2013 Custom Darwyn Calendar now available!

I have included all new photos in my 2013 calendar.  Pictures (primarily from this year) include:

• puppy photos from the 2 litters born at Darwyn during 2012;
• Parker is shown in a beautiful photo on the waterfront on one of the beaches around Sydney Australia with his co-owner, Sonya;
• a few photos of Joe's "kids" having fun with us this past summer - Trooper and Java on various beaches and Tina in our boat;
• Gracie and Zorro are shown in our garden;
• Monty is as high as he can get in our 1 snowfall of the year during 2012! 
• Joe has a couple of professional photos to show him off!

I used mostly fun photos, and a couple of professional photos of our top dog Joe, in this years calendar.  While I have lot's of awesome show ring photos, I wanted this year's calendar to be about how we also enjoy our dogs outside of the show ring. 

Anyone can order one (click here) - so if you want to, go ahead. I know it is early - but here's hoping that 2013 is a good year all round for all of my friends and family!

Trooper on the beaches near Long Beach, BC (Cox Bay)

That was so much fun, going back over some of the awesome times we had during this year!

Earthdog trials in Vancouver area - Sept 8/9 2012

If you have a terrier and are interesting and seeing their natural instincts 'kick-in' for what they were originally bred to do, then I encourage you to check out the next  Earthdog event this weekend.  Or just go to watch!
4 CKC Sanction Earthdog Trials with all tests (IQ, JE, SE, ME) are being held in Langley on Sept 8 and 9.  Click here for details.
I know of one very keen "Darwyn" Welsh Terrier that will be in attendance.  This will be the 2nd (maybe 3rd) Earthdog event for these owners of a 7.5 year old welshie.  After the last event, they did a nice write-up for me which I will post after this one. 
I know a lot of people across North America that participate in their local trials and have an awesome time. I also know of a Scottie owner from Calgary that is flying out for this weekends test.  To me that is a stamp of approval on just how well run she expects this trial to go.
Go have some fun with your terrier!  In a safe way, of course.  :)

Dylan goes to the National Agility Championship Trials!

Dylan
U-CDX Darwyn Hotspur CDX, RX, AgX, AgXJ, MADC,MJDC, AGDC, ISDs, RL3, CRN, MCL, JE, CGN
Photo by Emma Kesler

Peggy and 9 year old Dylan were invited (and attended) the 2012 Canadian National Agility Trials and came in 15th! 
Just to be invited is pretty darn awesome.  To get qualifying scores is even better (especially on a super hot weekend).  And, to finish in the top 20  -- WOW! 
A lot of hard work went into this team getting there. 

To be Dylan's breeder is very humbling when I see them working together.  They have top scores in many types of events whether it is in Rally-O, Obedience, Earthdog, or Agility.  If she had any interest in conformation there is no doubt in my mind he would have easily been a conformation champion as well.  I bow to Peggy's determination, efforts and successes.  The fact that Dylan is the most titled Welsh Terrier in Canadian history leaves me speechless.

Emma Kesler, a local welshie owner, friend, and very talented artist, photographer and writer, attended this event.  She took this photo and wrote a wonderful blog post.

Click here to go to Emma's blog post.

Click here to go to Peggy and Dylan's web page on my Darwyn Website.

I am not sure what is next for this team, perhaps it is more earthdog, or to finish the Utility Level obedience that they have already started, or further Rally-O trials, or more agility (or all of the above!).  I do know that they bring joy to each others lives, and as his breeder, this is my ultimate reward.

Here is a photo that I took of Dylan performing at a Masters Level Agility trial during 2010 - he was so happy doing this!

Happy 1st birthday to Joe and Paisa's kids!

Griffin
1 year old today and enjoying a wonderful life with his family!

I do not ship puppies very often -- unless it is to extra special people -- Griffin (above & right) is with one of those families. 
Griffin and his siblings turn 1 year old today and it makes me so happy to see how integral he is with his family.
He has 2 littermates that are in process of getting ready to make an appearance in the show ring, and when they do, I am positive that they will make their sire (Joe) and their dam (Paisa) very proud.  They aren't in top show coat yet, but the nice (unsolicited) comments are already coming!

Happy Birthday Griffin & Jason & Trooper & Tina!

Gracie plays with 3 mth old puppy!

video link here!

Michael and I decided to spend an afternoon with Gracie (Ch. Darwyn's Say Goodnight Gracie) and her owner Sheryl (who of course is loved by many for her radio show - North by Northwest!).  I love the trails alongside the Coquitlam River!  Of course we had to bring someone along so we decided to bring one of our 3 month old (Dora and Joe) puppies.  We weren't exactly sure how 2 year old Gracie would behave (her first time playing with a young puppy) -- nor the puppy as this was his first playtime with an adult welsh that wasn't his dam!
As you can see in this video (click here) - fun was had by all!

If YouTube doesn't let you watch the video because of the music, click here for the boring version without.

I can't wait until we eventually breed Gracie!  She will make an awesome mom !!!

Enjoy the playtime video!

Lighthouse Park Adventure with 9 week old puppies!

Michael and I had an adventure today at one of my favorite places in Vancouver - Lighthouse Park!  We decided to take a couple of our 9.5 week old puppies with us.  Click here to read more about this and see a few pictures!

Gracie gets to play with an Airedale!

Gracie (Ch Darwyn's Say Goodnight Gracie), who is co-owned with my friend Sheryl MacKay (host of the CBC radio program North by Northwest) went to see her groomer the other day (Elaine Hu).  Before any serious grooming started - fun was had by all!  And by all, we mean Gracie, Airedale Jaffa and everyone that gets to watch this video!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-0UUFV3Zs0&feature=youtu.be

Gracie is a "Parker" daughter that was born in Oklahoma!  Parker got out of quarantine a few days ago and has settled in very well with his new family in Sydney Australia.  Parker will be selectively shown in Australia by Sonya Cornick.  We wish them a lot of fun and hope the Aussie's like them!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Exploring a local trail with Monty and a 14 week old puppy!

Michael and I explored a local hiking trail today.  We chose to take Monty (Ch. Darwyn Bruhil's Flying Circus -- an 18 month old Paisa son) and one of Paisa's 14 week old daughters (by Parker - Am/Can Ch Darwyn's Webslinger).

FUN WAS HAD BY ALL!
And, no furnishings were damaged :-)  This is very good since Monty has a 4 day dog show coming up in a couple of weeks!

I expect we will come back here often.  A really wonderful place to walk.

Click here for the full video!

Next Victoria Area Welsh Walk - Sept 12/10 - Elk Lake Trails!

If you have a Welsh Terrier and live on Sourthern Vancouver Island, you might just want to check out this fun, and informal, group that gathers a few times a year with their welshies - all are welcome!  Click here for details!
Unfortunately, I will be in the Okanagan at a Dog Show so will not be able to join in on the fun.
If you go - have fun and enjoy - it's a great group that get together!

Sparring anyone? Yes - apparently anyone!

A couple of months ago Michael and I went out for the afternoon to the beaches on the Westside of Vancouver with Parker (Am/Can Ch Darwyn's Webslinger).

It is common for Terriers to spar.  Apparently, so do little white fluffy dogs.  :-)

Today, Parker is in a more 'finished' trim ... this weekend we are off to a Welsh Terrier Specialty (11 Welsh Terriers entered - wow!!!  Majors in both males and females and 3 specials ... one which is Parker :-)  Wish us luck ... Parker just might pick up his first set of US Grand Championship points .... and this is MONTY's first show!  He's my puppy dog (Paisa is his mom) ... fingers crossed that he remembers what we did at handling class and keeps all 4 feet on the ground!  Hopefully someone will get a photo this weekend for me (Michael is going to hold the fort at home) ... my trimming isn't as great as Woody's, but I am hoping that it is considered decent!  Here's a 'fun' photo of him from a few months ago ... he acts so much like "Joe" that sometimes I cannot believe they are not directly related ... I love them all and so proud of them all ... no matter who the judge points to this weekend, I'll be very happy to come home with my guys!

But still ... fingers crossed ... ok?  :-)

Joe is off this weekend - but wish him luck next week in Santa Barbara please! :-)

Who can't resist cute puppies :-)

Here's Scout - the newest addition to the Darwyn Family!

I still plan on putting together a proper blog post, with photos of Scout and the family that she came from ... perhaps after I get back from the upcoming show this weekend in Washington State I'll get some time...  For now, here are a couple of photos that Michael took yesterday when we went for a walk with 10 week old Scout and a friend that will be flying to Oklahoma in a couple of weeks to bring back her sister Gracie!

It looks like Scout has acclimated to BC weather and terrain just fine.  I might even try to do a bit of grooming on her before the next set of photos.  :-)

I FIXED my Tofino Trip photo slide show!

Remember that cool trip we took earlier this year we did with Monty?  Well, I finally decided to use Picasa (first time - and it was pretty easy - yippee!) and I updated the page, so you can actually SEE the photos now!  :-)

Click here!

Now, I get to experiment with this and get some of my MANY show photos up in a way that it is easy to scroll through!  I might even put a few slide shows on various pages .... stay tuned!

True Terrier instinct at work!

Pepper caught a gopher! 

Then he let him go! 

While his family was happy, I'm sure Pepper didn't mean to let him go.  It seems he was trying to get a better grip, but the gopher didn't stick around!  Gophers, unlike squeaky toys, run away if they are given the chance ... something Pepper will remember next time, I'm sure!

Pepper, a 10 month old puppy that I sold as a pet last fall (a Haley x Merlin son), went camping this weekend and the grounds had lot's of great wildlife ... deer that came inches away from their RV and gophers (and their holes) everywhere!

I think Pepper thought that he had found 'heaven on earth'.  Here's a before and after photo of the experience .... life is RUFF!

So ... thinking about that upcoming Earthdog trial in Vancouver in September... clearly my welshies have that natural instinct pretty well cemented in!

And, speaking of puppies - if Addie does have puppies this fall, they will be related to Pepper on both sides of the family tree.