Summer Shows

What a great start to the summer shows:

At Birmingham National, "Team Elbereth" had a super day, first Elbereth Matkamies winning the dog CC, then Judi Cross and Ch Elbereth Marja won her 4th CC and took BOB.  If his was not enough, our new edition Tilkkuturkin Hallantuoma to Elbereth (Halla), only 6 months of age took Best Puppy in breed.

Halla then made a big impact at Bath, taking BOB & BP under Mr M Vines - his critique certainly shows what an impact this cocky little lady made on him:
Jackson’s Tilkkuturkin Hallantuoma to Elbereth, what a name, but very suitable for such an outstanding exhibit. Did it all for me, still a very minor puppy, a sable of eye filling quality. I was taken a little by surprise when she entered the ring, breathtaking would be an understatement. Fabulous feminine head so correct, eye, ears, very good stop, soft well padded muzzle, excellent dentition, tight lips. More reach of neck than you would expect, with just that hint of an arch. Well defined wither, into a topline so firm for one so young. Very good tailset. Coat texture soft at the moment as you would expect, but has the makings. Very good bone, all so feminine, forehand into very straight forelegs outstanding. Feet very tidy just the right amount of arch. Underline good, chest proportion roomy. Loved her rear assembly, long bones, wide thigh, short hocks which showed firmness standing & on the move. The handler moved her out at just the right, pace, this for me was the icing on the cake & the final decider for best smooth sound action in all areas. In presentation a confidence & attitude beyond her age. BP, BB & BOB (Judge Mike Vines)"  Her sire Matkamies had to settle for RBD and E Kia joins Bridus was reserve BB.>

Moving onto Southern Cos, where Mr Harri Lehkonen from Finland judged the breed, and from entry of 60 dogs he awarded a 12th CC to Elbereth Matkamies and BOB, with bitch CC to Elbereth Suvituuli, Matka's daughter out of E Penikka.  Elbereth Marja was RBB, and E Pelinainen won two classes, what a superb day.  This is the first time a father and daughter have done the double in the breed.

Crufts & WELKS shows

I have just been so busy that have neglected the blog, so time for a quick update....

First a look back to Crufts where I had the honour to judge Pyrenean Mtn Dogs - and found my BOB in the Swedish dog, Vi'skaly's Harlem Shake (Vi'skaly's Stage Diver x Vi'skaly's Poppy Pinot), who then went onto Group 2.  A stunning boy with such a lovely head and expression.

Sam Moore then handled Phillip's Multi Champion Elbereth Matkamies to DCC & BOB under Sue Dunger, and Emma Bird handled Multi Ch Elbereth Kia Joins Bridus to BCC.  There were also big wins for Matka's daughter's Elbereth Pelinainen and Elbereth Suvituuli.  Lovely to have these two super dogs appreciated by Sue who introduced the breed to the UK.

Crufts winners (photo Pia Reynolds)

At WELKs Championship show the breed did not have CCs, but Matkamies took BOB under Mrs Rose Marie Emery from Sweden, and he then went onto his first group placing in UK - G4 under Mrs Lynn Salt

photo Alan Walker

I haven't yet introduced the new edition to our family, Tilkkuturkin Hallantuoma to Elbereth - Matka's daughter to Fin Ch Tilkkuturkin Bunahilkka

photo Nina Lahin

Who with the rest of the Elbereth family had an amazing day at Birmingham National;  first Matka won his 11th CC under Rodney Oldham, then baby Halla won her first ever puppy class, Pelinainen won Junior and Post graduate to be followed by their older half sister, Suvitulli winning limit.  Onto open where Judi Cross won the BCC and BOB with Ch Elbereth Marja (Int & Fin Ch Lecibsin Hapmi x Elbereth Satu), an amazing day ending with 6 month old Halla winning BPIB.

Matka and Kia also popped back to Ireland to gain the final point for their Irish titles and a little trip after Birmingham to Germany to add more points towards their German titles :)