Crufts 2013

One blog post every 3 months or so isn't bad, right?  Er, only one in 6 months, you say?  Yes, that is quite bad, I accept it.

Moving on.

I had a fantastic day at Crufts last weekend.  For once I wasn't handling any dogs at all, and while I missed my normal frantic dashing from one dog and class to the next, it was a real treat to just sit there and watch it all.  I didn't even take a camera with me.  I did get a few rather distant and occasionally blurry shots with my phone, though.

Our judge was Jeff Horswell, a very experienced judge who we have been under on many previous occasions.  Not all of the Infindigo gang who qualified actually came, but of those who did enter, first up was Postgraduate Dog featuring Rauhan, Usko and Kuura. 

Rauhan was being handled by 15-year-old Lexi Birks at her first ever Crufts.  She and her family have Infindigo Riemu Kiittaa who has been to a few shows, but Lexi had never before shown a different dog.  I thought it would be a lovely experience for her, since Rauhan has been so easy to show in the past.  Lexi did a great job, although Rauhan was out of practice as he doesn't go to ringcraft.  He trotted nicely around the ring for Lexi and was happy enough to let the judge examine him, but I had completely forgotten to warn Lexi that he would need a firm grip in order to show his teeth.  So the judge never did get to see those teeth.  Needless to say, he didn't place!

Rauhan & Lexi

Handled so well by Ian, Usko trotted quite beautifully around the ring, as usual.  However, when it came time for the judge to go over him, he didn't have quite enough time to settle and decided he'd rather wiggle around and be silly rather than let the judge anywhere near.  This is a boy who still goes regularly to ringcraft, so there is no excuse whatsoever except pure, unadulterated joie de vivre and, er, naughtiness.  The owner of Usko's sire Albmi did point out that it was next to impossible to show him too for the same reason.  So there you go - show naughtiness appears to run in families.  You have been warned.

Ironically, Usko was also entered in the Good Citizen Dog class for dogs who have passed at least one level of the Kennel Club Good Citizen training scheme.  The judge did not bother with further examination of those entries and he placed 3rd.  I am assured that outside of the show ring, Usko is a very good citizen indeed!

Usko & Ian

Finally, it was Kuura and Daniel.  As I recall, the last time Kuura was in the ring, on the occasion of his Crufts qualifying show, I was handling him.  Therefore it was a real treat to get to sit ringside and actually see him perform.  He was totally focused on Daniel at all times (apart from a quick glance at me to have his unfortunately blurry photo taken).  There was only the tiniest boo-boo of a sit while the judge was doing his examination.  Well done, team!  Kuura placed an outstanding 3rd in the largest class of the day.

Kuura & Daniel focused

Kuura & Daniel not so focused!

Here is the judge's critique of Kuura:

3 McGinlay & Spencer’s Infindigo Persikka Kuura, liked his overall balance. Not as heavy in body as some & has very good feet. Lovely eyes, correct stop, firm topline.

Kuura also entered the next class, Limit Dog, where he placed again, this time in Reserve.  One of the competition in this class was Taito with Emma.  Taito doesn't go to many shows, but I always have high hopes for him when he does as he's such a beautiful specimen and he normally does very well.  However, he doesn't go to ringcraft, either, and so you never know if you're going to get Taito the showdog or Taito the utter clown.  You can guess which dog turned up for Crufts, can't you?  Yup.  He ran, he skipped sideways, he danced, he laughed, he hoovered everything up off the floor.  You can see in his photo how much fun he was having and that his feet are not even straight on the floor.  After their turn around the ring, Emma's face says it all, really.

Naughty Taito & exasperated Emma

Taito proving he is capable of standing nicely occasionally

For the very first time ever - and not unsurprisingly - Taito did not place.  Oh, the shame!   Such is life when you share it with a big, goofy and adorable clown of a dog. 

After the judging of the dogs was completed, it was Neka's turn in Veteran Bitch.  She looked fabulous on the day and was handled so well by Jane Treasure who has Infindigo Riemu Emmi.  Neka is not always the easiest dog to show as she tends to get rather - how shall I put it - enthusiastic in the show ring.  Jane did a brilliant job of keeping all 4 of her paws on the floor and her mouth mostly quiet.  We were utterly thrilled when Neka placed 1st in a class of really beautiful veterans, taking out no fewer than two former Crufts champions in the process.  Well done you two!  I haven't yet broken it to Jane that I may never show Neka myself again. 

Hard to tell, but it is indeed Neka & Jane

Another blurry Neka & Jane

Neka chilling in her crate after her triumph

The judge's critique of Neka:

VB (5) 1 Henson & Simmons’ Elbereth Onnekas for Infindigo, feminine, correct proportions. Just a bit better in head than 2. Well set ears, good neck, nice front. Feet slightly flat. Correct body depth & short loin, moderate rear;

Finally, it was the Special Puppy Bitch class for Kiittaa and Lexi.  It was my first chance to see Kiittaa in the ring as I didn't get to many shows last year, and it was lovely to see how well Lexi has trained her pup to behave so nicely in the show ring.  After a great performance, they won their class!  I was so proud of them both at their very first Crufts experience.

Kiittaa & Lexi

The judge's critique of Kiittaa:

PB (2) 1 Birks’ Infindigo Riemu Kiitaa, nice type pup, feminine head, pigment & eye colour match coat, enough neck, well made front & rear, nice profile mover. Can develop in width of chest & tighten in front;

It's always a nice bonus when you get to qualify for next year's Crufts at the same time as attending this year's, and so it happened for Kuura, Neka and Kiittaa. 

Due to the changing status of Finnish Lapphunds from Rare Breed status, last year it was tougher than ever to qualify for Crufts.  So I was very proud indeed of the dozen or so who did.  And I was very proud indeed, too, of those who turned up whether they behaved well or not and whether they placed or not.  In fact, I'm pretty proud of all the Infindigo Finnish Lapphunds whether they have ever been to a show or not.  Can you tell?

12 dogs of christmas

I didn't create this image, and I admit I don't know anything about the company who did create it, so by posting this I am not necessarily recommending them.  However, I think it's great fun and wanted to share it with you.  At the very least, these folks clearly have great senses of humour - enjoy!

Of course, we would have 10 Lappies Leaping.  At least.

The 12 dogs of Christmas graphic was created by Pet365 - a UK stockist of brands like Hamish McBeth who make leather dog collars.

lessons I learned from my dog

I don't normally post any photos that are not my own without proper permission and/or giving credit.  Unfortunately I don't know where this image came from, so apologies to whoever owns it.  If it is yours, please let me know and I will give you proper credit or I will take it down if you prefer.  It's just so good I had to share.

 

And if you're wondering where I've disappeared off to, I do apologise.  Somehow months have slipped by while I was otherwise occupied and my little blog that I have loved and nurtured has been sorely neglected.  I'll be back... from time to time.  I still have lots to share - there are puppy updates, for one thing, for puppies who are quickly closing in on their first birthdays.  I'll try to do better.  I'm not crazy enough to make any promises, though.  Obviously.

how to give a Lapphund a bath

Now that the Riemu puppies are 6 months old, their owners might find it useful to have a step-by-step guide to bathing a Lapphund.  I've conducted 1 or 2 Lapphund baths, but do let me know if I miss anything out.

If possible, put a nylon or other waterproof collar on your dog.  Or an old collar you don't mind getting soaked.  If your dog will stand in the bath without being held, take the collar off altogether.

As far as shampoo goes, I like Doreen Paige products.  I use one for Harsh Black Coats that enhances the depth and shine of dark coats without making them soft.  I also have Royal Jelly & Evening Primrose Oil Shampoo which is said to be "coat-encouraging".  Needless to say, I did not use this one on Taika.  There are also blue coloured shampoos designed to enhance white coats, and if you have a well-behaved dog who will happily stand in the tub, it's worth the small additional effort to use one of these on the white bits like paws, chest and bottom, for example.  

• Collect at least 3 clean, dry dog towels.  Wear something you don't mind getting covered in dog water & hair.  Naked works well.
• Close the bathroom door so your dog doesn't make a break for freedom before being towelled off - or, even worse, covered in soap.
• Put 1 towel in the bathtub, spray with shower to dampen.
• Lift dog carefully into bathtub with paws on wet towel.  Hold by collar until settled.  If necessary, be firm about the fact that he has to stay there.
• Keep one hand in the collar to keep the dog from moving or trying to jump out.  Using the shower attachment, thoroughly wet the dog's belly and legs (I prefer doing it in sections).  Use your 3rd hand* to smoosh the water through the coat (that's a technical term).  i.e. massage the fur firmly using small circular movements to manipulate the water through the fur. 
• Turn off water, pour shampoo into your hand, rub your hands together and massage into the dog's fur.  Be sure to cover every inch, especially right into the "armpits" and between toes.  This will allow you to discover any mats, seeds, ticks or other problems.
• When the area has been thoroughly shampooed, turn on the shower, taking care to adjust the water temperature away from the dog. 
• Rinse all the shampoo out of the fur, using the smoosh to "push" the shampoo out.  Then rinse it again.  When you're absolutely certain there is no shampoo left, rinse it one more time.
• Repeat the wetting, shampooing and rinsing (don't forget smooshing) to the rear and tail area, then the body and back, then the neck and head. 
• Do the head last because it is getting this area wet that makes it absolutely irresistible for dogs to shake the water out of their coat.  Up until getting their head wet, they are relatively comfortable.  
• To wet and rinse the head, tip the dog's head gently back and be careful that no water gets into the ears by covering each one with your hand as you go.  
• Turn off the water.  Cover the dog with a dry towel and give a good rub, especially the face and neck.
• With dog still covered in towel, carefully lift him out of tub and stand him on another towel on the floor. 
• Stand back because he will really need to shake now.
• Towel dry as much as possible - don't forget the paws and tail.
• Remove the collar (if you use one) until the fur is dry and brushed.

* You can see where a second person would be a big help in this adventure.  If you're on your own, be sufficiently firm with the dog and you should be able to withdraw your hand from the collar.  But keep a watchful eye for any body language that suggests he's about to try and escape.

Remember:

Use lukewarm water - too warm would be very mean and, believe it or not, they don't seem to like it cold either.

Wet the head last and carefully protect the ears from water.

Smoosh the water into the coat - and the shampoo out of the coat.  It makes a big difference to how easy or difficult it is to penetrate through to the skin.  Shampoo can be very difficult to get out of the thick fur - this type of manipulation with your fingers really will help.

Rinse, rinse and rinse again.

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Edited:
Some of my Facebook friends have made excellent points that are worth adding here.
1.  Susan, mum of Tippi, uses an old rubber bath mat to stop the dogs slipping.  I have no such useful item, but it's a great idea.
2.  Mary suggested diluting the shampoo in a litre of water before applying to the dog.  I should have mentioned that my shampoo is also pre-diluted.  Most shampoos are unnecessarily thick and strong and can be safely diluted and still do a good job.  Other shampoos (like the Doreen Paige ones) actually have dilution instructions on the label.

the grooming of a reluctant Lapphund pt 1

I don't do smelly dogs.  One of the appealing features of Lapphunds for me has always been the lack of typical doggy smell about them.  Even when they're wet they are not particularly offensive.  So when one of the gang in my house gets a bit whiffy for any reason, off he or she (usually she) goes to the bathtub.

Granted, my dogs only get bathed about once a year because - and this is another of the very convenient Lappy features - they don't need frequent bathing.  In fact, I know some Lapphunds who have never had a bath in years of adulthood.  Grooming, yes, spot-baths, yes, but full-body baths, no.  And they are gorgeous paragons of immaculate perfection. 

When Taika hopped out of the car to greet me, I thought I detected a faint hint of fox about her.  And that meant that she was doomed for a bath.  It's very possible that she hadn't had one since she was last in my bathtub after her puppies were born a couple of years before.  I knew that my work was most definitely cut out for me. 

If ever there was an argument for NOT neutering your dogs, the change in coat texture is definitely a convincing one.  When Lapphunds are entire, their coats are thick and long, yes, but they are coarse and easy to manage.  And, if all else fails, almost all the coat falls out at least once a year, and usually twice, so you get to start over again regularly.

After neutering, Lapphund coats become heavier, longer and more woolly.  And they just don't moult in the same way or with the same regularity or thoroughness.  Some individuals are more prone to this than others, of course.  Neither Neka nor Maija were blessed with particularly luxuriant coats to begin with and so after spaying they remain relatively easy to maintain.  Taika, on the other hand, has the most extreme case I've seen yet of any of the neutered branch of the Infindigo family tree.  Her coat is bountiful in its abundance.  Or, in other words, there's way too much of it.

It's not overly long, really, although it definitely is rather long.  But it is unbelievably dense now.  The undercoat is so thick it's difficult to part it sufficiently to see her skin.  And the fur on her belly has the harsh, wiry texture of steel wool - incredibly difficult to brush.

This is Taika at about 2 years old, before puppies and spaying.  Even in those days she had the steel wool belly, though.

And this is how she looked on her way into the bath.  You can sort of see how long and thick the fur around her neck and shoulders has become. 

From the top you get a slightly better idea - under there is a relatively small dog.  Believe it or not.

This belly would have no problems keeping warm during a Finnish winter.

The Bath

I was assured that Taika absolutely hates being brushed.  As a friend of mine on Facebook said, not liking being groomed is not an option in this house.  But I can see how a dog as well behaved and easy to live with as Taika might get away with murder on some matters when she puts her mind to it.

Lapphund youngsters are all likely to put up a bit of a fight when it comes to being groomed.  It goes with pushing the boundaries and trying to command a little independence as they mature.  I always tell everyone that when it comes to battles of will over anything with their growing puppy, they must always win (the people, not the puppy, that is).  That is the way to ensure that your Lapphund grows up to enjoy being groomed - or at least to be willing to put up with it.

If Taika was going to be difficult to brush, then I was pretty sure she wasn't going to approve of going into the bathtub either.  But, you know what?  She wasn't that bad.  I am firm and matter of fact when it comes to complaining Lapphunds, and so, apart from a few dirty looks, she just let me get on with it once she realised I wasn't going to give up.

Standing on a towel to minimise paws slipping on the slick enamel.

I tend to wet, shampoo and rinse in sections, starting with the belly and legs, moving to the rear end & tail, body & back, then the neck.

I always do the head and face last because it is the wetting of the head that makes shaking absolutely irresistible for dogs.

Careful rinsing around the ears to make sure that no water gets in there.

A bit of towelling off before getting out to minimise the mess from shaking!

Careful climbing out as it's very slippery under the paws.

Downstairs again to dry off and do a bit of sulking.











It took 2 days for that coat to dry thoroughly for a good brushing.  The brushing was an event by itself, so deserves its own post.

Tomorrow - how to bathe a Lapphund - the unabridged step-by-step version.

house full

When Kate & Jerome asked us to look after either Taika or Minna while they went on holiday for 2 weeks, we didn't hesitate to agree.  Neither of those girls is any trouble at all, and so we ended up with both of them.  After all, if neither is any trouble, then it's almost as easy to have 2 as only 1 of them.  With 4 dogs already in the family, an extra one inevitably means an extra walk if on-lead walks are the order of the day.  And it's just as easy to walk 6 as 5.  So down to Devon they came for their holiday.

Everything would be fine & dandy - even easy! - just so long as it didn't rain.  6 dogs in a relatively small house is no problem as long as they're not wet & muddy.  That's when things get tricky, even with 4.  Or 3.

They arrived one evening and the weather forecast for the next day was heavy rain and gale force winds.  Of course.  So having woken up early to see that it had not yet started raining, we decided to get a jump on the exercise and get them all out for a run while we could.  We bundled the gang of 6 into the car and they were racing around the fields before 7am.

Luckily they all have excellent recall (well, they do before breakfast, anyway), as an unsuspecting small dog ventured into the field and all 6 Lappies went racing over to say hello.  It was quite overwhelming for the small one, and she got scared and ran away from them.  All the older Lappies just wanted to say hello and so they then left her alone, but Tuuli, fired up by pack mentality, thought the little one was fair game and decided to give chase.  After all, when she runs she expects to get chased - that is the game, as far as she's concerned.  And she's quite accustomed to meeting up with dogs in these fields for impromptu games of chase.  Luckily, though, she quickly gave up and followed the others back to me, leaving the newcomer in peace.

Tuuli flying back.  It's a shame this is just a phone pic and too far away for a good resolution.

What a good bunch of dogs.
L-R: Minna, Keskiyo, Taika, Neka, Maija, Tuuli

Minna, Tuuli, Maija, Taika

Taika, Keskiyo

Minna with her little shadow Tuuli

Everyone loves Minna - Keskiyo with his favorite girl.



















Bunch of happy dogs on the way home and ready for breakfast.  Keskiyo is out of shot on the back seat.
L-R: Taika, Maija, Tuuli, Neka, Minna

Mikko growing up

The last of the puppy updates falls to Mikko.  He is a boy who, right from the earliest days, looked so much like his mum - he's exactly the same colour and also with Keksi's sweet expression.  I dare say he will grow into a big brown bear of a boy too. 

You can tell my his knobby knees that he has a lot of growing to do yet - and filling out.

 Sweet boy with his well-worn bear (or whatever it was...)

 Loves tennis balls, like all Lappies.












In a few days the puppies will turn 6 months old and then a whole new world of experience starts for them and their owners.  For the girls, it's hormones, hormones, hormones with their impending first seasons and perhaps a bit of moodiness from time to time.  For the boys, it's... well, hormones too, as they start to realise what the opposite sex is all about.   There might be some humping.  Er, possibly a lot of humping.  I always recommend to everyone to treat youthful humping just like any other unwanted behaviour - nip it in the bud.  Firmly and quickly.

They all will settle into their adult height over the next couple of months, and they will slowly start to mature and fill out.  They will lose their puppy coats and grow a new one.  And in about a month from now, they will all start to find their feet and try out a little more independence.  Time for owners to be vigilant and strict with the training.  The formerly well-behaved puppies will morph into monsters for a few months, by comparison.  Deep breaths, lots of training, and maintain your nerve and they will all come out the other end.  Eventually.

Tiia growing up

Tiia and her big sister Marja are lucky enough to get lots of walks on Dartmoor.  Hopefully Tiia is following in Marja's pawprints and is growing into an obedient, well-behaved girl who doesn't bark at or otherwise harass the Dartmoor ponies.  Neka and Keskiyo were always quite respectful to the ponies when they went there, but Maija was a little less so.  I'm sure Tiia is picking up all Marja's good behaviour habits.  Hopefully.

Riemu Tiia age 4 months

A walk on Dartmoor

Some running

And some jumping

Getting the better of Marja in a game

Miia growing up

At this age the puppies who will be going into the show ring are learning their ringcraft and they are all finishing their first puppy training classes.  Here is Miia showing off her Down and her certificate.

Riemu Miila, age 4 months

Fun in the long grass.

Doing a bit of pruning in the garden.

4th birthday

Who's who?  Do not ask me, I do not know!











Very happy birthday to the Devon Nine, aka the Monta litter, who are 4 years old today.  Where I felt that the 5-year-old litter must surely be older than only 5, I have the opposite feeling with this bunch.  It doesn't seem so very long ago that Neka was a young whippersnapper squirting out her enormous litter of nine seemingly identical little black puppies.  Here they all are shortly after birth.

They are a bunch of dogs with fabulous character.  I hear that the boys are big babies like their dad, Keskiyo, but sweet natured and loveable with it.  The girls are ... varied!  Maija is a complete angel who loves to play, comes back when she's called, and doesn't destroy things (anymore...).  Of course, we have been comparing her to her mother whose behaviour as a youngster was a little more, shall we say, challenging.  Little Inko is easy to live with too, although she does have her own idiosyncrasies.  Another sister, Kaija (Sulo), recently climbed 30 feet into a tree and had to be rescued.  So I suppose it must be said that these dogs have originality.

The arrival of the Monta puppies inspired me to start this blog, and you can track their whole progress through the archives listed in the sidebar, right.  But now that they are 4 years old, here's how adorable they were at 4 weeks.   First up the girls in birth order followed by the boys.

Monta Jaana

Pet name Sybil, lives with Mike & Sarah & her adopted big brother Basil (see the connection there?) in Brighton

Monta Maija

Stayed home with us & her mum & dad

Monta Sulo
Now called Kaija who lives with the Collins family near Bath

Monta Viivi
Lives with her adopted big brother Jaska, Dave & Sherralee in Surrey

Monta Aurinko
Called Inko, lives with her new little sister Kiittos and the Glover family

Monta Tarmo
Lives with the McKenney family in Hampshire

Monta Jaska
Lives with his big sister Kia and the Taylor family in Lancashire

Monta Rauhan
Lives with his big sister Sukka and the Hollister family in Berkshire

Monta Tarkka
Lives with his little brother Laatu and the Ross family in Plymouth