2012 Custom Darwyn Calendar now available!

Joe! 
MBISS/MBIS GCh Am & Can Ch. Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That
Order yours here!

I have included a few puppy photos from Joe and Paisa's litter born in July 2011, some of Jessie who is from Dora's litter that was sired by Monty in March 2011, one of Gracie who is, of course, a Parker daughter, some of Grover (Monty's brother from Paisa's first litter), Monty is back on the beach and I have snuck one show photo in - Dora at the National Specialty in PA in Oct/11 where she won 2 days!  And, of course, some stunning photos of my boy Joe !  I tried to keep show pictures to a min in the calendar, since I see so many show pictures all year round! 

Anyone can order one (click here) - so if you want to, go ahead. I know it is early - but here's hoping that 2012 is a good year all round for all of my friends and family!

I can't wait to do the 2013 Darwyn Calendar!

Introducing DORA! Am Ch. Darwyn's Dora the Explorer - my 23rd Champion!

NEW Am Ch Darwyn's Dora the Explorer!
Bred/Owned:  Larisa Hotchin
Handled by:  Wood & Jenny Wornall & Andrew Peel (CA, USA)
Montgomery County (WTCA) 2011 - Winners Bitch (5 pts)
Hatboro 2011 - Winners Bitch (5 pts)
California & Arizona (Oct/Nov 2011) - WB x 4 to finish her Am. Ch.!

Dora is Darwyn's 23 champion - of which 16 are also American Champions (remember, I live and primarily show in Canada) AND she is my 12th Welsh Terrier to win Winners or higher at a Welsh Terrier Club of America Specialty! 

For a relatively small kennel, I am shocked at these numbers, given that I got my first bitch in 1999 - a very nice bitch from Saredon Kennels in England.

I haven't written much about Dora, and realistically haven't written much this year on this blog at all (and even less on my main website!  Yikes!).  Bad... 2012 resolution coming up! 
I have written a couple of posts about Dora's beautiful litter whelped in Mar/11 (puppies & lead training).

A couple of mths after the puppies were born, I was playing with her and thought that she would be one that I would really like to see in competition at Montgomery ... so, I stripped off her jacket (and most of her furnishings, which were really beaten up by puppies) and off Michael and I go to the local parking lot, video camera in hand.  I sent the video to my handlers in California (Wood & Jenny Wornall) and ask if they would be interested in showing her this year at Montgomery?
Fast forward to October 2011, the next time I see Dora is when she is in the open bitch, then the Winners Bitch line-up at Hatboro I with Andrew Peel, under Terrier breeder expert judge, Mrs. Connie Clark .... I know I am biased, but Dora looked amazing!  Correct size for the breed and was one of the welshiest looking bitches in the ring (well her and her 1/2 sister who was the #1 Welsh Terrier in the US - Ch Bruhil's First Lady), and another darwyn bred bitch (Ch Darwyn Esmeralda in Sanperpinc) who was WB, to finish, at Devon. 

Then Dora was pointed to!  Her first time shown in breed competition and her first points -- at a WTCA specialty!  WOW!

On Montgomery County day (the WTCA National Specialty), first off her 6 month old daughter, Jessie, wins her puppy class (!!!!wow!!!!) with her co-owner Jane Erdman handling (and doing a lovely job!) and then Dora wins the Open Class, then Winners Bitch!  In the end of the day, Monty (Am/Can Ch. Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus) was also pointed to for the Grand Championship Select Dog Points 3 out of the 4 days (including Montgomery day) and an Award of Merit the other day, Dora was Winners Bitch 2 out of the 4 days, and Monty's sister (Emme) was Winners Bitch one of the days!  WOW!

The Montgomery Day wins (Jessie, Dora, Monty) were very special to me.  The judge, Mrs. Carole Beattie from Florida, is a well-respected judged, long-time Welsh Terrier breeder (owned and bred some of the best!).  This day Wood Wornall was able to make the welsh ring and show her.  Mrs. Beattie's nod in the direction for my breeding program (Monty and Dora both bred and raised and trained here and Jessie - their daughter), at an extremely well-attended and competitive show, made me want to cry. 

2011 will be a year at Montgomery that I will never ever forget - and Dora, whom just had puppies recently, wasn't even on the schedule to attend but a few months earlier.

Trophies & Ribbons received from WTCA on Montgomery County Show Day (National Specialty)
Monty (Am/Can Ch Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus) = Grand Ch. Select Dog Award!
Dora (New Am Ch Darwyn's Dora the Explorer) = Winners Bitch AND Award of Merit!
Jessie (Darwyn Jesterr's Holding Court) = 1st place in 6-9 puppy class!

I am so happy that I did that parking lot video tape, that Woody & Jenny wanted to show her, that they were able to get her into such awesome condition, and that the judges (and my peers, other exhibitors and friends from all over the world that were there watching!) were so positive towards her, and saw the quality in her that I saw when she was just a baby puppy. 

Dora being handled on Montogmery Weekend by Wood Wornall
New Am Ch Darwyn's Dora the Explorer

Thank you.

We are thrilled with her successful (but very short) US career...
... looking forward to showing her in Canada (even if it is just to finish her CH) ...

... we are happy she is home now. 

This picture, taken an hour after she got home tonight shows how quickly she settled back into home routine.  :-)

Joe Wins 2 Terrier Group First's at Canada's Largest Show at LMDF!

Joe! 
MBIS/MBIS GCh & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That
Handler:  Milton Lopes
Show:  Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers (Canada); Oct 28, 2011
Judge:  Mr. Carl-Gunnar Stafberg (Sweden)

Joe is now the #2 Terrier and #8 Dog (among all-breeds!) in Canada!

I have just returned from a thrilling and fun-filled weekend at Canada's largest show - Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers (LMDF) held at Tradex in Abbotsford, BC.
My dog Joe attended along with 15 of the top 20 dogs (all breeds) in all of Canada, and over 1000 other dogs!  Not only was it the largest show in Canada so far this year, but also hosted the largest Terrier entry so far this year!

Joe was awarded TWO GROUP WINS!  One of whom is a well renowned terrier expert, Mr. Carl-Gunnar Stafberg of Sweden!  Mr. Stafberg is a renowned breeder of Border Terriers since 1963 (bred over 100 champions!), but other terriers he has owned and bred include Airedale, West Highland, Irish and Welsh Terriers!  He has been judging since 1967 and has many international accomplishments.  What an honour for me to have Mr. Carl-Gunnar Stafberg choose my boy Joe as his Terrier Group Winner, especially given his background in terriers and my breed!  WOW!

Joe's second Group Win on the weekend was from the well respected judge from Russia, Mrs. Elena Yerusalimskaya, who qualified as a judge in 1981.

I was so proud to watch Joe in the Best in Show line-up twice this past weekend.  As you can see from these photos he is in excellent condition, coat and trim, works perfectly with Milton and Tracy who present him and he absolutely loves to show! 

Many people at the show were captivated by Joe!  A friend came out to watch the show and took some amazing photos -- in a few days I'll update this blog with a link to some of her photos!

For now - here is a sample of Elaine Hu of SquAire Dog Grooming of Joe showing how Joe won the groups at LMDF 2011!

11 week old puppies having fun - video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grr_UoFuLEY 

The picture above is when Paisa and Joe's puppies were 6 weeks old - but the link above is when 2 (of the 5 puppies) are 11 weeks old, and it was taken tonight (the boy is Trooper).

Paisa, the mom, has recently gone to her new home in Los Angeles and is doing very well.  Joe, the sire, got his 9th Best in Show, his 7th Reserve Best in Show and his 51st Group 1st win this year.

Lot's going on - and in a few days I leave for Montgomery County Kennel Club!  Monty is there as a special (Am/Can Ch. Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus).  Dora is there as an open bitch (she's a K-See daughter), and Jessie, a 6 month old Monty x Dora daughter is there with her co-owner, Jane Erdman (who has done all of the trimming work!).  I can't wait!

Hope you enjoyed the video.  :-)

3rd weekend in a row -- BIS for Joe!

As of today, Joe (GCh and Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) is Canada's #6 dog all breeds!

2 weekends ago, Joe was awarded his 2nd Best in Show in a line-up that included both the #1 and #2 dogs of all-breeds.  Truly a thrilling experience for us! 

Last weekend Joe won a Terrier Specialty, an all-breed BIS and an all-breed RBIS!  It was the Terrier Breeders Association National Specialty, and NACA, a well known, and well-attended, all-breed show in Canada.

This weekend Joe and Milton flew up to the Yukon to go GOLD prospecting!  You see, it is a tradition for the Yukon Kennel Club (which surprisingly, even though it is far away, sees some of Canada's top dogs in their line-up each year!) gives a Gold Nugget for their BIS and BPIS wins! 

The gold nugget Joe won yesterday isn't enough to retire on, but it could be made into a beautiful piece of jewelry that can be worn with a lot of pride!

Thank you Mr. Rick Fehler for this wonderful award!

Another Best in Show and a Best in Specialty -- Joe is now #7 Dog ALL-BREED!

June 6, 2011
Best in Show
JOE! BISS/MBIS GCh Am and Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That
Judges: Mr. Ralph (Skip) Scoggins (BIS); Mr. James Ham, USA (Group 1)
Handled by Milton Lopes and Tracy Tuff
CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS!

Today was Joe's 31's time in the ring in Canada this year - and every single time he has gone into the ring (except once) he has either won the terrier group or placed!  I am just so darn proud that he has been received so well. Click here for Joe's page

I loved this dog right from when he was 5 weeks old!  Granted, he took a while to mature (so didn't always win or place), but to those with an eye, he showed great promise.  His second time out he got a Best Puppy in Show, his 3rd time out, with me handling him at Northern California Terrier Association at 7 months old he was awarded a Group 2 in Bred-By Exhibitor (adult) Group!  And, shortly after that he was awarded 2 AKC majors (breeder-owner handled :-)

His (short) US career last year was truly amazing, and now back in Canada he certainly has matured into the promissing puppy I had hoped for.

This past weekend in Edmonton Alberta, at NACA, was a very competitive weekend with the Terrier Breeders Assocation of Canada National Specialty, and 4 All- Breed shows.  Joe (GCh and Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) WON the Terrier Specialty plus Group 1st at 3 out of the 4 all-breed shows, one Reserve Best in Show and Best in Show!  He placed in the other group, while it was won by a beautiful Bull Terrier (one who also won a US National Breed Specialty) ... like I said, a very competitive terrier group (and the largest one in Canada so far this year!).

We are very thankful to the judges that found the quality in Joe to give him these awards this weekend - and so far in his career.  We are very happy.
Our appreciation from this past weekends awards are to:
Elaine Mathis (Florida, USA) for Group 1st and Reserve Best in Show
James Ham (MI, USA) for Group 1st
Fred Dewsbury (Ontario) for Group 1st
Ralph "Skip" Scoggins (Texas) for Group 1st, Best in Specialty and Best in Show!

Joe rocks! G1 and RBIS at the largest terrier entry in Canada so far this year!

June 3, 2011
Group 1 and Reserve Best in Show
JOE!  BISS/MBIS GCh Am and Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That
Judge:  Mrs. Elaine Mathis (Florida, USA)
Handled by Milton Lopes and Tracy Tuff
CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS!

I am bursting with pride today! 
First off, a beautiful 11 week old puppy bitch went to her new home (a very knowledgeable Welsh Terrier breeder who has been involved for over 25 years).  She's on the other side of the continent from me and I have a lot of trust with my new co-owner (and am very excited about this).  Jessie's safe, happy and her new co-owner is thrilled!  Stay tuned on this one, more will be said about Jessie in future posts...
The other reason that I am so proud tonight is that my boy Joe (MBIS/BISS GCh and Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) won the Group and was awarded Reserve Best in Show today at NACA!  Click here for results.  I believe this weekend has the largest terrier entry in the country so far this year, and it was a very competitive line-up in both the group and BIS level!
Today's Group and BIS judge is the well known, and respected Mrs. Elaine Mathis from Florida USA.  From the personal notes I have received tonight, Joe showed his heart out and looked amazing even though the weather could have been a tad bit warmer!

As you can see by the photos above, Milton Lopes and Tracy Tuff have Joe looking AWESOME!  Thank you to everyone for your support of this wonderful team!

Kennel Club Health Survey Results!

The results of a recent health survery for the Welsh Terrier breed by The Kennel Club in the UK is now available.  I don't know how the UK Breed Clubs distributed the survey, when it was done, or how the questions were asked (yes, that is my background in Market Research of 17 years in banking coming out!!!  :-)  You see, I was a Vice President for a number of years for one of the largest banks in the world, in the Analytics and Market Research departments - so I know a bit about what I am talking about ;-)  So, while I know that there are factors that can play into numbers, even if you don't mean to do it (just in how you word the questions), all we have are the facts that are provided. 

With the 66 returned surveys in hand, it looks pretty good overall for the health of our breed!

Click here for the link with the results.

Remember - any dog, of any breed, can get any condition ... nothing is 100% in life when you are dealing with living things!

AKC ACE Award Nominee!

Charley has just been nominated for an AKC ACE award (read about it here) - WOW!

ACE recognizes extraordinary things demonstrating the strong human-canine bond.  Charley, and Jerry Nickell (of Oklahoma), definitely deserve this recognition!
I wrote about who she is on a blog post in June 2010 (click here).  Charley has been featured on radio, TV (click here for the TV link), newsapers and recognized with awards from a number of hospitals and libraries (click here for the organization H.A.L.O she is involved in).  She is officially - Am Ch. Sanherpinc Nora Charles, and is Paisa's litter sister (MBIS Am/Can Ch Sanherpinc Paisa).  Charley is also the dam of 5 wonderful puppies sired by my boy Parker - BISS/BIS Am/Can Ch Darwyn's Webslinger.  One boy was kept by the breeder, and he might try his hand at owner-handling at some point with him in the show ring (I wish I lived closer to help!), and one girl lives near me and is named Gracie. She will make her debut in the show ring, unfortunately, I am not sure if the 'top honours' will be awarded to her - you see, her tail was docked really short and it detracts from the over all look.

I co-own her with a really nice owner, and we'll see.  In a worst case scenario, she will continue to be the awesome pet that she has been so far!  The short tail isn't an issue for the owner, and hopefully some judges will be able to see past it and see the beautiful structure and very "welshie" look and temperament she has.

Jerry, Ann, Charley - I am SO proud of you!  Keep up the great work - you are awesome ambassadors for the Welsh Terrier breed, terriers and dogs in general!  Thank you!

I finally updated Joe's web page with his Canadian show wins!

I finally updated Joe's web page with some "fast facts" for Joe's career to date, his Canadian show wins, and a link to the 2 videos I did of him at dog shows - one in the US on Montgomery weekend and one in Canada (first weekend out with Milton and Tracy).  It was neat to re-live these 2 days.  I enjoyed it - if you watch them, I hope you do also.

Click here to go to Joe's updated web page.

Click here for the video of Joe and Woody on Montgomery 2010 weekend.

Click here for the video of Joe on the first weekend out with Milton Lopes and Tracy Tuff.

A few facts:

* 6 Group WINS in the US! (California and Montgomery weekend)

* 39 Group Placements in the US!
* Many BOB wins in the US with other top Welsh Terriers in competition
* 2 BIS (in top competition)!
* 27 times in the ring in Canada in '11 - 26 Group Placements
* 12 Group WINS in Canada

I still have more to update.  I haven't put in any (except one) of his US photos - and they are good!

Congratulations to Fred & Patty for 6 healthy puppies sired by Monty!

One of my specials boys, Monty (Ch Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus) sired a second, healthy litter.  Olivia, the dam, is owned by WTCA members Fred and Patty Adams in Florida.  The puppies are now 3 weeks old (boy does time fly!) and all doing well.  Congratulations and good luck!  We'll be following your progress closely!

Click here for the web page that I put together for this litter (which includes the details for Fred and Patty's litter).  Monty's own web page has not yet been done (but it will be - I promise!).

Victoria Area Welshie Walk photos (May 8, 2011)

On May 8, 2011, a number of Welsh Terrier owners (including some that I bred) gathered.  One of these owners came out from Alberta and took over 100 photos to remember the day by.  If you click here, then go to Travel and then click on Victoria Welshie Walk, you can see them.

Click here if you want to participate in future events.  Wendy (contact on that page), can add you to the contact list.

A little bit of lead training for a 9 week old puppy

I have started to get our 9 week old (Monty x Dora) puppies used to being on a lead.  So far they all seem fairly comfortable (I'm sure the cheese helps :-).  I am very happy with how freely they are moving - and happy they are!  Michael grabbed our flip yesterday and took a short video to share with a friend who might co-own her with me. This was so cute I thought that I would share it with you here!

Click here to watch Jessie!  Darwyn ..... to be announced soon.  If you want to watch the longer version (hope you are an Abba fan!), then click here to watch Jessie and then at the end with her sister on our deck.

Today Jessie and her brother went to my local friends home for a few days to play with kids, cats, dogs and, well, each other.  I clippered one and left one with puppy coat for the kids.  What child can resist cute, playful and happy puppies!  FUN!

Best in Show! Joe! WOW!

Joe - BISS/MBIS Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That
Handled by: Milton Lopes; Tracy Tuff
Judge: Mr. Walter Pinsker
Show: Regina Kenn Club, May 20 2011 (Best in Show!) - click here for results

When I looked at my iPhone as Michael and I were out doing errands today, I was not expecting to see a text message, let alone a message telling us that JOE went BEST IN SHOW today!

A number of people who were at the show told me that Joe was looking really great (perhaps the best that he has looked since he has been with Milton and Tracy ... while that is hard to believe!). 
Tracy also told me last night that he was in excellent spirits, focused, eating well (as always) and happy!  He should be - he got the chance to breed a really beautiful Welsh Terrier bitch (MBIS bitch!) over the last 3 days!  ;-)

This weekends show was relatively small in numbers, but a LOT of the top dogs from across Canada are all there and very competitive!  As you'll see from the link below, in the Best in Show line-up, Joe competed with other Group Winners that are multi Best in Show dogs, the #1 dog all breeds, the #2 dog all breeds and another one that is in the top 10 dog all breeds.  Click here for the results.

I am very honoured that the judge, Mr. Walter Pinsker, chose Joe for his Best in Show!  Walter and his wife Monika have been in "dogs" for many decades, are known all over the world for not only judging, their very prestigious and well run dog shows, but their absolutely wonderful (and respected world-wide) Mephisto Boxers.  From what I have learned, they have been involved since 1968, bred well over 100 champions, 150 best in shows and produced the dog that was the #1 dog (all-breeds) in 1975.  They have also been terrier breeders.

I am so darn proud that Mr. Pinsker found the quality in my boy Joe to give him the top honours at this show, in such strong competition.  Thank you.

Parker's OFA HIP X-RAY came back great!

For those that know me, know that I like to keep up on the health of my dogs, dogs that I breed, and tests where applicable (or appropriate).  The hip score (by x-ray) for some breeds is one of the recommended tests by breed clubs.  It's not with our breed, and therefore most Welsh Terriers breeders don't do it.

I'm on the fence about this one.  Some long time breeders tell me it is not an issue, while others are adamant that it is (or was).  The issue comes up occasionally on pet focused email lists.  In the last 36 years, 101 Welsh Terriers that had hip x-rays submitted to OFFA - 6% were "excellent" and 18% were "dysplastic" (click here for the link).  This clearly isn't representative for the breed - but it does say that hip dysplaysia can be seen in the breed.

I've decided to take the approach to test dogs that are living with me, over 2 years of age (min for the test), active part of my breeding program, and time permits. (note, it is much more difficult to arrange to do this if they are at dog shows every other weekend with a handler).  Given that this is not mandated by my breed club, I won't try to get 100% coverage, and I won't require bitches that want to breed to my dogs do this.  But, for my own interest, I will now have this test done on my important dogs in my breeding program.

A couple of years ago, Haley (Parker and Athena's dam) was one of my first ones to be done.  Her hips came back as Good (apparently, Excellent, Good and Fair are all just fine!).  Today I received the results in the mail that her son, Parker, BISS/BIS Am/Can Ch Darwyn's Webslinger also has "Good" Hip Scores!  Parker, of course, is my boy that won Best of Breed at the Welsh Terrier Club of America National Specialty, on Montgomery day in 2009 - and went on to be the #8 overall Terrier in Canada last year!  This year he is just hanging out with us at home, watching over some of his beautiful offspring that he sired with Paisa - MBIS Am/Can Ch Sanherpinc Paisa, and enjoying the AWESOME success of his 1/2 brother Joe - BISS/MBIS GCh Am & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That, in the Canadian show ring this year (and US last year!).

Given the importance of this test for some breeds, OFFA has a public record for dogs that have been tested.  Click here for the OFFA link to Parker's OFA results.

My vet has the nifty x-ray machine that provides a digital output -- here are Parker's beautiful hips! (click on it to see a larger view)  :-)

So ... do we all need to go out and x-ray our dogs?  Not necessarily, however, it is something that as a breed, we should keep our eye on and watch out that we aren't going downhill and bringing those dysplastic ones into our breeding programs -- clearly they are in the breed ... somewhere!

#1 - #2 - #3 Welsh Terrier AND #8 TERRIER in Canada! WOW!

I received official news today that Darwyn Welsh Terriers owns (and BRED) the top 3 Welsh Terriers in Canada in 2010! 
Even more exciting is that the #8 Terrier (#1 WT) was my boy Parker!  BISS / BIS Am.Can.Ch Darwyn's Webslinger!  I don't know the exact numbers, but there were over 1000 individual terriers shown across the country (many of them several times during the year :-) - and Parker was the #8 one out of all of them!  WOW!  Parker officially defeated about 1000 dogs during his 6 months of showing to get to this award (pure coincedence with the numbers).  Over the last 12 years, this is the highest award in Canada that I have recieved.  I am so honoured, and grateful to the many judges that found the quality in Parker, and grateful to Aaron Andriash that presented Parker so beautifully during 2010 - Aaron and Parker made for a beautiful team in the ring.

Parker wasn't the only one!  Monty (Ch Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus) was shown on 2 weekends and in that time period defeated about 200 dogs which put him to #2 Welsh Terrier in Canada!  And, Athena (now Addie) came back to Canada after her successes in the US (WB at Montgomery!) and became #3 Welsh Terrier in Canada -- then promptly went to do her motherly duties (and did them very well!  :-)

Parker's not active in the show ring this year, he's watching his 1/2 brother Joe (BISS/BIS AmGCh & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) do VERY well with Milton and Tracy ... JOE has already surpassed Parker's record in just 5 weekends!,  and Monty also got to play in the ring a few times with me (Larisa) ... very successfully I might add (many Group 1st wins!) ... and YES, I know, I still need to DO Monty's page on my website and update Joe's page!  I am SO bad!  Facebook is a very bad influence on me ;-)

Parker might be back in the show ring - or he might just sit back and watch his beautiful puppies that he sired and watch how the NEXT GENERATION comes along.  ;-) 

Here is one of the "Parker puppies" at 5 months of age ... looking at this photo, I (as the breeder of both Parker AND TJ), am hard pressed to tell the difference between them - this 5 month old puppy looks very similar to what Parker did at this age in head, expression (a bit bigger ears than Parker, but that's it), bone, body, coat, texture, color, front..... a beautiful dog has sired some really beautiful "very welshie" puppies!  I am so proud.

A great day for a get-together!

On Sunday, a few Darwyn Welsh Terrier owners got together for a walk and a nice meal.  I had hoped to join this Vancouver Island get-together, but with 6.5 week old puppies, and construction starting first thing Monday morning, I had to pass.
I didn't organize this, but was so happy that one of the participants did - it was an awesome day by all accounts!  There was a 12 year old dog of mine there (Becky went to her retirement home 6 years ago), Parker's dam who went to her retirement home when she was 5, a year and a half ago, Tessa who was from my very first litter (and went to her retirement home 6 years ago), an 8 year old girl that went to her new home when she was 6 months old (one of those welsh that I 'grew up' to be a possible show dog, but then decided to place in a great pet home), a 10 month old girl that went to her new home a couple of months ago, and a puppy dog that was born last September!  There was also one that had attended that got a rescue Welsh Terrier from someone else (that I helped to place for the US breeder), since I didn't have any older ones to place at this time .... and he was welcomed into the group just as if his boy came from me!
What an awesome day -- and experience!  Thank you Kate for organizing this day!
As a breeder, we clearly have an ability to help bring joy into peoples lives by providing happy, healthy, well-adjusted and confident dogs (and clearly, older, retired dogs of mine adjust easily and have become wonderful additions to families).  But, we can also provide the framework for new friendships, some that become close and long lasting. However, we need a way for introducing people that have one of our dogs, to others that have one.  This has worked well for me over the years and there are some close friendships that have developed -including with me!  These puppies that we produce are more than just puppies, but a way to also develop friendships. 
I'm glad that I have been able to help.  This also happens with show dogs (albeit there is that competitive aspect that sometimes gets in the way!) ;-)  Hey - they are all wonderful dogs - and great parts of our lives.  Enjoy your time with them!

Exploring our property with Monty & Dora's 6 week old puppies!

We took some time out yesterday to explore some of our back property with our 6.5 week old puppies (Monty's first litter that he sired ... I'll do his page soon!).  The cool thing is that we remembered to bring (and use!) our video camera (I love my little flip!).  Above is a snapshot from the video and click here for a link to the video.
We'll go back out again today (already have actually :-) ... just won't bother with a video camera this time.
Enjoy!

Magazine -- Welsh Terrier feature (and Lakeland Terrier too! :-)

The Feb/Mar 2011 issue of Canine Review features the Welsh Terrier!

I wrote the article and coordinated additional written content from 3 well known (and long time) Welsh Terrier breeder judges (Peter Green, Ruth Prehn and Bruce Schwartz).  I also helped to coordinate the Lakeland Terrier article that is featured in it, and a long time, well known, Lakeland Terrier breeder (Mr. Robert Wilson from Ontario) wrote that article.

Click here for an on-line link to this issue.

I have had EXCELLENT feedback from other Welsh Terrier breeders, and breeder judges (not just the ones that wrote the articles) and everyone has told me that this issue of this magazine is one of those "MUST HAVES" for your library.

I would encourage you to contact Canine Review (click here) soon because the next issue is coming out soon and they will only carry just so many back issues.

It's EARTHDOG time again!

If you are in the Vancouver area, have a terrier, want to see your friends instincts 'kick-in' for what they were originally bred to do, or just want to watch ... I encourage you to check out the next practice Earthdog event on May 8, 2011!
Click here for the Sea-to-Sky Earthdog club events (next practice time May 8)!
Or, just check out their website for future times to attend to watch, or practice with your furry friend!
Click here for the Earthdog Sancion Match (May 8)

Location:  3507 - 176 St, Surrey BC

Everyone that I know that does this has a really good time -- check it out!

And, check out this video (click here) that John posted about Welsh Terrier 'Jeb' trying this for the first time!  A full series of videos - and here is the last one.   He LOVES it!

Vaccinations?

There is a lot of discussion about vaccinations.  Here at Darwyn Welsh Terriers, all of our puppies are vaccinated with the core vaccines at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age (including rabies at 16 weeks) and then one year after the 16 week vaccine the core vaccines (including rabies) are done again (boosted), along with another 'vet check'.  After that, boosters provided are based on the dog and the situation (some are every 3 years, when the rabies vaccination are needed).  That is what we do -- others need to work with their veterinarian to decide what is best for their loved pets.  But, I know there is a lot of discussion, controversy and mystery.
The following 4-part series (1 interview) is with a very well known, and well respected, expert in the area:
Dr. Robert Schultz
Click here for part 1
Click here for part 2
Click here for part 3
Click here for part 4 (specifically about rabies vaccines)

I hope you enjoy this informative interview, I know that I learned some very interesting facts!

After dinner playtime with puppies!

Dora and Monty's puppies are coming up to 6 weeks old - time flies when you are having fun!

I haven't written much about these guys, and I haven't even done the sire and dam's page on my website (I really should - and I will!).  But, rest assured, just because my website doesn't show them doesn't mean that we aren't having fun here!

Tonight I remembered to dig out the camera and took a few pictures while

we were playing after dinner.  They are all doing fantastic and I am liking what I am seeing - very much! 

Monty is the sire (Ch. Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus) ... he is from Paisa's litter born in September 2009. (Click here for a home video we took recently on a walk with Monty and an older puppy girl)

Dora is the mom, and a very good mom she is!  Dora is from KSee's last litter.  If I get motivated to stop playing with puppies, trimming dogs getting ready for shows, and gardening now that spring is here - well, I just might update my website ... SO MUCH to say! 

Stay tuned!

Darwyn Welsh Terriers is an approved AKC Breeder of Merit!

I had read about this new AKC program and thought to myself that I do all of the things that they require .... click here for more information about the program.

I am active in the sport of purebred dogs (Canada and US), have titled many of the dogs that I have bred, am active in the Welsh Terrier Club of America, do more health testing (click here for OFFA) than any breed club for my breed requires, register all of my puppies, support people that have one of my dogs with education, and promote the breed - and our purebred dog community.

So, while I am Canadian, I applied.  There is no cost to join - but each application is vetted for merit. 

Today I received a notice from the AKC that I was approved.  This won't change what I am doing, but perhaps it will help encourage others to also do the right things.

Terriers CAN do Obedience! Owners just need to learn how to guide them...

Over the last couple of weeks I have learned of 3 Darwyn bred Welsh Terriers that are excelling at training with their owners.  A young puppy.  A relatively recently retired show dog (and Welsh Terrier Club of America, US, Specialty Winner at that), and a very accomplished 8 year old dog doing new things!

First - the 8 year old dog, Dylan with Peggy. They continually amaze me, and make me proud.  Go to Dylan's web page here.  Today I was informed that Dylan passed his first UTILITY (Obedience) leg today!  WOW!  This is the top of the top of difficulty level.  This is a huge accomplishment - for any dog/owner team - but more so for a terrier owner-handler team.  Congratulations Peggy!  This accomplishment puts you to the #1 Welsh Terrier in Obedience in Canada - yet again!  Click here for 2011 results! 
And, Peggy and Dylan (U-CDX Darwyn Hotspur CDX, RX, AgX, AgXJ, MADC, MJDC, AGDC, RL3) don't just do Obedience, they also do Rally-O and Agility (at the Masters Level!).  I've seen it with my own eyes -- it's amazing and fun to watch! If you are ever in the Alberta area, and there is an agility trial, check to see if a Welsh Terrier is running ... Peggy and Dylan are a wonderful sight to watch!

The second thing is that I was informed recently that one of my Montgomery 2009 winners (Athena/Addie - Am Ch Darwyn's Heroic Endeavour), with her new owner Gloria, finished their class on basic obedience with a 98% score!  Gloria has now started on agility training classes - and really enjoying it!  Not only beautiful, and a terrific dam, but Addie is also smart and keen to work!  I can't wait to go out and watch Addie and Gloria jumping in the agility field!

And the last exciting news that also came within the last couple of days is a young puppy - a 6 month old son of Athena (Addie) named Henry.  Henry's owner wrote:  "He is really starting to develop his own personality – sweet and charming, full of energy, wants to play and boy does he like to fetch, and then quiet when asked to. Obedience classes continue and he is doing well – have started to try off lead heeling on our morning walks, always on the lookout for robins darting around and the ever present squirrel population in the neighborhood – and he is getting the hang of LEAVE IT!"

The one thing in common that all of these people, and myself with my dog training in conformation, is that we are all having FUN doing work as a team with our dogs.  If Peggy and Dylan, and Gloria and Athena, and Dale and Henry and myself with having 4 month old puppies walking on a loose lead for show training, can do it, than so can anyone!  It just takes some time, patience, and the right type of motivation.  I know of a very good trainer in the Lower Mainland area, if you are interested, please contact me. 

She is convinced that a working dog (training) is a very happy dog - they have a job and these terriers CAN do it!

2 Group Wins & Reserve Best in Show at one of Canada's toughest shows!

Joe!
BISS / BIS / GCh Am & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That
BIS Judge:  Cec Ringstrom (AB)
Group Judge#2:  Jeannine Dowell (US)
Group Judge#1:  John Ross (ON)
Handler:  Milton Lopes & Tracy Tuff
Show:  Renaissance Dog Association (April 2011)
CLICK HERE FOR THE RESULTS OF DAY 4 (RBIS) and HERE FOR  RESULTS OF DAY 1 (G1)

Canada's #1, #2 and #3 Terriers arrived in Chilliwack BC from 3 different provinces in Apr/11 for the Renaissance Dog Association show - an event that is starting to rival the October BC show for the top show in Canada in both quality and numbers.

I was both nervous and excited about this weekend!

The #1 terrier, a locally handled Westi, is currently the #1 dog (all-breeds, of all-breeds) in Canada.  The #2 terrier, a Skye from Eastern Canada is also one of the top 10 dogs, all-breeds.  And, the #3 terrier, is my boy Joe!  Joe is currently living in Alberta!

With all three of these dogs being Canadian Best in Show winners, and the Skye and Welsh already proven US winners, many people stood ringside and it proved to be a very exciting 4 days!  These 3 dogs, conditioned and handled to perfection by experts, met about 60 other terriers, many of whom were also group winners.

I am very honoured that my boy Joe (BISS/BIS GCh Am & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) WON the Terrier Group on the 2 days that Terrier Breeder judges judged. 
I was very honoured by these placements, and will never forget this weekend.

One was Mr. John Ross from Ontario.  It turns out that not only was he and his wife a professional handling team for many years, but he also was a professional dog show photographer for about 15 years (so saw a lot of great dogs!), but they also have had many decades of breeding terriers - Miniature Schnauzers and Airedales (so not only do they know a good dog, they know what to look for in trimming tricks from pro handlers, but also can recognize the work that goes into preparing a hard coated terrier).  Again, I am very honoured by this placement. 

The other Group 1st Win for Joe was awarded by Jeannine Dowell, up from the US, and again someone that has been a terrier breeder herself for many years.
The other 2 shows had the beautiful Skye Terrier represent terriers in the Best in Show ring - a beautiful example of the breed, and one that I did not mind losing to (of course, I would want Joe to win the group, but I also recognize that there are other good dogs out there).

The final day was icing on the cake for me.  Joe was awarded the Reserve Best in Show by very well respected judge, Cec Rinsgstrom who has seen many of the top dogs - everywhere - for many years.  Watching ringside, supporters of Joe in the Group and and BIS ring (many of whom I did not recognize) made me feel these wins were even that much more special.  And, to watch him work with Milton in the ring was a true joy!  Tracy also does an unbelievable job, however, on the first day, she was occupied herself with her own dog in the Best in Show line-up - a beautiful Shelti!

Unfortunately I forgot my good camera on this final day, and no professional candid photographer was working this day - so all I have to share with is what I took with my iPhone! 

Cleraly, as evidenced by the photo above, Milton and Joe work very well as a team!

Joe goes Best in Show! He's now BISS/BIS GCh Am & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That

Joe!  BISS/BIS GCh Am & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That
Judge:  Marilyn Mincey
Handlers:  Tracy Tuff (BIS); Milton Lopes (Group)
Assisted by Michelle Gaudet
April 3, 2011
Red Deer, Alberta

Michael and I stayed home this weekend to play with and socialize puppies since we expected to see them next weekend at a show close to our home.  The first 2 days of this past weekend's show were very good  for us since Joe won the Terrier Group each day.  By Sunday, we were thinking that one of the other nice terriers might win the group (a 'hat trick' is not the easiest thing to do) ... but, it's not impossible, Joe has done it before!  The last 2 times were in California - mid October 2010 and in July 2010 in Carmel California (Del Monte KC).  But, you never want to get your hopes too high, and we simply spent Sunday 'out and about with puppies' and doing errands.
Of course I kept checking the canuckdogs website to see if results were posted (see the results now here).
As Michael and I walked into Starbucks we got a text message from Milton...

"Tracy and Joe just went BEST IN SHOW!!!"

And, you can just imagine how large of a grin instantly appeared!

Joe has won at some really prestigious shows before (like the BOB and Group 2 at Devon, the day before Montogmery 2010, at a WTCA Specialty, etc.), but this was Joe's first Best in Show!  And it was a spectacular feeling!   A real honour.

Once I saw the results, I saw that the BIS line-up was beautiful - a line-up that could rival any in the world!  And, it was a real honour to be a terrier and to get the nod from this judge.  Marilynn Mincey has been an all-breed judge for a very long time, judged all over the world, bred close to 100 champion Airedales, and has bred and owned the #1 Terrier in Canada before!  She knows a good terrier, and I am just thrilled that she thinks so highly of one of mine. 

I am very honoured to have BIS now be listed on Joe's many titles and accomplishments.  Tracy and Milton did an outstanding job, as usual, and Michelle Gaudet provided wonderful support and assistance.  This is truly a wonderful team - and I am very happy that they have my boy Joe in their line-up of beautiful dogs this year.

I can't wait to see them next weekend!

Keep on being happy Joe and showing your heart out!  We are all watching and rooting for you!

Joe is now #12 dog - ALL BREEDS in Canada! 

*Apr 5, 2011*

WOW!

Westminster KC (Feb 2011) photos keep arriving for JOE!

Joe with Milton at Westminster KC 2011
Photo courtesy of Todd Foley

I was remiss in my duties to report on my wonderful experience with Joe (BISS Grand Am Ch & Can Ch. Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That) and Milton Lopes showing at Madison Square Garden in Feb/11.

So here is a little bit from that experience...

Milton had Joe looking awesome!  So good, in fact, I almost cried because I was so proud to watch how great he looked in the line-up!

I am very grateful for all of the ringside support.  There was so much support and positive words about how beautiful Joe looked, how well he moved, how well he represented the breed and how wonderfully Milton Lopes (Joe's new handler - extraordinaire!) had him conditioned and presented.  The really exciting part for me is that this support came from not only people that I knew well, but acquaintances as well as people that I did not know at all -- including judges that were standing ringside watching!

I was very happy for the owners of the dog that won - what an honor it was for them to represent our breed in the big group ring!  However, I was also very happy to learn that my boy Joe made an impact on people watching around him.

Today I opened up facebook and found that Joe was featured in a wonderful collection of photos from the event, by a photographer that lives on the other side of the continent from me.  This photo above from Todd Foley, in addition to the other stunning ones that I received from Carol Beuchat and Beth Hilborn, help transform a wonderful experience to be an unforgettable one!

Remember, you don't always show to the person in the middle of the ring that has the power to point. 

Take in a quality dog, in great condition and present them well.

Sometimes the people around the ring are just as important as the one in the middle.

PS.  I can't let this blog post finish without mentioning that I am proud to say that both yesterday (Fri) and today (Sat), Joe and Milton won the Terrier Group in Red Deer!  Both judges are terrier breeder judges also!  Click here for results (Fri) and here for (Sat).

I am very grateful to the judges Marilyn Mincey (a previous, and well known, Airedale Terrier breeder) and Lynda Berar (a breeder of quality Miniature Schnauzers of over 40 years!).

1 Weekend - 2 dogs in 2 Provinces - 4 Group Wins! Part 2 (Joe!)



Joe with Milton Lopes! (Mar/11)
Photo by Lisa Wysminity

JOE!
BISS Am Grand Ch & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That

*3rd weekend in Canada in 2011

*2nd Group Win in Canada (6 in California, US)
(click here for the results)

* #3 Terrier in Canada (3/31/11)
(click here for top terrier results)

Terriers in western Canada continue to be very competitive.  A number of top quality dogs, in excellent form and presented very well.  Joe, now with Milton Lopes and Tracy Tuff, clearly are one of them!

This was Joe's 3rd weekend in the ring in Canada this year (last time he was in Canada, was in 2009 as a puppy).  In the 9 times he has been in the ring he has had a group placement 100% of the time - including 2 group wins!


Judge:  Mr. Bruce Fraser
Handler:  Milton Lopes

This Group 1st award was very special for me since the judge is a long-time terrier breeder (Advocate Miniature Schnauzers).

Lisa Wysminity took many terrific candids of many dogs shown this past weekend.  Click here for her website, then go to Camrose 2011 to see her photos.
I am so happy that she got a number of really terrific ones of Joe.  I was not at this show since I was at a different show myself, with Monty (see the other blog post from this past weekend :-) so Lisa's photos helped make these wins a bit more special for me - almost like I was there.

I have included a few of Lisa's photos here.  I just love this dog, and Milton and Tracy (and Michelle Gaudet who helps in so many ways!) make a wonderful team with him!

Hope you like these photos also (the moving one below is amazing - it just goes to show that even a very compact dog can do a flying trot - and doesn't he look so happy!). 

And, thank you for following us.




Even a compact dog can do a flying trot!
JOE!  BISS GCh Am & Can Ch Darwyn's I'm Not Arguing That
(click here for Joe's page)

1 Weekend - 2 dogs in 2 Provinces - 4 Group Wins! Part 1 (Monty!)



Monty being awarding Group 1st
Handler:  Larisa Hotchin
Judge (1): Donna Cole
Judge (2): Edna St. Hilaire
Judge (3): Leslie Belfit (pictured)

Monty!
Ch Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus

* 3 Group 1st Wins!
** Breeder / Owner handled! **
Oceanside KC (March 2011)

(1) Click here for link to Group 1st with Donna Cole
(2) Click here for link to Group 1st with Edna St. Hilaire
(3) Click here for link to Group 1st with Leslie Belfit

Not sure how long this will last since he won't be shown much more in Canada in 2011, but Monty is currently the #6 Terrier in Canada!

Oceanside Kennel Club is a local show to my home (only one on the north side of the river) so I try to go and support them each spring.  As usual it was a relatively small show (Sunday had about 240 dogs entered, including 24 terriers), however, when you looked around the various rings, you saw many quality dogs, in top condition.  Quite a number of seasoned show dogs with many Group Winners and BIS and BISS dogs (both in Canada and in the US).  This weekend might have had a more relaxed atmosphere to it, and we all got to enjoy some sunshine that peeked out, but there was stiff competition inside of the rings!

I was very honoured to have won the Terrier Group 3 of the days with my young boy, Monty (Ch Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus).  Monty has been in the BIS ring before (twice at Canada's largest show in October at Tradex/Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers ... when he got his first Canadian Championship points!), but this was my third weekend showing him in Canada and my first time in the Best in Show ring with him!

Monty literally jumped for joy - and I was right there with his enthusiasm and true terrier spirit!

I truly appreciate the consideration that the judges provided with these awards, and all of the wonderful comments from my fellow exhibitors, both in the terrier ring and other groups.

Thank you.

Click here for the video that Michael took of Monty and I in the ring on the last day winning the terrier group!