-26T09:50:00.000+01:00

Hard to believe The UK's first Pet Passport litter are NINE today

Happy birthday Toive, Tuukka, Lusa, Mikka, Dizzy, Magic and Kesa

And RIP Nalle

My special babies

WELKS

2009-04-25T06:51:00.000+01:00

WELKS stands for West of England Ladies Kennel Society and it is a Championship show held at Malvern. Our judge for the event was Mr Albert Wight, and he had an entry of 25 lapphunds. Winning her second Best Bitch in a row was Sylvia Hughes' Elbereth Suvi At Cochochr. The res Best dog was her brother, Chris Murray's Elbereth Mikko and their half sister, Elbereth Apina at Pavoskas was res Best Bitch. The Team consisting of the two pairs of litter mates, Norppa, Apina, Suvi and Mikko won the breeder class.

Week Seven

2009-04-24T07:54:00.000+01:00

Fab four weights at Week 7 were:
Tri Girl (Elbereth Kia) 3800g
Sable Girl (Elbereth Kukka) 3400g
Sable Boy 3600g
Tri Boy 3500g

Aino Week Seven

2009-04-21T21:43:00.000+01:00

Crumbs is it really 7 weeks! Thought I could share with you Aino's first ever photo, here you can see the x ray of Onneli just before the Caesarian section. You can see how Aino was really taking advantage of all the space in the uterine horn !!

Well Aino is now 7 weeks old and weighs 3900kg, both ears are nearly up, and she has an amazing coat! This weekend she will head north - that's right she is not staying here. Tempted as I was, she was destined for Karen and Brendon and will be best friends with Mikko, Karen is Chris and Terry's daughter, and Karen &Brendon have been practising being a lapphund owner by looking after Mikko when Chris and Terry are away. She will be well spoilt by the extended family and if she fulfils half the promise she looks to have, we hope she will join Mikko on the show circuit.

I have made some more decisions some easier than others, and one concerns Onneli, we have decided that she deserves a great retirement to be spoilt rotten rather than be pushed about by my stroppy girls. So she is off soon to join Tassu (Elbereth Otso) to be his new "Girlfriend" - he has had a hankering for a Friend for a while - but thought it worthwhile waiting till a special girl came along. Onneli is the sort of girl who loves to spend as much time as possible upside down having her tummy tickled, and there can be a queue for this in our house (normally behind Toive)- so Peter and Heather offered to help her out. She will be missed, but we know she will have a great time.

Week Six Photos

2009-04-19T21:59:00.000+01:00

Ok so we are a bit late - but as a special treat - Pia kindly came over today so we could take advantage of the sun, and get some super shots of all the pups, am sure you will agree the wait was well worth it!!! This link comes with a oooohhhh arhhhhhhh warning

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