Hey!!
Greetings from +28 degrees and very sunny Zadar!
We have had a lovely time here and great results so far, but I'll write them here when I get home because of the bad internet and stuff.. I love it here and love the people at the show, the atmosphere is great! We still have 3 days to go and 2 of them at the show, awesome!
I'll write more later!
xx Hilde
Showing posts with label dogshow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dogshow. Show all posts
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Bothniahall calls: Vaasa INT show!
Whoopee, doopee; here again!
Back home after Vaasa INT show on Saturday :-) Skipped school on Friday and headed up to western Finland and Vaasa city! We had a 5-hour drive up there, together with Arita and Kirsi and were in Vaasa around 6 pm. We had a nice stay at the hotel and went for dinner in the evening and so on. In the morning I woke up at 7 and headed for a yummy breakfast - I just love hotel breakfasts! After this I packed my stuff and we drove to Botniahallen were the show would be in.
The day started with havaneses. I'd promised to help out with havaneses and so I did. I really can't remember which dogs I showed, but all of them got EXC. At the end of these 39 entered havaneses we showed a beautiful breeder's group (kennel Bellezza's) of havaneses. They won BOB-BREEDER and HP.
After this I ran (yep, I do this a lot during the shows..haha) straight to the smooth collie ring where I would show the beautiful 1-year old youngster, Lubin’s In The Air Tonight "Iines" in her first junior class. We'd trained last night and she did really great, as she did in the ring now also! She's beautifully standing free, which makes me always so glad.. I think it made the judge glad too, because she won the junior class with EXC and CQ! The smooth collies were divided for two judges, Zsolt Lokodi from Romania took the junior class and Arne Foss from Norway the rest, including BB, BM and BOB. Because of this, the competition of Best Bitch took place a lot later.
The junior handling would start at about 12 o'clock and I stopped by the ring to say that I would come in as the last one. This was okay, and I thought: Great! I didn't have a dog at this moment.. I asked Nina Brusin if I could lend her american akita, which was okay, but her ring went just at the same time as the junior handling. I really wanted to compete with this dog, so I thought, that I could be there in time. Well, the last junior handler went to make her performance and I thought, shit, I have to take an another dog. I was just on my way to get the smooth collie I earlier showed and then - BEEP BEEP BEEP! This is a fire alarm, everyone needs to get out quickly! Well, what the hell?! All 3000 people and 1500 dogs started to get their way out... And of course, It was snowing slush as it hadn't done before... Oh my. The kind girl Sanna and her mother said that we could go and wait in their camper, thanks for that! We waited there a moment and saw people getting back inside. We heard that it was a "wrong call", someone had just in their anger knocked the fire alarm glass broken. So whoopee, thanks for that whoever you were... And as that wouldn't be enough, the fire alarm started ringing it's bells again, but this time nobody moved out.
In this chaos the ring timetables were totally screwed up. It didn't go as planned and everything ended in a situation where I didn't make it in time for junior handling. I came to the ring when the judge already made her shortlist.. %&#/"¤&"¤ could describe my feeling at that moment. I should have just gone with whatever dog I would have got, but well, shit happens. Next time I'll manage in time ;)
Well, as I didn't go junior handling, it was time for the smooth collies' Best Bitch-competition. The judge was different, so he took the junior class dogs who got CQ into the ring to take a better look. Apparently he also liked "Iines" because he made his shortlist out of about 10 dogs who've got CQ and "Iines" was still there. He asked to ran many times around the ring, and at the end "Iines" was BB "5" (we only place 4, but the judge told me she was the 5th)! He also gave her the RES. CAC! Wohoo! What a start in junior class for "Iines" ♥
It was already afternoon at this moment and the finals were approaching. Then they started, but late of course thanks to the fire alarm and some slow judges. For me, it was no big deal as my train would leave late anyway. I showed a 8-year old bearded collie Memorylane Big Ben Jammin "Leevi" in the BIS-VETERAN. He's such a nice (barking!) beardie :D We didn't get any placement. Thanks Nina for trusting him in my hands ♥
The BIS-BREEDER came as next and I was still in the group of havaneses. I showed a cute little girl named "Melli". There were many breeder's groups and the judge made very quick her shortlist. We were very glad when we realized we were there! After this the judge asked every group to move around once and then the decision was made - she pointed out our group to the 4th place! Whoopee, we got BIS-4 BREEDER! Congrats to the owner, Aino-Inkeri Huurinainen!
Then it was already late and my train would leave in 30 minutes, so I quickly put all the stuff in my bag and then we drove to the railway station. My 5-hour trip home began.. It felt like 10 hours!
Today then I got mail! The information for Zadar 4xINT show came! Wohoo! It's only 1,5 week until we jump on the plain and go take over Croatia ;) Also the numbers came for next weekend's show, the speciality show for havaneses! :)
I'll write again soon!
♥ Hilde ♥
Back home after Vaasa INT show on Saturday :-) Skipped school on Friday and headed up to western Finland and Vaasa city! We had a 5-hour drive up there, together with Arita and Kirsi and were in Vaasa around 6 pm. We had a nice stay at the hotel and went for dinner in the evening and so on. In the morning I woke up at 7 and headed for a yummy breakfast - I just love hotel breakfasts! After this I packed my stuff and we drove to Botniahallen were the show would be in.
The day started with havaneses. I'd promised to help out with havaneses and so I did. I really can't remember which dogs I showed, but all of them got EXC. At the end of these 39 entered havaneses we showed a beautiful breeder's group (kennel Bellezza's) of havaneses. They won BOB-BREEDER and HP.
 |
| kennel Bellezza's BIS-4 BREEDER © Alfafoto |
After this I ran (yep, I do this a lot during the shows..haha) straight to the smooth collie ring where I would show the beautiful 1-year old youngster, Lubin’s In The Air Tonight "Iines" in her first junior class. We'd trained last night and she did really great, as she did in the ring now also! She's beautifully standing free, which makes me always so glad.. I think it made the judge glad too, because she won the junior class with EXC and CQ! The smooth collies were divided for two judges, Zsolt Lokodi from Romania took the junior class and Arne Foss from Norway the rest, including BB, BM and BOB. Because of this, the competition of Best Bitch took place a lot later.
 |
| Showing Lubin’s In The Air Tonight "Iines", EXC/1 CQ & RES-CAC ♥ |
The junior handling would start at about 12 o'clock and I stopped by the ring to say that I would come in as the last one. This was okay, and I thought: Great! I didn't have a dog at this moment.. I asked Nina Brusin if I could lend her american akita, which was okay, but her ring went just at the same time as the junior handling. I really wanted to compete with this dog, so I thought, that I could be there in time. Well, the last junior handler went to make her performance and I thought, shit, I have to take an another dog. I was just on my way to get the smooth collie I earlier showed and then - BEEP BEEP BEEP! This is a fire alarm, everyone needs to get out quickly! Well, what the hell?! All 3000 people and 1500 dogs started to get their way out... And of course, It was snowing slush as it hadn't done before... Oh my. The kind girl Sanna and her mother said that we could go and wait in their camper, thanks for that! We waited there a moment and saw people getting back inside. We heard that it was a "wrong call", someone had just in their anger knocked the fire alarm glass broken. So whoopee, thanks for that whoever you were... And as that wouldn't be enough, the fire alarm started ringing it's bells again, but this time nobody moved out.
 |
| Showing Lubin’s In The Air Tonight "Iines", EXC/1 CQ & RES-CAC ♥ |
 |
| Showing Lubin’s In The Air Tonight "Iines", EXC/1 CQ & RES-CAC ♥ |
 |
| Showing Memorylane Big Ben Jammin "Leevi" in BIS-VETERAN ♥ |
It was already afternoon at this moment and the finals were approaching. Then they started, but late of course thanks to the fire alarm and some slow judges. For me, it was no big deal as my train would leave late anyway. I showed a 8-year old bearded collie Memorylane Big Ben Jammin "Leevi" in the BIS-VETERAN. He's such a nice (barking!) beardie :D We didn't get any placement. Thanks Nina for trusting him in my hands ♥
 |
| Showing Memorylane Big Ben Jammin "Leevi" in BIS-VETERAN ♥ |
The BIS-BREEDER came as next and I was still in the group of havaneses. I showed a cute little girl named "Melli". There were many breeder's groups and the judge made very quick her shortlist. We were very glad when we realized we were there! After this the judge asked every group to move around once and then the decision was made - she pointed out our group to the 4th place! Whoopee, we got BIS-4 BREEDER! Congrats to the owner, Aino-Inkeri Huurinainen!
Then it was already late and my train would leave in 30 minutes, so I quickly put all the stuff in my bag and then we drove to the railway station. My 5-hour trip home began.. It felt like 10 hours!
Today then I got mail! The information for Zadar 4xINT show came! Wohoo! It's only 1,5 week until we jump on the plain and go take over Croatia ;) Also the numbers came for next weekend's show, the speciality show for havaneses! :)
I'll write again soon!
♥ Hilde ♥
Thursday, April 12, 2012
On the road again tomorrow..
Hello!
How are you? I'm really great, even after an exhausting 8-hour day at school and some workout at the gym..
Last show was on Monday and tomorrow noon I'll be on the road again! Whoopee! That's how I like it. Our destination is Vaasa INT show. I will travel with Arita and her smooth collie Lubin’s In The Air Tonight "Iines". We will stay a nice night at a hotel and on Saturday it's showtime!
On Saturday morning I will help out with havaneses and later I will show Iines. I might also show a pomeranian and a buhund.. We'll see how the timetables keep their promises! At about 12 o'clock the junior handling will start, I don't know yet which dog I'm going to compete with, but we'll see. There are 28 entered juniors in the older group. It's one of the 20 qualification competitions for the Finnish Championship Final in December and will be judged by Anna-Mari Sampola from Finland.
I will be there only on Saturday, because I have an important dance lesson on Sunday morning..
For you guys, who've followed the discussion on Facebook at the WW-12 Salzburg Junior Handling-group: I will definitely write my opinions here as soon as I get enough time. I have to say - I'm pissed off! Why can't they just follow the FCI guidelines for HANDLING and not their stupid Austrian rules for CIRCUS! Argh!
Ps. Ninja got antibiotics for a two-week cure, we think it's vaginitis. Her symptoms disappeared and she seems fine now.
Wish us luck! Will write you soon!
♥ Hilde ♥
How are you? I'm really great, even after an exhausting 8-hour day at school and some workout at the gym..
Last show was on Monday and tomorrow noon I'll be on the road again! Whoopee! That's how I like it. Our destination is Vaasa INT show. I will travel with Arita and her smooth collie Lubin’s In The Air Tonight "Iines". We will stay a nice night at a hotel and on Saturday it's showtime!
 |
| Last year at Vaasa INT show, junior handling with a silky terrier |
On Saturday morning I will help out with havaneses and later I will show Iines. I might also show a pomeranian and a buhund.. We'll see how the timetables keep their promises! At about 12 o'clock the junior handling will start, I don't know yet which dog I'm going to compete with, but we'll see. There are 28 entered juniors in the older group. It's one of the 20 qualification competitions for the Finnish Championship Final in December and will be judged by Anna-Mari Sampola from Finland.
 |
| Last year at Vaasa INT show, junior handling here with a poodle as a swapdog |
I will be there only on Saturday, because I have an important dance lesson on Sunday morning..
For you guys, who've followed the discussion on Facebook at the WW-12 Salzburg Junior Handling-group: I will definitely write my opinions here as soon as I get enough time. I have to say - I'm pissed off! Why can't they just follow the FCI guidelines for HANDLING and not their stupid Austrian rules for CIRCUS! Argh!
Ps. Ninja got antibiotics for a two-week cure, we think it's vaginitis. Her symptoms disappeared and she seems fine now.
Wish us luck! Will write you soon!
♥ Hilde ♥
Monday, April 9, 2012
@ Lappeenranta NAT show
Hey guys!
Back home tired and happy :) Had my wake-up alarm ringing 5.45 in the morning... Anyway, survived and jumped on the train at 7 o'clock. I was lucky enough to get picked up from the railway station, thank you Teija for that again!
The day started with some chilling time, because I was there so early. Hanged around cairnterriers' ring and at the end I helped out in their breeding group, Rocco's Collar. Showed a little beauty, "Selma". Rocco's Collar was BOB-BREEDER.
Then it was time for junior handling. The judge today was Riikka Halinen, an ex-junior handler. The younger group had just 11 competitors, but sure there was some competition :) My friend Peppi ran around the show area trying to find a junior handling-dog, just few minutes before jh would start, so I suggested to ask for a samoyed that I knew. And whoopee! It was okay, and they finally were 4th! Congrats :)
Then it was our turn to compete. There were 20 entered junior handlers. I competed with the lovely irish soft coated wheaten terrier Venita's Fidelma "Martta". Always so happy! We did in my opinion an okay performance, not the best absolutely, but good :) The judge asked for a triangle and to show the bite. We managed anyway to get shortlisted!
The judged then asked to change dogs, and I got a siberian husky as a swapdog. Can't remember it's name now, but it was a very funny one :D It went very well with him.
Then we changed our dogs back and the judge started to place us. 5th place went to Ida Isaksson with an italian greyhound, 4th place to Emma Holopainen with a GBGV, 3rd place to Vilma Helle with an afghan hound. Then it was down to two, and we took a lap of honour. The judge pointed at Tilda Rinne with the siberian husky to the winner and me to the 2nd place. Congrats to all of you :) I was happy, little Martta did such great job again ♥ Thank you Jennamari for trusting Martta in my hands!
After junior handling it was time for Martta's breed ring. We didn't have high expectations, because the judge picked out only wheaten terriers with the irish-kind of coat. Martta hasn't got that. So, we went to the ring with 6 other open class bitches. Martta showed herself tremendously! Really great! It didn't melt for the judge though, and she got VG. I don't know what the critique said, had to leave for the scottish terrier ring in such hurry.
So the scottish terriers took part in the other ring and I showed Berrybreeze Daddy Cool "Luca". The judge was Elena Ruskovaara from Finland. Luca has such strong character - a real terrier I mean! So it's good to keep your head cool when you're in the ring with him..:p Well, no, he isn't bad, but you just have to watch out for "all the ugly other boys out there" as Luca would say.. Luca was the only one in intermediate class, and the judge did really like him. On the table she said: "Wow, what a coat!". That was really nice :) She did mention some weaknesses, as a little weak topline and a short ribcage. Other than that, she liked him, and did give him EXC/1 and CQ. In the Best Dog-class she gave him res.CAC. So really nice :)
That was pretty much it, after the scotties ring we jumped in the car and started the 3-hour drive back home. Thanks once again Arja for the ride!
And. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. Ninja got fever today and is in bad condition.. Tomorrow she will definitely visit the veterinarian. Hope it's all okay...♥
♥ Hilde ♥
Back home tired and happy :) Had my wake-up alarm ringing 5.45 in the morning... Anyway, survived and jumped on the train at 7 o'clock. I was lucky enough to get picked up from the railway station, thank you Teija for that again!
The day started with some chilling time, because I was there so early. Hanged around cairnterriers' ring and at the end I helped out in their breeding group, Rocco's Collar. Showed a little beauty, "Selma". Rocco's Collar was BOB-BREEDER.
Then it was time for junior handling. The judge today was Riikka Halinen, an ex-junior handler. The younger group had just 11 competitors, but sure there was some competition :) My friend Peppi ran around the show area trying to find a junior handling-dog, just few minutes before jh would start, so I suggested to ask for a samoyed that I knew. And whoopee! It was okay, and they finally were 4th! Congrats :)
Then it was our turn to compete. There were 20 entered junior handlers. I competed with the lovely irish soft coated wheaten terrier Venita's Fidelma "Martta". Always so happy! We did in my opinion an okay performance, not the best absolutely, but good :) The judge asked for a triangle and to show the bite. We managed anyway to get shortlisted!
 |
| Wheaten terrier "Martta" © Hanna Jäntti |
The judged then asked to change dogs, and I got a siberian husky as a swapdog. Can't remember it's name now, but it was a very funny one :D It went very well with him.
 |
| Swapdog, siberian husky © Linda Holopainen |
Then we changed our dogs back and the judge started to place us. 5th place went to Ida Isaksson with an italian greyhound, 4th place to Emma Holopainen with a GBGV, 3rd place to Vilma Helle with an afghan hound. Then it was down to two, and we took a lap of honour. The judge pointed at Tilda Rinne with the siberian husky to the winner and me to the 2nd place. Congrats to all of you :) I was happy, little Martta did such great job again ♥ Thank you Jennamari for trusting Martta in my hands!
 |
| Wheaten terrier "Martta" © Linda Holopainen |
After junior handling it was time for Martta's breed ring. We didn't have high expectations, because the judge picked out only wheaten terriers with the irish-kind of coat. Martta hasn't got that. So, we went to the ring with 6 other open class bitches. Martta showed herself tremendously! Really great! It didn't melt for the judge though, and she got VG. I don't know what the critique said, had to leave for the scottish terrier ring in such hurry.
So the scottish terriers took part in the other ring and I showed Berrybreeze Daddy Cool "Luca". The judge was Elena Ruskovaara from Finland. Luca has such strong character - a real terrier I mean! So it's good to keep your head cool when you're in the ring with him..:p Well, no, he isn't bad, but you just have to watch out for "all the ugly other boys out there" as Luca would say.. Luca was the only one in intermediate class, and the judge did really like him. On the table she said: "Wow, what a coat!". That was really nice :) She did mention some weaknesses, as a little weak topline and a short ribcage. Other than that, she liked him, and did give him EXC/1 and CQ. In the Best Dog-class she gave him res.CAC. So really nice :)
 |
| scottish terrier "Luca" |
 |
| scottish terrier "Luca" |
 |
| scottish terrier "Luca" |
That was pretty much it, after the scotties ring we jumped in the car and started the 3-hour drive back home. Thanks once again Arja for the ride!
And. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. Ninja got fever today and is in bad condition.. Tomorrow she will definitely visit the veterinarian. Hope it's all okay...♥
♥ Hilde ♥
Friday, April 6, 2012
the most winning kleinspitz of the year 2011 is...
Hello guys!
Haven't written again in a long time, sorry for that. I could pay my excuses to the exams week, but who am I kidding? Haven't read much for that, again :P
Just got the first of the german spitz breed organisation magazines of the year, and I'm proud and happy to announce that Ninja is "The most winning kleinspitz of the year 2011"! Wow! First year for Ninja to compete in official classes, and she takes the Most winning-award! I'm so proud!
Ninja did an awesome job last year, and we will hopefully continue the same path this year!
Thanks all the judges who has judged Ninja to the highest award and her breeder Esa Ruotsalainen, kennel Tirhan.
This weekend's show is a bit in a haze, but as far as I know now, I will help out with cairnterriers, with a scottish terrier, maybe samoyeds and compete in junior handling. See you there!
Now Nelli will get a bath and a grooming. Nelli is attending the show in Croatia in about 3 weeks. For the natural balance in her coat and to get the right texture, you can't bath her one day before the show. The coat texture is really important for kleinspitzes, and Nelli has a little too soft coat, so I will do my best to get it a little more wire texture. I will post some before- and after pics :)
♥ Hilde ♥
Haven't written again in a long time, sorry for that. I could pay my excuses to the exams week, but who am I kidding? Haven't read much for that, again :P
Just got the first of the german spitz breed organisation magazines of the year, and I'm proud and happy to announce that Ninja is "The most winning kleinspitz of the year 2011"! Wow! First year for Ninja to compete in official classes, and she takes the Most winning-award! I'm so proud!
 |
| Ninja BOB, CAC & CACIB in Eckerö INT show |
Ninja did an awesome job last year, and we will hopefully continue the same path this year!
Thanks all the judges who has judged Ninja to the highest award and her breeder Esa Ruotsalainen, kennel Tirhan.
This weekend's show is a bit in a haze, but as far as I know now, I will help out with cairnterriers, with a scottish terrier, maybe samoyeds and compete in junior handling. See you there!
Now Nelli will get a bath and a grooming. Nelli is attending the show in Croatia in about 3 weeks. For the natural balance in her coat and to get the right texture, you can't bath her one day before the show. The coat texture is really important for kleinspitzes, and Nelli has a little too soft coat, so I will do my best to get it a little more wire texture. I will post some before- and after pics :)
♥ Hilde ♥
Monday, March 19, 2012
Breeder's course - check!
Hello you! :)
Whoopee! Breeder's course - check & passed! Yey! :) Now just waiting 'till I turn 18 years old, which means almost a year, and then I can apply for my kennel name. And which would that be.. hmm. I have absolutely NO idea :( But hey, one year time to think.
The course was pretty interesting. Okay, the most of it was kind of basic things, but I at least had no idea of mating and genes and all that stuff. So at least I learnt something! Now I should have the basic skills, but to succeed as a breeder I will need help and advice from experienced breeders. Also, of course; when you do, you learn. I think every dog owner should take that course, because it's basic information about dogs, not just for breeders, but to dog owners.
The biggest challenge for me will be finding the right dog to mate Ninja with. I do know what I want the offspring to be, but how do I achieve that and how do I find the right dog with the right pedigree..? That'll be a challenge.
That's the future, now I'm one step closer.
And oh yeah, the time when there's a dogshow for every weekend is coming closer! It starts on Easter, 8-9.4 with Lappeenranta NAT show. And then there'll be no end until September. So bye, free weekends! :D
♥ Hilde ♥
Whoopee! Breeder's course - check & passed! Yey! :) Now just waiting 'till I turn 18 years old, which means almost a year, and then I can apply for my kennel name. And which would that be.. hmm. I have absolutely NO idea :( But hey, one year time to think.
 |
| baby-Ninja and Nelli the mother ♥ |
The course was pretty interesting. Okay, the most of it was kind of basic things, but I at least had no idea of mating and genes and all that stuff. So at least I learnt something! Now I should have the basic skills, but to succeed as a breeder I will need help and advice from experienced breeders. Also, of course; when you do, you learn. I think every dog owner should take that course, because it's basic information about dogs, not just for breeders, but to dog owners.
 |
| the whole family, Nelli (mother), Ninja (daughter) and Otto (father) |
The biggest challenge for me will be finding the right dog to mate Ninja with. I do know what I want the offspring to be, but how do I achieve that and how do I find the right dog with the right pedigree..? That'll be a challenge.
That's the future, now I'm one step closer.
 |
| Last year in Lappeenranta with american akita Inuline Keep Honest "Vanilla" |
And oh yeah, the time when there's a dogshow for every weekend is coming closer! It starts on Easter, 8-9.4 with Lappeenranta NAT show. And then there'll be no end until September. So bye, free weekends! :D
 |
| Ninja BOS & CAC at 11 months old in Lappeenranta last year, the breeders group "Tirhan" was also shortlisted to top-6 in BIS-BREEDER |
♥ Hilde ♥
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Cruft's is over..
..And I wasn't even there! Still irritated.. As I said, watched the International Junior Handling finals online where my lovely friends represented so good!
The IJH-final has about 40 competitors every year all from different countries. Each country decides their own way how to choose their representative. This year the judge was Mr. Espen Engh from Norway who's known for his successful greyhounds. I think he did a great job judging these juniors. He asked just normal things to do, like a triangle and up-and-down.
Cruft's has it's beauty there. There are two rounds, first with your "own" dog (the one you've asked for, you get the dog's just one hour before the competition.) and the second one with a swapdog. This is what I personally appreciate. You get two dogs you've never met before, and you have to create a cooperation in a short time. That's what measures the skills. It's not easy, and there you separate the sheep from the goats.
My opinion of this year's handlers was a bit weak. I don't know what it is, but many of them had a lack of basic skills. Things like: take a nice distance from the judge when stacking, nicely collect the leash in your fist in every occasion so it doesn't disturb, the WAY YOU RUN; this was especially horrible in some handlers, if I'm honest. These are stuff that you shouldn't have to think about in the ring, they should come naturally. And yes, if you don't have control over them, it is disturbing and affects the whole overall impression.
Some of the handlers were very nervous, which is of course understandable, but if you want to do a great performance, you have to keep your nerves together! With the swapdog.. what can I say. There are not many that manages to make a contact with a dog they've got 5 minutes ago. And that if something, is a shame.
Sure there were some pearls in the sea. The ones that did a beautiful, natural and calm performance. Showed their dog to it's absolutely best and shone with self-confidence and happiness. The judge seemed to like it that way too. The shortlisted one's were (if I remember correctly, excuse me if I'm wrong!) the USA, Australia, Czech republic, Slovakia, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, Monaco and a country that was represented by a guy, can't remember which. Sadly our Finnish representative Susanna Gourine didn't get to the top-10, but she can be proud of herself, because she did a faultless performance very professionally with her tibetan terrier.
The top-3 then was: 3rd place to Monaco represented by Aleksandra Szydłowska with an english springer spaniel. Aleksandra has won Cruft's once before with the same breed, so this wasn't anything new for this experienced handler. 2nd place went to the Swedish handler Pernilla Lindström who showed her australian shepherd extremely calmly and beautifully. Sweden hasn't got that much success in Cruft's IJH, so way to go representing Sweden! And the highest award, 1st place went to the always with a big smile showing her dogs, Raquel Colaço from Portugal! She competed with a german pointer, like the last year's winner. She was natural with a calm touch to her dog and a very professional way to handle. Above all that, the happiness shone trough her all the time! She's also been placed several times in international junior handling competitions. I could say, I had pretty much the same opinions about top-10 and so on with the judge. A nice IJH in Cruft's this year! My warmest congratulations to the three placed!
If you want to watch these cheerful moments, here is the video from the finals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6X_pWiijug&feature=related
The whole competition can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O45RicPsavI&feature=related
This weekend I will participate in the Finnish Kennelclub's breeder's course. I got the pre-material in the mail, and hahah, I have 150 pages to read about dogbreeding.. just a little light night-reading to do.. :p There will be a test in the end of this course, thumbs up so I'll pass it! If and when I pass it, I can apply for a breeding-name when I turn 18. That I'll do and then I can think of puppy plans.. exciting! :)
♥ Hilde ♥
The IJH-final has about 40 competitors every year all from different countries. Each country decides their own way how to choose their representative. This year the judge was Mr. Espen Engh from Norway who's known for his successful greyhounds. I think he did a great job judging these juniors. He asked just normal things to do, like a triangle and up-and-down.
Cruft's has it's beauty there. There are two rounds, first with your "own" dog (the one you've asked for, you get the dog's just one hour before the competition.) and the second one with a swapdog. This is what I personally appreciate. You get two dogs you've never met before, and you have to create a cooperation in a short time. That's what measures the skills. It's not easy, and there you separate the sheep from the goats.
 |
| 2nd place went to Pernilla Lindström from Sweden! © Theodóra Róbertsdottir |
My opinion of this year's handlers was a bit weak. I don't know what it is, but many of them had a lack of basic skills. Things like: take a nice distance from the judge when stacking, nicely collect the leash in your fist in every occasion so it doesn't disturb, the WAY YOU RUN; this was especially horrible in some handlers, if I'm honest. These are stuff that you shouldn't have to think about in the ring, they should come naturally. And yes, if you don't have control over them, it is disturbing and affects the whole overall impression.
 |
| The happiness is amazing, IJH winner 2012, Raquel Colaço representing Portugal also with a german pointer |
Some of the handlers were very nervous, which is of course understandable, but if you want to do a great performance, you have to keep your nerves together! With the swapdog.. what can I say. There are not many that manages to make a contact with a dog they've got 5 minutes ago. And that if something, is a shame.
Sure there were some pearls in the sea. The ones that did a beautiful, natural and calm performance. Showed their dog to it's absolutely best and shone with self-confidence and happiness. The judge seemed to like it that way too. The shortlisted one's were (if I remember correctly, excuse me if I'm wrong!) the USA, Australia, Czech republic, Slovakia, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, Monaco and a country that was represented by a guy, can't remember which. Sadly our Finnish representative Susanna Gourine didn't get to the top-10, but she can be proud of herself, because she did a faultless performance very professionally with her tibetan terrier.
 |
| Last year's winner, Paulina Lisiak with a german pointer |
The top-3 then was: 3rd place to Monaco represented by Aleksandra Szydłowska with an english springer spaniel. Aleksandra has won Cruft's once before with the same breed, so this wasn't anything new for this experienced handler. 2nd place went to the Swedish handler Pernilla Lindström who showed her australian shepherd extremely calmly and beautifully. Sweden hasn't got that much success in Cruft's IJH, so way to go representing Sweden! And the highest award, 1st place went to the always with a big smile showing her dogs, Raquel Colaço from Portugal! She competed with a german pointer, like the last year's winner. She was natural with a calm touch to her dog and a very professional way to handle. Above all that, the happiness shone trough her all the time! She's also been placed several times in international junior handling competitions. I could say, I had pretty much the same opinions about top-10 and so on with the judge. A nice IJH in Cruft's this year! My warmest congratulations to the three placed!
If you want to watch these cheerful moments, here is the video from the finals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6X_pWiijug&feature=related
The whole competition can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O45RicPsavI&feature=related
 |
| Ninja 22 months old pictured some days ago |
 |
| Ninja 22 months old pictured some days ago |
This weekend I will participate in the Finnish Kennelclub's breeder's course. I got the pre-material in the mail, and hahah, I have 150 pages to read about dogbreeding.. just a little light night-reading to do.. :p There will be a test in the end of this course, thumbs up so I'll pass it! If and when I pass it, I can apply for a breeding-name when I turn 18. That I'll do and then I can think of puppy plans.. exciting! :)
♥ Hilde ♥
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Crufts oh Cruft's..
Hello you! :)
Oh my, Cruft's is on for this year! I would've so much wanted to be there! Cruft's is the most beautiful dog show I've ever been to. The big finals are so nice and they get each and every competitor in the spotlight.
I just watched a bit of the finals, the last minutes of the toy group. Nice that the pom won! It's a shame I didn't have time to see the kleinspitz BUT I know the dog is beautiful, and I'm glad that it won the breed.
We were almost on our way to Cruft's this year, but I would've wanted to see the International Junior Handling final which is on Sunday and compete with Ninja in the breed. Ninja would have been today in the ring, and we should've left already yesterday. My school wouldn't have liked it as we're going abroad to Croatia and Austria this spring.. enough free days from school already. :(
But next year we'll be there! Ninja has the right to attend, so why wouldn't we? As a matter of fact, Ninja wouldn't probably succeed in the UK if there will be a British judge. They have different breed standards there and Ninja doesn't quite fit in. But I would like to attend for the experience!
Last year I had the most amazing experience, I was honored to represent Finland according to my win in the Finnish Championship final 2010. I thought about the breed that I would wish for a long time, but ended up with a breed I'd never shown before. It was an australian shepherd, and it couldn't have been a better choice!
As a 2nd choice I had a whippet, also a breed I'd never shown before, but ended up with the aussie in the ring :)
The australian shepherd I got was a beautiful male, Allmark Muffin Muncher "Tinker". There was totally 3 aussies in the IJH final last year. I think I did a pretty good performance for the judge Christopher Habig from Germany, and he thought so too, because I was shortlisted to the 8 best!! That was really the moment of my life. I hadn't expected ANYTHING! And so boom! I was in the top-8. Wow. I won't ever forget that moment. As a swapdog I got a german pointer, once again a breed I've never even touched, but it went very well :)
My success ended in getting into the top-8, but oh my gosh, that was SO beautiful. A Finnish representative has once won Cruft's, if I remember correctly in the 80's. After that, we haven't got that much success, so I was honored to stand for Finland that day :) And still I can remember when I go so many congratulations from all Finnish friends who were truly happy about it. I love you! It's so important everyone cheers for each other!
This Sunday I will watch my nose attached to the screen on the International Junior Handling final and cheer for all my friends, and of course our Finnish representative this year, Susanna Gourine. I'm so disappointed I'm not there, but I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you my friends! GOOD LUCK! :)
♥ Hilde ♥
 |
| Tinker and me at Cruft's 2011! :) |
Oh my, Cruft's is on for this year! I would've so much wanted to be there! Cruft's is the most beautiful dog show I've ever been to. The big finals are so nice and they get each and every competitor in the spotlight.
 |
| top-8 in the International Junior Handling final 2011 |
I just watched a bit of the finals, the last minutes of the toy group. Nice that the pom won! It's a shame I didn't have time to see the kleinspitz BUT I know the dog is beautiful, and I'm glad that it won the breed.
We were almost on our way to Cruft's this year, but I would've wanted to see the International Junior Handling final which is on Sunday and compete with Ninja in the breed. Ninja would have been today in the ring, and we should've left already yesterday. My school wouldn't have liked it as we're going abroad to Croatia and Austria this spring.. enough free days from school already. :(
 |
| Competing with the lovely aussie Allmark Muffin Muncher "Tinker" |
But next year we'll be there! Ninja has the right to attend, so why wouldn't we? As a matter of fact, Ninja wouldn't probably succeed in the UK if there will be a British judge. They have different breed standards there and Ninja doesn't quite fit in. But I would like to attend for the experience!
 |
| Beautiful movements of Allmark Muffin Muncher © HotDog magazine |
Last year I had the most amazing experience, I was honored to represent Finland according to my win in the Finnish Championship final 2010. I thought about the breed that I would wish for a long time, but ended up with a breed I'd never shown before. It was an australian shepherd, and it couldn't have been a better choice!
As a 2nd choice I had a whippet, also a breed I'd never shown before, but ended up with the aussie in the ring :)
 |
| Showing Allmark Muffin Muncher "Tinker" in the International Junior Handling final © Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen |
The australian shepherd I got was a beautiful male, Allmark Muffin Muncher "Tinker". There was totally 3 aussies in the IJH final last year. I think I did a pretty good performance for the judge Christopher Habig from Germany, and he thought so too, because I was shortlisted to the 8 best!! That was really the moment of my life. I hadn't expected ANYTHING! And so boom! I was in the top-8. Wow. I won't ever forget that moment. As a swapdog I got a german pointer, once again a breed I've never even touched, but it went very well :)
 |
| A german pointer as a swapdog © Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen |
 |
| Girls, girls.. :) The girl with the pointer, winner of the IJH final 2011, Paulina Lisiak from Poland! © Charlotte Page |
 |
| Allmark Muffin Muncher "Tinker" owned by Neil and Angie Allan |
 |
| Play-time with Tinker ♥ |
♥ Hilde ♥
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Today's trip to Lohja
 |
| Dani 19 months, pic from the show today |
Hey!
Had a short trip to Lohja show for groups 7 & 8 today. I showed the english pointer Golden Jump Point To Daniel "Dani", and he did a great performance, we're getting there! :D The judge had around 20 bracco italianos before the two pointers, and he did a great job with them taking time and so on. When I stepped to the ring with Dani he totally lost his interest! The judge did just look somewhere else, on the weimaraners in the ring next to ours... I didn't know if he's actually judging or what! So hmm, wasn't so glad about that.
Well, the judge took a quick look on Dani, didn't really touch him or anything.. He judged in Italian and so the critique was also in Italian :D Thank god there was a person who could translate it..! Dani got Very Good, again, and it was not about the teeth this time; I didn't really understand what he didn't like in Dani.
The critique was nice so hmm..
Guess we have to appreciate more the judges who do their job with their whole heart! :)
 |
| You can see the judge (almost bold guy in a vest) losing his interest.. Hopefully he at least enjoyed the weimaraners next to us..:P |
 |
| Dani doing nice free-stacking :) |
I went there so I could train with Dani, and he's made such improvement! What an amazing boy he is! Someday we well be seen in the junior handling rings, I can assure you!
Now the next show won't be until Lappeenranta NAT show in the beginning of April.. blaah! :(
We're spending quiet time with the dogs, well, at least there's time to do other stuff! Now I'm answering questions for a Lithuanian magazine who wanted to have an interview, fun! Maybe you Lithuanian readers (if there are some..) can read it later this year :)
♥ Hilde ♥
Saturday, February 11, 2012
A show for groups 7 & 8
 |
| Showing Dani for the first time in an unofficial show |
Tomorrow I will show the english pointer Dani in a show for FCI groups 7 & 8 in Lohja. So we'll see what that'll be (: The judge will be Mr. Giuseppe Colombo Manfroni. Something to do even when it's the lovely Finnish "dogshow (the big shows) spring break"..
I will write something about that tomorrow.. Wish us luck! (:
♥ Hilde ♥
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Turku INT show
Hey guys!
Now the first show of the year is over. I was there only on the first day, which was a shame, but no can do! In the morning I woke up at 5.30, because my ride left 6.45 from a 40 minute long trip away. It was definitely hard to wake up after a 4 hour sleep, but what wouldn't you do for a dogshow?
When we (I and the owner of the english pointer) got to the mess center we walked to the vaccination control. Why do they always ask me where the dog is when I show the junior handling-number tag (what is it called in English..?). Can't someone brief them to know, that there are almost 100 juniors coming in from the door with that same tag, and they don't need to have a dog! This happens in almost every show.. A little thing, but still :D
 |
| junior handling with borzoi Zowie © Linda H |
Well, we headed for the english pointer ring, which was next to the junior handling ring. I didn't move from that spot on almost the whole day! The pointers started at 10.30 and there was only 3 entered. Here in Finland there aren't many pointers, not as there are abroad, especially in Central-Europe. Anyway, one of them wasn't there so we were down to two participants.
The pointer I was showing, Golden Jump Point To Daniel "Dani" is a lovely 19 months old boy, who's lovely for the breed and has a couple of CACs already. I was at a "match show" (an unofficial show) when I saw this pointer. My long-lasting dream had been, to show an english pointer, but as I said, there are so few in Finland that it wasn't easy. I went to talk to the owner and told that I've always wanted to try a pointer, and so I trained with Dani a few moments. His owner told me, I could show him in the ring also. That I did, he was only 11 months old back then, and not that showtrained.
 |
| showing english pointer Dani © Katriina M |
Now I've shown him a couple of times, and still we're practicing for the perfect "show-performance". He's getting better and better every time I train with him!
Here in Turku INT show the judge was Chris Bexon from Great Britain. We went to the ring, the judge asked to move back and forward, triangle and one round around the ring. Then I stacked him. He's a little inpatient with the whole standing thing, so I had to stack him again pretty many times :D He always finds a target to stare at outside the ring, just not the in the right direction! The judge looked many times in his mouth and I started to think what it was.. He said "What a shame" the third time he looked at the teeth.
Dani got VG and the judge told me "It's really a shame that his teeth are slightly wry, he's a beautiful english pointer but because of the teeth, I have to give a lower price. Keep up the good work!". He was a very nice judge, I think. Maybe a little harsh on the price, he could've given an EXC without CQ, I think. We did know about his teeth, but not a single judge has said about them before. Well, at least he did know something, the judge! The critique was very nice:
"Really nice young male. Built of flowing lines. Really balanced head. Nice occibut. Good work around the eyes, clean cheek. Good length of neck. Pleasing shoulders. Nice depth of chest. Short, strong loin. Clean oval bone, straight forelegs. Excellent mover. Very disappointed to find that he has slightly wry bite."
Disappointing yes, but I'm proud of Dani that he's improving the performing every time.
I almost showed an irish wolfhound, but junior handling went on the same time, so I had to unfortunately say I couldn't :(
 |
| junior handling with borzoi Zowie © Katriina M |
Then the junior handling started.. 64 juniors stepped into the ring. The younger group had been judged, the winner was Karelin Kajander, a cute little boy with his whippet. The judge was Åge Gjentjes from Norway. We were divided in 5 groups, I couldn't make it to the first, where I should have been, because my junior handling-dog was in the breed ring at the time. I went with the last group, showing the lovely borzoi "Zowie", owned by Helena Håkansson from Sweden, who trusted her girl in my hands. Thanks! I'd never shown a borzoi before. Zowie's whole name is Japejukan Krasivaja Kira "Zowie". The judge wanted us to move in a group around the ring, then he took a quick look at the dogs' expression. I was first in the line, so I was first in turn. The judge didn't give much time to stack the dog, so I wasn't ready when he came to judge, but I don't think he minded. He asked how old my dog was and asked for a up-and-down. I did that, Zowie ran beautifully, and then I showed quickly the expression of Zowie towards the judge. He asked to make a round around the ring and to get at the end of the line. Our performance went really good, Zowie was really calm (what can you expect of a borzoi..:D). We were 10 in every group, so when everyone was judged, the judge wanted us to move once around the ring in two groups. After that he shortlisted 3 juniors and said thanks to the rest. I was glad when he pointed at me that he picked me!
 |
| Change-dog, coton de tulear Jerry © Vilma H |
 |
| Change-dog, coton de tulear Jerry! © Hanna J |
 |
| junior handling with borzoi Zowie © Linda H |
This was a qualification competition for the Finnish Championship final. In the afternoon there was held BIS-Junior handler, and the winner of the older group won it, which means she won the place for the Finnish Championship, congrats! :)
 |
| junior handling with borzoi Zowie © Linda H |
It was a funny Saturday, with my lovely friends, and unfortunately I have to wait for the next show till April.. blaah! It will be Lappeenranta NAT show, and Ninja and I will be there :) A long time waiting..
..ps. we got the tickets! so here we come Croatia!!
See ya!
♥ Hilde ♥
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
trips here and there..
 |
| res. BIS-JH with poodle Soltar's Hardwood Stomp "Nemo" in Hämeenlinna INT 2008 |
HERE WE GO IN APRIL (hopefully) !!
Yeey! Someone's happy :) 4xCACIB-show with junior handling every day! Perfect! As it seems now, Ninja and Nelli will both be attending.. Hoping for the last CACIB for Nelli. This trip depends now on if we got the "pet seats" on the flight.
It'll be FUN! :)
 |
| Junior handling, 3rd place in Tervakoski INT 2007 with portugese waterhound |
and..
Turku INT show sent a letter today, that our junior handling judge has been changed. Now our judge will be Åge Gjentjes from Norway. I will compete with a borzoi, something new and exciting :-)
♥ Hilde ♥
Saturday, January 14, 2012
a show in Croatia?
 |
| EUW-10 in Celje, Slovenia, showing havanese Torcedore's Aria El Amore "Siiri" to BOB |
We'll see! Now I've made a calendar on the shows me and my dog(s) will be in spring, just to keep myself on track.
21.1. Turku INT: Junior handling
8.-9.4. Lappeenranta NAT: Junior handling + Ninja
14.-15.4. Vaasa INT: Junior handling + Ninja
28.4-1.5: Zadar, Croatia INT: Ninja + Nelli, Junior handling
5.-6.5. Rauma NAT: Junior handling + Ninja
12.-13.5. Tampere INT: Junior handling + Ninja
18-20.5 Salzburg, Austria, WW-12: Junior handling + Ninja
26.5. Joensuu NAT: Junior handling + Ninja
27.5. Joensuu INT: Junior handling + Ninja
 |
| Junior handling in WW-09 in Bratislava, Slovakia with tibetan spaniel Down-Goblin's Artemis Ingefal "Sipsu" |
 |
| Junior handling in Estonia 2008 with kleinspitz Tirhan BT Thanks "Nella" |
Exciting :-)
♥ Hilde ♥
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)