Welcome to Travis Cocker Spaniels
Farewell for now-
(03.03.2010)
Olympic Games! !4 days without a whole night's sleep, 14 days with breathtaking competition- and now 14 days trying to get on top of untrimmed dogs and unatttended paperwork...
Picture is stolen from one of our puppy owners, with a red dog of ours called Petter underneath this masterpiece of olympic equipment...
Five more offspring-
(26.02.2010)
-x-rayed by that hunk Miles of Smiles- all with grade A. And from three different bitches. Thanks for the results goes to kennels Manacas and Occis.
Our own and co- owner Maria Mullersdorf's young Travis Face factor is among this lot of course and we are very happy with him going runner- up Best Dog under Mrs Kari Granaas hansen at the Swedish Strömsholm show. He will be out again soon.
Keanu got a litter of six in Norway last week and we hope that the frozen semen we sent out to Iceland will be well worth while.
4 dogs have had their rabies shots now and we are just waiting for the one meter thick layer of snow to melt down to be able to get around to shows easier. As it is we are more than happy to make use of the snow in the way it is meant to- skiing and having fun with the dogs!
Our bitches are late coming in season, due to the cold weather. However, a red daughter of World Winner, Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here is mated to the Scottish imported Swedish champion Quilmhair Innis- Dubh. This is this bitch's second try with this combination, but only four weeks gone, it is a bit early to tell. Also Elin Ahltröms blue Miles of Smiles- daughter Travis Cubic Miles has been mated to him and are presently nursing a five weeks old litter of blacks. If interested, give Elin a ring on + 46-703-492924!
We're on again-
(17.02.2010)
-and had expert help to protect ourselves against viruses. So no stopping us! First show coming up now- getting some young hopefuls out in the ring...
Computer dead again!
(24.01.2010)
Warning facebook friends against certain groups made my computer go blank with viruses, trojan horses etc. Again! Well- there is no stopping us, it may take a few days though!
Congrats meanwhile to Travis Face Factor and co- owner Maria Mullersdorf going runner- up best dog at Stromsholm from yearling class under Mrs K Granaas Hansen. This was his Swedish debut! By that man Keanu again...
Picture is deeply buried in the oh so tired computer- go to the Meryl website instead!
Congratulations!
(14.01.2010)
-To the Backhill kennels with Ch Travis Keep It Classy's results in the competition "Cocker of the year" in Sweden. This six year old was in total no 5- and runner up for Top Bitch. Good going as she has not been consistently campaigned, being out of the rings for a long period while her owner was otherwise occupied, getting married and stuff...
She is now nursing a litter by Ch Travis Miles of Smiles. We wish them best of luck! The proud parents are pictured at a Swedish international show, where Keanu later won the group.
(And yes- he IS the sire of the puppy below...)
The dark blue-
(13.01.2010)
- discussed below, winning the group as a puppy.
The dark blue-
(13.01.2010)
- discussed below- as a puppy...
I have sold-
(12.01.2010)
- a very promising puppy to a fellow breeder, who is concerned that her dog has had critiques from certain judges that he is of a too dark blue roan colour! As you all probably know there is just no such thing. Out of curiosity, I have searched the web for various colour descriptions in the English cocker standards (different countries and languages but within the FCI area)- and all say the same regarding particoloured dogs; i.e nothing particular except the term "various".
One of the Australian cocker clubs have a colour description on their website; "A parti-colour is either clearly marked, ticked or roaned. The white appearing in combination with black, liver or shades of red. In parti-colours it is preferable that solid markings be broken on the body and more or less evenly distributed; absence of body markings is acceptable. Colours include: Blue Roan, Orange or Golden Roan, , Lemon Roan, Chocolate or Liver Roan, Blue Roan and Tan, Black White and Tan, Liver Roan and Tan, Black and White, Gold and White, Liver/Chocolate and White.
The above colours are basics only, and for example Blue Roans come in many shades and can also be referred to as Light Blue Roan, Dark Blue Roan, Silver Roan etc - so the colour combinations are endless. The above list is a basic guide only."
The English cocker club of America brings following information:"The loci is R, roan. The nature of the coat pattern and the progressive development of dark hair in a light area is unclear and still in debate. Roan is defined as "having the base color (as red, black, or brown) muted and lightened by a mixture of white hairs."
Roan (R) appears to be dominant to (rr) non-roan, i.e. open marks. Roan can carry for open marks, but open marks cannot carry for roan.
But surprisingly, as I went along, I found that the overall standard presented on the Swedish Cocker Club's site is actually not the same as that on the Swedish Kennel Club's site! Look it up and compare (but you have to understand the language of course...) Use this SKK adress: http://kennet.skk.se/rasinfo/pdf/FCI5.pdf
(The photo is Wikipedia's illustration to the breed. Talking about coats- HELP!)
Our Aussie Champion is of course by VITAL SPARK-
(09.01.2010)
- who at the moment is burning with a rather pale fire, not being fond of the minus 30 C outside.
But his heart is warmed by the fact that his son Ch Cockergold Misty Blue was Best Dog and runner up Best Dog at the big Gothenburgh International. Our up and coming stud Ch TRAVIS MILES OF SMILES had two of his very young offspring placed in the Best Dog- line up both days, too; namely Occis Dream Mile (placed no. 4) and Puttifar's Happy Go Lucky (no.5). The entry was about 80.
-The Backhills have currently newborns by Keanu ex that lovely bitch Ch TRAVIS KEEP IT CLASSY.
And the dam of Occis Dream Mile is of course their World Winner Ch TRAVIS HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAM, who also was the dam of the certificate and Best Dog winner first day at Gothenburgh, named Occis Just Dream.
Well done, all!
Norw Ch. Anemos First Served to Travis-
(08.01.2010)
- was made an Australian Champion yesterday in fine style- and in a record- breaking time for the Belcroft kennels. A toast to you all down under!
Angående Svenska cockerklunbbens årsmøte-
(08.01.2010)
- där det inkommit en motion om att lägga ner tävlingen "Årets Cocker"...
Det här hittade jag på nätet; kanske något att inspireras av?
( Under rubriken hur formulerar man en vettig motion...)
Rubrik som sammanfattar vad motionen handlar om - kort, informativ och tydlig.
Sammanfattning - kort introduktion av problemet samt rekommendation.
Bakgrund med ev. frågeställningar.
Beskriv problemet och behov av lösning;
- Vad är anledningen till att denna motion behöver ställas?
- Ange vilka bakgrundsfakta som är viktiga i sammanhanget.
- Beskriv eventuella möjligheter och hinder.
Bedömning.
Föreslå en lösning på frågan och beskriv hur lösningen svarar mot behovet.
Yrkande - Förslag till beslut
Vad exakt ska beslutas enligt Din rekommendation?
Försök att formulera dig exakt så som du vill att det sedan ska stå i stämmoprotokollet, så att det inte finns någon risk för missförstånd eller feltolkningar av din formulering (extremt viktig punkt).
Lämna om möjligt förslag på eventuella riktlinjer för genomförandet och ev. alternativa genomföranden.
Ge om möjligt förslag på alternativa beslut.
Önskemål om hur motionen ska behandlas och generell information.
Avslut med namn/medlemsnummer och datum.
Mid(winter) night in Oslo
(01.01.2010)
Have just passed through Oslo at 24.00 and it was spectacular fireworks over the fjord and from the surrounding hills. White snow in the streets and everybody came out from their homes to watch. Like a midnight- midwinter version of the more famous 17th of May. Incredible.
Last words for 2009!
(31.12.2009)
Nine o'clock in the morning:
OK. Love winter, have been skiing and praising the Scandinavian lifestyle- but now I give in. Mostly sitting with my back into (!) the fireplace now- or lying on the sofa in pre- natal position under a woolen blanket watching TV. PLEASE God make the cold go away! Dogs are miserable, too- which is the worst part- going lame after a few minutes outside and needing twice the amount of food to keep condidion.
Below 20 for over a week now...Feel mummified and maybe is? Even brain cells are working slow- but that just MAY be an interaction with age...
BUT HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS! At least the light has returned! The faithful neighbour is keeping the roads free from snow, the stolen car has returned and I now am the proud owner of two cars who copes with the cold and are actually starting!
-But hey! and old friend just called and I find myself going out skiing again this moment!
You have to put up a good fight- never give in!
(Despite what I said before in a weak moment...)
So what is that for a New Years Promise! And when the sun breaks through, it's just amazing up here, like the scenary in a Tim Burton movie.
I bring you a toast to the year 2010!! See all of you very soon! And stay on those roads...
Four in the afternoon:
Skiing was brilliant, then in and out with dogs and off to a New Years party with lovely food!
It was up to minus ten midday but is now down to twenty again. But spirits are up and the body has got a rush of blood so well needed.
Have a lovely evening everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS...
(21.12.2009)
...everyone! And thank you for all the lovely Christmas cards, both by post and by mail that you have blessed us with!
We are looking forward to a white Christmas here, 20 centimeters of powdery snow and about minus 10 C makes some outdoor activities perfect for dogs and humans alike.
We will have friends and family close and hope to see all our greatly missed Swedish friends in the New Year, when we plan for some quick Viking raids across the border. We have a bunch of new youngsters to present in the rings!
Also thanks to all our new Norwegian families with puppies from us- we are so happy that you are happy- and love it when you send us pictures! See you again in the new year, hopefully!
We are sometimes not so good at responding to mails- there are very many coming through and often short of time to deal with them.You know- eager cockers won't wait!
So if you are waiting in vain- please call us on the phone and we will have a chat instead! Or send a text message and we will get back to you.
The phone number is as always +47- 40 20 40 39!
Top Cocker in Finland 2009-
(18.12.2009)
-see below for more information.
Edvin once more!!!
(16.12.2009)
Big hug to Taava Nevapuro and her Edvin son C.I.B FI & EE CH Fenbrook Ain’t No Other with the title Cocker of the Year in Finland 2009 (according to the Finnish Spaniel Club's system).
Daddy (Multi Ch Travis Vital Spark) sends his best and is really proud that the only Finnish girl visiting him did so well in producing this boy.
So now Edvin (though being on the smaller side) feels like "Big Daddy of Scandinavia" and must be one of the most influential stud dogs in Cocker Spaniels ever up here.
(As you probably know there have already been several different offspring of his winning Cockers of the Year in Denmark and Norway before, as well as Top Dog in Sweden.
Big Daddy has had some serious trouble with his ears lately, but is feeling good now and is looking forward to some Christmas cracklings.
(He is of course also granddad to the Norwegian Cocker of the Year 2009, Ch Skjervtun's In Her Shoes, through her daddy Ch Travis Master Mine, himself Cocker of the Year in this country a couple of times.)
Waiting for pictures!
PS: And No! He weasn't used extensively, being line- bred to the leading stud dog of that time, Ch Travis Tribute to Helenwood, who was a PRA carrier. So most breeders used to think that the dog might be a little unsound- and the breeder, too...
But as they say;"who dares nothing wins nothing"!
Finnish Junior Winner-09
(16.12.2009)
- was the Keanu- son from Northern Sweden, the certificate winning junior Puttifar happy Go Lucky. Mr Michael Gadsby judged. Thank you Tina Ekström for the result and sorry- we have no picture!
Ch Travis Vintage Gold-
(30.11.2009)
-came out after half a year of being unshown, to win a heavy Champion Class and runner up to Best of Breed at the Norwegian Winner's Show at Lillestrøm.
And also our "Siri down under" was runner up to BOB and won Best Open in Group.
Merryn seems to have found her secret "let's go" button- very pleasing as this girl has rather a strong will regarding "do's and don't's", or rather "will or won't's"...
Next ring appearance will be in the new year- Dog Salon and Christmas preparations on different levels are calling!
Special thanks to our Nowegian breeder friends for all the good wishes at the show and afterwards, too. It certainly warmed our heart and meant a lot to us.
We are also looking forward to show our new youngsters in the new year, here is Travis Rear of the Year at four months. We still have her two litter sisters here, too, unable to make the final choices!
More news from down under...
(23.11.2009)
..."Travelled to 3 shows on the weekend, Siri decided she prefers cool, windy
and rain to show in - she got BoB and Group 3rd yesterday....flying around
the ring chasing the German Short-haired Pointer who has done a lot of
winning, leaving the Golden Retriever behind her in 4th place.
This was after getting BoB the day before - at both shows she beat
Australia's number 1 pointscore cocker - our boy Grand Ch. Northcoate Time
Machine (Ronan) for the breed."...
Big hug and thanks for a long letter to Merryn Bellamy. Our Siri is now well on her way to her Australian title in a record time, and apparently spending time chasing bunnies in the fields between shows.
Looking forward to hear more exciting news- and also picturesque descriptions of the heat and sun. Here it is rainy days- dripping wet and unpatient dogs and people looking forward to the first crisp snow...
Statistics from Sweden...
(14.11.2009)
From a friend came these facts found in the Swedish Kennel Club's dogweb.
Our Ch Travis Miles of Smiles has been shown 6 times in Sweden with the results of 5 Bests of Breed and one Best of Sex.
His 12 first offspring in the ring are from 6 different combinations and have so far won 10 Certificate quality among them. 5 of these have been x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia- all of them with grade A.
Latest news is that the Danish daughter made her debute in junior classes atjust 9 months and won the class and went on to 4th best bitch. This was at Herning International, Mr Michael "Galaksi" Kristensen was judging. (So that makes 11 with CK- and as our youngster made his debute in Norway with BOB, that makes 12...)
We are very pleased with his debute as a stud dog and we will also send our best to his German son, now well on his way to his title there.
We are still thinking about-
(09.11.2009)
- adding a small breed to our bunch of cockers, missing our shih tzu and cairn terriers quite a lot sometimes.
Anna found the solution: White Winged Vampire Bats!
Do they have a breed club?
News from Australia coming up!
(09.11.2009)
Our Siri is pictured on top of the bitch clallenge- we'll come back with more details!
Silje- i.e Ch Swed Winner Ch Travis Maine Course-
(03.11.2009)
- just finished her season, while her sister Ch Travis Keep It Classy was mated to Ch Travis Miles of Smiles yesterday. We hope for the best with this litter at Backhill's.
Silje will of course be mated next time- hopefully to either Ch Travis Vintage Gold or to our young BOB winner Travis Grin and Bear It.
More news from the latest show!
(02.11.2009)
Such a pleasant day at the Växjö international- not only because we won our fair share of the awards in cockers- winning the open dog along with the Swedish championship with Ch Travis Upside of Anger, the veteran classes with our old World Winner Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here, also the intermediate bitch class with Travis Cubic Miles, the champion bitch class with Ch Travis Maine Course and the breeders class with four blue roans. Our males came in second and third in the dog line- up, best dog being Ch Backhill's New Design who is out of one of ours, Ch Travis Keep It Classy (who incidentally was third best bitch). Her litter sister Ch Travis Maine Course was again BOB.
- But - as important- the show had such a nice atmosphere around the rings and we met so many friends to chat with during the day.
The distance from the show and home to Oslo is exactly the same as that of our last trip to Stavanger. But it takes about two hours less!!! So Swedish roads are great- but very dark! Passing the border was quite something, as the highway in Norway was lit up all the way to Oslo! One discover new angles to things all the time when moving home. Never a dull moment! See you all at next stop!
(Picture shows our new Swedish Champion, Travis Upside of Anger- a black son of Multi Ch Travis Vital Spark, and half brother to the BOB winner.)
Truly a great day!
(02.11.2009)
Again our Ch Travis Maine Course was BOB at one of Swedens biggest international sh Ch shows this year, at Växjö under noted gundog specialist Mr Per Iversen. We also got a new champion male!
More news coming up!
Kurs i utstillings og hverdagstrim!
(14.10.2009)
For detaljer, se hundesalongens webside, www.dogvillehundesalong.no
From down under...
(14.10.2009)
-Siri has now the most elegant website! Check it out at http://www.dogs.net.au/belcroft/dog.asp?dog=43150 (copy to your web reader).
Thanks Merryn for the warming write- up!
Heia Australia!
(Picture shows Siri as a puppy, taken by Lotte Kristensen, Cockergold kennels)
Heia Norge!
(12.10.2009)
-This is what Norwegian shout when we win in sports. And truly it is amazing that we nearly had another Norwegian bred World winner in Cockers again, this time in Bratislava. Ch Wineleaf's Love Is In the Air was reserve WW and had a Slovakian Ch title with her home. Norwegian bred Cockers have of course won the double in Dortmund, but also in Poland and last year in Stockholm.
Amazing since so few are showing their dogs here- the entries are usually very low- but quality is high and it is difficult to win!
So start preparing for Denmark and then France everybody...
A match made in heaven?
(11.10.2009)
- Well the involved parties have at least great expectations. The two group winners Ch's Travis Miles of >Smiles and Travis Keep It Classy will unite in happy circumstances very soon... Thank you Karin Staaf for sending this superb photo from the day Keanu won the group att SKK Vasteras...
The Hit and Miss- pups are out on the litter site!
(05.10.2009)
You will find snapshots of some of them on the litter site- please look under "previous litter".
Life's a ball!
(05.10.2009)
- and even "behind bars" you should make the most out of life says Siri!
News from down under!
(05.10.2009)
Our darling Siri, Norw Ch Anemos's First Served at Travis is now starting a new carreer in Australia with the Bellamys at the famous Belcroft Kennels! Siri is of course the younger full sister to the two group winners Ch Travis Keep It Classy and Ch Travis Maine Course. We send our best to her breeder Elisabeth, who took over her mum Ch Travis A La Carte and did "our" combination once more. From this litter we got Siri as a stud fee and pick of litter. Elisabeth is just now busy giving birth to her second child- we wish both her and Siri the best of luck!
Thank you Merryn for the first photo of Siri who is now spending a month in quarantine before bering able to settle in with her new family.. We hear that she is social and playful and we are so pleased with this.
And we can already see that Siri is focused on her new show carreer and that she will be made the most of!
We are thrilled to bits up north!
Judging the Stockholm cocker club show-
(05.10.2009)
- was very interesting. I was able to go over nearly eighty dogs- thank you for that!
I was very pleased with my top winners, BIS was the beautiful red dog J WW-08 Apelhøjdens Olympic Swing and BOS the likewise red 9 years old veteran bitch Ch Manaca's In Your Dreams.
Keep up the good work everyone- and love your cockers!
Good to see you all- and thank you to my hosts for a well planned trip.
Stockholm cockerclub-
(28.09.2009)
- is having their club show next Saturday and I am off to judge 70 entries! So looking forward to having a nice trip to Sweden and to see you all!
I could have these...
(27.09.2009)
- Getting a proper farm might be the next step?
Nearly friends---
(27.09.2009)
This year the cockers sort of expected the herd of cows to appear after cutting the crops on the fields outside the kennel runs. The cows dare to come closer and the dogs think it is exciting and entertaining instead of being hysterical like last year.
Lovely Black Angus cattle who behave rather like the doggy family really.
Both dogs and cows must during winter have discussed how to deal nicely with their new neighbours since last season.
Well- they get really close!!
A black and tan dog and orange bitch-
(27.09.2009)
- have left for their new, loving homes and there is a black bitch, a red dog and a tri bitch and dog still for sale from the litter mentioned below. Mum is Norw Swed Ch Travis Hit and Miss (black bitch who was made up at first attempt in Norway) whitle dad is Travis Fool's Goal, litter brother to the World Winner from Poland 2007)
Pic shows new owner Barbro and Lillemann at 5 weeks, Barbro has had b/t dogs all her life and we hope to get this little man out in the rings...
Lovely pups by Keanu's Champion sister for sale!
(27.09.2009)
- We have NOT YET managed to have a photo session done and are sorry about that- but here is the tri girl which lokks very neat...
Rear of the Year!
(27.09.2009)
- is the name of this little girl who along with her sisters are still playing around in the yard while their breeder just can't make up her mind as to which one (how many) to run on for the future... They are line- bred to Vital Spark of course, which really shows! We have not done that before- but will again...
The World Winners show are in Copenhagen for Chr.. sake and there are exciting judges for the breed!
The term "Rear of the year" can of course also fit our bunch of 7 hip examined stock, who from 6 years old through five and four years to the youngsters ALL were free!
Thanks to the very patient and clever veterinary Svein at our local clinic- who along with the wonderful girl vets have helped out with everything from x- raying a whole kennel to difficult delivery and tricky export businesses.
Thanks to their wonderful skills and routines as well as a sensitive mind, we feel fortunate and well taken care of at Travis- Norway.
So fellow Norwegian breeders- try any one of them at Gjerdrum Dyreklinikk!
(and also their fee policy is well worth the extra kilometers out of Oslo...)
Upside of Anger is a third Norwegian Champion made up in a very short time!
(14.09.2009)
- And for the first time Gøran really performed in the ring at the Stavanger international.
He won the final cewrtificate for his Norwegian title and was Best Dog, but had to take a bow to his kennel companion Silje, shown in the BOB competition by our old friend Nanna Due, owner of the late Ch Travis Jive Talkin' (who some of you might remember as he was full brother to Mary's Pledge, Marie Celeste, Tribute to Helenwood, Celeste's Flair, Spot On etc- all Champions and group winners...)
Gøran who now is Ch Travis Upside of Anger, is of course full brother the kennels Skjervtun's Ch Travis Shop Till You Drop and Meryl's Ch Travis Able and Willing.
All these are of course by the eternal Edwin...
Best of Breed at the Norwegian KC international Stavanger-
(14.09.2009)
- was our pride and joy Ch Travis Maine Course, and also BIG 3 with that! Yhanks to judges Ms Kari Granaas Hansen and Mr Jostein Halvorsen for a fabulous day.
A 7 hours drive from east to west of this country was exceptionally beautiful and yes! We have come home.
First of the bunch-
(31.08.2009)
- of hip- examined dogs here in Norway is Swed Norw Ch Travis Vintage Gold who was 4 years old when we had the x- ray done. And we were very pleased with the result, which was A.
7 more to go and we are awaiting the results...
Picture shows the two particoloured sons of the red WW-03 Travis Gossip Starts Here (Vintage Gold and Miles of Smiles), both with A hips as has the sire.
While two Keanu- children topped their junior classes in Sweden this week- end-
(17.08.2009)
-both getting their "certificate qualifier" with it- we had some photos taken of "our young boy, soon to get into his own. So short- so English looking! Just need to build up some attitude and have some ring training still. Out next week at the SKK- Stockholm, with co- owner Maria. We wish them good times!
Good girls are like good wine-
(17.08.2009)
- treated properly, they get better with age!
Our Swed Winner, Swed Norw Ch and Group winning First Lady, Travis Maine Course was Best Bitch at the Norwegian Spaniel Club's Annual Club Show, and repeated the win under Ms Virginia Lyne (Ranzfel) last Sunday, at the Norwegian KC's Crufts Qualifying Oslo International.
So now she is alleged to enter at Crufts - once more! At six years of age she just loves to compete again. We are very proud and say thanks a lot!
The BOB winning dog came from Denmark and was Ch Elmelund's Daredevil. Congratulations!
Our boys Ch Travis Miles of Smiles and Travis Upside of Anger (winner of Open Class) came in third and fourth in the dog line- up.
Internet is not no 1 priority-
(07.08.2009)
- just now! Weather is marvellous and the garden is thriving from all the rain and the hot temperature, and you can litterally hear the grass growing!
Our Norwegian residence is just wonderful- though we will always keep Sweden close to our heart.
We promised to update the litter site, the younger ones are turning three weeks now and are looking promising- orange bitch, tri bitch and b/t dog being favourites at the moment. The four sisters out of Face the Music by Travis Special Order (litter brother to Maine Course and Keep It Classy) are ready to go but not booked as yet, as they are so so nice and I just can't choose between them.No hurry- we got ourselves an additional new puppy run and the girls are now fully occupied playing on the grass and between bushes and are having a great time!
(Children are a bit concerned about their mother's ways and means of course- but as they say; Pump up the volume!)
Like father like son...
(03.08.2009)
Our boy from Keanu's (Scan and Swed winner, Ch Travis Miles of Smiles) first litter, called Travis Grin and Bear It, made his debute in the showring yesterday (after missing the judging on the first day!!) and went through to Best of breed under specialist judge Mr Svein Helgesen! We were thrilled to bits and so pleased that he performed so well despite lack of experience. We now feel that he just need some time to body up, like his father did in younger days. With five bitches in season at home, Bjørn has been so busy trying to find out how to get to them that food has not been first priority lately. Thanks to a fellow breeder for bringing superior meat for the dogs yesterday- young Bjørn just dived into his food bowl at the first serving. Next time he (hopefully) will come out as a real hunk! You can see Bjørn as a puppy at the puppy site, out of dam Travis Out of the Blue. A couple of more puppies from that litter has of course had some nice wins in Sweden.
This was the third of our males to win BOB at Norwegian shows since we started our showing in "the old country!" And we are really excited about this, as well as all the nice feed back from our crop of puppies now growing and developing at their best in their new families.
Thank you for the response-
(30.07.2009)
- on the puppy picture- there are more but not much time to update still. Off to a double show with two debutante dogs this week end- up in the mountains of Norway which I just love!! (picture shows another of les girls).
Young Keanu son Travis Grin and Bear It will be out, congrats to his Swedish brother Miles to Go at the Suncox kennels being Optigen clear and A hips.
We x rayed five year old orange Ch Travis Vintage Gold a couple of days ago and are booked for all the rest (7) in a short time.
Some of them are not so young and have of course never been bred from, so it is rather exciting. But they are well worth doing and we keep our fingers crossed. At least I am very pleased with my new vets and how they go about their business so a big releaf and actually a boost in our breed work here in Norway. I can gladly recommend the Nannestad dyreklinikk to all and everyone.
Our four little girls have had their photos taken-
(29.07.2009)
-and if you have decided NOT to keep any more puppies- what do you do when you get one like this? Seems like we have got ourself a new stud dog...
By the way- the other ones are not bad either, look for the update on the puppy site!
Another fabulous day!
(27.07.2009)
At Moss all breed ch show we won another BOB with our black Travis Upside of Anger (indeed!) while Anemos First Served at Travis had her Norwegian title as well as Best Bitch. Goran later was BIG 3, despite giving up a bit in the sudden and very intense heat.
Siri is of course a younger sister to Keep It Classy and Maine Course and is now in season and will be mated to Keanu.
Both these dogs are again by the incredible Vital Spark- who of course still is with us, alert as ever.
Thank you for the photo to our Dog Salon- landlady, showing up to watch the showing, and who now will be starting to campaign her young Norwich terrier.
Breed judge was Mrs Birthe Scheel, Denmark. A big thank you.
Summer holidays means-
(19.07.2009)
- outdoors activities for me- now matter what weather. So update of this site is scarce in July. (Though we have new puppies wanting to have their portraits released.)
To-day we had the rainiest day ever - and did a "rainy- day-summer- classic", went to the movies mid- day.
Choise of the day was the all- time great Italian movie called Cinema Paradiso!
Not seen yet? Trust me- one of the bare necesseties of life.
A must! This movie reminds you and keeps you in touch with the most important things in life, so easily forgotten in this time and age. Just be sure to see it in company with a person you really know well and appreciate. Tears were flowing and feelings were moved...
No internet at the moment-
(09.07.2009)
- due to our "bad boy" Bjorn who for the third time chewed up the cable who connects us with you all. (It enters the house in the big excercise run, but this young man has other things to do than running around with the others. And he has really learned to love the delicate flavour of plastic and metal!)
So we are spending time at sea trying to tame the roaring horse- powers. Grand- son Tobias has a more laid back attitude to it all. Must be age...
We are eagerly awaiting that Keanu's older sister Ch Travis Hit and Miss will give birth to her litter by the Zlatan- dog next week, and might have all sorts of colours here...
We will update you on this when we come across a computer alive...
-And is hoping for a quick recovery for our own.
In Denmark
(27.06.2009)
-the young Keanu daughter Travis Delirium Dive keeps notching up Best Baby Puppy In Show- wins,and in Finland Travis Maine Line with the same sire had her first certificate from junior class! We are so proud of your achievements! And little Ronja from Denmark also appears to be very pleased with her trophy...
Another Best of Breed win for Keanu-
(15.06.2009)
- and the third breed win in three weeks was really enjoyable. This time Swedish KC all breed Ch Sh show at Avesta- despite pouring rain a very nice day and so good to see everybody again.
Sadly we had to leave before the groups, due to unforeseen circumstances. Our apologies to all concerned.
We only brought three males this time- and was very pleased to have daddy Gossip Starts Here places second best dog from the veteran classes, while our "new" black Upside of Anger was out on his first long journey and came in reserve best dog.
Keanu was also pleased to have his son in Stockholm winning the junior class for his novice, but very eager owners. Keep going!
Thank you for sending the photo so rapidly!!!
Really happy!
(06.06.2009)
Another Norwegian show and a new marvellous day out! Our black Vital Spark son Travis Upside of Anger- who had an unfortunate start on his show carreer at the Stockholm winners show several years ago, and completely was put off showing- made a second debute to- day at the Norwegian Spaniel Club's Ch Show at Tonsberg south of Oslo. And did he perform! He beat his more famous kennel mate Keanu for Best Dog and had his first certificate, with BOB over the red hot World Winning bitch, and finally went runner up to Best in Show. We were very anxious about his entry as it really would have been his last chance of being a successful show dog. Just to see him put his heart into the task of the day was a sheer joy for us. Thank you to the judge who was a real doggy person, so essential in situations like this.
Also our "little sister" (another by Vital Spark) Anemos First Served at Travis got her second certificate and was runner up to Best Bitch. Her title is within sight now, as she already has her Kennel Club certificate which is needed for the Norwegian title.
THANK YOU for sending me this photo instantly, what a nice surprise to open the mail box!
And apart from all this, I was happy not to have to judge the springers on the day. A positive nightmare it was, though, as the line- up in both sexes was the best I have seen for a long time. Hair splitting decisions in the real sense of the word! Hat off to this folks!
Our new Champion male-
(05.06.2009)
- Swed Ch Travis Vintage Gold- got his Norwegian title at his first try at the Club Show, here pictured with his half brother Miles of Smiles, both being by the red World Winner Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here. We will get him hip scored and eye tested shortly- at nearly five...
Thank you!
(05.06.2009)
Pictures from the Club show has been sent to us- and we are very pleased with them! A big hug! Here is the winner of the day, Ch Travis Miles of Smiles on the table for the judge to go over.
While Keanu had success at the Norwegian Spaniel Club's specialty-
(31.05.2009)
- two of his babies out of WW-07, Multi Ch Travis Hold On to Your Dreams went Best puppy in Show at the "back to back" southern Sweden Spaniel and Retriever ch shows the same week end. These two are bred by the Occis kennels and have a third litter mate who did the same win near Stockholm a few weeks back. Must be something of a record?
So now all three sisters out of Ch. Scan. Swed Winner Travis Wake Up and Dream has been mated to Keanu- and we are doing the reverse right now, mating their brother Travis Fool's Goal to Keanu's full sister Swed. Norw Ch Travis Hit and Miss.
The Fast and the Furious (or join the Joyride)
(30.05.2009)
What do you do when you move back to Oslo? You get into partnership with our children and get out on the fjord! So if you wonder what we do when we don't show up at the dog shows- we are out and about at a rather fast speed! Mountains, salty waters, an ever- changing city offering what you want in all respects - that is rather unique isn't it! Some compare Oslo to Barcelona. Needs to be chequed out!
Want to join us on the surface of the sea? Can be arranged...
A happy debute-
(30.05.2009)
- to the Norwegian show scene- as a native that is- was the all- important main Club Show of the Norwegian Spaniel Club today.
We bred first, second and third Best Dog, first, second and fourth Best Bitch, first and second in the Open Bitch Class, we took both the certificates, made up two new champions and was BOB and BOS with our two entries in Champion class, Travis Miles of Smiles and Travis Maine Course. The new Norwegian titles went to the Swedish Champions Travis Vintage Gold and Travis Hit and Miss, the black full sister to Keanu.
Isa is at 6 years of age just mated for the first time, to Travis Fool's Goal, as we were very pleased with our combination of our other Freddie- daughter Travis Well and Truly with this dog.
Second best dog today was the Super- daddy himself, WW-03 Travis Gossip Starts Here from the Veteran classes.
Both the new champions as well as the BOB winning dog and the runner up to the certificate winning bitch (the red Travis Van Lear Rose) was sired by him.
(Of course the winning and the fourth best bitches, litter sisters Travis Maine Course and Travis Dinner Date was sired by Freddies half brother Ch Travis Vital Spark.)
Thanks to the judge Mr Sauge of the Mambrina labrador fame. And also thanks to the many people who at short notice helped us showing dogs in different classes, as well as brushed, watered, carried gear and tended to the dogs on this very hot day.
28 degrees in a marvellous marvellous setting- and we had a ball!
Keanu' daughter in Denmark-
(25.05.2009)
- four months old Travis Delirium Dive- has made a strong debute in her new country, going BOB at her first two outings, with BIS3 and BIS as a tasty icing on the cake!
The other blue sister, Travis Smile and Wave has moved to southern Sweden and will be loved and shown by Ingela Hansson of Malmø.
Keanu puppies
(24.05.2009)
-are having great fun in puppy classes in Sweden right now- and there are also winning and sizzling hot red puppies ouut by his dad Freddie! Congrats to all these babies from the MIDWAYS, MANACAS, OCCIS and PUTTIFARS kennels! We think that our beloved Zlatan (Travis Final Goal) has been living in the shadow of the other boys long enough though and here comes a picture of our little black girl Travis Glorious Fool, out of our Freddie daughter!
Travis Dinner Date-
(22.05.2009)
- the Norwegian- owned black litter sister to the more famous blues Ch's and Kennel Club group winners Maine Course and Keep It Classy, is none the less a very beautiful and well cared for bitch. She is also a certificate winner in Norway, trying for her titles in Norway as well as Sweden. We wish her "Good Luck"! And thanks for a lovely head study.
Travis Maine Line-
(21.05.2009)
- made her debute in Finland last Sunday by being second in a huge junior class with Excellent. Same owner's Fenbrook Ain't No Other, by our Vital spark again, was Finland's top male last year and was BOB and BIG 2 at the same show- a bit congrats and thank you for a lovely photo.
Birthday coming up!
(11.05.2009)
-Good to be remembered still. Miss you too! Picking up the phone is always possible. And the only thing one wishes at this ripe old age really...
We still keeps it classy...
(11.05.2009)
Congrats to Group winning Champion Travis Keep It Classy, owner Backhills kennels, going BOB yesterday with her son Best Opposite. This was at the Swedish all- breed Kennel Club show at Skara. Our Travis Rip Off won her Champion title also- and is probably the only Swedish tricoloured bitch with a title!
Good going, Karin and Felicia!
Good going also for old Edwin with yet another Champion offspring!!
And of course thanks to the Spaniel specialist judge, Mr Ola Eriksson!
Travis Maine File-
(02.05.2009)
-the daughter of our two group winning blues Ch.Travis Miles of Smiles and Ch. Travis Maine Course, went BIS-3 at an all- breed puppy and veteran show launched by the Dalarna Kennel Club in Sweden last week end. Owner is the well known American Cocker owner Mrs Leena Sahlin. (Old photo, we will have a new one taken at the trimming session next week end...)
Youngsters are testing their wings!
(02.05.2009)
Congrats to Chatie and Marie winning BIS-2 at a Kennel Club all breed puppy show this week end,with the debutant Midway Coffee Klatch, by WW-03 Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here ex their red Northworth bitch.
Little Nero- i.e Travis Watch and Smile- is enjoying life!
(29.04.2009)
So good to hear that puppies have settled in well and are adjusting to their new lives! Nero is in Bergen on the Norwegian west coast, the lovely city between seven mountains where I grew up!
Thank you for lovely photos, we are looking forward to hear more about him.
She certainly knew a good one!
(25.04.2009)
This English way of expressing superiour knowledge of dogs certainly fits Anja Puumala, the very important Finnish Cocker breeder who sadly passed away last week, at only sixty years of age. We are all very shocked and the breed has certainly lost one of its Greats.
Anja had a very talented way of buying the best stock available- and also use it in the right manner to produce even better dogs. She really new all about "star quality" and dominated the breed in Scandinavia for a long period of time.
Personally I was trusted with the very important dog Ch Leavenworth It's A Pleasure who sired Top Cockers in Sweden and Norway for many different breeders, mated to bitches with very varied blood lines. It's A Pleasure was also doing some very important pioneer-work in our own breeding, used on our winning partcoloured bitches with such a marvellous result.
"Mauno" was named after the Finnish Premier Minister at that time and also won some 5 gundog groups himself.
The Leavenworth lines really stamped the Scandinavian Cocker Spaniel and we thank you Anja, for your contribution to the breed as a whole- in addition to what you meant to us personally.
Anja was never afraid of using other peoples dogs, but she was never tempted only by a dog's eventual wins- merely by it's quality and how she thought it would fit her lines.
She was, I believe,the first Scandinavian to send a Cocker to England- a great achievement!
This year she crowned her carreer with the breed judging assignment at the Crufts Dog Show,also a first for a Scandinavian in the Cocker ring.. And there were many Scandinavian breeders present- myself included- to see what she would do in the ring!
Anja was a very humble and gentle person and she had that all- important integrity, so essential in the art of dog breeding.
Our thoughts go to her loving family.
She will be greatly missed!
The small ones are learning to stand properly now-
(25.04.2009)
- and it is more tempting to get the camera out! Zlatan- the proud daddy is pleased. It has been all about the Keanu dog lately...
Name for Lucas who is by Travis Fool's Goal of course had to be Travis Fool's Gold!
What is it with family bonds?
(25.04.2009)
-Or do one just get soft with age?
Along came a tempting offer for little Lucas, to a dedicated show home. But "no" says son and granddaughter. He stays, they say- and if that's what it takes, they mean to jump on the show circus.
A very good thing I think, sleeping in the back seat under a blanket while Dina gets the coats ready and son does the driving around.
(But probably Dina is busy doing something with friends and Thomas is likewise- while grandma regrets not having sent the little bastard somewhere where they bath and pluck every week, instead of cutting the coat to a manegable pet level so that they can have the dog in the mountains or at the seaside without dragging all that dirt into the house...)
Oh well- he will be loved to bits- and that is the important thing, isn't it?
Older puppies have started to leave the nest-
(21.04.2009)
- and the remaining ones are looking very promising. Pic's will be out soon.
New picures taken and waiting to be published-
(21.04.2009)
- watch the "litter" site, they will be out soon...
Here is the little black and tan dog puppy by Travis Fool's Goal and Travis Well and Truly at just 6 weeks. The litter is line- bred to litter- mates in the combination Ch Classicway Coat of Arms-Ch Travis Wake Up and Dream (producing a World Winner etc), mum Stella being a granddaughter of the sister of the puppies daddy- and we are really pleased so far.
Dogville hundesalong
(20.04.2009)
will have a new adress! It is dogvillehundesalong.no Try it soon!
Little Ronja- Travis Delirium Dive-
(16.04.2009)
-is now with Hanne and family in Denmark and is already entered in baby puppy class in her new country!
One of Keanu's blue bitch puppies-
(13.04.2009)
is awailable still!
Some really promising-
(13.04.2009)
Keanu puppies are available for people wanting a promising show quality puppy as well as a super companion dog. We have two very lovely blue roan males as well as a very nice blue bitch!
Happiness is a cocker puppy for sure!
(13.04.2009)
And grand-daughter Dina came straight up to see her puppy after being away on her Easter holiday!
Dinas very own dog puppy Lucas
(13.04.2009)
- is being trained at 5 weeks of age. More pictures of the small ones will be out on the litter site tomorrow!
Travis Painted Smile is the first black Keanu puppy-
(06.04.2009)
-and of course makes us smile...We are tempted to keep yet another cocker in the kennels. Does the rest of the family scream in wild protests? Well, we hear it more clearly now, than living in Sweden. Good or bad? It depends on how you see it, of course.
Easter meeting...
(06.04.2009)
- with a few of the Travis dogs around Oslo. We trimmed out the young bitch puppy Travis Face Up, by Keanu- Travis Face the Music, and was very pleased with her development lately!
More spring puppies in the nest!
(31.03.2009)
Seven more healthy and lively small ones arrived three weks ago, the morning after our return from Crufts. While mum is a World Winner Travis Gossip Starts Here- daughter, the proud daddy is Travis Final Goal, litter brother of another World Winner himself.
Apart from this theoretical possibility of a bright future, the puppies are looking great at 3 weeks. We have 5 bitches and 2 dogs, the bithes being reds, blacks and a blue and tan while there is an orange roan and a black and tan dog.
As our dog salon is heavily loaded with work (we have called in an old friend to help trimming the cockers this week), we have had no time for foto sessions. But there is always Easter!!
And the older ones, now seven weeks, are starting to look very smart! There is some girls and two super blue boys available for show as we have very little time ourselves for the time being.
Looking at the picture, we so love to see how this girl loves motherhood. Stella will have one of the puppies home with her to grandchild Dina and family, who have been following up on their development frequently!
Photosession finally made of 7 weeks pups
(26.03.2009)
- and Travis Lagonda and Travis Miles of Smiles have some promising children. Here is one of the boys- the other ones will be published as soon as possible.
Best junior in show-
(10.03.2009)
- at the Swedish Cocker Club Show at Barva- under specialist judge Mr Uno Kristofferson-was Travis Cubic Miles with her owner/handler Elin Ahlstrøm!
Well done wished breeder who was visiting Crufts the same day! Pictures coming up...
Off to Crufts today-
(05.03.2009)
- promise to get you some puppy pic's and also some English photos next week. Puppies are eating and playing around now and will be 4 weeks tomorrow. Very even, very many. And very sound and healthy!
Good to have pictures when you are far away-
(05.03.2009)
-stuck inside an igloo trying to cope with the masses of snow that have blessed us after moving to Norway. 22 years since they have had this much snow. Is this what they call "a frosty welcome"? Insurance companies published the statement to-day that they will not cover roofs that give in under the weight of the snow, you have to get up there and get it off!!
I am thinking about it. And that is as far as it gets I suppose. Not what this elderly lady had planned for her semi- retirement...
Picture shows Travis Cubic Miles winning her class last Sunday. Mum Elin has competed successfully in cats and also horses, so there is nothing stopping her now.
Les girls-
(05.03.2009)
-in Ørebro, Felicia and Elin, have formed an experimental work- shop unit and are helping each other trimming their bithes for shows and also travelling together to the events! And with great results, as Elin's first- born Keanu daughter Travis Cubic Miles won a very strong junior class of 18, while Felicia gained her second CC last week end with her Rip Off (picture).
Breeder very pleased..
Two tricoloured sisters won certificate at the same day!
(02.03.2009)
- Our Travis Rip Off had her second under Mr Jens Karlsson in Sweden, while her sister Travis Concrete Rose finally got lucky and won her first in Frankfurt, Germany. Super going. Felicia and Kirstin! Some are late maturers,so never give up!
Picture shows our girl in Germany.
NKK's kommentarer-
(25.02.2009)
angående BBC's tildels meget usaklige program om raseavl bør leses på www.nkk.no.
Enkelt, "coolt" og korrekt. Efter 20 år som yrkesaktiv hundefrisør, oppdretter i 30 år, samt dommer i ca 10 år er jeg stolt over å ha møtt et helt overveiende antall sunde, vakre og funksjonelle hunder i mange forskjellige situasjoner i livet. Skandinavisk hundeavl tilhører verdens beste og våre organisasjoner er representative for medlemmenes innstilling til vår populære hobby. BBC's program har versert på Youtube i lang tid og det er faktisk en skam for BBC å produsere "undersøkende journalistikk" på denne måten.
Som med annen topp-idrett finnes det alltid noen som er villig til å overstige de etiske grensene i jakten på toppresultat. Dette betyr selvsagt ikke at vi skal legge ned sporter som hundeutstillinger, fri-idrett eller langrenn. Vi skal helt enkelt bekjempe de usunde elementene som kan forekomme i all virksomhet der det finnes konkurranse. Og selvsagt skal dyr ikke behøve å lide. Og det gjelder alle dyr- i alle situasjoner.
For perspektiv og helhetsbilde-
(24.02.2009)
- angående BBC's program om rasehunder- sjekk siten www.ugliestdogs.net.
Pedigree Dogs Exposed-
(24.02.2009)
-Programmet som har skapt diskusjoner og refleksjoner rundt i verden blir vist pa NRK2 i kveld kl. 20.25.
Noe å ta med seg om du er interessert i hunder.
Our nine small ones is coming along fast and thick...
(24.02.2009)
-and this week end they have started jumping out of bed to go looking for mummy who needs a break now and then. And mum Lexie also says that she find it difficult to make place between them all. We have decided to help a little, trying to give a little puppy milk, but no thank you!
So now they will start having our protein bomb diet for young ones, scraped raw beef with egg yolk and cream.
Anna took this lovely photo in the week- end and we will follow up with some more soon!
Travis Maine Line in Finland
(24.02.2009)
- from the lovely litter by Ch Travis Miles of Smiles out of Ch Travis Maine Course, has finally started to drop her puppy coat and is looking like a swan!
She will be making her debute in June and we really love her photos sent to us by Taava. Our own girl is still very furry but we have started working on her with our coat king now. Patience has its limits...
Travis Miles to Go
(12.02.2009)
-from Keanu's first litter out of Travis Out of the Blue, owned by the Suncox cockers in southern Sweden. He has won well in puppy classs and is now into junior. Thank you Marina for the lovely photo.
We are envious and have started working on the puppy fur on brother Grin and Bear It. And will have a photo ready by next week.
Mum Out of the Blue has been mated to Keanu's dad World Winner-03, Swed Norw Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here and appears to be in whelp. Puppies are due in three weeks time,just when we are going to Crufts...So it is good to have such good back-up at home!!
Goats-
(11.02.2009)
-seem to be a favourite "breed" with doggy people. Here a photo from Kristin in Germany.
Travis Concrete Rose-
(11.02.2009)
-in Germany is coming into her best now! Good luck to Kristin in the rings, and thank you for a very nice photo..
Grandchild Dina-
(09.02.2009)
Just loves the dogs. She has already visited the newborn puppies of course. Here she is pictured before we left Sweden.
View from outside kitchen window.
(09.02.2009)
-That is before the snow storm...Now there is about 70 cm and you cant see the dogs at the moment!
Puppies arrived!
(06.02.2009)
Our black girl Travis Lagonda gave birth to nine pups last night, blacks and blue roans. Too much of a good thing? Well, they are a lively bunch and are very hungry and determined to do their best. We are very pleased with our boy Keanu and are eager to see how his first solid puppies will look like. More later!
Hunting High and Low...
(29.01.2009)
Is not only the title of a pop tune by the Norwegian band AHA, it also seem to be a theme of some of the very innovative Keanu children.
Here is first -born Isak from southern Sweden ( Travis Miles to Go) who have hunted down a female pheasant in the garden and delivered it on the door like a proper postman. What to think about this I haven't decided yet. But nothing like a well-cooked pheasant, even if the time of year might not be quite fitting..
We wecome photos, folks, as our whole treaure of old and dear pictures are stuck in the crashed computer. A sign that it is time to go out and get some fresh ones- and also take some photos of our young stock, I gather...
Congrats..
(22.01.2009)
-to Ch Travis Keep It Classy on her tenth place on he Swedish Cocker of the year list, despite being sparingly shown. Her son was just in front of her on this list- good going Backhills!
(This bitch is by Vital Spark again- and we are soon starting to show our three youngest children by him. Not so innovative, but very steady in type and quality...)
Due to computer problems we arenot able to get a picture at the moment, but you can of course have a look at the mentioned dogs at the Backhills sites.
PUPPY NEWS!
Occis kennels just had 8 puppies by Keanu ex their World Winning bitch Multi Ch Travis Hold On To your Dream.
Her niece Travis Lagonda is due to have puppies by the same dog mid february. And her mum, Travis Out of the Blue, who had a really lovely litter by Keanu last year, is mated for the last time to World Winner Travis GossipStarts Here.
Lagondas daughter to Freddie, Travis Well and Truly was just hipscored A at the Norwegian School of Vterinary Medicine (a super place to do this- and a very good price, too!)
Back on track!
(05.01.2009)
Happy new year and thank you all for your concern about disappearing in thin air...
We have mated a bitch and is about to mate another (if x-ray session at the Norwegian veterinary clinic on Wednesday goes well) - new routines and new vets is somewhat exciting - and a little scary. We'll come back with new updates on these things.
20 degrees below zero for weeks running here! And a super ski event yesterday made us feel that learned skills does not go away! Uteliv i Sverige og uteliv i Norge har ikke alltid samme innehold...
Merry Christmas everyone!
(23.12.2008)
- And thank you for all the Christmas cards- electronally as well as postal. A warm "Hug" from us in a very wintery Norway.
Christmas tree has been lit, we are celebrating double up with a Swedish as well as a Norwegian traditional menu and we are having all the family gathered for the first time in many years.
Swedish friends has been visiting all autumn as well, so we are really happy that moving country didn't mean losing contact with friends.
And dogs are happy, too!
You are always welcome to visit- and now we have plenty of space to put people up!
We will of course meet in the rings next year. We have our Travis Lagonda mated to Keanu and will look forward to have some solids by him (we hope). And we are planning to bring out our black Edwin son Travis Upside of Anger, who is maturing nicely.
Take care, everyone- and enjoy good food and candle lights!
Edwin the Conqueror...
(20.12.2008)
-Multi Champion Travis Vital Spark has of coursed sired Cocker of the Year in both Norway and Denmark before. But it must truly be a record in the breed that one dog has sired top dogs in three countries in the same year! Champions Fenbrook Ain't No Other and Manaca's Beat About the Bush was awarded Top Male in their respective countries (Finland and Sweden) in 2008, while the Danish bitch Ch Cockergold Cute'n Blue won the title Cocker of the Year in that country for the second year running. She also won the European Winner's title and was reserve World Winner. And of course the World Winning bitch from Norway was by a Travis dog sired by Edwin again!
Thank you all for your efforts and a really splendid campaigning of your dogs. We are so proud that you still like and make use of our lines that was founded way back in the nineteen seventies. And of course old man Edwin is still among us at thirteen years of age.
A Merry Christmas and a successful New Year to all our doggy friends!
Christmas time...
(15.12.2008)
.. and lots to do making the Oslo pets looking their best! We are fully booked and have worked week- ends, too!
And we are very happy about this.
We are planning for a coat care session in February!
And it is so pleasing to have met new friends and customers here in Norway. But of course we miss Sweden and have spent three week ends there in a row. So each leg is planted on each side of the border. And this is working very well.
But we are searching for a really dedicated person to help us taking care of dogs when we are away on our small trips.
Interested?
Pick up your phone and we will have a chat!
Best Bitch- class at Stockholm
(10.12.2008)
First and winner of the champion class(from left): Ch Cockergold Cute'n Blue
Second and winner of the intermediate class: Northworth Lace A'lame
Third and second in the champion class: Ch Matchpoint Where You Belong
Fourth and winner of the open class: Sofus Melody Maker
(reserve was third in champion class, Ch Häljan's Let's Talk About Me was not in photo)
Judging Stockholm international...
(10.12.2008)
- Picture showing Best Dog (left), Multi Ch Manaca's Beat About the Bush, put up in the dog classes by Danish judge Mikael Tranholm. Best Bitch with Best of Breed and later winning the group under Mr Per Iversen, was Multi Ch Cockergold Cute'n Blue.
There has been some writings lately on the quality and development in this breed, and I would like to comment on this in a bit, especially after having gone over some of the best dogs in Scandinavia.
I would just say that my top winners as well as several of the bitches placed in some very strong classes were just great. Thank you so much for bringing them under me. It was several "best on the day" decisions- and it was really splitting hair!
Stockholm international..
(04.12.2008)
- Tomorrow off to judge lhasas and cocker bitches with BOB on Sunday. Exciting- and you will have a slight report on these sites of course.
Our X- Factor-
(04.12.2008)
-i.e Travis Face Factor, (Factor among friends) has gone to live in Sweden in partnership with Maria Mullersdorf, Meryl kennels. By Keanu ex Travis Face the Music, who is of course one of the "Dream Girls" out of Maria's big winning bitch Ch. Swedish and Scandinavian Winner, Travis Wake Up and Dream.
(Latest picture of the brother Travis Face the Truth can be found on the "litter site". he is now living in Stockholm.)
From Keanu's first litter-
(02.12.2008)
- out of Travis Out of the Blue (you can see puppy pic's under "litters", came the already BOB- winning puppy Travis Cubic Miles making her debute in junior classes at Hammarö. by winning it with a "Certificate Quality". Her owner is very new to showing dogs, but is a very successful "Catwoman". And this lady had managed to prepare her dog's coat all by herself, by looking and reading! (But then she is a true red- head..)
Well done! We are proud of Elin Ahlström, who you will see quite a lot we reckon.
Thanks also to Felicia Jacobsson who helped us handling our dogs in the competition and who stood second to the certificate winner for the sixth time running with our tri bitch Travis Rip Off. (Now hopefully 4 weeks in whelp to Freddie.)
Quality produces...
(02.12.2008)
- Best puppy and third Best in Show at Hammarö. and a debute for dog and owner in the ring! The owner, Ms Lena Sahlen is a famous American cocker owner though, with several dogs in a working partnership with ms Carina Östman "Caci's".
Carina had also prepared the puppy, called Travis Maine File for this show. And of course she is Maine Course's first born daughter, while the father is Keanu. So quite a family business here!
Another champion for Freddie...
(02.12.2008)
Our orange boy Travis Vintage Gold got his title attending very few shows and was second best to Ch Travis Miles of Smiles at Hammarö. Both these lads are by our World Winner from Dortmund, Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here. (The old boy will be competing in veteran classes next year and is looking great!)
The World Winner's son, Miles of Smiles- who of course is a Scandinavian and a Swedish Winner from 2007- is mated to World Winner- 07 Multi Ch Travis Hold On to your Dream owned by the Occi's kennels in Sweden. Of course this combination has been done here already, by mating our two "Dream sisters" to Keanu. And we will mate our girls once more very soon.
Vintage Gold will be x-rayed and eye tested shortly- and then put to stud. Hopefully,,,
Best dog and bitch at Hammarö..
(30.11.2008)
- the bitch being Ch Ch Travis Maine Course (of Course)..
On the road again...
(30.11.2008)
..and on the web, too!
First show after the World Winner, our Keanu went Best in Show. We were very pleased, also with the other results at this show. Thank you Carina T for the express pictures- we will get back with more VERY SOON!
Mail address!
(12.10.2008)
Please do not send mail to the "kari.haave@ telia.com" address! This is a Swedish connection, not functioning in Norway.
The one to use is kari.haave@gmail.com.
If you feel you have sent anything to the Telia address, and not had any answer, please try again.
Also the phone number has been altered. The Swedish one, +46-705-687869
is not longer in use. The costs for incoming calls when living in a country outside Sweden are immense. Even if you only connect to an answering machine!
The number to use is now +47- 40 20 40 39. And this goes for all personal calls as well as the Dogville dog salon.
So keep in touch!
New pictures of Katie's puppies!
(12.10.2008)
There are three little ones left at this moment- and they grow nicely and are so forward! Their pictures will be published this evening! Picture shows the little girl...
Hundmat på Dogville- salongen!
(11.10.2008)
- Vi bruker selv- og selger også nå Sportsman's Pride på vår hundesalong i Oslo. Dette merket kan absolutt klare seg i konkurransen med de markedsledende typer av for- samtidig som prisen er klart gunstigere! We like!
View from the veranda...
(28.09.2008)
-This lovely herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle live just outside our fences. So nice to see calves who are following their mothers, learning from them and being fed and brought up the way that is meant by nature.
First pictures of our recent litter!
(28.09.2008)
They are still quite unused to stand still for photo sessions, but we will come back with more pictures now that all machinery is working again. You will find the puppy pictures under "litters" and klick on the combination Travis Miles of Smiles- Travis Face the Music!
Ch Travis Keep It Classy-
(13.08.2008)
won BOB at the SKK's all breed ch show at Askersund, while Travis Rip Off was third in the bitch line up. Good going, Karin and Felicia!
Travis Face the Music-
(13.08.2008)
- is happily facing motherhood, giving birth to three dogs (blue roans and orange roan) and two blue bitches last Thursday. Daddy is Ch Travis Miles of Smiles- and they are just fine!
Anna is keeping an eye on the little family while all other family members are running back and forth moving house. (Picture shows Travis Maine Law one of our Keanu puppies from the latest litter. He will be leaving us very soon and we feel he will be in the right hands!)
Late in answering!
(31.07.2008)
Thank you all for your mails from far and near! I will answer as soon as possible, but right now the Oslo dog and cat salon is really busy- and so is the Swedish one- and while we are awaiting the new litter and working in two places at the same time- as well as building fences at the new Norwegian house, so that we can start to move house- there is simply not time to answer letters right now.
This homepage will be updated so that you know how we are proceeding.
The photo is an imaginary one- almost- showing how life can be when we have sorted out the actual chaos...
This setting is from the wonderful "Bergslagsleden" this summer, a Swedish nature trail that really goes cross country. Strange to discover this "rare pearl" with its whitewater, after so many years in Sweden!
It really resembles the Norwegian scenery...
WW-03, Group winner Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here...
(31.07.2008)
...has been declared Optigen Normal/Clear. Picture taken at the WW show 2008.
Sad and relieved...
(22.07.2008)
...Our beloved home was sold today and of course it is nice to know that you only have to support the new Norwegian home financially. But in the sunset at the balcony (built by good friends), celebrating with friends and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot ,we feel sad to leave such a blessed place.
Dog people will take over and we wish them good luck.
We will miss Sweden so much- and we will come back and compete at the Swedish shows frequently.
Sweden is very dear to us and will always be connected with things of great happiness.
Our friends here will be eternal!
But roots are roots and the Norwegian ones go deep! Dog country have no boundaries though and we will of course continue to be one big happy family.
New week- end, new shows-
(17.07.2008)
- and a new Champion! The Danish export Travis Choose the Style won his title in three consecutive shows- a great job by the Cockergold team.
And lo and behold! the three Vital Spark children (Manacas Beat About the Bush in Sweden, Fenbrook Ain't No Other in Finland and Cockergold Cute'n Blue in Denmark) all won bests of Breed and high group placings at the very same week- end, but in three different Scandinavian countries! BIG in Denmark, BIG-2 in Finland and BIG-3 in Sweden is really something to brag about.
The Finnish and the Danish dogs are in the lead for "Cocker of the year" in their respective country.
We are very pleased over here! Keep up the good work!
Picture shows our new Danish Champion- thank you for the photo Lotte.
So happy to be out and about again.
(08.07.2008)
And we will certainly act on Freddie's love for showing. We kind of thought it nice too, after a long rest from the rings. And such fun to get all these photos afterwards!
A big hug and a thank you!
Freddie once more-
(08.07.2008)
- and the old boy had his Optigen test shipped today- after a nice approach from a likeable breeder with a carrier bitch to mate.
So we'll see how this turns out.
Ch Travis Maine Course-
(07.07.2008)
- our pride and joy, was second in a super strong champion class at the World Winner's show, only beaten by her Danish half sister from the Cockergold kennels.This is Silje's first show since having her litter about 3 months ago! Of course she will need a bit more conditioning and a new gown to really come into her own again. But she certainly did her best yesterday.
Our old boy Multi Ch Travis Vital Spark had of course sired both the top two in the champion class as well as the bitch veteran World winner from the Aones kennels.
For some reason the old man was not entered with his outstanding progeny group so could not compete. Why this was the case, we have no time to wonder about at the moment.
But Edwin is Proud and Pleased- also by the fact that the lovely World winner's bitch from Norway was sired by his son Ch Travis Master Mine while her dam was sired by another son, Ch Travis Shop Till You Drop. (And her dam was in turn by Ch Travis Hell for leather so even if we didn't get a third World Winner for our breeding in Stockholm, we still feel like we were participating slightly...)
So now is the time to start some "Vital" line- breeding, friends!
And these lines are not only smashing- they are in fact sound, too!
-Congrats also to the second placed dog in the Champion class, who was out of Maine Course's litter sister.
All results can be found on the excellent page launched by the Swedish kennel Club.
High speed and lots of energy-
(07.07.2008)
- that is us at the moment. Brushing up the house for the sale show -off and brushing up seven dogs for the World winners show at the same time as we're entertaining guests and working full time is keeping us alive and kicking!
So hey ho- let's go says Freddie, caught here at the show yesterday by that creative girl Linda M.
Lookalike- "bärlik"-
(07.07.2008)
- snapshot from the World Winner show. The "Travis veteran" was the name of the picture- kindly sent to us from Linda Malmstedt today. But which veteran did she mean- and who is who? We really seem to have trained for the same pose in the ring. Or do old couples get more and more uniform as time goes by?
More from the WW show soon- it was really great fun and a day to remember.
Our much beloved home...
(26.06.2008)
..is now of course for sale, and is out on the internet. So fantastic for dog breeding, cattery or one or two hobby horses. Have a cyber- look at our home at fastighetsbyran.se. Webb no: 311013457.
For the right person, a very busy dog salon is also available. Our customers are highly appreciated- and of course have specific demands on how you handle their pets and also how they want them to be styled!
Poetry in motion...
(23.06.2008)
..is the divine trotter Commander Crowe. This sorrel stallion looks like a ballet dancer and floats round "the ring" without any effort at all. He is still unbeaten with 21 wins so far and was elected "Horse of the Year" 2007. To me, this is what is meant with the expression "balance". Dog or horse doesn't really matter! But then he is bred in the purple, being a superior mixture of the best French and American bloodlines.
-The picture looks like what you expect to find at a homepage for Arabian show horses. A good thing that even the cultivated speed people enjoy beauty...
Going for Germany...
(23.06.2008)
The German Keanu son Tiewa's Orange Campari has already been out and about and is firmly supporting the German football team...
Well, over here we have been totally charmed by the Russian team. May best men win!
On line again!
(22.06.2008)
Like magic, phone and internet was working again on Midsummernights eve- though the Telia company support unit would not consider coming to our rescue until the middle of next week.
Pleasant surprises are always- pleasant...
And Midsummer is always Midsummer, the Real Swedish national day. We were out on a raft on a typical Swedish lake, sipping pink champagne. Instead of sitting in front of the computer- can you imagine!
Notice!
(19.06.2008)
Our phone/ internet cannection has broken down and while waiting for help from the tele- company- please contact us by cellphone instead of mail.
We will give notice when things are back to normal.
(FRA- lagen hann knappt röstas igenom innan det small...Överbelastning?
Och jag som tycker mig minnas att svenskarna kallade Norge för den sista sovjetstaten...)
First Optigen test results for these kennels..
(19.06.2008)
Travis Miles of Smiles is Normal/clear- Travis Out of the Blue is Carrier according to mail from the Optigen company to-day. We congratulate the Geltmans with the newborn puppies by Keanu- oranges and blues and hope all the best for them.
(Testa mer? Njaa- jag måste nog läsa min ungdomsidol Per Erik Sundgrens mycket kloka artikel i Apportören en gång till först. Frånsett att vi står på var sin sida om en inavelskoefficient, så är denna röst från forntiden djupt saknad i den "moderna" avelsdebatten.)
Örebro rockar fett!?
(18.06.2008)
Från dagens Expressen:
"Örebros kvinnor är fetast i landet.
Nästan var femte kvinna i länet lider av sjuklig övervikt, enligt nya siffror.
- Vi kan inte säga emot. Det är ett problem vi jobbar med, säger Örjan Garpenholt på Örebro läns landsting. När det gäller fetma toppade Örebro listan tillsammans med Gotland på 16 procent, medan Stockholm och Norrbotten har minst andel feta kvinnor i landet med en siffra på 10 procent.
Rikssnittet ligger på 12 procent.
Även männen i Örebro är fetare än riksgenomsnittet, 14 procent mot 11 i riket."
-En mystisk stad- Örebro. Bantningskurer har pågått intensivt under hela året i min närmsta omgivning. Metoderna varierar dock som vanligt!
Allt från pulver via ananas, bananer och GI- metoder utforskas. Det promeneras med stavar, hundar och stegräknare. Man drar i maskiner och flåsar i simhallarna.
Men hundarna mår prima!
Man tittar på sin hund och konstaterar att den måste få mindre mat and so be it!
No more no less.
Själv har jag som tur är en mycket livlig fantasi och har därigenom utvecklat min egen metod. Och kan snart vicka mig in i smala kjolar från forntida "storhetstider"...
Man tittar på BBC Food tills ögat blir stort och vått- åker till affären för att inhandla de många och läckra ingredienserna till en riktig gourmet- middag, inser att minnet numera inte räcker till, blir fly förbannad och åker hem och tar sig ett knäckebröd istället. Skriven handle- lista? Never!
Efter dagars intensivstuderande av mästerkocker på den britiska superkanalen svider ögat och hjärnan utmattad. De imaginära njutningarna ter sig i fantasin som ett överfyllt smörgåsbord och man räddar sig undan med en kopp kaffe på farstubron.
Egentligen är man nog klar för att gå i kloster...
Ett smultron vid vägkanten kan annars räcka långt!
Samt att jag retar mig oendligt på Mat- Tina. Men den där James Martin. flickor...
Tragic and ironic.
(16.06.2008)
It is a great loss to jazz music and to us who loves it, that Esbjörn Svensson tragically died in a diving accident last week end. This famous Swedish pianist was to me the top man since Janne Johansson (remember Jazz på svenska?) who also died far too early in a car accident.
I personally remember a concert at the hotel Stinsen in Hallsberg south of Örebro. This village is mainly a one-street railway junction, but has managed to sign the very top performers to their jazz events. (Magnus Lindgren also did a gig there that I will never forget-)
It is a comfort, though a poor one, that Esbjörn Svensson made some top notch albums.
Vital Spark's son up one...
(11.06.2008)
At the Finnish club show, Fenbrook Ain't No Other was Best of Sex under Mr Michael Gadsby, England- and by this win he is now in the lead for Cocker of the Year in Finland!
We will continue to follow his carreer with great interest. He has now gathered more than 20 certificates, still being too young to get his title!
Greta Best Bitch at Hasslarp!
(08.06.2008)
Ch Travis Keep It Classy, owned by the Backhills, was out again after a break and went Best of Sex under Bertil Lundgren. BOB was again Ch Line Sam Black Pepper who really has had it going for him this spring.
Congratulations to all and thanks for the lovely picture!
New house for the dogs-
(07.06.2008)
- or perhaps a guest house like it is to- day! From the 16th century and very special...
Homeward bound!
(07.06.2008)
- And have been lucky enough to find our new home near Oslo and also near Oslo airport. We will continue running Annas Dogville dog and cat salon (25 minutes away) and also to breed our cocker spaniels of course.
Anna will of course take part in the doggy business but will be busy studying economics.
Selling our beloved house and leaving Örebro has been a most dfficult decision to make! And we have still not had the guts to tell all our friends.
But we will often be back to visit, see to our dogs here and also of course compete at shows.
We are taking over the new home in August and will leave during early autumn when we have made solutions for the dogs at our new place.
Sweden has been a lovely country to live in for us and it is only for family matters that we now have made this choice. To be near children and grandchildren is of course more and more important as time goes by. And what you value the most also change with time. There is very little time for young and hard working people to come to visit often enough- and a busy work and dog life on my part sometimes makes it difficult to leave home when you want to.
We have wonderful friends who have helped with the dogs and also with practical tasks and problems on a day to day basis- and these friends are special and for life! Some of them seem to think that we are moving to the other end of the universe- but it is actually very near. New motorways are being built and a four hour's ride will soon be about three. (Contradiction-no reason to move then- but we long to baby- sit and to take part of the daily life and small moments with the young ones...)
So we trust there will be much visits for us in our new setting- and there is plenty of space, hope and enthusiasm for that!
It is of course very convenient to make the European tour also, with ferry from Oslo to Denmark, or from Gothenburg.
Of course Stockholm is a tough ride by car, but with good friends in Örebro and also Oslo/Gardemoen a quarter of an hour away, (and such cheap flights-) it will be quicker to get there than we have from Örebro.
-And we have friends in Oslo waiting with the latte at R.O.O.M. Keep it hot and steamy for us!
I år blir det pinnekjött, spröstekt svor og Oslo's julegater! Og fenalår, vannkringler og seterrömme! Norsk smör! Norsk lammekjött! Bacalao! Römmegröt på Holmenkollseteren og turer på Ekebergsletta. Saltvatten! Saltvatten! Nordmarka sommer og vinter!
Men også Jansson og julskinka med dopp og tunnbröd. Gino. Svensk radio. Og Olsson via internett. Och "svenska" samtal och meningsutbyten. Inte minst...
Tycker väldigt mycket om er alla men rötterna drar år väster!
-Men tar med mig den unika svenska musiken. Senast Markusevangeliet. Genial hybrid mellan Jöback och Hellman röstmessigt- lyriskt som det bara kan göras i detta landet.
Och Klas Östergren! En facit till Sverige.
A lovely bunch on two and four legs!
(02.06.2008)
And this is Keanu's German Tiewa family saying hi!
Travis Maine Line-
(02.06.2008)
- before leaving for Finland! Good luck to her!
Current news from the Finnish show scene!
(02.06.2008)
- Fenwick Ain't No Other, the Finnish Vital Spark son is also making dad proud by being in second place for Cocker of the Year in Finland at this stage.
Edwin- a legend in his own time- is looking forward to meeting up with is children at the World Winners show. And will have his photo taken with all his wonderful offspring!
Our man in Denmark-
(02.06.2008)
Travis Choose the Style- got his second certificate at the Danish Kennel Club ch show at Varde this week end! More congrats to Lotte and Michael!
At last-
(30.05.2008)
Puppy pictures out in their right place.
Most useful
(30.05.2008)
Evveryone knows that cow's milk is very useful to animals and mankind alike. On the news to-day, however, they reported on a new scientific work that stated that milk from cows eating feed concentrate contains far less vitamins and minerals than so called "ecological cows". But far the best results had milk from non- ecological cows, who just fed natural, grassing out on free land as much as possible.
I wonder about bitches' milk. How are the contents of milk from bitches fed on wholemeal factory- made dog food compared to milk from bitches who are given natural home made food based on raw meat? Does anyone know of any reports on this issue? I have over the years felt a difference between several brands of food and how quickly the puppies gain weight and bone structure, but what about all other qualities like immune defense and other internal maladies?
Anyone who has been in Cockers for a while...
(28.05.2008)
...remembers Otto, alias Ch Travis Tribute to Helenwood. A great stud dog in Sweden who sired lots of champions and important dogs for the breed. The little blueprint in our last litter has now got his job name "Lotto" and lo and behold! the missing testicle just popped up (or down) again!
It's on the brink of taking a last jump to where it belongs now. And we try to keep our hands off him.
The Great and Vital Spark-
(28.05.2008)
- have had children winning "Cocker of the year" in Norway several times- and also in Denmark several several (!) times.
And now- in the blessed year of the World Winner's show in Sweden, his son Ch Manaca's Beat About the Bush (photo) is runner up (so far) to "Cocker of the year" in Sweden- and is also Top Male on the list. Just a final little jump upwards would look so nice on good old Edwin's statistics!
We keep fingers crossed...
Good news from Denmark!
(27.05.2008)
Travis Choose the Style, owned by the Galaksi/ Cockergold partnership, won his first Danish certificate last week end, in an entry of 65.
He is of course a litter brother to our own Travis Intermission, not yet shown. They are the result of a half sister to half brother mating, doubled on the group winner Ch Travis Double Date (a daughter to the great Ch and multiple group winner Ch Travis Double Up- owned and matched by Ms Carina Östman), by her son Scan Winner, Swed Winner Ch Travis Ferrari out of her daughter Scan Winner Travis Puttin' On the Ritz.
So happy about this, Lotte and Michael!
The tan man..
(27.05.2008)
- learning to stand.
If Going Kronos had been a dog-
(26.05.2008)
- I would say that his built, though beatiful, is not totally in balance fore and aft. A beautiful, strong front but lacks a little in strength and angulation behind. So he seems to have some difficulties in lengthening his stride in hindquarters to keep up with the great front action when the speed gets really fast. While the "damn" frenchmen just seem to thrive on this challenge. A joy to see! I must agree that the TV reports from the trotting race of the year in Sweden, the "Elitloppet" is just exciting- and so professionally done. And the french horses are just fantastic. Watching these animals in action can also inspire a dog breeder.
Travis Grin and Bear It-
(26.05.2008)
-the Keanu son from his first litter, said goodbye to his last litter mate this week end. But he makes a lovely companion for the small ones and he also loves playing with our brownie, Travis Odd Molly who is a bit older. He just adjusts to what's on offer! A lovely temperament and we just love him...
New pictures...
(26.05.2008)
We just had less time to follow up on our latest litter with pictures right now, but "our girl" Felicia helped us out and sent us some fresh ones today.
Out on our website tomorrow evening!
These last puppies have been more keen on moving about than standing still and have been a real nuisance to get nice photos of, but then we have asked for "trouble" by combining our very best- moving dogs in this particular pedigree.
Couldn't resist it...
(19.05.2008)
Celebrating the Norwegian National Day is something legendary- and not only for the Norwegian people. For the first time little Dina fitted my old and homemade national costume, that through the years has been used by my daughter and my brothers daughter as well.
Mum made it completely by hand stitching some 50 years ago and it is still as good as new.
This "bunad" comes from the region Vestfold, the area south west of Oslo where I was born...
One of the exotic beauties...
(14.05.2008)
... in the marvellous tulip collection...
Only Dina (5)-
(14.05.2008)
- can persuade Grandma to pose in front of a camera nowadays...
(The fantastic tulip collection in the city park of Örebro is a rarity you can't miss!)
Travis Maine Chance-
(13.05.2008)
- first attempt to stand still on the table. (Latest litter).
"I don't dare to look!"
(13.05.2008)
- Stella seems to be somewhat worried when Dina gives her a bit of pedicure. (Grandma has promised to get hold of smaller scissors until next session...)
But I will quote the one and only Cesar Millan; "Don't try this at home!"
- At least, be there, watch carefully- and know your ways with this kind of dog care...
The grandchildren make their cocker slick!
(13.05.2008)
You have to start early to master the art of making a dog look the part! And also, children need to learn that keeping animals also demands a bit of work. And during these sessions they also learn to respect and trust eachother
Grand daughter Dina-
(13.05.2008)
- is our "golden girl", here with daddy behind the camera.
Eye for proportions...
(13.05.2008)
Son Thomas is an eager photographer on his spare time, but has never taken a "doggy picture" before. As we have had little time to arrange photo sessions for our latest litter, he was forced to try and help during the week end. And lo and behold! We were ever so pleased with our little Travis Maine Line.
More photos are on their way.
Some like it hot!
(13.05.2008)
Multi titled Ch Cockergold Cute'n Blue, the Danish Vital Spark daughter, sends a postcard from her smashing BOB/ BOB3 win at the poolside in San Marino.
Way to go thinks "grandma"...
Vital Spark himself has become very clouded in his old mind, being 12 + now. His only interest is bitches in season and he has been howling over a dark beauty for three nights running. We are developing heavy eyelids here and are pronouncing words that cannot be reproduced in writing, but the old man is staying fit and well muscled, spending the days running round to find a way to get close to the temptress.
Been there, did that, not your business this time, Edwin!
Yes, we are working at it!
(11.05.2008)
First picture standing of one of the Maine Course- Keanu daughter Travis Maine Line. But there are better ones on the big camera- coming up! (See her "better" side above...)
Keanu's German babies-
(08.05.2008)
- are doing well and we are so grateful for the enthusiastic reports along with so many pictures!
Here is the only boy showing that he has inherited dad's head and expression.
Lazy days in the sun?
(07.05.2008)
- Use your spare time in a meaningful way, or do it anyway;
Reading the "novel of obsession", The Zahir just might help to change the way you live your life, your ideas, your choices or your pattern of preference.
(And this book is not only for women mind you...)
Warming greetings from Travis Miles to Go-
(07.05.2008)
- one of the "gems" of the first litter by Keanu! Now happily situated at the Suncox kennels in southern Sweden. Thank you for the kind words and for an adorable picture!
Not just a pretty face.
(05.05.2008)
While we have been up in the Norwegian family mountain cottage, suntanning in the still snowy landscape, (far more) northern Swedish enthusiasts have managed to start their gundog training already, where the snow has melted away. And the Keanu- sister Travis Fast Decision seems to have the natural talent. Thank you for all the convincing photos!
There is talent- and there is TALENT!
(23.04.2008)
And there is more to things than meet the eye.
So please watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7dN52EtrQI&feature=related
Last day for entering the World Show yesterday!
(22.04.2008)
- And we have 7- seven- dogs entered!
So you will not see much of us in the rings before this. Elderly ladies need to save their strength- and you also need to pick your battles...
It will be chaotic for us, but we are looking forward to it!
Coming soon- first pictures of the small blue puppies.
-And congrats to the Vital Spark son Ch Manaca's Beat About the Bush for his Best of breed win at the Västerås Ch Sh show!
(Edwin is looking forward to showing off with his kids at the World Winner. He is slowly changing his outfit from a cut down sporty coiffure to his former flashier self. It has been a rather long take- off run, at the age of twelve!)
Picture shows Edwin in favourite position.
Ett allvarligt skäl att skippa-
(19.04.2008)
- hundutställningar på lördagar!
Nya radioshowen "Breitholz och Berg" på Mix Megapol mellan tio och ett.
Lysande humor- med värme och intelligens! (Till skillnad från ganska navelbeskådande, juvenila och elaka "pojkbandet" Alsing/Timell på vardagarna...)
Heja Carina!
"Let's Dance"!
(17.04.2008)
It is wonderful to show dogs (not only to dance) when you are in tune with each other and you get into a flow!
This day Keanu won the breed under Ms Kari Granaas Hansen and went on to win the group under Mr Paul Stanton.
Thank you Maria Åslund, for being there at the right moment to take this lovely photo!
"I will survive"!
(16.04.2008)
Our first meal ever!- And about time! Some of us didn't get enough of mum's milk at all times, but I (in the forefront) will make up for this VERY quick!
(puppies by Travis Miles of Smiles out of Travis Maine Course, 3 weeks today.)
-Whoops! I was a bit too eager-
(16.04.2008)
- so excuse my Norwegian eating manners! ( I'm sure mum will clean me up- just hope she will not mistake me for a big chunk of dog food..)
The human mum says this was not my last meal if I thought so- it was my first!
8 1/2 weeks...
(12.04.2008)
- and our firstborn puppies by Travis Miles of Smiles have had their photos taken once again!
We will update with their names and all of the photos during the week end!
You will find the updates under "litters", klick on "previous litters" 2008, on the left hand side menu.
Norway or Alaska-
(11.04.2008)
-Nature seems to be much alike, and like the sea, these dramatic mountains do something to you. If you have been brought up in this world, it get's into your bloodstream and you will always experience an absence or a yearning if you are stuck in other sceneries. Moonstruck- seastruck- mountainstruck- these moods are in close connection...
It is a question of a sense of relief- or a freedom of spirit. Not strange that so many Scandinavians feel close to, and collect litterature about the indian tribes of America. (While we in fact should have closer strings to our own laps...)
Still shaken by Sean Penn's "Into the wild"...
(11.04.2008)
-While I slowly turn back to own self, go and experience this movie.
Apart from appealing to my Norwegian soul and fundamental attitude, it also shows what life is all about.
Or should be.
And it explains many of the choices we do, as well as pointing out why things not always turn out the way we take for granted.
(And also why some of them did to a certain degree...)
The German veterinarian scientist professor Ottmar Distl-
(05.04.2008)
- has presented a revolutionary gene test to be used in the fight against hip dysplasia. The research has been done on the German Shepherd dogs, in co- operation with the German breed club. (according to article by Juliane Kaune, www.haz.de, 080402)
This method will of course also be useful for other breeds. A patent has been applied for by the responsible university. Mr Distl says that the development of HD is the result of an interaction of several genes but also the dog's complex metabolism is contributing.
This method of discovering the illness is believed to be able to succeed the over 60 years old method of x- raying the hips. It will be possible to detect the condition already in small puppies- and also to decide which animals who might pass the gene for this painful disorder along to their progeny.
November 20th 2007, the scientific work was presented as follows:
Yvonne Marschall, Ottmar Distl
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common hereditary developmental disease of the coxofemoral joints. CHD is characterized by subluxation of the femoral head and deformation of the acetabulum leading to a painful osteoarthrosis. Analyses of mode of inheritance have shown the involvement of a major gene in expression of CHD in German Shepherd dogs. Thus, a whole genome scan for quantitative trait loci (QTL) was performed in German Shepherd dogs. For this purpose 11 paternal half-sib families, including a total of 459 purebred German Shepherd dogs with sires, dams, and offspring, were genotyped for 261 microsatellites. These markers were equidistantly distributed over all 38 autosomes and the X chromosome with an average marker distance of 11.7 cM. The mean observed heterozygosity of the marker set was 50%. The CHD status for the dogs was scored according to the official rules of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. At the genome-wide level of significance at p < 0.05, QTL for CHD were located on nine different canine chromosomes: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 16, 19, 26, and 33. The minimal QTL regions containing the CHD genes spanned on average 5 Mb with a range between 1 and 8.2 Mb. Chromosome-wide level of significance at p < 0.05 was found for QTL on 19 chromosomes. Further analyses can now be performed to refine these map positions of QTL already identified in German Shepherd dogs.
Not only U2, Van the Man, Riverdance, the Corrs or Hothouse Flowers...
(03.04.2008)
- If you love Damien Rice, Dublin, the Commitments and all things that are true Irish, you will probably enjoy the film/ musical Once as much as I did.
True values of life.
And real talent, passion, hard work and singlemindedness can't be obstructed.
(For more of these virtues, watch "So you think you can dance"- now in a great Svandinavian version!)
- In Norway we have the brilliant violinist Arve Tellefsen who humanises these virtues. My daughter rang from Oslo the other day bursting out that she had seen (and heard) the most magnificant musician (and she doesn't use to listen to classical music).
Well, my mother used exactly the same expression about Arve when I was a small girl! And she listened to him all the time! I mean all the time! It's a small world...And great talent cannot be replaced easily.
German Ch Tiewa's Xalyssa
(02.04.2008)
- got four puppies on April Fool's Day by Ch Travis Miles of Smiles in Germany! They are doing fine and we hope to have more photos later on!
April Fool's day!
(01.04.2008)
- You have not forgotten to fool someone?
To-day there have been well over 700 visitors on this homepage!!
And this is not an April Fool Joke!
So I will give you another...
P.S I feel very honoured that you read my small epistles! So thank you for your time and interest, everyone!
Small comment on getting rid of the hip scoring programme...
(01.04.2008)
"This will most certainly be of influence concerning Swedish dogs in international breeding programmes, as far as I followed the import statistics there's more than one Swedish puppy who had to move to private homes after having hip x-rays.."
- a statement sent to me in a letter from abroad yesterday.
Well, not only do we have to trust that puppies we sell far away abroad will have a good life up to Swedish standard of dog keeping- but we will also have to trust that our disappointed foreign cuctomers care enough to see to it that a puppy with a defect that prevents it from being shown and bred from, will be rehoused in worthy and adequate surroundings, and that it will be treated as a valuable member of the new household...
Most of the members that voted for the hip health programme to disappear now declares that they certainly will go on examining their stock. But why then get rid of it??
The only thing for clients to do is to ask for status of parents before you buy a puppy. It is in fact as simple as that.
But see to it that the Kennel Club have decided the hip status by the means of their expert panel. No statement from any local vet will do in these cases.
- And personally it is time to start scanning through some dogs with the Optigen method- while the dollar is cheap!
New snapshots of puppies!
(01.04.2008)
-Untouched photos of fat and fabulous 6 weeks babies on the "litter" site.
-And even the five newborns are fine and lively!
Picture shows daddy Keanu at 8 weeks.
Skäl för en norska att flytta hem-
(31.03.2008)
- är många, bland annat Andreas Viestad -skriver varje lördag "Det beste jeg vet" i bilagan Magasinet, Dagbladet.no
Världens bästa "kvällstidning", världens allra bästa matskribent!
Kort sagt Norges svar på Mats Olsson!
Finns på nätet.
Läs den aktuella krönikan. Och sedan alla arkiverade. Man vattnas...
Skäl för en norska att stanna i Sverige-
(30.03.2008)
- är en Man som Mats Olsson, sport (och mat- och kultur- och musik- och rese- och möjligen även politisk) krönikör i Expressen.
Samt en glänsande författare och samhällsanalytiker.
Även tillräckligt skäl att säga sig beroende av denna lätt kantstötta tabloid...
Låt mannen skriva dagligen!
En söndag utan en Mats- krönika i sportbilagan är öde som Hardangervidda veckan efter påsk.
Dagens krönika har en feministisk touche- så go buy. Och låt er inte skrämmas av Mats' placering i den macho- orienterade sportbilagan. Förpassa inte den tidningsdelen till valplådan utan att läsa först!
Vi gillar även Bengt Adielsson. Vår fyrbente hjälte Going Kronos hade repat sig efter att ha körts i botten under Prix d'Amerique, och vann ståtligt Olympiatravets kval- lopp i går.
Så kan bara en Klass- häst göra.
Bengts kommentarer var smått syrliga...
-Men man behöver inte skjuta sparv med kanoner! (Riktat åt Goings ständiga (suck) tvåbente sidekick...)
PS...
(30.03.2008)
... talking about a worsened quality of the cocker compared to what it was in the eighties; You just can't compare a dog with a natural tail to a traditionally docked dog!
Our dogs of to-day have an altered pattern when moving, different proportions, different muscle development and through this, a different type and balance.
Yes, having a long tail makes all the difference!
It is unfair to compare to the short, sturdy, cobby, steady moving, docked dogs from the past. A short croup and a gay tail wasn't that big a problem compared to what it is to- day, to mention but one "detail".
But we have improved in health and temperament! And also in coat structure.
As a professional groomer,I meet so many nice cockers at the dog salon nowadays! Easy to cope with, good natured with dogs and people and with very trimmable coats.
This was not always the case "in the good old days"...
So be careful to preserve these points that make our breed such excellent companion dogs! Good looks isn't everything...
Picture: -But we can also have a nice balance with a little help of the tail!
One of the arguments-
(30.03.2008)
- that I understand was important for the voting results at the Annual meeting yesterday, was that we have focused too much on the sickness parts of the breeding. With the new rules, we should find time and opportunity to concentrate more on type and temperament.
Well- "a sound mind in a sound body" links well together I should say. Neither appearance or temper are helped by stiff and aching hips for that matter...
Though everybody seem to agree upon the fact that quality has deteriorated compared to the "golden years" in the eighties.
(But there are not many breeders left that really know this for a fact! And the ones that used to win the most, say the least.- And vice versa, the ones that didn't continuously win then, and who don't do so even now, have the strongest opinions.)
Well, I heard that puppy prices now begin to get differentiated - at last- in this country! But not because of parents with more or less qualities as a whole, it is merely on a basis of parents with different Optigen status!
One breeder charges more for puppies with A-A parents than puppies from an A-B combination.
A consequence of this is of course that breeders might charge more for puppies coming from parents that are not dysplastic than for puppies from parents that are dysplastic or parents that are not examined.
But when will qualities like looks, working capability or temperament play a role in the price- fixing?
Look at the horse business. You don't charge the same stud prices for stallions that have won Prix d'Amerique as you do with stallions that have won some local races at the Örebro racetrack. And why should you?
A BMW costs more than a Ford or a Lada. Anybody wondering why? Well, it is not only because of the different test results regarding collisions or exhaust gases. (Safety and pollution- the Car Breeding Health Programme.)
If we want the "golden age" quality dogs to return to the rings- we do need to appreciate these facts and features more- also in determination of prices. Breeders should be open to the fact that more quality is valued more.
If not, the new health programme - or lack of it- will only drag this breed further down.
Picture is from the 1988 years Club show, with the famous couple Ch Group winner Travis Harley Davidson and Ch Group winner Greentree Purple Rain topping. And of cours the judge herself won BIS at Crufts...
The people have voted and such was the results...
(29.03.2008)
Voluntary DNA- test, away with the annual obligatory clinical eye test for breeding stock, and elimination of the hip scoring requirements for breeding purposes. This is what was decided at the Club's annual meeting to- day, as I have understood the event.
Mind you, our (former) regulations have never prevented us from using dysplastic animals for breeding- we just had to be open and up front about it. There should of course be a well- adviced reason for doing so!
With the happenings of to- day, you can instead tell your clients that you don't know, or you don't care- or that hip records are not important to consider in our breed.
Will the Kennel Club's veterinary experts have a say about this?
Or are these questions completely up to more or less experienced breeders to decide upon?
It is a good thing that we have such high morals in the dog fraternity.
We won't conciously do anything to hurt the breed, belittle the quality or disappoint our clients- do we?
The well- being of our Cockers is as always of the upmost importance.
We had four girls and two boys-
(29.03.2008)
- this morning when Silje (S N Ch Swedish Winner- 06 Travis Maine Course) had her first litter to Keanu (S.N Ch Norwegian and Scandinavian Winner- 07 Travis Miles of Smiles).
All blue roan as far as we can decide at the moment.
We hope things continue to go well with the little ones!
( Later news; sadly the anxiuos mum laid one one of the girls later in the day and she could not be saved.)
We also hope things will go well at the Swedish Cocker club's annual meeting, where breeders (and other members) will decide upon the new (or modified) health programme regarding eye deseases.
As you will understand, we are stuck in the puppy box and will have to wait for reports and hearsays to come through...
Information regarding HD examination!
(25.03.2008)
- The more you learn the better you can decide what to do and how to do it!
Use this web adress:
http://www.pennhip.org/what_is_ph.html
Travis Fast Decision-
(25.03.2008)
- owned by kennel Frostworks, sent us the happy Easter news that their Travis Fast Decision, litter sister to our Keanu- was Best of Sex in Finland last week end, winning her sixth certificate. They were also BOB and BIS with their dog, Ch Frostwork's Avalanche. Tarja Hovila judged.
Congratulations to a great day and thank you for the photos!
We heard also rumours that the Backhills' Ch Backhills New Design was BOB at Stockholms Easter show. He is of course a son of the group winning champion bitch Travis Keep It Classy. Her likewise group winning litter sister Ch Swedish Winner- 06 Travis Main Course is due to have her first litter by Keanu next week end- and we keep our fingers and toes crossed...
Busy Easter!
(22.03.2008)
Re- decorating the kitchen, a full stop in the outlet pipes of the house, and a super concert in the brand new "Conventum" concert hall of Örebro, with Kent- the best group in Sweden. This has been our way of celebrating the Easter holidays.
Now waiting for the acute task force to come and relieve us from the full stop. Not a good thing when you are making good meals, have dogs to clean for, and paint brushes to wash at the same time...
We have started to update under "litters"
(19.03.2008)
- klick on "previous litter", 2008, to see photos of some of our puppies! You can also see their pedigree.
We will of course have all the puppy photos out as soon as possible.
Keanu's unshown sister-
(17.03.2008)
- Alva has been visiting and had her snap shot taken. She just needs to take on the Swedish singing star Charlotte Perrelli's new training programme (watch out European Song Contest!) - a bit less body-building- a bit less food- and she'll be fine too...
Am I pretty now?
(17.03.2008)
- Or should I hold my head a bit more to the left? You have to know "your best side"...
Keanu's babies
(17.03.2008)
- have been to a first "serious" photo session at 4 1/2 weeks, and we will publicise pic's under "litter" very soon. Here is one of the boys! Thank you Maria Åslund for a great job!
Last thoughts before a historical annual meeting...
(16.03.2008)
Dont't do as I did!
- Jump to conclusions, read carelessly, or think that the Cockerclub's committee would follow the intentions given ( to us, I was elected chairman) at the last annual meeting.
The mandate was to work out a new health programme for our breed.
The intentions were to find out whether to keep the obligatory clinical eye test- or to change to a obligatory Optigen DNA test as several breeds in Sweden already have done.
So, I have apparently not read the voting alternatives properly and Ms Monica "Manacas" Forsander kindly rang to tell me so.
Of course we must go for the obtional and voluntary DNA- test alternative. But included in this concept is also a voluntary clinical eye test, NOT as we have had before, a yearly obligatory test. Well, this is not what we were aiming for as long as I was "at work", neither did we seriously discuss this solution at the Kennel Club meeting I attended. The SKK representatives stated that they would only have one single obligatory eye test to register centrally and it was our business to decide upon which method to use. The club was granted a temporary solution while working this out. It seems that this solution was not as temporary as we were led to believe.
Instead, Ms Forsander has come up with a complementary motion regarding an obligatory clinical test every second year instead of the yearly test that has been removed from the "voluntary DNA- test alternative". (?)
I would not go for that.
It would be impossible to ask for a yearly test, as I will be doing, when bitches come for mating.
Voluntary DNA- test - clinical eye test every year. This is my idea of safe breeding.
So let's have it the Norwegian way - let it all be voluntary but be responsible. Vote for the voluntary alternative and let the breed club ask for a yearly eye test for litters that will be sold through the Cocker Club's intermedium- and for dogs listed for stud. (but you all know that people sell one litter through the Club, but might have more puppies at home who go in the same "sweep".
I stick to what I wrote regarding eye testing every second year. We will not be able to discover clinical symptoms in time. (prcd- PRA is not the Big Issue here.)
Ms Forsander has also come up with a motion regarding the obligatory HD programme. She wants to remove this and make it voluntary, too.
Are ALL breeders mature enough to go on hip scoring their dogs even if this programme is removed? Ms Forsander think so and once again refers to Norway who has this system.
Or does this open for a use of dogs in breeding that really should not be bred from?
What will the effects be on the pet market? How will the cockers temperaments and the breeds reputation be if they once again might suffer more from discomfort?
Norway is a very small and transparent world compared to Sweden. Not many bitch owners compete with their dogs let alone breed from them. That is why so many Swedish breeders now sell puppies to Norway. They cannot meet the demand for puppies themselves, and Sweden has a brilliant reputation!!!
A concept working in one place, does not necessarily do so elsewhere.
Just think about it in a wider scale than being relieved of not having to run along to do all these tests before mating the little darling.
(I think it is a nuisance, too! And I am also dead worried every time. I travel far to x-ray my dogs in a small place who take care to really take the Perfect Picture, instead of using the big and modern vet. units close to me, with a nurse officiating who might be bored, and have no personal pride in what she does.)
So getting rid of the hip programme makes it easy to avoid this torture. BUT IS IT GOOD FOR THE BREED? Or do we only make excuses for using dogs that we really should not?
But one thing is important- we should demand that the hip examining vets should undergo a certification and be granted a special allowance to do so. We need better routines and better knowledge, as is the requirement for the eye experts.
PS. Before you place your vote regarding the HD programme, make use of someone's code to get into the Norwegian Kennel Club's "dogweb". Study the registration figures and the health information of the dogs used for breeding.
Nothing compares to U...
(14.03.2008)
- The work that Mr Garmer (see below) has done to survey all the different varieties of cataracts that a cocker might be stricken by, and how to deal with these in the ongoing breed work, is impressive and very useful.
It is of course a nessecity that our breed will go on with the clinical eye test programme- and that we can trust the knowledge, experience and reliability of the examining vet.
I have personally a life long "relationship" with our local hero, Mr Erik Kjellgren in Arboga- and will go on being faithful to him "until death do us part". He has alwas examined the Travis dogs and we have confided in his judgement completely.
Hence the headline of this piece...
There is a proposal for the Annual Meeting of prolonging the interval between clinical eye test to every second year. This is a very unwise idea, I think. But I have been in the breed in the older days when dogs could go blind from PRA very abrupt, some as young as five years old. A yearly examination will see to it that such a dog is withdrawn from breeding rather quickly. Doing the examination every other year, means that a bitch might have as much as three litters on one eye test result, without breaking the SKK rules (streching them a bit, though). It means that a bitch can be affected from PRA or cataracts one year after the last eye test, but manage to have two more litters before being detected. (A stud dog- even worse with bad luck). We can deal with the prcd- PRA by help of the gene test, but what about other problems? Read Garmers Eye Policy briefing and think it over.
Why such proposals come up is because we have minor problems with eye sight nowadays. But this is merely the result of serious work from both breeders and vererinary experts over a long period of time- before most of you even got started! Please don't tear this down. You might save some small sums of money- will it be worth it?
Hero!
(14.03.2008)
No- not Charlotte Perellis contribution to the Swedish Song Contest- but the Swedish veterinary eye expert Mr Lennart Garmer! He writes about eye illnesses of the Cocker Spaniel, in a solution concept regarding the new health programme (In full at the Cockerclub's website). Describing breed policy he writes:
" Avvaktar beslut av CSK. Om PRA upptäcks vid ögonlysning
skall blodprov tas för DNA-test för att
fastställa vilken form av PRA hunden
har. "
In English:
"Awaits a resolution from the Cocker Spaniel Club. If PRA is discovered in a clinical test, a blood sample should be taken to acertain what kind of PRA the dog suffers from. "
Well, the resolution must in this case be simple! We have to go on with the obligatory clinical eye tests. Of course the breed needs this!
So: The DNA tests on prcd- PRA must be optional.
This alternative is available when you vote at the Annual Meeting.
Go for it!
The Merino sheep
(13.03.2008)
- will now be getting pain killers. So what about castration of piglets?
And what about human rights when it comes to interrogation of prisoners and suspects?
Skype and webcam!
(13.03.2008)
This is great! Grandchildren can see how the puppies are growing, day by day. Little Tobias banged his head while trying to hug the computer the other day, discovering one of our puppies on his monitor. How will this affect his future emotional life and his (hopefully warm) relation to dogs?
Travis Intermission
(13.03.2008)
- one of our young red boys, caught by our Johanna's camera when playing in the garden. By Scan Swe Winner Ch Travis Ferrari ex Scan Winner Travis Puttin' On the Ritz.
Hey! See me and my gal??
(13.03.2008)
Keanu says:
"I won at the Spaniel and retriever club Mjölby a while ago, and went BIS with my expecting wife Maine Course being Best Opposite in Show! I have sent my proud photo to the Cockerclub for publication under "Show News", but they have not published yet- but will soon I am sure!
Just as you know, we have not withheld the photo for any reason! But we were a little late snding it as usual...
(Well, I am not sure that the photo shown here actually iS me, but if it isn't, it is most certainly my gal's litter brother, Travis Special Order, who might be coming along to shows too, very soon.)
The demand for solid coloured puppies...
(12.03.2008)
...are great, and that is very good of course. But we will not have any solids available just yet as we have a couple of bitches that need to be hip scored before they are mated. We will, however mate our black champion bitch Travis Hit and Miss (Freddie daughter) after the world winners show, but we would like her to compete here first.
However, Swe Winner-06, Swe Nor Ch group winner Travis Maine Course is expecting by our Keanu, his second litter. Puppies will be particoloured, perhaps in different constellations.
Tough guy 3 weeks and 2 days-
(09.03.2008)
- and has, with a few siblings, come out in the kitchen for the first time. The world was a lonely place without mum, and the big boy started to howl desperately!
-Just as you would imagine...
That man again!
(09.03.2008)
Talking of Vital Spark, we were just visited by his black daughter Travis All Saint, now a fresh veteran and scarcely shown. (She won the junior class at Stockholm the year that another daughter, T. Wake up and Dream was BOB.)
She looked so good to- day that we had to take a picture. And the owners have promised to show her at the circuit/ world winners show..!!
She deserves this chance to come out of the closet really, after living a super life as a much pampered pet.
News from Crufts!
(07.03.2008)
Multi Ch Cockergold Cute'n Blue had a great day again! This Danish Cocker of the Year 2007 was second in Open Class at Crufts, only beaten by England's Top Cocker last year, Sh Ch Dillonpark Ambrogina. As you all know, Cute'n Blue is by Multi Ch Travis Vital Spark, who always likes to brag about his children...
Mr David Shields judged the bitches.
Yet another Vital Spark offspring, Ch Manaca's beat About the Bush, was 4th in Open Dog with Mrs Sue Young judging dogs. He was also placed last year, so quite an achievement!
Are we pleased!
(We will have to put some extra extra effort into our show condition for the Circuit and World Winners show I reckon. These teams will be tough nuts to crack!)
BOB and reserve in group went to Asquanne's Ginelle, last year's Top Puppy in England. (She is a litter sister to the Apelhöjden's Asquanne's Ghengis and a full sister to the top winning A. Gizane, I believe)
Other Sandinavian triumphs was the res. CC in Americans to the well known Galaksi bitch, A Westaway springer won the res. dog CC (Norway) and bitch CC in flat coated retrievers went to an Almanza.
Both CC in Miniature Poodles went to Sweden! And three out of four top awards in Standard Poodles went to the States...
Congratulations to all!
Picture shows how Edwin reacts when we tell him about Crufts. Old age has made him behave a bit strange at times...
You can do big things or fight for your opinions-
(07.03.2008)
- but in the end it is the small things and the special moments that counts!
A wet and totally dark winter-
(07.03.2008)
- has turned into spring! And what did we find in Norway the other day?
Hope and joy of living is returning...
3 weeks old!
(06.03.2008)
Three dogs and three bitches- all blue roan and very difficult to separate in quality. We will have separate pictures taken in the week end.
House- training...
(04.03.2008)
- and grandson Tobias is simultaneously training his reading skill. Two things that are linked closely together for so many people (and the reason for the increasing number of bathrooms in new houses.)
We are in a baby mood-
(03.03.2008)
-thanks to the lovely pictures that we got yesterday!
We also entered four dogs to the World show this evening, reduced fee was still shockingly expensive. And we plan to enter a few more if they turn out to be in good enough contition by the next expireing date...
We will have to live on oatmeal porridge and potato peel for a while. Slim like Posh is high fashion of course. (But will I look posh or just plain haggard I wonder...)
Oh well, this show will be so exciting and we are really looking forward to it!
Keanu is not fooling around!
(03.03.2008)
- He is seriously stamping his first get! And is aiming to take over the role as First Dog of the place.
Our irreplacable dog sitter Johanna has taken some lovely photos of the first born litter, now 14 days old.
Vital Spark keeps a keen eye on his children!
(03.03.2008)
-And in Denmark this week end Ch Travis Keep It Classy gained her Danish title, while Ch Cockergold Cute'n Blue was BOB!
Well done, Karin and Lotte.
Edwin is a VERY old man now, but he is determined to meet his fans at the World Winner's show. He bets he has a progeny group there!
Picture shows the one and only Mina, Ch Travis Wake Up and Dream, Scandinavian and Swedish Winner and a Vital Spark Daughter. She was pictured winning BIG-3 at the Stockholm international 2001!
Obs.
(03.03.2008)
Ni som röstar på Cockerklubbens årsmöte bör studera förra årets protokoll, särskilt § 13a samt §13 från möten på Scandic Upplands Väsby slutet av april samt i Ervalla i början av augusti förra året.
Dessa är justerade av mig som ordförande i klubben i denna perioden, med reservation/ kommentar. (Mig tillhanda för påseende/ underskrift fredagen den 29/2 d.å).
Punkterna omhandlar frågan om styrelsens mandat och arbetsuppgiftens karaktär vid utformningen av det nya hälsoprogrammet angående ögon.
Frosty Morning Aristide
(03.03.2008)
- won second best dog and res. certificate at his very first show in Finland! Good going and good luck!
And thank you for sharing with me!
This dog is by Freddie of course.
The week end!
(01.03.2008)
Off to Norway for birthdays and stuff...
The machine is full of surprises...
(22.02.2008)
Scanning through the computer for old photos for the jubilee advertisement in the Cocker magazine, we found a snapshot taken by Gunnel Adolfsson, after winning BOB and Swedish winner with Ch Travis Ferrari at Stockholm under Mrs Gerd Flyckt Pedersen.
We are happy to still have Enzo's lines in some of our stock! he was a great dog in all respects.
Travis Rip Off-
(21.02.2008)
- is unfortunately not in whelp. So we will be quick about getting that extra pound of flesh off her waistline and continue to chase the remaining certificates!
We are not too sad about this, though, as we have just started to enjoy our first- bornes who are now very heavy and hungry and looking as they should!
Nothing like burying your nose-
(19.02.2008)
- in a soft rug!
First week...
(19.02.2008)
After a week of extra luxurious diet consisting of scraped beef, raw tripe, eggyolks and double cream with the best of the markets puppy foods to tempt with- in vain as the busy mum didn't find time to eat- resulting in almost no milk- it all turned to the better yesterday.
Tyra got up from bed, ate all she could find, and the puppies gained weight over night.
What a relief, as they just spat out the artificial milk we tried to keep them going with.
So now they are all on the right track, and they have been marvellously strong during this nervcracking period.
One bitch puppy seems to be black and white- the others are blue roans.
Deep sigh of relief from us, you never ever get used to see puppies fighting for their existence.
Westminster!
(18.02.2008)
The American Westminster show has a brilliand homepage with video clips of breed judging as well as all the groups and BIS.
(Adress is http://video.westminsterkennelclub.org/player/?id=0)
Have a look around if you have happened to miss it. We would love Crufts to do the same thing for the large international public who badly wants to go, but can't make it. Like us, this year.
Hi tech young man!
(15.02.2008)
Grandson Tobias got a "phoney" phone for his birthday by auntie Anna- and did he know how to handle it? So now he's in business! (But skype and a webcam still works better...)
And more Valentine's day!
(14.02.2008)
Keanu's firstborn puppies have picked a fine day! Seven is a nice number, three dogs and four bitches. We cross our fingers that all will go well. Mum is doing well and is eating and drinking with great appetite!
Valentine's day!
(14.02.2008)
And it is also grandson Tobias' birthday! A well timed love token for this happy family! We are so proud. (See mum and dad on 24.12.07..)
A trio of group winning bitches!
(14.02.2008)
Competing at the same time, with the same mixture of lines in their pedigree, but with completely different parenthood and colours. The blue Ch Travis Fool's Game and the black Ch Travis Double Up won "Cocker of the year" while the red Ch Travis Spot the Difference was runner up. The black was owned by Carina Östman (Caci's), the red by Kenneth and Lena Norlund (Matchpoint). All three made a real impact as brood bitches. But then they were so closely bred that they had to produce with whatever you chose to mate them to. And by the look of their descent, you can understand that at this point we had learnt what was possibly to know about their genetic heritage...And we got lucky!
An unexpected problem appeared though. As our dogs were mating quite a number of outside bitches, they were also often exposed to different kinds of "kennel- infections". And suddenly we had big problems with fading puppies and infections among our stock.
When you hit the wall, you have to find a door...
(14.02.2008)
As we had to exclude our old solid line because of the hip problems, we tried to mate our particolours with the best of that variety that we could find. Some were nice enough, but they seemed to lose that "solid type" that we had got through Ch Celeste of Helenwood. We also found out that nearly all of the selected partners carried genes for PRA. Unfortunately we first learned about this through Finnish Ch Travis Sno Joke, the black and white dog that Anja Puumala got as an exchange for It's a Pleasure. He was as usual line bred to Ch Deewell Senator, but a touch of Normanview on the dam's side seemed to trigger off the desease. But we still did not get any problems ourselves, so we stuck to our pure Senator- Celeste stuff and continued to mix these dogs with Its A Pleasure. And this combination of linebreeding (sometimes inbreeding), complete outcross and colour mix was very fortunate for us. The Cockerclub and breeders in common were still doubtful to these unconventional methods (though the famous Örlidens kennels had done it extensively) and it was much talk about the fact that the resulting offspring was not mismarked as one might suspect. This was thanks to Celeste who was a very dark blue roan, with no genes of the "irish spotting" in head. Also Mauno was very rich in colour. Otherwise it was clear that it was easier to mate blacks to partis than red ones. And if you used black and whites, it had to be dark blues behind them. Though Senator was a light blue, he was not a dominant stud dog overall, and it was a good thing when it came to colour- mix.
But I remember being stopped by three men from the show committe at an international Kennel Club show in Malmö, and was led to a room with my BOB- winning red dog. There they took colour samples, 9 gatherings from different parts of the body! Three plastic bags were sealed, I had one, the Swedish criminal labaratory had one and the SKK had one. Very stiff and correct procedure, but I was very shocked when the officiating veterinary told me that they acted by a wish from the breed club.
Of course the dog was not coloured.
Once more I have had a colour test done, it was announced before the judging that it was going to be that days BOB- winner at the Stockholm show, and it turned out to be my blue roan "Cocker of the year" winner, Ch Travis Fool's Game. Again all these hair samples were collected under a very strict procedure, and I could not help myself asking if they thought I had dyed the dog by the help of a a tea strainer. I never had the results from this colour test, though. (Fool's Game was a result of a doubling up on two offspring by the Senator- Celeste combination, as well as a double up on Mauno. Mated back to Mauno yet again, she produced the b/t Travis Neon Lights, the dam of the present days Ch' s Travis Vital Spark and Gossip Starts Here.)
Picture shows three different colours in one litter, all perfectly marked.
Unique results!
(13.02.2008)
Ch Leavenworth It's a Pleasure had the rare qualites of being able to suit almost any bitch of different blood lines. He stamped his offspring very well and is probably unique as he sired three different winners of the title "cocker of the year" in Sweden, as well as two more runners- up.
The winners were the red bitch Ch Greentree Nicole of Tinsel,and the black dogs Ch Travis Knight to Remember (picture) and Ch Travis Harley Davidson. These also were capable of winning multiple groups between them. But so did also the runner- up Ch Travis Spot the Difference (red bitch) and if I remember right, the red dog Ch Greentree Another Delight. In Norway, Ch Carillo Call for Pleasure dominated the breed for several years running. (I believe that her dam Ch Tanac´s Sugar'n Spice was a litter sister to Dag Linna and Svein Helgesens multiple group winnner Ch Tanac's New Fashion, who was runner up to Dog of the Year in Norway as well as being third in the BIS- finals at the Stockholm international...)
Not only did Mauno throw beautiful children, he was also ultra sound regarding hereditary defects and last but not least- temperament! To be frank, the solids was not always easy to cope with at that time. The mixing of partis to solids did an amazing job in that respect, and Mauno also improved the behaviour of the sometimes strong- headed solids. Because of their mild disposition, his offspring were sometimes not as easy to show as the tougher variety, but treated rightly, they would do anything to please their owners. And what lovely dogs to own! They were easy to keep in numbers, as they never fought or dominated other dogs. You had to see them and actively love them though, as they would otherwise go "invisible" and lose their spirit and personality.
Mauno himself came to us when he was about five months old, usually a very difficult age to change environment. And it was Inger Ivarsson of the Westerner who brought him back from a visit to Finland. Mauno was sitting paralyzed in a corner of the kitchen for a fortnight, and had to be carried out to "do his things"- and carried in again. I was used to put a leash on a dog and "off we go", and was despairing about how to behave with this puppy. Somehow I understood that force was not the thing here. I remember talking to Inger about this, and she quickly offered to buy him from me, saying that she had seen this before in these lines.
And it really was this very rapid offer that made me stick with him and wait for his trauma to fade away. And it did! But you could never force him or his children to walk in the ring, it had to be trained and prepared thoroughly and the dogs had to learn to love it before they made their debute. If they took a dislike to the ring early on, they never would perform again.
Some people accused these dogs of lacking courage and of being weak in temperament. So wrong! They were in fact, gentle, sensitive, loving and highly intelligent animals. And they demanded respect and careful treatment from their owners. Which is obvious demands of course. The difference was that if they didn't get the handling they needed, they did not turn sour in temperament. They adjusted to the life offered to them, but they never bloomed and reached their full potential.
(And that is also why I get so upset watching the trotting races and seeing how Lutfi Kolgjini repetedly mistreats his superstar Going Kronos, giving him challenges that he obviously is not yet ready for.)
More cocker history in the Swedish jubilee year...
(11.02.2008)
Ch Travis Two Tribes, our black dog that was runner up to Dog of the Year in Sweden, never won the title Cocker of the year. he was also runner up in this competition strangely enough, and was beaten by the smashing red dog Ch Leavenworth Kiss'n Success. This dog also won groups etc and was Cocker of the year for several years. In fact, the hottest competition in the ring came from Finland and mainly from the Leavenworth kennels of Anja Puumala. The Greentree kennels were quick to incorporate these wonderful dogs into their lines (from our breeding) and with great results. So when Anja in 1984 offered to swop puppies, a red dog of hers with a black and white from us, we felt we had the solution to our "stuck in the corner" problems. Our Leavenworth It's a Pleasure was out of a sister to Ch Leavenworth Kiss'n Success and by the lovely Ch Leavenworth Lucky Strike, a great favourite and a really striking dog.
Apart from winning five or so groups and inumerable breed wins, Mauno (aptly named after the Finnish prime minister Mauno Koivisto) was a perfect gentleman and a "once in a life- time" stud dog. He had that "star quality" that a stud dog should have, someting that makes them stand out even in the eyes of somebody not engaged or cunning in this sort of activity. Much like art of the highest quality.
Some people may think that such a dog is exaggerated or extreme. I would rather say that you must recognize those extra qualities when you come across such an animal. You will otherwise just produce average material.
The breeders were very open to what Mauno had to offer, and his offspring were amazing! But of course, so was his pedigree. I think this contained the very best of what was offered in the breed at that time. And I really wonder if we can match this nowadays. (Or is it a sign of old age, to say that things were much better before?)
Everybody duck!
(09.02.2008)
What a jubilee year this turns out to be!
Still unbeaten so far in his career is Ch Travis Miles of Smiles.
Last show he was BIS-2.
But now also BIS! And he loves every minute of it!
Thank you to the BIS- judge Marjo Jaakola (Bentons)
Sore fingers paid off;- Best opposite in show!
(09.02.2008)
Ch Travis Maine Course, her last show for a while, as we hope to have her first- born puppies this spring. She was carved down with a coat king before winning BOB at the Swedish Winners show in Stockholm last year, and have not been shown much (and has taken some beating) after that, as her coat was completely ruined when it grew back.
Now she is handstripped nearly down to her former slick self, and after counting days and weeks, we are sure she will be back in the ring for the World Show. Finger and thumb from now to eternity- and no more cutting corners, folks!
Best of Breed- Best of Sex!
(09.02.2008)
At the Swedish spaniel and retriever show in Mjölby this Saturday, we won the double with Swed and Norw Ch, Scan. Norw Winner- 07 Travis Miles of Smiles and Swed Norw Ch Swed winner- 06 Travis Maine Course, as well as the dog certificate (his second) with Travis Vintage Gold. Maine Course sister, Ch Travis Keep It Classy was runner up to best bitch!
Thank you to specialist judge Mrs Kari Granaas Hansen!
We again had exellent help with handling from one of the Yankee girls, this time Annica Klingwall of the Troupers.
And what a surprise to have these lovely photos from Madeleine Ivarsson waiting in the mail box when we arrived home!
That resulted in a quick update for us- and we are very grateful for this kind gesture.
For full breed results, visit; http://www.madeleinescockerspanielsida.se/
Exciting!
(31.01.2008)
Miles of Smiles on Keanu's face as he quick and easy mated the lovely German Ch Tiwa's Xalyssa aus Deutchland yesterday. A long journey for a short time of happiness, we hope well worth while!
Tyra heavy in whelp!
(28.01.2008)
Keanu got lucky- and did a great job of it. Little less than tree weeks left, and we are really looking forward to it!
Our latest certificate winner-
(27.01.2008)
- and daughter to Gossip Starts Here, sister to champions/ certificate winners Miles of Smiles,Hot Legs, Fast Desicion and Hit and Miss. A saucy combo as Jamie would have put it.
Great work done by owner Maria Åslund at Pinifarinas to get her out in such a nice condition. And she really was a happy shower!
To see our dogs winning for other people is so rewarding. And thanks to Maud Lennbom too, who coached our Steven into third place in the dog classes; not many people can "catch- drive" completely strange dogs as Maud can.
Cold day but well worth while!
(27.01.2008)
It's not that charming to show dogs in the cold and dirty riding venues during winter, but it is a Swedish specialty and I suppose we have to accept it with a deep sigh as long as people enter their dogs in such numbers regardless conditions.
To day, we kept warm by the many wins and had a lovely lunch at Strömsholm- better than most- to top it off.
Our Keanu, Ch Travis Miles of Smiles was again unbeaten in dog classes so far in his carreer and with BOB, with the Backhills Ch Travis Keep It Classy as best opposite. Keanus litter sister, the lovely black and tan Travis Caught Red Handed came out in super form to take her first certificate and runner up to best bitch. Keep It Classy's son Backhills New Design took his crowning certificate and was second best dog, beating our Travis Vintage Gold into third place in the dogs line- up.
So it was (nearly) all in the family again.
70 cockers were entered and Keanu was later second in the BIS- finals. And this was a Spaniel and Retriever Ch sh show.
Petra Junehall did the breed while Hans Rosenberg judged the Best In Show finals. Thank you to both!
I r l...
(24.01.2008)
- With the cockers, we have always been keen about watching them move and play and carry themselves,trying to discover how they balance and shift weight, all to try to learn if they were sound in joints or not. The period of time from the stage of being a promising puppy and until you could have the diagnose regarding hip status is a long and tideous one, especially since we don't want to do them as early as is allowed by the Kennel Club.
About thirty years of this practise have sometimes payed off and we are at least no longer taken by surprise when the judgement comes...
So when we decided to x-ray our Artyparty poodle dog this week, we had discussed why he sometimes went a bit lame and sometimes was a bit stiff behind. Better when he had stayed in the countryside with me, romping on soft lawns. Worse when he was more restricted in the city with Anna, most often on a leash and walking on hard surface.
Not really a problem, but Anna thought maybe patella and I wanted us to start with a hip score though I did'nt think that light and flexible miniature poodles would show signs of dysplasia att all! But just "if" it had been a cocker...
So now Artyparty will concentrate on homeparties, girls, and will enjoy a smart Toilette 60.
He loves showing and was good at it, too! But there are other things in life!
And he will of course be our "homie" in all respects.
But the girls will have to turn elsewhere, at least for more serious courting- with a concequence!
(And mum thinks that Anna now just might manage to blow-dry three cockers instead of one huge- coated poodle for the shows. You have to think positive- and creative- mind you!)
Something good- something bad...
(23.01.2008)
Getting a whole new solid coloured outcross line into our blue roan family was exciting, successful and good for the eventual danger of breeding PRA from the parti line. Nearly every particoloured stud dog we used on our bitches by Deewell Senator proved to be a carrier at a later stage. But we did not get any dogs that failed the veterinary tests. So we dared to make some close breedings to Senator, like using Two Tribes on a daughter of the top winning Finnish dog, Ch Harwenprince Evening Star out of our Ch Travis Marie Celeste. This was of course a cousin to cousin combination as well as bringing in more PRA carrier genes through the particoloured outcross dog.
It resulted in a beautiful litter with two group winners, and still no problems with eyesight.
At this time, there were hot- tempered discussions as to wether the breed club should make an official health program launched by the Kennel Club or not. People were divided in two groups, as the breed mostly was divided in two colour- variations which mostly kept to themselves. The solid coloured breeders wanted a PRA programme for the partis and the parti people wanted a hip dysplasia programme for the solid coloured variety. Neither admitted to having problems within their own kin...
There was also much grumbling about our "cross- breeding" as it was believed that the two different defects belonged within each colour variation and that
our method of breaking up the barriers between these two populations helped to transfer one defect to the other group and vice versa.
Through a meeting at Kennel Club level, with the leading genetics in dogs of that time participating, we got some valuable support as the Kennel Club's experts Sundgren and Nilsson felt that the gene pool was expanded with a 100% in this way of breeding.
Swedish cockers also got the health programme that has been in use up to this day. And alas! we found PRA among the pure solid lines as well as HD among the particoloured ones. Many myths got buried during this action and more people dared to use the "colour- mongrels" or do some extraordinary combinations themselves.
We got very alarmed when starting to hip score our dogs. The parti family was excellent, but our top dog Two Tribes had grading 2, not good at all, his mother was not good, and it soon became obvious that we had to stop breeding from these wonderful dogs. Some of Two Tribes offspring were excellent, some not, and those with good hips seemed to reproduce bad hips in their turn if we were not very careful in this respect when choosing a partner. A problem was of course that some of these dogs seemed to suffer from arthritis at middle age, and turned from being happy and outgoing individuals to being sensitive and careful about themselves, trying to avoid getting bumped into by dogs or people.
So how to go on from there?
Picture shows the Senator/ Celeste daughter Ch Travis Spot On, not the top winning of this combination, but to us the best one, which we believe also was confirmed by Mr Geir Pedersen who gave her a Club show BIS win. She was all "black" in type, like her mother.
Our very first cocker spaniel litter was oddly enough sired by the black Ch Örliden Dancing Boots, bought to Norway by a very young Geir, and the dam was our first import Ch Kavora Sara Jane. Dancing Boots was in fact a colour- mix product, and from this litter came our very first champion, Ch Travis Spic'n Span.
Travis Hazy Idea-
(19.01.2008)
The first to cocker to win the "cocker of the year" title in Sweden in 1982, four years after the foundation of the breed club. He was an uncle to Ch Travis Two Tribes below.
Ch Travis Two Tribes-
(18.01.2008)
wining BIS at the Kennel Club show in Köping, the late Mrs Marianne Furst- Danielsson judging. In the group he managed to beat the very famous american cocker Ch Beringen James Gold, who was winning everything at that time.
And this was sort of a break through in the gundog competition, where the yankees had topped the groups for ages in Scandinavia.
History continued...
(18.01.2008)
When we moved to Sweden it was difficult to keep a larger number of dogs. In Norway we had run a large boarding kennels and had family and staff working hard with visiting dogs as well as our own. The new life in Sweden meant working with the new doggy magazine called "Hunden", travelling to all the bigger shows in Scandinavia to cover the latest show news. Our solid cockers were placed with very initiated people, such as the late Anne K Lund (Timankas) and the trotting horse couple Ture Lindblad and Lillemor Böös (Greentree). Both these kennels made great success with their new dogs for years to come. While enjoying all the successes with our family of particoloured dogs, we were longing to have some top class solids once more and give the Greentrees a match in the rings with some new lines. We also had created some tough competition in particolours through selling the two Celeste- daughters Travis Tweed Effect and Travis Snowpiece to Inger Ekwall of the Liecocks. (She mated Tweed Effect to Greentree Applejack, a son of her full brother Travis Jive Talkin'. And got the superb light blue dog Liecocks Meek Minstrel- a nearly ideal cocker to us...)
As it was very difficult to find top class particoloured dogs to mate our bitches to (mainly becouse of the risk of doubling on the PRA genes, but also because the particoloured dogs were "parti" in type, while we had managed to make them more "solid", i.e. more bone, harder backs and better furnishings) we decided to have a go at the adventure of mixing colours.
By studying the history and methods in early English breeding, as well as the superb book on the history of the Swedish Örliden kennel, we learned how to mix and match to avoid to get too much faulty markings on the solids. The Örlidens had done this for years and there were lots of valuable photos and pedigrees to analyse.
At Crufts we once more found a dog of our liking, and bought the black bitch Notluon Luelle, in whelp with Sh Ch Broomleaf Bright Memory. From this mating came the first cocker to win the title "Cocker of the year" in the history of the Swedish Cockerclub. He was the red dog Ch Travis Hazy Idea, owned by close friends of the Greentrees, namely Gunbritt and Lasse Hansson (Yolanda). He in his turn was the farher of the much admired Greentree Distant Drum, in combination with one of the bitches that Ture and Lillemor got from us, Ch Travis In Tune with pure Kavora lines.
Another of their purchases was the super black stud dog Ch Kavora Shoe Shine, daddy to their Travis Best Shoes who was BIS at the Skokloster special and also to the incredible black twins Greentree Luckyday and Isadora out of yet another purchase, Ch Travis Quivive.
(Dam of Travis Best Shoes was our finnish imported bitch Ch Finnwin Aprilflame, who was BOB at the Stockholm show under Pam Trotman, Kavora. BOS was the great Ch Leavenworth Lucky Strike, who should come to play an important role in our breeding through his son Ch Leavenworth It's a Pleasure.)
Line breeding to Distant Drum produced Tord Lundborgs top winning red male Ch Greentree Don't Think Twice.
Travis Hazy Ideas red sister, our Travis Bright Idea, was mated to the dark blue Celeste/ Senator- son Travis Tribute to Helenwood, a mating which resulted in two group winners, and several more certificate winners. Our dog Ch Travis Two Tribes was our top winning cocker ever, with over 10 group wins and several all breed Best in Show wins. He was also runner up to Dog of the Year all breeds in Sweden, beaten by a german shepherd from the late Mr Bo Nyman.
Photo shows Two Tribes winning one of his BIS- wins in Norway, with the late Mr Jimmy Cudworth judging. Jimmy was later a highly valued counsellor who consequently led us to buying the black dog Beligar Midas Touch.
Getting the hang of it!
(15.01.2008)
When we started to describe parts of our ancient history, we also felt the urge to update with our present stock! And now we also learn to master the unique system of updating that our webmaster offers.
All our stock will be presented under "males" and "females" and to-day we have published Stephen and some new photos of his daddy Freddie...
Photo shows yet another Freddie son as a puppy. This young man is called Travis Soul Meets Body, and will be properly presented as soon as we've got a fresh photo of him.
When the Swedish Cockerclub was founded in 1978,
(13.01.2008)
- we were busy moving from Norway to Sweden with some twenty solid coloured cockers with Kavora lines, and also the lovely blue bitch Ch Celeste of Helenwood.
We went to Crufts and found and was able to buy what we thought was the ultimate match to her, and who later became Ch and group winner Deewell Senator! Ronnie was not a very showy dog, and rather lost courage when it came to the final decisions. He was of ultra type, with an excellent head and ribcage, short in body, super and balanced angulation, but rather light in bone. Celeste was extraordinary "solid" in type and substance, lovely head, loads of feathering, but rather long in loin. But how she covered the ground when moving! A feature that has been very strong down the line.
These two had five litters together and made a new platform for our breeding. Senator was not a great stud dog, he only produced really top quality mated to hís spouse Celeste. (She on her side, also produced a lovely litter to the Finnish owned English import Normanview Masterpiece at Kennelborne, where the black and white champion bitch Travis Snowpiece was outstanding.) Line breeding on the Senator/ Celeste offspring in different constellations helped to maintain type and constructions for years to come.
Among their famous children were the Group, BIS and Championship winning bitches Ch's Travis Marie Celeste, Travis Spot On, Travis Mary's Pledge, Travis Tweed Effect, Travis Celeste's Flair, Travis Thanks Deewell and the dogs Travis Jive Talkin' and Travis Tribute to Helenwood. Several more were CC- winners.
While Celeste was found to be very clean concerning hereditary defects, Senator later proved to be a carrier for (prcd?) PRA. Though he never threw this when we did our close matings to him (extremely late onset?), we learned about it when his blood was mixed with complete outcross lines.
So what to do to maintain these beautiful dogs and breed safely?
Statistics from Germany.
(12.01.2008)
A German breeder writes that the situation regarding prcd- PRA in Germany is not as good as the Scandinavian figures, so the DNA test has become a useful tool and a great help in their breeding programme. German breeders can now control their breeding, by combining "affected" with "normal/clear", or "carriers" to normal.
The test is optional and it has revealed about 5 % more "affected" dogs among solid coloured dogs than they had stipulated, while the numbers in partis were lower than expected.. (We will of course not be able to measure this here, as so many Scandinavian pedigrees are mixed in colours.)
More partis than solids have been DNA- tested, though!
This result is of course strange when you look at the clinical figures in the solid coloured variety, where 4 out of 221 had PRA (1.8%), compared to 22 out of 250 (8.8%) in the particoloured variation.
Nearly a thousand Cockers were born in Germany 2005.
The statistics are from the period 2001- 2006, and are taken from the Jagdspaniel- Klub's breeding book.
26 of 471 dogs were found to have PRA by clinical examination. This is 5,5%, nearly twenty times as much as we have here.
But apparently the Germans also have Optigen affected dogs, which do not show any clinical symptoms.
"Figures from clinical examinations 2001-2006:
Cocker solids: free 221 mpp 131 dist. 318 entropium 2 ektropium 20 katarakt 42 PRA 4
Cocker parti : free 250 mpp 26 dist. 298 entropium 7 ektropium 22 katarakt 25 PRA 22 "
The cataracts are also notified as you can see, but it does not say if they are thought to be hereditary or not.
My informant also tells me that the dogs are mostly clinically eye- tested every year.
And thank you for sending this to me!
Statistics of the Finnish Cocker population.
(11.01.2008)
There are 10 305 cockers born in the period from 1991 until 2006. Of these, 2163 dogs, i.e 21 % are eye tested. Among these, 7 individuals were diagnosed with PRA.
In other terms, during a period of 15 years, 0,3 % of the dogs examined were found to have PRA by clinical test methods.
Thanks for this information!
What happened here?
(10.01.2008)
The Laboklin laboratory have raised their prices regarding the prcd-PRA tests considerably since December, and there is no longer a difference compared to the Optigen company.
(110 Euro + VAT if the vet is charged, 143 Euro + VAT if they charge owner directly, is the latest information from a Finnish source).
My source also tells me that the German lab now sends all blood samples to USA to get them tested there, as the American company owns the patent. Which is the reason for the rise in costs for the breeders. If I understand things right, the German laboratory is not allowed to do the tests anymore, but is working towards a deal with the Optigen company. A german word to describe the situation is "Geldschneiderei"!
A pity that the lower prices for the examination now have disappeared. The Germans did a great job of setting the price level where it should be, and still make the necessary profit!There seems to be no real competition in this matter, the only thing one can do is to ask oneself if this test is needed on a compulsory level, in populations with no significant problems.
IF the Swedish breeders vote for a compulsory test in the new breed health programme (to be allowed to have their puppies registrated with the SKK), the condition should be to get a considerable introduction- discount of costs through a Swedish breed clinic, to be able to scan as many dogs as possible in the shortest of time.
In this way, people can be able to choose only to breed with normal/clear dogs witin a considerably fair gene pool, and thus avoid the expensive tests in their future breeding actions. The offspring should then be declared hereditary clear of the prcd-PRA gene. I assume...
Time to aim for some profitable shares in the Optigen company? It just might be a way to level the expenses...
I still think that the Norwegian policy is the best. Let the breed club set it's own rules for breeders wanting to sell their puppies through their agency. The Norwegian Kennel Club has no health demands or rules as to registration of puppies. (Apart from the usual age and interval between breeding requirements).
There is a trust between doggy people to use the available health tests as they find necessary and good for their breeding. And stud dog owners have a personal responsibility, not to mate bitches which are not up to the desired quality, mentally, typewise or regarding soundness. This is taking responsibility by trusting one another!
And after all- everything you do (good or bad) can now be traced in the database, which is open to all. It's not only "through the grapewine" nowadays, thanks God!
Swedish winner 2008
(08.01.2008)
Mult Ch Travis Vital Spark congratulates his son Ch Manacas Beat About the Bush with his great win in Gothenburg, also with BOB and runner up in Group!
Cocker of the year 2007:
We are also pleased that offspring from dogs or bitches of our breeding were placed third, fifth and sixth, while Travis dogs sold to other breeders were placed as number eight and thirteen on the Swedish Cocker of the year- list for 2007.
Good going, folks- and we are proud to see that our lines still have such an impact on the breed- after all these years!
Rumour has it that Cocker of the year 2007 in Norway was a bitch sired by Ch Travis Master Mind, himself a winner of this title twice. (And a son of Vital Spark, too...) This info is not officially confirmed, so no name submitted.
And in Denmark, one of Vital Sparks children (from the Cockergold kennels) pulled it off- yet again!! This time it was the bitch,
DK(U)CH S(U)CH HRCH KLBCH FINJW05 EUW07 DKJUBIV07 KBHV07 DKKV07 GBZCH Cockergold Cute N' Blue.
(By the multiplicity of titles, it seems deserved!)
So the "Cocker of the year"- titles went to bitches in all three countries. And a breeds strength lies in it's bitches, to change a classical English term slightly.
Or?
In Finland, the Cocker of the year- title was won by Jaana Ranta's male Ch XXL of Black Mirage, and Jaana writes;
"XXL came to Finland in June 2004 and he was Finnish SPANIEL club's Cocker of the year 2004&2005&2006. Finnish COCKER Spaniel Club's Cocker of the year
2006&2007. And he became 9 years in December ;-)) He was also no 3 in all-breeds Veteran of the year competition in 2007 , and that was very hard job....
Biggest difference between these two competitions is that Cocker Club counts also Group & BIS placements from all-breed-shows, but Spaniel Club don't.
Cocker club is counting 8 shows + annual Cocker Show. Spaniel Club counts 10 shows + annual Spaniel speciality."
Our week- end was spent in a very snowy, clean and white Norway. Without doggy businesses! But not without action and excitement...
Time too look back!
(05.01.2008)
As it is 30 years since these kennels moved from Norway to Sweden, and 30 years since the Swedish Cockerclub was founded, too, I find it interesting to look back on some of the breeding material that has marked the breed well in this period. Several of our own stud dogs have been used on quality bitches and have also meant much for the development of the cocker spaniel here. And with the new Kennel Club database information, it is so interesting to get the real picture about what we thought and hoped for- and how it turned out.
The "main man" historically speaking must have been the multiple group winner Ch Leavenworth It's a Pleasure, but the boys picked out to suit his line also linked well and did a great job of it. Line- breeding with some outcrosses and sometimes even in- breeding has helped the standard to keep close to what we have aimed for through this period of time. We'll start presenting some of these cornerstones in Scandinavian cocker pedigrees, with their pro's and con's here...
Picture shows the great son (and also grandson!) of It's a Pleasure, Ch Travis Harley Davidson (born 1986) going BIS at the international Kennel Club Show in Gothenburg. He also was "cocker of the year 1988. Harry sadly became sterile very young, through an infection in his toncils. (We kept a brother and sister also, and they made up for this by really producing some top winners!)The BIS judge was Mr Ed Crawley (I believe) from New Zealand, who also put him up the week before at a spaniel and retriever show in southern Sweden. He was friendley with the Emerson couple back home, who later bought the black NZ Ch Travis Touch Wood from us. Who incidentally was a litter brother to our top winning Ch Travis Touch Mark, also a BIS- winner at the Gothenburg show later on... These brothers were by the Brittish group winning import Ch Beligar Midas Touch, and their dam was by another of our Englishmen, Lochdene Copper Kettle who also was a great winner in his time. Both these linked so well with It's a Pleasure, though they were very unlike each other in type and pedigree.
They brought small, much wanted and missing details into the line, along with some unwanted things that we of course had to get rid of. And this is what makes breeding so thrilling and difficult, but rewarding if you succeed!
From us...
(30.12.2007)
...to you!
Increase- with a few thoughts...
(29.12.2007)
Latest news given to me is that 23% of the cockers examined for HD in Sweden this year have been judged as affected (C,D,E). This is an increase of 10% in only two years.
The breed average according to the Kennel Club Database is (still) about 14 %.
To be compared with the prcd- PRA of 0,3 % affected!
So what is the greatest threat to the general soundness and well- being of our breed I wonder? Or do we blow these subjets out of proportions altogether? I must say that I think our breed is ultra sound as a whole, both breeding wise and as pets. And I must say that I see many pet cockers from different breeders and living different lives at my dog salon. (I don't see many unhealthy dogs at all, I must admit. Some skin problems in westies are all I have encountered during 15 years of working with "all breeds". People care and treat their dogs well! And a well cared for dog doesn't seem to get sick.
But what are the (various) reasons for the increase in cases of HD? We hope to learn more about this. To do that one have to study pedigrees, way of living, diet, general health, how different vets go about to x-ray dogs, how the Kennel Club evaluate the pictures etc etc.
A most difficult task as the circumstances changes all the time. But as I see it, good hips inherit better hips than bad hips. Bad hips are often painful as the dogs get older, which shows in their temperament and behaviour. And this condition might shorten the dogs lives and create problems and sorrow for the owners.
And we cannot widen and compensate a genetic varation who is getting more restricted by an eventual new Optigen programme regarding eyes, by neglecting other issues, for example through removing the HD programme.
(The above figures have not been checked and verified by me)
Picture shows a cocker in full vigour- as they most often are! (Quite another matter regarding this lame, stiff- legged and short- sighted writer. But! The snow shall once more be conquered this winter. New years promise!)
Statistics! And more.
(28.12.2007)
The HD results published the december 17. from Vital Sparks offspring in Sweden, made me ask for a breed average to get these numbers in a wider context.
Linda Malmstedt sent me these figures, made from the offspring of 29 stud dogs who have sired more than 50 puppies.
In all, these dogs have produced 2861 puppies. 26 % are x- rayed (Vital Spark: 46%). HD affected offspring is 19 % (Vital Spark: 8%)
Linda is currently working on individual statistics for much used stud dogs in Sweden. She tells me that there are dogs who have sired 30-40% HD affected offspring, but there are also dogs with a 100% sound offspring.
Of course I presume that we will know something about the combinations also, the dams and their lines are as you all know not unimportant in these cases. HD is not inherited by a single recessive pattern like the PRA etc. (It is not dominant either). And there is also an (40 - 50%) environmental influence where components such as food, general health, manner and amount of excercise as well as overall upbringing of the stock play an important role.
I still think that the Danish index system is the best. This allows you to take relatives and offspring of the actual dogs into consederation when you seek a suitable breeding combination.
People have criticised the way the x-ray photos are evaluated in Sweden. They are done by different vets and they have also changed the very methods of evaluation in the past few years.
I would say, however, that a dog who is free of HD in Sweden (A-B) really is OK, and in my experience these dogs also are very reliable in breeding. (My own experience, and I never x- ray more than once, and very seldom youngsters. I also prefer the dogs to be fully grown when examinated. (+2 years).
Border cases, where you have had to x- ray more than once, under different circumstances etc. to get the results you wish for, seldom seem to pay off breeding wise. At least in the long run.
Another matter is whether you decide to use a dog with a light HD in your breeding programme. There are of course a wide range of factors to consider when deciding upon a combination. Sometimes you can't "have it all" when planning for the ultimate and ultra- exciting match. But this is the breeders choice and responsibility, and at least you should not fool yourself or other people. It is better to be open with your reasons for the matings you do. And it is better to know the risks than to close your eyes fo the eventual failures.
After all, the breeders who have had the best results always have had to take some risks at certain stages. But you have to know if it is worth it, not do it out of ignorance. - And I would rather use a dog with a light HD from a good, sound line than a free dog from a line known to produce more than average of Hip Dysplasia. And I also try to avoid lines who are known to produce grave HD from time to time. If you do, however, you will have to be extremely careful what you combine, in several oncoming generations.
The Kennel Club's HD programme for Cockers in Sweden is to me very useful, in spite of the weaknesses mentioned. But you can't totally avoid the human factor of course.
You can't avoid the environmental influences on this defect either, and this will also make its mark on the whole picture. But overall, getting rid of the HD health programme sounds like a stupid idea to me. If you do not know what you are breeding to, it might at least be devastating for ordinary people wanting a sound and lively sporting dog. As we all know, Cockers have had periods of temperamental problems through the years, and parts of this complex just might relate to pain and discomfort. To me, cockers are very sensitive in this respect!(Everyone who have tried to de-mat a cocker coat will know that...) And the numbers of HD cases in this country are at this moment very low! We should be careful not to lose what we have achieved over the past years.
And I will also stick out my neck and agree with the Kennel Club's way of evaluating hips. A good joint is a good joint to me (still talking anatomy...), it doesn't need be compared to a significant breed- normal to be valid, at least not in our breed who after all is a "normally" constructed dog. (Compared to bulldogs, bassets etc)
WW-03 Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here...
(27.12.2007)
...mated the blue and tan Travis Rip Off to-day. She is a certificate winning half sister to the Swedish winner- dog from Stockholm and also a daughter to Ch Vital Spark (who is half brother to Gossip Starts Here.) Not complicated- should be fine. We'd like black and tans, reds, blacks and also couple of blues if you please...
A Christmas film not to be missed!
(27.12.2007)
We loved "Sleuth" in the original version starring Sir Lawrence Olivier and Michael Caine.
But the combination of Kenneth Branagh and Harold Pinter is magnificent in the new version, where Michael Caine plays Oliviers part and Jude Law has taken on the task of playing the young man.
But then we think that Mr Branagh is a genious, both as an actor as well as a director.
Cocker of the Year 2007
(27.12.2007)
The results from the Top Cocker competition is still to be published on the Cocker club's website.
You can however find the details if you visit private kennel sites as www.aones.com or www.backhills.just.nu. (And probably on several more sites if you look around.)
Interesting reading it is, and congratulations to all of you who have fought hard and put so much time and effort into this popular activity during the last year.
It is also very good that the breeders put so much work into their websites. Thank you for sharing the news so quickly with us who hasn't been round that much.
Picture shows a "top twenty" dobe from the States, celebrated in style!
Highlight of the year!
(24.12.2007)
Younger son Simen got married!
Before this he was a daredevil- now he is soft as a lamb.
"We triumph without glory when we conquer without danger."
--Corneille
Everybody get what they deserve...
(21.12.2007)
Every dog in our region is now groomed, fluffy and shiny and smell of Chanel!
- And we finished at the salon this evening with a huge 12 year old male cat, living mostly outdoors and who apparently made a beautiful job of scaring off strangers as well as foxes from the premises. He had a badly torn ear and looked dangerous enough, but loved every bit of the bathing, dematting and blowdrying ordeal. He silently finished off my day by aiming a beam of urine right at yours truly. Was it a crime of passion? Or was it like everybody get what they deserve sooner or later?
Anyway- it was a quick travel home to drown yourself inside out in hot and spicy glögg (glühwein). Hope the smell goes away before Christmas eve. (But we will celebrate with cat people to be on the safe side...)
-But this is why I keep dogs!
Merry Christmas, all!
Record breaking show- going!
(20.12.2007)
It is a fantastic development of the entries of cockers shown in Sweden! Not that the record figure of 140 dogs at Stockholm is so stunning (we have been over a hundred for many years now), but nearly every show gets these magic numbers.) There is nearly that much at the oncoming Gothenburg show, and that is of course a spectacular show to participate in, being two separate arrangements held over four days.
But even the smaller specialty shows held in smaller (and colder and dirtier )venues gather lots and lots of dogs. They are well trained and they are expertly prepared, so there are much activities going on with the dogs before they make their apperance in the ring!
This I feel is the result of an even and very high quality in the breed. People feel they are in with a chance and are prepared to come again and again...
Oldies like myself don't recognize people in the ring anymore, but that makes things even more exciting I feel.
And all this is so good for the breed and for people's hand with the dogs. They are happy, activated and well cared for. (Who? Dogs or people? Well, both I should say!)
And at least my show dogs love the attention and the appraisal, they love to be groomed and they love the glamour.
The dogs at home are busy for several days, nosing down the show- goers, and they themselves are trying their best to get into the car again, eager to set out on the next trip.
So rewarding to see! And it is good to have so much in common with so many people.
Christmas cards are still coming thick and fast on the computer- and they are creative masterpieces!
I need to learn.
But first, getting all the dogs shiny and fit for Christmas!
We shall try and update with the dogs that have not been published on these sites yet.
There are several unshown dogs and bitches that need to have their photos taken!
Even our tri bitch Travis Rip Off will be mated.
(18.12.2007)
Charla is in season now and is of course half sister to Ch Travis Miles of Smiles (same dam), by Ch Travis Vital Spark. Her sister Travis Concrete Rose has had a very successful litter in Germany. We are discussing mating her to Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here, sire of Miles of Smiles and of course half brother to Vital Spark on the dam's side.
These two dogs are out of the black and tan bitch Travis Neon Lights, who was a daughter of two of our most important dogs, both multiple group winners etc, namely Ch Leavenworth It's a Pleasure and Ch Travis Fool's Game. We strongly believe in the idea of line- breeding to this very nice bitch and will have all sorts of colours of course, both solids and partis with or without tan.
Picture shows this kennels most important stud dog, Ch Leavenworth It's a Pleasure.
If you scroll down the page, Travis Rip Off is pictured on the 7/11.Travis Neon Lights can be found on the 28/11, she is the b/t in the middle. (Left in this photo, Charla and Miles of Smiles' granddam, Ch Eu Winner Travis Overdrive, right Gossip Starts Here's sire, Ch. Scan Swed Copenhagen Winner Travis Touch Mark)
Efter allt prat om ärftliga sjukdomar-
(17.12.2007)
- Alla uppfödare borde se måndagens program av EKG i femman, repriseras 22/12.
Tänkvärt! Missa inte!
Att "gå i avel" eller inte, när man bär på gener för defekter var ämnet, och det handlade om människor- på riktigt!
En mycket märklig och bisarr upplevelse att titta på och ta ställning till.
-And New Years Eve at Nesbyen!
(17.12.2007)
-Wish us good luck conquering the hillsides- or "break a leg"!
We are only used to skiing cross country (doing most things that way actually), but we can most certainly also go down. In fact, quite sure of that!
What we need to practice is doing it with style...
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
(17.12.2007)
-And thank you for all the letters, cards and mail sent to us!
They made us very happy!
We will try to answer all of you during the Christmas holidays.
Right now it is top speed and high pressure at our dog salons!
Kari and Anna with the "Cockerpoo's"
Right now-
(17.12.2007)
Christmas feels a bit like this...
Photo not so good in quality-
(17.12.2007)
- in technical terms- but the dog looks fabulous in my taste. Perhaps we are looking for the same thing in a dog?
(From Linda M again)
Cool!
(17.12.2007)
Linda M sent this very grafic and arty photo from Stockholm! It sort of captures Keanu's charisma and balance! And it shows how he, like his dad and granddad really enjoys showing off!
-And more photos...
(17.12.2007)
- This time from pro photographer Marie Lore!
HD statistics of Multi Ch Travis Vital Spark!- With some extras...
(17.12.2007)
Linda Malmstedt sent this piece of information! Thank you for work well done. So appreciated!
It would also be interesting to learn his results at an international level. In fact, his best performances as a stud dog has been to top class bitches living outside this country!
But figures like this doesn't say much taken out of its context. Are they good, bad or plain breed average? (Swedish dogs as reference of course)
"Ch.Travis Vital Spark,
80 offspring registered in Sweden; 37 of these x- rayed.= 46,25%
91,89% are OK and 8,108% have remarks,( 3 dogs have a C)"
A snap shot from the Norwegian winner show at Hamar!
(16.12.2007)
Thank you for this! We really worked hard here - and it was a super line up of bitches!
(The ultimate order of placings were not finished at this moment.)
Sense of humour!
(16.12.2007)
Our young favorite in the Swedish Idol competition, named Amanda Jensen, lost in the finals to a dramatic ballad singer. Amanda is tough, tender, raw and has lots of charisma and musical talents. She has been accused of singing out of tune and uncapable of holding a tone.
She now has a big hit on the download lists with a cover- very nicely done- of that old hit "What have they done to my song". Great! And listen to the lyrics, too! It more or less rounds up the whole Idol concept. And more.
And thanks to Amanda Jensen, we all re- discovered the all- time great song "Hallelujah"!
Now on the Top Ten download list in two versions, Jeff Buckley's (untouchable) and the original with Leonard Cohen.
Running around the shops last Friday afternoon, getting Christmas gifts for the family members in Norway for Anna to take back with her after the Stockholm
show, we heard this tune on the loudspeakers in several places. And people just paused right in the middle of their high speed doings.
They played it on the radio, too, when trimming at the dog salon yesterday. Just then, people were coming to fetch their dog, while others were delivering. And we all just stood there in a spontaneous silence.
This is what I call "a magic moment". And you soften a bit on the inside!
Like Abba sung, "Thank you for the Music".
Go with the flow!
(16.12.2007)
Keanu was so turned on after yesterday's success that he mated our Travis Out of the Blue, just passing by. Before the show, he just wouldn't look her way, and we had more or less promised dad to step in...
(Updating this while waiting for the happy couple to finish, and unpatiently waiting to get on with Sunday's schedule, five customers waiting at the salon to get a stylish Christmas hairdo!
No resting on the seventh day on these premises.)
Picture shows Travis Out of the Blue.
Another picture..
(16.12.2007)
Linda Malmstedt sent this, thanks!
Son and father topped Scandinavian winner!
(15.12.2007)
Norw. Winner -07, Norw Swed Ch Travis Miles of Smiles also took the Scandinavian Winner title to- day at Stockholm, in a record entry of 140. His dad, World Winner -03, Swed Norw Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here was beaten into second place in the dog classes. A truly great double!
With this win, Keanu is also qualified for Crufts. We missed it last year with BOB winner Ch Travis Main Course, due to unforeseen circumstances, but we are just as tempted this time...
Thanks a lot to the judge Mr Patric Ragnarsson! (Not on photo.)
And congrats to the best bitch, who also was BOB under the bitch judge.
Ch A Ones Fingers Crossed was also "Cocker of the Year" with this final win.
Thanks girls, for ultra quick photo service, this is from Madeleine Ivarsson.
More photos are on their way and will be published soon.
We had concentrated on the dogs this time and only brought a young bitch in Open, and Anemos First Served at Travis was placed second in this huge class.
She is of course younger sister to last years BOB winner at Stockholm!
We feel touched by such warm- hearted congratulations by the ring and also later in the evening, by mail. You have all made our few outings this year very pleasant.
See you next year! We will try and get about a wee bit more...
Sometimes!
(13.12.2007)
- What you write can be a little too much. You feel it in your stomach, but can't resist it.- It is a good thing then to have a daughter that shouts out loud!
(Portrait taken with the little digital- and airbrushed in Photoshop. We are getting better...)
Lucia!
(13.12.2007)
The Swedish Lucia celebration brings light in a very dark season. And to-day it is dry and clear weather and a beautiful and bright morning! Dogs and people enjoy.
Är man nörd så är man...
(08.12.2007)
Kennel Speedwagon har just producerat en fantastisk typlik (jul) grupp av pepparkaks- amrisar i vårat kök!
Vi har haft en tjejig dag med dofter av saffran och Glühwein. (Att rekommendera om man tröttnar på glöggen. Åkesson!)
Det är härmed överenskommit att vi aldrig kommer att berätta när vi senast bakade inför julen.
Vad vi däremot kan dela med oss, är att ränderna aldrig går ur. Det sitter i ryggmärgen! Vi är ganska mänskliga, helt normala och har simultanförmåga och tusen och en talang!
Nästa helg ger vi oss på de blommiga julgrupperna...
Här ska fejas!
Upp till kamp mot regn och mörker!
With love-
(07.12.2007)
- one can live even without happiness.
Fjodor Dostojevskij
If you love something, set it free; if it comes backs it's yours, if it doesn't, it never was.
Richard David Bach
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
Helen Keller
A few more items will be discussed-
(07.12.2007)
- when it stops raining! Time to sit in the warmth in front of the computer?
No, of course wet, unhappy and frustrated cockers need all the attention! It used to be heaps of powdery snow and happy dogs diving in it, this time of year. Now it is heaps of soaking wet towels instead.
Incredible!
(05.12.2007)
Over 5000 dogs entered at the Norwegian Kennel Club's final show at Hamar, and over 10 000 dogs at Stockholm in December, is almost a surrealistic number! Cockers are about 130, and this is a very good entry. And what about 110 smooth Chihuahuas, even more Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, 70 Bichon Havanais, 150 Chinese Crested, 70 Tibetan Spaniels, about 120 Shetland Shepdogs or nearly 40 Griffon Petit brabancons? Even more impressive is "rare breeds" like Lagotto with over 70 entries and portugese water dogs with 60. Staffordshire bull terrier has over 140 entries and Australian shepherds about 50.
It is somehow as rewarding to watch the judging of different breeds as it is to show yourself. At least it is a show that you can't miss! For a doggy person, Christmas celebrations starts here!
Tyra in season!
(05.12.2007)
Travis Out of the Blue is going to be mated next week to N S Ch Norw. Winner-07, Group winner Travis Miles of Smiles, his very first try. We are crossing fingers that he falls for her! She is the sister of a World Winner and a daughter of a Scandinavian and Swedish Winner while he is the son of a World Winner, so at least it looks promising on paper !
Spreading light in December!
(01.12.2007)
Rain and dark and a horrible time of year. But Cristmas lights are lit to- day, and we have these radiant blondes, too! (See below)
Jeff Buckley
(01.12.2007)
-immortal!
Åste Sem
(01.12.2007)
- the Norwegian Idol- singer is the incarnation of soul! And as in Sweden, members of the jury were moved to tears.. Maybe we are learning to let our feelings loose up here in the freezing North, too?
Hallelujah!
(01.12.2007)
We all have our moments of truth I suppose. There are times, happenings and places when you come to understand what means the most to you in life- and what is less important. Often these tings are connected to music, at least to me! As a result of a tragic loss in the near family, I have thought about the importance of planning a bit ahead. Things may happen to you and the people left behind often have nothing to cling to, no last wishes, no practical solutions to be helped by.
I have for long wished a few songs that are special to me, to be performed in church at my funeral. (Let's face it, we are not immortal). By chance some of these have been performed at the Swedish and Norwegian Idol- competitions the last couple of weeks! These are songs that are sacred, at least to me, in a way that nothing compares (!) to the original. I have heard them in new versions by established artists through the years, and have always reacted with a feeling of impatience, or even blasphemia. Until now!
The Norwegian super- talent Åste Semb sang the golden hit of Elvis Presley's- "Always On My Mind", in a way that nearly wiped out the original version. Totally incredible. (The Swedish Marie Picasso also choose this piece some time ago, but that left me untouched). And yesterday, the irresistable Amanda Jensen sang Cohen/ Buckley's "Hallelujah" in a way that got me crying in front of the telly. (Standing ovations from jury and audience- an irrational moment). As always a bit out of tune, but with a power, charisma and a complete naked way of expressing herself that makes you hold your breath.
She is compared to (a Pink) Amy Winehouse, but I don't think so. She holds her own. You just want her to go on singing and her performances are really magic.
My funeral will be a great one, and I am sure that I will be at piece. And Leonard Cohen will always stay in tune! And his lyrics are kept close to the heart.
- And the stylists had made a terrific job, too...
Cockers among the healthiest breeds! (Corrections to text made 29/11)
(28.11.2007)
The general judges congress was arranged in Sweden a couple of weeks ago, about judging dogs with a mind on soundness and health in general. But also each and every breed was discussed in groups of about ten or so judges, with special competence in the different breeds.
A party of Scandinavias more experienced allround- judges with lots of international assignments had gone through all breeds before this event, and singled out several that they thought needed a reminder concerning soundness and exaggerations.
The breed clubs concerned had a letter about this from the Kennel Club, and the problems were discussed within the clubs, but even among the judges at the congress.
I am so glad to tell you that our cockers are in fact one of the soundest breeds! We talked about trying to notice excessive lip folds and loose eye lids, as this can cause infections that might need veterinary attention. But that was in fact all we came up with in our breed!
So do not forget, when you read about all the disorders that MIGHT happen to a dog; we've got a healthy breed!
(How many illnesses can people get? Do you feel a bit weak by the thought of it?)
In fact cockers have increased in numbers by 60 % the last five years or so in Sweden. So the family dog must be regarded as a sound and healthy breed to keep, both in confirmation and in temperament.
Meeting a new cocker- owner in Oslo with experience in breeding a different kind of dog, they had sought advice from the Norwegian Spaniel Club with a question about how to find a good quality solid coloured puppy. A representative from the Club had expressed that there were no really serious breeders of this colour in Norway, so the family had ended up buying a puppy by recommendation in Stockholm.
They were very disappointed and a bit alarmed that the puppy turned out to be a "carrier" for prcd- PRA. The breeder had tested the dam after selling the puppy, and she turned out to be "affected". So automatically, the puppy was a carrier, the sire being tested normal/clear. But we have to understand that such a puppy is OK! It is OK!
It is not bad quality, it is not unsuitable for showing or breeding, it is not less valuable in any way.
You will only have to consider what to breed it to, in a different way than before the test results came through.
But is the testing better for the breed? This is what this question is about. With a breed average of 0,6 % of prcd- PRA- a result achieved without considering "the inner qualities" - you can but wonder!. Can we afford to discard say 50 % of all the combination we could go through with, without knowing the gene status? I mean ,if the result of this " not knowing" breeding stays well under 1 % regarding clinically affected dogs? And when we don't even know (yet) if they (all) will have a reduced eyesight in their lifetime?
But most of all; if "ordinary" people test their dogs and get alarmed and scared, what can this do to this sound, healthy and lovely breed? Or if "ordinary" people buy a puppy from Sweden at this time, and get to know the parents tests results later on (which will be the case if the prcd- PRA testing programme replaces the present regulations)- and the tests shows that you might have bought a carrier or affected puppy, what will this mean to this breeds future popularity or quality? Will there be excess use of normal/clear dogs no matter soundness or quality in other aspects? Will breeders have a problem when their buyers find that the genetic status of their puppy is otherwise than they hoped for?
I see a problem morally though, if an owner in Norway who didn't plan to test the dog (Norwegians seldom do, they didn't vote for a membership in the EU either...) gets to know something that he would prefer not to know. It then becomes a moral dilemma! So every Norwegian puppy buyer should be wise to consider the situation described above.
I bet we all should get alarmed if we knew whatever genes we ourselves are carrying. Would we then get banned from having babies? Or would we choose our spouses from other criterias than just falling in love? (Well, some cultures do, still...)
I have myself bad hearing, rather bad sight (getting worse), and at times a rather unreliable temperament (I call it artistic..), but I can honestly say that I have achieved what I aimed for in breeding my three children. They are all better than mum in every way- and look better, too! You have to know your pro and cons...(As yet with people, without a gene- test. Dogdom is far ahead of us...)
P.s. We are grateful that the Swedish breeders confide in Anna taking care of the coats on dogs you sell to the Oslo area. We would just underline that we do not discuss their conformation or other characteristics, nor do we ask about their breeding. They are just treated as much loved pets!
And thanks to the breeder of the Norwegian puppy for a very pleasent telephone call, which put the above facts right (I hope).
The Danish Method-
(27.11.2007)
- of dealing with the DNA- tests is very logical. (Why make it difficult when it can be done simple?) The Danish breeders are testing wherever they want to, and many of course choose the German Laboklin company, which is much cheaper than the Optigen. This means of course that breeders can test whole litters at the same time if they want to, at a reasonable cost. Of course the Swedish breeders will not be allowed to use these dogs in their breeding programme, as the German results are not valid by the Swedish Kennel Club. Such dogs will have to be re- tested by the American Optigen...
But if these dogs are re- tested with the Optigen and the results are identical- when will the Swedish Kennel Club start recognizing the German laboratory? Which of course is within the European Community? In short; what is it with this question that we don't know?
The Danish breeders can also use the "affected" dogs (by the DNA- method), mated to normal/ clear partners. As they say, this is using the new genetic methods in its full consequence, and the resulting puppies will always be carriers, so it is not necessary to test the offspring of such combinations.
-And a carrier is a healthy dog that will never go blind.
A modern way of thinking and acting- to a modern way of examining the breeding material. It should be that simple really! If you fully trust the tests that is. And in Sweden, they seem to do! (No point in introducing it "the Swedish way" otherwise)...
Or are our dogs part of a prolonged period of practical testing out the scientific theories? To be trusted only to a certain degree- for now?
The natural look will do!
(27.11.2007)
-Some does'n need to dress up. Like Sebastian Karlsson. Who ever thinks about what Johnny Depp is wearing? Or Angeline Jolie for that matter?
Like judging dogs, really. Who cares about the time you put into shaping and trimming the coat if the dog loses it's carriage on the move or if it hasn't got that special "air of superiority"? It is difficult to put the finger on what this quality consists of, but you have to be able to recognize it to be a good judge!
A cool man.
(26.11.2007)
Michael Stipe! And artistic, too!
Blame it on the stylists!!
(26.11.2007)
Why did Daniel fall out?
The jury loved him, the people loved him, the journalists loved him and he is talented and special.
But we have seen it once before, in a singer with even more qualities!
This guy did not WIN the Swedish Idol competition, but he had it all coming to him, and the best ones never seem to go right to the top here.
His turning point (or downfall) came when he appeared in an insane red suit of leather in the Melodie Grand Prix AND had shaved his hair! We are talking about the one and only Sebastian Karlsson of course.
When Daniel appeared in a likewise insane red costume- and had a shaved head to top it off, we just gave up! Keep away from "the red alert"!
So blame it on the stylists!! They might get it right with some of the girls, but keep away from the boys, please. They lose character, charm and identity. They just look silly!
And if your surname is Karlsson- go change it before planning a carreer!
- Talking of stylists in TV- shows, a bit of French elegance wouldn't hurt the beautiful Jessica Almenäs either. (Less is more doesn't necessarily mean gowns as short as a T- shirt) She should not have to look like a Christmas tree at Central Park in dresses and hair styles that almost kill her natural radiation. Think Catherine Deneuve, not Britney Spears (nor Barbie Doll)!
And rely on talent and beauty to stand up for themselves.
Picture shows Sebastian with his incredible red outfit from last year. But we are still hanging in there, waiting for your next move!
Daniels next move will be to the top of the hit lists with his self written song "The one". Remember where you read it first...
Vital Spark has a terrific progeny group at Stockholm!
(25.11.2007)
The very top winners from Sweden, Finland and Denmark will be there, and Edwin is presently wondering if it is advisable to turn up in his underwear in the middle of December. He would love to front this group of wonderchildren but would perhaps need mum to buy some hot and fashionable clothes to put on. He promises to be in great condition at the beginning of June instead. We are planning in a big scale here...
His easy- to- care- for and sporty hair do is very becoming, though. Perhaps it should create a new trend?
(Sorry, no photo available in his new look. He is shown here in a more suit- able appearance...)
Hamar in the morning!
(25.11.2007)
Not often do we find time to enjoy views in the morning of a dog show. At Hamar, there was no stress at all and the camera found this view. Anna was behind the machine of course...
Still unbeaten in dog classes...
(25.11.2007)
Norw Swed Ch Travis Miles of Smiles finished his titles and was also Norwegian Winner- 07 at Hamar, Norway! He had to bow to the winning lady for Best of Breed though, which was the multi- titled Travis Vital Spark- daughter Cockergold Cute'n Blue from Denmark. Mrs Jessie Borregaard Madsen from Denmark judged! The judges who have put him up- or in fact judged him- have all been real spaniel specialists. Proud of that!
The bitch also became Norwegian Champion and got the Winner- title as well. Her owner Lotte tells us that this made her the top winning bitch ever in Denmark. Good going!
Our bitches, the champions Travis Main Course (by Vital Spark) and Travis Hit and Miss (by Gossip Starts Here) were second and third among the ladies. The black Hit and Miss won Open class and is of course a full sister to the winning dog.
Hamar was a great show this year, with much more space than usual, being held over three days. Carpet covered rings are pure luxury for dogs and handlers as well! Over 5000 dogs was a number well deserved.
And car parking as well as entering the show venue in the morning was second to none. We just walked right in! No stop and waiting for control of dogs and papers at all! In Norway, they seem to think that after all the conditioning, trimming and polishing the dogs have to put up with, owners obviously are trusted to bring dogs that are healthy and vaccinated as well.
It is nice to be trusted with honesty. It creates a feeling of mutual respect!
Which we need...
A few quotations from the Judges congress...
(21.11.2007)
Mr Ronnie Irving of the Kennel Club held a highly appreciated speech and said that in England, they do not want to obstruct the work of talented and experienced breeders. So in their efforts aiming for sounder and healthier dogs, the Kennel Club would not make use of force, nor prohibitions when it comes to methods of breeding.
(They will continue to allow close breeding as well as extensive use of certain stud dogs)
He stated that dog breeding was art, not science.
Mr Dan Eriksson's definition of a sound dog was very true and obvious. He simply stated that a sound specimen in any breed is a dog that seldom is in need of veterinary attention in its daily life. (This has nothing to do with merely looking like a Basset or a Basenji of course!)
So in our forthcoming efforts to breed even sounder, healthier dogs, we might even succeed in reducing the needs of veterinary surgeons ... and more important, tidying up in the jungle of insurance regulations that promise much but often do not hold water.
It IS strange though that it is possible to breed to dogs that have been altered (nip/tucked) here and there without vets having to report about these conditions to the SKK's breed committé, while different internal or genetical deficiencies are so much harder regulated. If both vets and judges would react to exaggerations and visible problems in a dog in an agreable way, results might be achieved much quicker and without scaring breeders off.(personal reflection)
Responding to a question from Mr Göran Bodegård on the use of DNA- methods in breeding, Mrs Ferelith Hamilton explained that in the past, breeders were keeping a larger number of dogs. Because of that they knew better how to select among their material. Selection regarding which dogs to use or not was much harder and more significant because of the fact that breeders could afford to discard dogs but still be left with what they needed. Nowadays, with fewer dogs and a different structure of breeding dogs, people are more apt using what they have at home and they probably know less about their lines. Under these conditions, the DNA- tests should be valuable as an instrument.
The Yebo dog-
(21.11.2007)
- is in fact a bitch and we still have difficulties in getting used to her name, so we have not felt ready for deciding upon a pedigree name as yet...
A funny person nearby suggested that since the name "Fingers Crossed " is somewhat spoken for in the breed in Sweden at the moment, we should call her Travis Hands Folded... Why not, really, one tends to get a little religious looking at her... Nobody here is used to hearing me burst out in praises of "Hallelujah" every now and then...must be an an old age thing as we used to be more into funk than gospel really. Not to mention when we get the blues!
But right now we seem quite jazzed upp!
Just fine!
(21.11.2007)
Our little Travis Odd Molly is coming along fine, now 6 weeks. Everybody have had a liver cocker, but it's a first time for us. Exciting!
News from the Swedish judges conference next week!
(21.11.2007)
Big, big judges congress last week end, but at the same time as being down with the flu, working full time and trying to get about to go to the Norwegian Ch show at Hamar tomorrow, updating have low priorities this week.
The congress was overwhelming and needs some thinking before reporting...
Unsoundness, exaggerations; what is the judges role in preventing sick dogs but still maintain type and quality in different breeds? Big issue!
The Chairman of the English Kennel Club. Mr Ronnie Irving, made an impressive speech. Especially all breeder- judges I talked to was really impressed by his views on different aspects of our sport.The status of breeding dogs is somewhat different over there it seems. Something to aim at and bear in mind!
Shavian As Promised-
(21.11.2007)
- the son of Gossip Starts Here, on a recent photo. Thank you, Petr, for this.
We hope to see your boy and "the rest of the world" at the World Winner show in Stockholm in June!
So don't forget to consider the time factor regarding the Swedish blood test following the rabies shot on your dogs! The Ministry of Agriculture seems reluctant to let go of this condition.
We hope that this will not cause the coveted titles to be less important.We want to see quality dogs from everywhere of course! And meet the breeders too!
Good news from southern Sweden-
(15.11.2007)
- where WW-06 Multi Ch Travis Hold on to your Dreams went Best Bitch last Saturday at Åstorp Spaniel and Retriever Ch Show after a rest from the rings. Her daughter Occis Keep the Dream Alive by Corralet Tango topped the intermediate class.
And yet another Champion was made up by Vital Spark, the black Occis Clockstopper gained his last certificate at the same show. (He is out of Travis Ace of Base). Congrats to the Occis and thanks for the results and pic's!
About animal wellbeing
(15.11.2007)
It is a good thing that the Swedish trotting authorities now punish the drivers for forcing horses to perform beyond their capacity, by whipping them.
I would seriously doubt hireing a driver who doesn't see the wryness of this.
I have also seen dog handlers litterally throwing their dogs into the crate after being defeated in the show ring. Or severely punishing dogs that have gone out of hand during field work. However, I think that the Dog Fraternity use to take actions against this kind of misbehaviour much quicker than the horsemen. It should not be a question of money and "business as usual" in cases like this.
Concerning treatment of animals at large, it is also to be hoped for that Swedish controlling vets start reacting on what they see in the slaughterhouses too. Some time ago, this subject was flashed in the newspapers, and a few of the controllers stated that they were reluctant to create a conflict with the slaughters. After some horrible details about methods of killing animals, described in newspapers, all that happened was that a few more young girls stopped eating meat, I personally had vegetarian diets for a fortnight (!) but it all died away as usual. Vets working with the animal production units should remember that they are engaged by the Ministry of Agriculture, not by the commercial industry...Or are they not?
Thea is gone.
(14.11.2007)
She was Swed and Norw Ch Travis Hell No, and by her name it sounds as if she was a strong- willed lady. This she was not, but certainly a Lady.
She had such a big heart and was so kind to dogs and humans alike.
She acted like a grandma to all puppies and youngsters and was never demanding- always thankful for whatever she got.
As a show dog she had immense quality we thought, but was never really the type of dog that put all into her showing. Her "magic moment" was when she won Best in Show at the Cockerclub specialty under Ms Kari Granaas Hansen. After this, she decided that home was the place to be...
Thea's pedigree was considered by many as a risky one, being a result of a half sister to half brother mating to our group winning English import Ch Beligar Midas Touch. (Her dad was our biggest winner Ch Travis Touch Mark). Midas Touch was a fantastic stud dog, but in combination with certain bitch lines, he threw hip dysplasia. While we had seven of his offspring in our kennels at the time, neither with this problem, we decided to do this close mating. And so far, the results in this aspect has been super. Thea also had a champion sister in Norway who in her turn was the mother of champions. Her most famous offspring was the red dog Ch Travis Able and Willing owned by Meryl knls, sadly no longer among us.
Of course Thea made her way from the kennels and into the house and it was never a question where she should be.
She has left us with children of great character, which we hope to campaign next year.
Whatever success they may gain, they will always live here with us. (And they have already decided to live in the house, by hiding when everybody is coming into the kennels an re-appear when mum has given up and opens the back door to the kitchen...)
Such was Thea's personality, which she passed on to her offspring.
A sad day. We love you dearly, Thea!
(Suffering from inoperable cancer in the uterus, she became nearly 12 years old.)
Travis Hot Legs-
(13.11.2007)
- the black and tan Gossip Starts Here- son, won Best of Breed and also his second certificate this week end at Orkanger, Norway under judge Mr Per Iversen. Well done, Haugbråthen's!
This combination has now produced three Best of Breed winners as well as a Champion. This is what makes line breeding so incredible!
Travis Out of the Blue-
(12.11.2007)
- is a much pampered family pet and made her debut at a rather ripe age at Grängesberg. She was placed fourth in Open Class and found out that she might enjoy showing in the very last move around the ring. She has had a very nice litter to Ch Travis Ferrari and will be mated to Travis Miles of Smiles. Tyra is the sister to WW-06 Travis Hold on to your Dream among others, by Ch Classicway Coat of Arms out of Swed .Scan. Winner, Swed. and Norw. Ch Travis Wake Up and Dream.
Travis Vintage Gold-
(12.11.2007)
- had a year away from the rings and came out to win Best of Breed at Grängesberg spaniel and retriever specialty. On his way to the BOB he beat a super line up of top winning dogs, all fighting at the top of the Cocker of the Year list.
We were very proud! Thanks to the judge Ms Karin Brostam.
Steven is another of Gossip Starts Here's offspring.
So we have been at four shows this year- and came away with the Best of Breed rosette every time! Daddy has had two BOB's and two sons won once each.
(Plus one performance in the poodle ring, also with BOB)
Dare we show any more this year?? Of course we do!
PS We are sorry that we had to leave before the finals, due to unforeseen domestic reasons.
Apologies to the judges concerned!
"May you always have Love to Share, Health to Spare, and Friends that Care"
(12.11.2007)
- Got this on the mail! A big thank you for an amazing series of photos. Anna has bought new "monsterlenses" for her camera. I would be glad if we could catch some of our cockers in an encounter like this!
A final piece of advice...
(12.11.2007)
Talking to breeders around the show rings about the prcd- PRA tests and the actions taken by the breed club etc:
The resignation you feel in this matter is NOT motivated. There are desicions and protocols to be followed by the committe and these are to be found at the Cocker club's website. If you feel that things are not right, look it up! Search the records! The Club should not be able to act without a mandate from the members. If members do not engage themselves, this is also a sort of a mandate...
The only resignation I personally feel at this moment, is the fact that breeders doesn't care enough to really follow the development of this (and other) matters and constantly update their knowledge and information concerning the breed.
We put so much time, knowledge, money and effort into breeding, preparing and showing our dogs, so why is it so hard to engage ourselves in the "technical matters" of our beloved hobby?
Don't say afterwards that you weren't aware of the consequences.
If you want the DNA- test in this breed, and with the terms given; fine!
If you don't or if you are doubtful; start engaging yourselves!
But please, don't be indifferent!
Yebo!
(07.11.2007)
Gosh! Asking granddaughter Dina (5) to name our first (!) red and white bitch puppy, didn't seem so risky when we thought of it. But when she told us very firmly that the puppy was to be named Yebo, we really had second thoughts...
But Yebo it is, and we are practising several times every day to be able to normalize this rather odd idea.
- It was never a matter of discussion at all really. (Deep sigh- but a very proud one. Go for it, Dina!)
Standing in line! (Press stop)
(07.11.2007)
We have some problems finding time to show our youngsters... This is a sister to our super little Travis Van Lear Rose, called Travis Got the Bug. They are by Travis Gossip Starts Here ex Travis Lagonda (by Travis Ferrari) There is also a bouncing brother at home, waiting for his feathering to grow.
Press stop! Scarlett came out to win the yearling class and was fourth in the best bitch line up at Swedish Spaniel and retriever clubs ch show at grängesberg. (63 entries)
Best of Breed with a first certificate, was our orange son of Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here, called Travis Vintage Gold. This after a periode of one year's break from the show ring. Picture coming up!
Travis Rip Off (Press Stop)
(07.11.2007)
This blue and tan Vital Spark daughter has one certificate and is now coming into her best. She will be mated next season, stud dog not yet decided. Her dam, the BOB winning Travis Brassed Off, is also the dam to group winning Travis Miles of Smiles.
Charla was third in the Best Bitch line up at Grängesberg.
Better picture of Lindex below?
(07.11.2007)
Taking pictures is not a strong point with us unfortunately...And we don't even bother blaming the camera!
Travis Hallelujah Moment-"Lindex"!
(07.11.2007)
Stripping off the puppy coat is always an exciting moment, and here is the last Vital Spark daughter having her show costume on for the first time. Just learning to stand properly, she will be ready for puppy classes. (No need to train moving, she just needs to stand still from time to time..)
The dam is the black Travis Lagonda, by Scan Winner, Ch Travis Ferrari ex Travis Out of the Blue (by Ch Classicway Coat of Arms ex Scan. Swed, Winner, Ch Travis Wake Up and Dream)
Travis Lagonda is also dam of the SKK Sundsvall- winning bitch Travis van Lear Rose. (Picture from that show in "news archive")
Lindex brother, the orange roan "Nudie", is still waiting for his puppy coat to come off.
Congratulations Denmark!
(06.11.2007)
DK(U)CH S(U)CH HRCH KLBCH FINJW05 EUW07 DKJUBIV07 KBHV07 DKKV07 GBZCH
Cockergold Cute N'Blue was BOB and BIG 2 at Herning in a record entry. She was also Cocker of the Year 2007 and of course Danish winner. Her brother Multi Ch Cockergold Misty Blue was BOS and if I am not wrong, he was Cocker of the year last year! This makes Vital Spark the sire of Cocker of the Year- winners in this country at least four times in the recent years.
Thank you for a lovely photo!
(-and a great collection of titles she has, too. I am not sure I understand what some of them stand for. A true proof that the world is spinning too fast for us "oldies"!)
True Norwegian!?
(05.11.2007)
This super little dog puppy living with Ms Bollinger in Germany comes from a Travis bitch exported to Germany, mated to a Carillo dog exported to Italy.
It's not only the internet that makes the world smaller, you also need a bit of good old human effort and brain-storming!
True happiness...
(05.11.2007)
... lies in small things. Like watching children and dogs enjoy each other. The grandchildren Dina and Mads are out walking puppies, first time on a lead and so forward going!
Artie now also a Norwegian Champion!
(01.11.2007)
- And now Ch Travis Art Nouveau will cross the borders...
Rounding off...
(31.10.2007)
The Cocker Club committee just stated that to deliberately make a combination of two carriers of a disorder to risk producing a defect dog, means breaking the Swedish Kennel Club's general regulations, as well as those of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Doing that, you will no longer be allowed a membership in the club.
Unconciously doing the same thing, will not cause the same consequences.
For years and years we have combined prcd- PRA carriers without knowing, and our population have (according to Optigen) more that 50% dogs carrying such a gene.
Statistically we should have expected more that 20 times the number of prcd- PRA cases than we actually have got. The reason for this is, according to the Cockerclub, that we stop clinical eye tests of our dogs too early. In the press release below (Optigen's own) they open for a possibility of an unknown gene that plays a part in the picture, which is needed to trigger off the actual symptoms in some of the "affected" dogs.
This means that the DNA program might not yet be fully validated and because of this, in my opinion not yet ready to replace the clinical examination. It also means that you may combine two carriers, one of which (or both) is lacking in this unknown "trigger gene". You may get an "affected" offspring by DNA-testing, but the dog will never show any symptoms.
Is the dog then really "defect" by the SKK's definition? Is it defect in legal terms or in veterinary terms? Are breeders then breaking the rules?
Would it, if this is true, be as improper to use normal/clear dogs which also carry this "trigger gene" in breeding, and thus spreading this to possible carrier dogs etc?
Is in fact the genetics of the prcd- PRA partial polygenetic?
You will have the same picture and moral dilemma by using a dysplastic dog in your breeding program. This is "knowingly". And should be against the rules mentioned above. If you remove the health program against hip dysplasia as it is stated in the Cocker Club health program, you can choose to skip the x-ray procedure,choose "not to know" and use these animals without breaking the rules.
Good moral? Hardly. But in the last case you deal with clinical bad function, pain and daily problems in your dog's life. This we know. In the first case, we do not know much about the suffering of the "affected" prcd- PRA dog, as very few go blind early and are detected in the clinical eye test. (0.6%) In my early days, however, I have seen dogs go blind from some variation of PRA (central? prcd?) as early as at five years of age. This is of course tragic and we need to be observant of this (as well as all other things that can make a dogs life uncomfortable or painful).
But in all these cases we MUST even trust the individual breeder to know what is the right thing to do. No-one actively try to breed defect dogs. And many old- timers do know what is hereditary dominant or not in their lines. Everything can not be explained by formulas and numbers. Some things you just know by experience! Living is learning! And breeders are not a group of suspect persons! Dog breeding should be a work of art- not industrial production. -And sometimes it is defendable too, to stretch rules a little bit, to get that much further. But then you should know what you are doing! And we must face it, all breeders are not on the same level. Some have more experience, more talent or more knowledge. Be happy that someone else takes a few risks for the benefit of the breed! If it fails, it's all on her. If it succeeds, you can make use of it and easily cash in the goods.
I have from time to time been hearing "you can't do that" or "shame on you" throughout my breeding carreer, in between my one hundred champions and as many group wins. Many of my dogs being behind VERY many of the Swedish cockers, I am frankly very tired of all the wiseguys and all the do's and don'ts...
The DNA test is a splendid thing and will be such a good help in breeding sounder dogs. But is it complete yet? Or should it be "a helping tool" in addition to the actual clinical eye program for the time being? Because we need to have more questions answered before we take the big step to change our health program! And you can not answer complexed questions in a simple way.
In my opinion.
(Finally, to make things absolutely clear, I will follow the rules that the SKK and the members of the Cockerclub decide upon. But that was not the point here!)
A break through? Forgotten information? Hidden information?
(28.10.2007)
-Or information no longer relevant?
Anyway, it is at least important information and deserves an answer...
This is copied from the Cockerclub's debate forum, at their website:
"We have also retested the pedigrees of extremely late onset PRA, that had multiple members testing as Pattern C1. All of the C1 dogs are "Affected" with the mutation test. That leaves us with the theory that this subgroup inherits prcd-PRA but also must inherit an unidentified second gene that modifies the onset of PRA, causing some "Affecteds" in the pedigree to exhibit typical prcd-PRA, and some retain good vision throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, we do not have any more satisfying explanation for the situation. Hopefully it will be more clear with ongoing research."
Quote from a press release from the Optigen company dated June 1 2005
Groomer's education
(28.10.2007)
Yesterday we had the pleasure of leading a one day's speed education in the art of preparing a cocker for the show ring, but also in clipping and trimming the pet cocker to look the part with less hair and feathering. You can make a cocker look like it should but reduce the thickness of the coat, so that owners can enjoy a beautiful and typey dog and still participate in outdoor activities without having to care for the coat for hours afterwards!
There are many tools to make a cocker's coat care easy and quick without having the dog look clipped and ruined.
About 20 dog groomers had come to study our methods and it was a pleasure to hear how the girls enjoyed their job and to work with dogs. Groomers all work very hard and there were discussions about how to minimize stress, how to make it worthwhile to choose this profession and how to be able to make a proper income without too much wear and tear to the body.
Mia Övernäs of Trimkompaniet was organizing this education and is a great source for education at all levels of dog grooming in Sweden.
Thank you for this opportunity to meet fellow groomers! Your intentions and quality of work is very good!
To be able to learn show preparation properly, you have to work individually and step by step on your own dog. You also need to learn to analyze each dogs anatomy, it's faults and assets, different colours and coat quality.
We can help you with this if there is an interest, and also supply with suitable dogs of course...
Travis Odd Molly!
(26.10.2007)
Named after our favourite Swedish design for clothing, their knitwear is second to none! Just released on the stockmarket and value is rising quick and steady...Go buy!
Good things still happens!
(25.10.2007)
Our black and tan dog in Norway, Travis Hot Legs (read about him below) now has been promised by the Swedish Kennel Club to get his Optigen- test registered centrally in Sweden, though he is tested by the Optigen- form alone, not accompanied by the Swedish Kennel Club's form (which was the original requirement).
A good thing! Of course we must trust foreign dogs to to this right by their own domestic rules and regulations. So send a copy of your DNA-results to the SKK to get it registered with our database, too! (But you better give them a ring first!)
You know, if we are only allowed to mate carriers to normal/clears (dogs with at least one carrier gene are over 50% of the population according to Optigen)
- we need to take care of our national and international sources so that we don't shrink our gene pool too much! So here's to a modern migration...
Think of the scenario if one of my dogs (if DNA-tested clear) should want to have the Polish form to be able to mate a Polish bitch, a German form to be allowed on a German bitch, a Danish form to be allowed on a Danish bitch, an Italian form to be allowed on an Italian bitch...
Why not put up a common database for this within the FCI at least?
We have a World Winner Show coming up next year. I bet people make contacts and decide upon international breeding plans after this! So by then we should have clear and easy as well as functional regulations.
Utdrag från informationen på Cockerklubbens hemsida:
För parning utomlands gäller samma regler som tidigare.
Dock får hund som är testad Anlagsbärare/Carrier endast paras med hund testad Normal/Clear med SKKs remiss.
Dock kan resultat från gentest, där SKKs remiss inte använts, åberopas för registrering av valpkull.
Men då kommer hela valpkullen att beläggas med temporär avelsspärr.
Spärren försvinner då avkomman testas Normal eller Anlagsbärare.
Utländska hundar kan använda SKKs remiss och resultatet blir då registrerat i SKKs dataregister.
Puppies planned!
(24.10.2007)
The blue bitch Tyra, Travis Out of the Blue (Ch Classicway Coat of Arms- Swed. Scand. Winner, Ch Travis Wake Up and Dream) is not yet shown but will make her debute in Grängesberg in November. She is sister to "our Katie", Travis Face the Music, our stud dog Travis Fool's Goal and World Winner, Multi Ch Travis Hold On to your Dream.
Travis Out of the Blue was our "pick of litter" but has been slow to mature. She has had a litter by Scan Winner, Ch Travis Ferrari- and their daughter Travis Lagonda is also ready for the ring. (Lagonda's daughter, Travis Van Lear Rose, by Gossip Starts Here won certificate and BOS at SKK Sundsvall some weeks ago from intermediate class, only her second show!)
Travis Out of the Blue will be mated to the triple BOB winner and Group winner Travis Miles of Smiles in November.
Eye tested OK (clinically) was today Miles of Smiles, Intermission, Puttin' On the Ritz (aged 8) and Out of the Blue.
Picture showing sister Katie, for the want of one of "Tyra"...
So mating the son to a World Winner to the sister of another World Winner doesn'n need to promise anything- but it sure feels nice...
Now we are going totally selfish...
(23.10.2007)
We are going to do some more work on these sites and have started updating our GROUP WINNERS at all breed shows, and you will find these under "gallery".
Freddie will be there of course...
Moved!
(23.10.2007)
-by all positive response and support.
(Especially to You...)
I do hope it was worth the effort!
Your turn, all!
Trés Chic,
(22.10.2007)
-Quite simple, quite obvious but so warm- hearted and charming!
"Together you are less alone" or "Ensemble, c'est tout" is the title of Audrey Tautou's latest film and this actress never puts a foot wrong in our opinion. Very similar to another favourite, Audrey Hepburn.
Go along and make yourself ( and somebody you care for) happy!
Another Travis examined...and some final words...
(21.10.2007)
The certificate- winning Travis Hot Legs, situated in Norway, has been tested Normal/ Clear for prcd- PRA with Optigen. He is by WW-03 Norw. Swed Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here out of Travis Brassed Off. Hips A. Clinic eye test OK. Thank you Elin, for the information and also the picture, and good luck!
This dog is tested by the Optigen form, not by the additional Swedish Kennel Club's form, of course, living in Norway. This means that he is regarded as untested in Sweden. (And this is the case for any foreign DNA- tested dog unless it is done by the means of the Swedish form in addition to the Optigen form).Initially, such a dog will not be accepted to be used on Swedish bitches diagnosed Carriers, centrally registered with the SKK database.
Though, Swedish bitches who have registered their eye status with the SKK database and are Carriers, will be able to mate to such a dog anyway.(!) Their puppies will then have a breeding ban until they are tested Normal/Clear or Carriers. Otherwise, Swedish breeders might of course ask the owner of the foreign dog to re- test it, completing with the Swedish Kennel Club's own form. Only then can the resulting puppies be eligable for breeding without this ban.
Swedish "Carrier" bitches which have not registered their DNA- tests with the SKK database (though listed officially at the Cockerclubs website), are excluded from these restrictions and can use whatever dog they please as long as it is clinically eye tested within a year from the date of mating. What rules that are valid for centrally registered bitches with a Normal/Clear diagnosis, I am not able to understand from the breed club information.
This is only a small extract of the temporary Cocker spaniel health program concerning PRA, to be commenced on 1 of November. The club members will decide upon the continuation at the next Annual meeting.
The responsibility of the breed in Sweden lies entirely in the hands of the breeders, the majority of which seem very silent at this stage.
I do hope that the more competent and experienced breeders will express an opinion very soon.
- And personally, I now let the matter rest.
But I will suggest that we question the necessity of all these restrictions and regulations and start trusting the breeders to be honest, clever and responsible people.
I am getting more and more convinced that the Norwegian model is superior. Here the moral of breeding sound dogs totally lies in the hands of each breeder. If you are doing a bad or dishonest job of it, it will soon show anyway!
Because you can not easily hide your intentions or your (lack of) talents in this profession.
Even if you are very clever at expressing opinions!
And regarding the inquiry sent out to breeders a couple of years back, regarding their opinion on central registration of the DNA- tests;
You can not use these results of this in the ongoing debate! The implications and conditions were NOT CLEAR to breeders at that point. The committee should be wise in making a revised edition.
Argumentation must be honest, up front and based on the current situation.
I am overwhelmed by the numbers of visitors at these sites. It shows that we have a close interest in each others doings across the traditional border lines.
And we need to be able to co- operate to keep our gene pool strong and versatile. Thank you!
Some wry British sense of humour for you...
(21.10.2007)
" Hello! My cocker is 13 1/2 and have just finish reading Kafka's The Trial (Der Prozess) without glasses! But he doesn't seem to hear very well! I keep telling him that Kafka was NOT Swedish, but he will not listen.
Now I am thinking of getting him a hearing aid. But how will the your Breed club react to this? Can I still export his grandchildren to Sweden?"
Yours etc..
From a Norwegian vet with a sense of humour...
(19.10.2007)
" It is of course very important with all this fuss regarding the fight against prcd- PRA. How can your 12 years old dog otherwise read the daily newspaper without putting on glasses?"
Well, week-ends should after all provide for some relaxation. Apart from this joke, I will try to explain how the new Swedish health program concerning eyes will work from November 1, on a local as well as an international level. This is very complicated and needs focusing, so ;
next week!
More confusion...
(18.10.2007)
The Swedish Cockerclub has publiced a very well done page on their web site, concerning the DNA- test discussion of central registration with the SKK. The wrapping is very impressive, but regarding its contents, I am still confused, as they give us the last figures of DNA examination from Optigen, from the date "0701004 "(You see, I can't even understand datings anymore...)
We have 324 dogs tested, 175 are clear (54%) 123 carriers (38%) and 26 affected (8)%.
Compare this to my conversation with Optigen from June this year, writing to them as the chairman of the club:
Sue Pierce- Kelling wrote on June 8:
"I should add that the % of Cockers that are Carriers for prcd (overall) is greater than 40% so this is a significant disease in this population and the percentage does not seem to be dropping significantly." This was concerning the Swedish population (~ 300 tested dogs.)
On June 9 I asked her:"Would you know how many optigen C (affected) has been found during the last period of time (as we said, from the beginning of March?)"
Sue Kelling answers on the 12 June:
" As for the % of Affected cockers in the last few months, it was actually more than 40%--I don't have the exact number in front of me at this moment but I recall noting that it was actually higher than the overall average."
Science should be exact, but these figures do not match the ones on the Cockerclub's site. We have 0,6 % clinically affected dogs in Sweden. (These kennels have 0,1%.) A group of Cockerpeople scanning the breed figures on the database here, declares that we often stop examin our dogs (at approximately 5 yrs) before the expected onset of the decease, hence the low "affected" figures. Well how do we do that? Are we psychics? And why should we want to do that with these low figures of affected dogs- year after another? (Do pet people avoid going to the vet if their dogs starts bumping into things? Do breeders stop breeding dogs older than five, just in case?)
I have tried to loosely estimate how it should look like if Optigens figures are right. In a population of 1500 dogs registered per year, litter size average of 5 puppies, carriers of one or two prcd-PRA genes 50%- and random combinations of (unknown) clear or carriers alike, we should have more than 20 times as many affected dogs per year. The only way to find out what is right, is to clinically examin all our older dogs BEFORE we decide on any new and revolting programs. Is the problem hidden here? Have we got so many more sick dogs out there than we (I) believe is the case? Or is the solution a not yet found extra gene needed to trigger off the disorder, so that not all the DNA- tested affected dogs are in fact developing the defect "in real life"?
So, breeders, be good role models, and tell your doggy friends to do a contribution to breed and science alike. Call your eye- testing vet and bring your oldies!
I am off with some of mine next week...
Cross- bred dogs are rapidly increasing in numbers in Sweden!
(17.10.2007)
This makes it far more difficult to sell well planned pure bred puppies with parentage of long standing merits and good health status behind them.
And they are not cheap! It is hard to admit, but they are also sweet to look at, charming, intelligent and vigorous- and well cared for by their owners. They are very steady and popular customers at our dog salon and they wear expensive bling- bling collars and eat exclusive dog foods. (And an advanced hair- do doesn't make them less popular of course. So you really have to separate work (of art) from a personal conviction when it comes to the art of dog breeding.)
And their breeders don't fight, get envious and fall out of friendship with one another. (And perhaps this is why they are becoming such a success? They simply just have a good time with their dogs?) The owners also have a good sense of humour. A cross bred is now often called a rotary breed or a roundabout breed, and if you ask them what mixture their little darling is the result of, they might answer;" Well this was the result of a traffic jam in our street."
Rumours of this "good life" is apparently spreading to other species as well...
So what about a juicy steak with a wilder flavour for you?
Happiness is cocker spaniels all over the place!
(14.10.2007)
Cockers are very dedicated to their own kind and it is fantastic to see how quickly strange dogs (and people) adjust to each other!
Working with dogs is a wonderful "way of life".
Coat- care Teach -in!
(14.10.2007)
Oslo is always lovely to visit, and combining business with pleasure is ideal.
So we held a teach in at our Dogville dog salon in Oslo and visited friends and family at the same time.
Cocker owners were very eager to learn and the dogs had all a lovely disposition and had their relaxing playing sessions between being styled and cared for.
Everybody was very dedicated and brave with their new tools and the result was very pleasing.
And Norwegians being very good humoured and open minded people, we really had a very good time! And äfter twenty five years or so in Sweden, it still feels more convenient to communicate in your original language.
But we are still learning...
Search the picture of the goats below!
(12.10.2007)
I bet you missed it! (It doesn't always show.)
- But now you see, even goats do it! (Without being the least SHEEPISH...)
People have mailed and do not understand a thing.
"Do what?" Fall in love obviously!
Haven't you heard Ella Fitzgerald in one of her most famous songs by Cole Porter?
"Birds do it, bees do it, even dedicated flees do it..."
Declaration!
(11.10.2007)
Just to make it all clear to foreign Cocker enthusiasts. I am no longer the Chairman of the Swedish Cocker club. My assignment ended on the 30th of August.
We have had a wonderful status of health in the Swedish Cocker population for many years, thanks to the Health programs launched by the Kennel Club in co- operation with the Breed Club, concerning eye and hip status. This makes the breed so popular, easy to care for and lovely to own for the average family, too. (Important, as most of what we breed are sold as family pets.)
As a former chairman of the Cockerclub, but foremost as a top breeder of long standing, I will certainly not support any attempts to change these routines towards lifting away the breed programs for HD-examination or clinical eye tests. Methods of examination can always be improved, but the programs themselves are a security for breeders and buyers alike. We want to breed, work, compete, keep, buy and judge sounder dogs! You can not as a breeder completely avoid breeding a dog with a fault. But you can certainly do your best. And this is not being fanatical, this is being rational and reasonable.
Methodically, we should seriously consider the Danish index system regarding Hip Dysplasia. Here, not only the specific animal is assessed by its hip result, but also the nearest family members and their breeding results are considered in the genetic context. Hip dysplasia may only be about 50% hereditary, and possibly even polygenetic, so an expanded consideration regarding breeding ability should be useful!
The new gene- tests for prcd-PRA is of course an asset and a complement to the breeding program. I hope that the European laboratories Antagene (France) and Laboklin (Germany) should be made available to us on the same level as Optigen (USA). Only then can costs be brought down to a sensible level. And we should of course respect other countries way of dealing with these examinations. We must of course have the opportunity to fully make use of the breeds international gene- pool!
By pure chance-
(09.10.2007)
- we became dog breeders. It might as well have been goats. We love them! And they are remarkably similar to cockers;
Short, up on leg, nice feathering, elegant necks, well bodied, humorous, social, playful, inventive, jump fences, tear the place down, like a good romp around the countryside- and boy, they smell...
Small and simple camera-
(09.10.2007)
- but great views from Norway makes up for technical deficiency!
Trying to get arty...
(09.10.2007)
New camera, and view from the river Indalsälva...
Snap shot!
(09.10.2007)
In the middle of dying hair and cooking dinner, we just had to take a photograph of this red and white puppy.
Ch Travis Art Noveu
(09.10.2007)
Art got his last certificate after being away from the rings for a whole year!
He will be campaigned more extensively next year. Thank you Poodle people for your warm welcome when we came to Sundsvall, and also for your positive remarks on Arty Party and his win. We were so proud and happy about all this. It is nice to be around!
And last but not least, being completely amateurs in the art of preparing a Poodle for the show ring, we have asked for help and immediately had an assisting hand or a well meant opinion. Amnd not only from Art's nearest next of kin.
You should be so proud of your attitude in this fraternity!
What a week- end!
(08.10.2007)
Good friends, a party to go to, some nice shopping, a lovely meal, fine wines, a really well organized show and a super day out for the dogs! This was the Kennel Club show at Sundsvall.
Our Artylicious Poodle dog started off the flow by going BOB with his last and crowning certificate under the world famous Finnish Poodle specialist Tiina Taulos (Canmoy). He was also short- listed in the group, judged by Ms Agnes Ganami.
The Cockers also did great the next day, with the old man Ch WW-03 Travis Gossip Starts Here going BOB again, with his new young daughter Travis Van Lear Rose being BOS with certificate.
The young sister to the group winners Ch's Travis Keep It Classy and Travis Main Course, called Anemos First Served at Travis, won the Open Bitch Class and was 4th Best Bitch. Petra Junehall judged!
And thanks to a very effective show comittee, we were able to be home after 450 km's ride by car, at nineish!
This is only our third show this year, and we have had four Bests of Breed!
It IS fun -still! (Felicia J. took the picture. Thanks!)
It is the Antony and the Johnson- effect.
(04.10.2007)
Tired of puppies waking you up at six in the morning- or having a rave party all round the clock?
Try our methods.
The Art of getting better-
(04.10.2007)
- lies in the ability to understand ones limitations. So we let Kicki in Karlstad prepare the Art dog before leaving for SKK- Sundsvall and a first try to get his crowning certificate after passing the 24 month age limit.
And did she do a wonderful job of it!
Much obliged. Now you CAN judge the dog by its hair. It is a difference between quite nice and excellent mind you.
Amazing...
(02.10.2007)
...wonderful, absolutely harmonious and so right at this time of year. It makes you relax completely but also listen intensely at the samt time.
It's Antony and the Johnsons. A strange mix of Reed, Björk, Boy George and English medieval music, you cannot but stop in the middle of whatever you are doing.
They were at Dalhalla this summer. And I suppose it is a love or hate thing. So whether or not you like it, you will never be indifferent.
Anna's snapshot of the little brown titbit.
(02.10.2007)
"She's mine!" Anna says and kindly offered her mum the boisterous, all over the place, artificious poodle brat who is with me anyway at the moment. But Arty Party SO much wants to go back to city- life in Oslo (and so do I...) What do I? Whants him to go back or do I want to go back?
Well, we are talking about swopping for a while altogether. You never know!
Something about soundness...
(02.10.2007)
According to the Norwegian Dog Web, (containing evrything about everyone as well as all news on shows, litters, health etc) we have bred 380 cockers registered in Norway through the years. (breeding under the Travis prefix started 1971)
Results Hip Score:
83 A
9 B
3 C
1 D
1 E
This means that 25 % of our breeding is hip scored in Norway (breed average: 15%) 95% are HD free (breed average is 89%)
Results Eye tests: All examined animals OK regarding PRA/ cataracts
The Norwegian Kennelclub's sites requires a membership with the club to get an access.
Well worth the money!
(But they offer no breed statistics regarding eye results.)
The Swedish kennel Club's sites are free for use for anyone,(http://kennet.skk.se/hunddata/) as is the Swedish Spaniel and Retriever Clubs site www.rasdata.nu (very good for overall statistics on different kennels)
We will come back with further details when we have scanned our breeding in Sweden a bit more. According to data base there are 442 dogs to search through.(Cases of PRA were easily counted, only one from a total of 822 dogs bred in these kennels. This actual case was a bitch born in 1983! This makes a percentage of (known) affected dogs to be 0,1%).
Picture shows Multi Ch Travis Master Mine, the leading Norwegian stud dog at the moment. (A Vital Spark son)
From his 17 litters, 12% is hip scored and 100 % are HD free. Eyes OK.
Surprise, surprise but still not!
(02.10.2007)
Our Zlatan, the cc winning Travis Fool's Goal, is the proud daddy of a liver coloured puppy! So now he has sired blacks, blues, reds, black and tans - and liver. He is of course litter brother to Britta Dafgårds WW-o6 Multi Ch Travis Hold On to Your Dreams, by Norw Ch Classicway Coat of Arms ex Scan Swed Winner, Ch Travis Wake Up and Dream. Of Course his daddy has sired livers, but you never know... The gene carrying liver on the dams side comes through from Ch Tomboys Tailor Made.
We still have Zlatan's two sisters at home of course, both have had litters to the late, Norw Swed Ch Scan Winner -02 Travis Ferrari. They are not shown much, but will be out in a little while.
New rules and restrictions re the eye health program in Sweden!
(01.10.2007)
The Swedish Kennel Club has, in co- operation with the breed club, decided on new rules and an important change in the Swedish health program concerning eye tests. This is a temporary solution until memebers decide on the future arrangement on the next Annual Meeting.
The articles below discusses some pro's and con's on this subject.
Please look for further information at the breed club sites, and we will come back with some information about the consequences on this at an international level.
Vår policy
(01.10.2007)
Kenneln kommer fortsättningsvis inte att låna ut hanar eller sälja valpar i Sverige efter egna avelsdjur som inte är gentestade via SKK's remiss. Eventuella tikar för parning måste även de vara testade via SKK- remissen.
Vi hoppas att SKK kan koppla sin remiss även till andra laboratorier med samma kompetens och krav till seriösitet som företaget Optigen.
Vår policy gäller fram till det att rasklubben via sitt årsmöte har enats om en vidare arbetsordning samt ett reviderat hälsoprogram.
Vi hoppas även att rasklubben kan arrangera en klinik för sina medlemmar samt förhandla fram ett rimligt pris på undersökningen, så att den svenska avelsbasen snabbt återfår sin bredd och kvalitativa styrka.
Ett förslag är att man arrangerar blodprovstagningar i olika diskrikt i landet, samt att hundägarna innan den praktiska undersökningen betalar in kostnaden till Cockerklubben på ett eget "DNA-konto". Därmed kan klubben samlat skicka in betalning för alla undersökta hundar till Optigen medan veterinärerna skickar in blodprov samt remisser. Detta tillvägagångssätt kunde användes som förhandlingsunderlag för prissänkning på en "mass- undersökning" av den svenska cockerstammen. Genom en reducerat kostnad för hundägarna under en sådan klinik- period , samt en lättnad i proceduren, torde fler hundar kunna undersökas inom snar framtid. Vi skulle sålunda få fler facts och röja undan alla spekulationer om cockerns hälsostatus i detta avseende!
Sex- spalten...
(29.09.2007)
49 av 79 hanar listade på Cockerklubbens Optigen- lista är centralt registrerade och därmed användbara för Carrier- tikar testade på SKK's remiss. (Carrier- tikar som INTE är testade på SKK's remiss kan paras fritt oberoende av test- metoden.)Vi hoppas att dessa hanar markeras på Cockerklubbens Optigen- lista så att tikägarna slipper leta, utan får en direkt överblick över situationen.
Vi uppskattar dock SKK's "glidande övergång" till den tillfälliga nyordningen. Men kan fortfarande inte förstå att man inte, i frågan om ny test för redan Optigen- testade hundar som INTE använt SKK's remiss, kan använda sig av (exempelvis) det tyska Laboklin- laboratoriet.
På så sätt kan man testa ett nytt och smidigare (närmare, billigare) företag "med Optigen- facit i hand" (Intressant för forskarna?). Samtidigt betyder det en kostnadsminskning för uppfödarna med ca 70 %! Enligt prisuppgift (ej källgranskat) tar man ut ca 40 euro per hund om man skickar blod från 4 hundar eller fler. Vi kan förstå och uppskatta ny metodik i arbetet för en förbättrad hälsostatus på hund. (Dock; vad är 0,7 % PRA på Cocker jämfört med en på ännu något diffusa grunder kraftigt inskränkt avelsbas??) Vi kan dock inte riktigt fatta att man även binder upp sig kommerciellt och vetenskapligt med ett enskilt företag och avfärdar alla andra som ogiltiga.) Är detta strikt seriöst och vetenskapligt eller finns det en dold agenda och dolda syften?
Skall SKK avsätta extra personal till att handlägga DISPENSANSÖKNINGAR för valpregistreringar när centralt registrerade svenska Carriers ( ca 56 % av beståndet) vill para med en Normal Clear finsk hund? Dansk hund? Tysk hund? etc etc. Eller skall Cockerklubben bestämma vem som, får eller inte? Och på vilka grunder? Och med vilken kompetanse? (För självklart höjs nu kompetans- nivån även vad gäller dessa "mål" - hoppas vi...)
Fortfarande har SKK/AK inte uppdaterat med protokoll från sitt senaste (och för oss så aktuella) sammanträde den 3/9. De nya reglerna avseende ögonprogram på cocker får man leta rätt på annanstans. Svårt att greppa för oss som inte har stor datavana ...Vi vet vad som hände när blodtesten i samband med rabiesvaccinering släpptes loss bland Eu- godkände laboratorier. Prisbilden ändrades kraftigt för uppfödarna. (Är det lagligt för länder inom EU att driva protektionistisk politik till fördel för ett enskilt amerikanskt bolag? bare ett tankekors...)
Ögonprogrammet...
(28.09.2007)
SKK tyckte under förhandlingar att Cockerklubben verkade vilja bre smörgåsen på båda sidor. Det fick klubben förmodligen inte. Frågan är om man nu fick bre smörgåsen på den rätta sidan. Eller om vi vill ha just den här smörgåsen överhuvudtaget.
Cockerfolket bör omedelbart engagera sig och organisera sig i den här frågan INNAN man har ätit upp hela smörgåsen. Ät inte upp först och gnäll över smaken sedan! Är den nyttig? Kan den bakas längre i ugnen? Kan receptet förbättras? (För hård? För mycket salt?)
Läs, tänk, smaka, diskutera, innan ni sväljer! Kom med egna recept! Och åk på årsmötet. Som uppfödare MÅSTE man engagera sig i vesentliga avelshygieniska frågor- inte överlåta ansvaret på en handfull personer.
Ansvaret och kunskapen bör ligga hos de erfarna uppfödarna! Tänk orsak och verkan. Tänk internationellt!
Och lägg in årsmötet i kalendariet redan nu!
Ett förslag till länk: www.laboklin.de
P.S Vilka regler gäller efter SKK/AKs senaste beslut den 3/9 för Carriers som INTE är testade med SKk's remiss och som därför inte blir centralt registrerade? Får dessa fritt användas på andra Carriers eller på endast ögonlysta hundar? Begränsas avelsbasen endast för uppfödare som valt att testa sina hundar via SKK's regler för central registrering? Hur många hanar står nu till förfogande för Carrier- tikar som är testade via SKK's remiss? Får dessa tikar paras utomlands med testade hundar som (givetvis) inte är testade via SKK- remissen? har Cockerklubben förteckning över vilka hundar som är SKK-remiss- testade och vilka som inte är det? Om inte, har klubbens Optigen- lista utspelat sin roll?
Det kan inte vara meningen att SKK- remisstestade hundars avkommor skall ha svårare restriktioner gällande registrering av valpar än övriga DNA- testade hundar, som OCKSÅ finns utlagda på Cockerklubbens "officiella" Optigen- lista?
Bring redning i röran, snälla!
Press Stop from Denmark!
(25.09.2007)
Lotte and Mikael at the Cockergold/ Galaksi kennels report that their Cockergold Cute n Blue was Danisk Winner- 07 and Copenhagen Winner-07 last week-end. She was also BIS in Germany a couple of weeks ago and has now notched up 9 titles in all. Julie is also in the lead for Cocker of the Year. This must be the forth time (in a row?) that one of Vital Spark's Danish offspring wins this coveted title!
Edwin is very proud of this and also says hello to Hans and Jytte at the C'est Si Bon kennels who cared for him so well when he was on his "Ibizan holiday".
His daughter seems to be a feminine replica of her dad, judging from this picture!
Press Stop: Both Edwin children Cockergold Cool'n Vital (Cocker of the Year Denmark last year) and Cockergold Cute'n Blue was "Gibraltar Champions" last week end! Europe is getting conquered! And Julie will be getting her own page in the World Winner show catalogue...
DNA- tests
(25.09.2007)
Also the Finnish export Fin. Sh Ch Travis Connecting People have come up with normal results on prcd- PRA and FN. By Vital Spark again...Thanks Elena, also for the picture!
Golden oldies!
(25.09.2007)
The Matchpoints sent me this beautiful photo, taken by Per Undén, that I actually never have seen. Ch Travis Spot the Difference was pictured at the Ransäter show 1993 after being BOB under Mr Per Iversen, Norway. This bitch lies behind the Matchpoint stock, and it still shows. She won quite a lot in her days, was a multiple group winner and also top bitch according to the Cockerclub system. Thank you for this, Lena and Kenneth!
Back on track.
(24.09.2007)
Anna is working on her photoskills and are really good catching "the moment"!
New kid on the block!
(22.09.2007)
The newly- wed, former pro- skating son Simens first born Tobias is trying his "wings".
Like his daddy he easily switches from dinner jacket to baggy trousers and hoodies...
Need a sponsor over here? We are ready!
Thank you all!
(22.09.2007)
I am so very grateful and relieved for all the supportive mails that came through after my resignation as Chairman of the Cockerspaniel Club.
It is really not my idea of fulfilling a task, but it is now nearly a month since I noticed my fellow members of the board, and this period of peace and quiet has meant a lot. But you learn by living,so:
Lesson 1, I will no longer be a time optimist.
Lesson 2, what you need and what you want may not be the same thing.
Lesson 3, I am NOT getting younger...(nor prettier, but wiser thank God)
So now I can cope with house and work and a lovely family on two and four legs rather nicely. I can also once again find my way to the job without getting lost at the opposite end of the city. (An experience that might bring on the laughs in a couple of years...)
The bottom line of this is not to let Doggy Business take a too big part of your life!? In fact, all parts of life should be in proportions.
So we are slightly groggy over here, but up on nine, folks, as always!
See you in the ring!
The family jewel!
(19.09.2007)
- Or the new recreation unit, a Twostar 36 that can house six persons.
But you have to be in balance! And you have to practise!
So now you understand why we have taken on this new cool image. We are real proud of ourselves over here. (But have purchased a life jacket just in case). -And we have also taken up the old habit of swimming a kilometer once a week!
Thank you guys, at last we will get out at sea again, just as in the old days.
Different stages of life and situations-
(17.09.2007)
- and all shades of human emotions are expressed in the Vigeland collection of granite statues in the Frognerpark in central Oslo.
Even cold stones can shed a tear! And things that seem soft and warm by the look of it can be surprisingly hard to the touch.
Mum and Dad was getting married...
(16.09.2007)
- and Tobias,2, was dressed sharp for the occasion. While Grand-dad sang his favourite ballads, even the little ones felt the Magic in the air. This photo was certainly not a snapshot, the little guy was standing there like frozen through the whole performance! So don't underestimate small children, things happening to them may have long lasting impact...
Twenty years ago!
(16.09.2007)
-At the Swedish Cockerclub's Ten Years Anniversary show, our famous BIS and Group winner Ch Travis Harley Davidson was BIS, while another lovely group winner, Lillemor Böös' Ch Greentree Purple Rain was BOS. Our Harry was also "Cocker of the Year" that year.
And coloured pictures were not a'la mode.
-Those were the days, my friends...
Travis Concrete Rose
(16.09.2007)
- is the German sister to our Travis Rip Off, and we are pleased that her first born son Biscotto now stays with Monica Bollinger, of the Schloss Hellenstein cockers, also Germany. Good Luck with him!
The combination was planned via Gmail and daddy is Norwegian bred but living in Florens. Talk about ultra- rapid cyberspace brainstorming combined with time consuming roadwork! Good work Kirstin and congrats with prcd- PRA free results on the whole litter as well!
Aaaa(h)!
(16.09.2007)
We took a deep breath the other week and went off to hip score four of our dogs at a new veterinary clinic (to us). Thank you, Carina Arvidsson for your recommendation, it was just dandy and we were also treated with a super Princess Cake to get blood sugar level up again after the endeavour. And the result?
Four A gradings on the following:
Travis Smile Awhile (Group winner, 3 BOB in 3 shows), Travis Rip Off (certificate winning Vital Spark daughter, half sister to Smile Awhile on mother's side), Anemos First Served to Travis ( certificate winning sister to Group winners Ch Travis Main Course and Travis Keep It Classy), Travis Intermission (unshown as yet, by Scandinavian winners Ch Travis Ferrari and Travis Puttin' on the Ritz, doubled on Group winner Ch Travis Double Date).
We are so pleased and will of course continue this task. We believe we have more promising youngsters up our sleeve!
Picture showing Ch Travis Double Date, BIG and BIS-3 under Mr Knut Egeberg at an all breed SKK show.
LÖRDAGEN DEN 29 SEPTEMBER
(12.09.2007)
LÖRDAGEN DEN 29 SEPTEMBER
- håller vi pälsvårdskurs för långhårshundar i våra lokaler på Hund och Kattspecialisten i Örebro. Du lär dig hur man badar och fönar för att hålla pälsen fräsch och undvika tovor, samt även hur du borstar och kammar på rätt sätt för den specifika hund och ras.
Vi tittar på kloklipp och öronvård samt går igenom olika verktyg som passar den enskilda hunden, frisyren och ägaren!
Även lite vardagsklipp av lugg och tassar etc.
Du anmäler dig på mailadressen kari.haave@gmail.com! Du får då bekräftelse samt info om tidpunkt och uppläggning av kursen.
Du kan även ringa på trimmets telefon i Örebro, 019- 103335.
Välkomna!
It is always so nice to get pictures from shows!
(05.09.2007)
Here another of Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here, taken by Maria Åslund. Thank you!
Old boys (and girls) can still get around!
(02.09.2007)
Freddie will be a veteran next March but is denying this fact as much as he can. In fact, Scandinavian cockers are stayers and the really good ones are dominating the show rings for years and years. This is a good proof of the proper breed quality and stamina, but perhaps breeders should start worrying a bit why so few youngsters are able to break through? Are breeders putting the effort into winning big with the "already famous"? Doesn't judges dare to put up "new faces" anymore? Is the show rules with certificate in the Best Dog/ Best Bitch- classes making things difficult for the breeders to cope with, thus betting on the champions instead of losing through a sudden change of handler at the most important moment? Or are the youngsters nowadays just not up to it? Take a hard look at the situation and bring on the discussions! (photo Strömbom)
The Finnish Vital Spark- son,
(02.09.2007)
Fenbrook Ain't No Other won BIG and BIS2 under Tarja Hovila and Paul Stanton recently and has notched up some 11 certificates from Junior classes. Thank you for news and pictures! (Pictured right).
Edwin has had very few girls from Finland visiting, so we feel very pleased that "Bender" has made such a name for himself!
Edwin's impact on the Scandinavian show scene has been impressive and they are so sound too; even this boy is Optigen clear and also FN- tested OK.
Press stop: He has also passed his field qualifier!
Charla and Felicia got lucky!
(01.09.2007)
First certificate at SKK- Askersund for Travis Rip Off and her friend and co- owner Felicia Jacobsson. Another Vital Spark daughter of course!
Her sister has currently a super litter in Germany to a Carillo dog (Norway) living in Italy!
Charla has several CK wins from junior class but has just discovered that showing off is just marvellous! We hopa she will stick to it... (photo: Åslund)
A superior and fitting male-
(01.09.2007)
- is essential in all breeding programs. The art is to recognize who suits who - and why!
As soon as you have uncovered this secret, you can breed almost anything - with success!
Education? Guidelines? Private lessons? Green fingers? Solutions and means vary. The trial and error method is time- consuming and exhausting.
Advisory service? We'll think about it!
It's all in the family!
(01.09.2007)
If you want a really swinging ceremony, pick this hot girl to officiate at the marriage. Our other daughter- in- law Gry does it for us! And she makes very memorably speeches, too!
Some of her thoughts on life made us reconsider one or two things.
It's a good thing to still be able to choose other directions as you go along.
Who...
(01.09.2007)
-has a daughter-in-law looking like Cameron Diaz? (No, you don't have to mail the answer...)
Early August at the Oslo Frognerparken.
(01.09.2007)
Being a tourist in your own country is very useful sometimes. At least when you bring a Swedish guide who also is a professional teacher. As long as these teachers stop asking questions to pupils that obviously didn't attend the history lessons!
The Vigeland park of statues is one of the worlds wonders though. How can granite appear as soft as velvet? Watch out for photos!
-at the same time at Hardangervidda!
(01.09.2007)
We found out that living in Spain when retired will not be as exciting as staying up north!
How to get there...
(01.09.2007)
- to be able to get to your youngest son's wedding, you have to be prepared to pass some minor obstructions. Lesson 1: Stop joking about the >Norwegian peoples faiblesse for new and powerful cars. We saw a Belgian Citroen Berlingo trying to drag a caravan over these mountains. It did not go well at all. We hope they will get home safe before christmas...
Our second show (!) this year!
(01.09.2007)
- and our second BOB, with group placement. Incidentally the winner at Askersund, Ch WW-03 Travis Gossip Starts Here, 7,5 years old, was res. Best Dog beaten by his son last time out. (Or first, depending on how you look at it...)
He is coming into his own again after suffering severely from a tick related desease.
We are soon bringing out his new daughter, the red Travis Van Lear Rose! And we are planning a litter from our Scan Winner- 02 Travis Puttin' On the Ritz.
(Photo: Helene Strömbom)
SU(u)CH DKUCH JEUV-06 SV-06 Manaca's Beat About the Bush..
(02.07.2007)
...the latest Vital Spark- offspring to get a title, was made up first time in Open Class, just two days over the age of two years, which is the minimum requirement to get the championship in Scandinavia. He also got his Danish title, and the judges involved were Mr Frank Kane and Mr John Thirlwell.
"Colin" was of course Puppy of the year 2006 in Sweden. Good going, Yvette and thank you for news and photo!
Vital Spark daughter European Winner!
(29.06.2007)
Ch Cockergold Cute'n Blue was BOS at the European Winners Show in Zagreb first weekend in June!
BOB and BIG was Gallinagos Knock Out.
Cute'n Blue is in the lead for Cocker of the Year in Denmark and should she win, she will be the THIRD offspring by our Multi Ch. Travis Vital Spark to do so!
"We are pleased" says Edwin. For details, visit the Galaksi-Cockergold website!
Thank you for news and photos, Lotte.
(And also a big thanks to friends in Finland for letters and photos. So nice to get!)
Freddies Finnish son training for the Finnish field trial!
(28.06.2007)
While the Central European brother wins his ways through the Continent, the Finnish twin likes to try his hunting abilities. And stylish he looks, too! (But please don't try to drink this!)
Not just a pretty face...
(28.06.2007)
Freddie confirms gossip concerning that he has taken his own initiative to train for the new Swedish Grundprov (a new variety of the field trial). Some people say that this test will be suitable for the show type of Cocker Spaniel as well as the field trial type. Mum is still wondering how and why. Freddie thinks that the idea of not having to kill birds is a good one. And is wondering if he can bring his favourite item to the test? Or does he have to persuade the old lady to go buy a proper dummy?
Finnish news!
(28.06.2007)
I had the pleasure of awarding the Finnish Vital Spark son Fenwick Ain't No Other his very first CC from Junior Class at Helsinki. I was pleased to hear that he has notched up four more CC's after this, also some BOS and BOB wins with it. At this picture he was BOS under Ms Annalisa Heikkinen. Her BOB bitch Ch Allways Shakira was also BOB under me at the Helsinki show. Congrats, all!
Twice Best In Show!
(28.06.2007)
Congratulations to Mr Petr Studenik's puppy by Ww-03 Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here, called Shavian As Promised.
He won Best puppy in Show at his first two outings, and last at Brno. Freddie is very pleased that he can produce the goods with different bitch lines!
New website for Anna!
(23.06.2007)
Anna is getting new locations for her popular Dogville Dog Salon in Oslo. Check out her new website.
The site is under construction but is well worth looking into.
New hardware, bad technology...
(23.04.2007)
... says our Louise,i.e Ch Topscore Shabby Chic who is of course constantly living up to her image as a Femme Fatale. At the same time she feels that the sun glasses keep her from having to witness most of her mum's amateurish practices with that digital thing. "and that bitch cannot even focus on anything important", she declares.
Important Ladies...
(23.04.2007)
To the left, our indispensable kennel keeper Annalisa, having a day out at the Västerås show. Usually she is tending the dogs while we are away, at work or during travels. A mutual love and several of our cockers live with her children, too!
To the right, the top handler and breeder of the Speedwagon American Cockers, Ms Maud Lennbom. We talked her into helping out with handling our dogs, as we had entered five at Västerås ( see below). Without having met them and without having handled an English Cocker for years, she managed to win the Best Dog award with young Keanu, "and rightly so, if you ask me", she commented in her own incomparable way.
The self important old man..
(23.04.2007)
..Edvin is somewhat tired of four legged girls and has taken a keen interest in sweet Dina instead. You are never too old for life to take a new turn, he greets his fan club.
It's like magic! Three shows, three Bests of Breed!
(23.04.2007)
At the Swedish Kennel Clubs ch. show at Västerås, our young blue boy Travis Miles of Smiles made his debute in this country by going BOB under the noted breed specialist Ms Kari Granaas Hansen. Keanu went on to win the Group under the likewise highly respected Mr Paul Stanton, from a terrific line up of top dogs. We are thrilled to bits!
Thus he beat his dad- and last year's Group winner at this show- WW-03, Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here into second place in the breed competition. Third Best Dog was a son of the Best Bitch, the Staaf family's Ch Travis Keep it Classy. She was beating our own (and litter sister) Ch .Swed. Winner- 06 Travis Main Course into second place among the bitches, with yet another full sister, our Anemo's First Served at Travis(winner open class) placed fourth in the line- up. These were all by Ch Travis Vital Spark, as was the CC winner and third Best Bitch! So our old man is getting self- important! Thank you all for such a memorable day.
Sharp minded, wired and long tail!
(18.04.2007)
Well, this is for sure not a Cocker spaniel, neither a Dachshund! The Long Tail is a book you need to read, written by the legendary Chris Anderson, editor of the highly estimated magazine Wired. It launches very interesting theories about power and influences in marketing, and is especially interesting for doggy people (amongst others) who think and breath points and "best of" lists.
Another Finnish Freddie- puppy for you.
(09.04.2007)
Thank you Jaana. Great fun and has a look of the old Leavenworth It's a Pleasure about him. And also resembles dad a lot!
WOW!
(03.04.2007)
One of the Finnish puppies by Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here! And this one went abroad, to Mr Petr Studenic, Black Petrs. We wish him good luck.He is called Shavian As Promised. We are looking forward to see how the others look like! They will stay at home we hear. Thank you for the lovely photo. (And there is another bunch of Freddie's children coming on in Finland, too!)
Freddies parents are pictured below ("love is in the air"), the b/t Travis Neon Lights and the red Ch Travis Touch Mark (11 group wins, 3 BIS at kennel club level) The third blue girl is EuW- Ch Travis Overdrive, grand dam to our blue Freddie- son Travis Miles of Smiles (2 BOB in 2 shows)
Words of wisdom according to Jay Leno (!)
(26.03.2007)
Excessive worry is cause for concern! Apply this whenever you think it necessary. (Or tell someone else...)
Love is in the air?
(25.03.2007)
Spring makes the blood rush a little quicker through the veins. And that cosy couch is not all that enticing anymore.Time for a little flirt maybe? Some guys are just so irresistable...
Workout at Frostworks!
(25.03.2007)
Fed up with wintery weather? Yes, we thought so, especially to- day, when the sun was flowing for the first time in ages and small, green sprouts are striving their way up in the air. - Until we got this smashing photo from the north pole (or Jukkasjärvi as they say up there...)
(Nearly) all in the family!
(21.03.2007)
At the Malmö International, Ch Travis Keep It Classy (right) won Best Bitch under Ms Petra Junehall. Greta is of course litter sister to our Stockholm- winner Ch Travis Main Course.
-Her two first offspring won both certificates from Junior classes as well...
BOB was Ch Manaca's On the Road. Well done, all!
More updates!
(16.03.2007)
We have started to develop the dog and cat salon- sites. You will find what we do (and how we do it). We will also let you see different breeds, our weekly doings and special customers we want to focus on for different reasons!
Optigen normal/clear.
(14.03.2007)
The Shavian litter by WW-03 S N Sh Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here are all tested and clear.
Thank you for that, Jaana!
It is always rewarding to be the first one!
(11.03.2007)
In this case I looked up Sweden's top dog, Multi Ch. Caci's Carmen at LD's at the Kennel Club's dogweb, the site for all dogs' show results, their pedigree, offspring and veterinary details. I was thrilled to find that I was the first one to give this bitch a certificate and also the first to give her a BOB (at a later date). The second BOB came from Mr Frank Bjerklund of Norway and the third BOB was awarded by Mr Henric Frykstrand of Sweden. The forth BOB was the writer again and the rest is history as they say...
In my case, the bitch was shown by a girl unknown to me, and I later learned that she was the co-owner, Ms Gun Marie Blom. She did a great job, too obviously!
Nudie..
(11.03.2007)
..our new boy by Vital Spark. We now feel relaxed in case the old man should stop caring about girls. The future here at home is safe regarding his bloodline.
But alas- the only thing he DO care about nowadays is girls. (They don't even have to be young and sparkling, so that is a relief...)
Photo: Maria Åslund
The latest Vital Spark pups!
(11.03.2007)
Only a few days old, this litter of four is thriving and doing well! They are bred by Helen Kihlström, Storvik. (mail adress: HelenKihlstrom@goranssonska.com)
Our group winning American export...
(11.03.2007)
...Am Ch Travis Double Ache, always shown by his loving owner Mr Ryan Wolfe, is seen here taking one of his group- wins back in the year 2000. And he was entered at this year's Westminster show as well! And this at the ripe age of 12!
What an achievement- and thank you so much for taking such good care of him, Ryan. It makes us proud.
Warming words!
(11.03.2007)
It made me very happy and also moved to read Carina Östmans appreciative words in the very comprehensive intervju on her Top Dog/ Top Breeder win in the Kennel Clubs magazine.It is so rewarding when seriously meant advise and also constructive criticism is taken in the way they were meant, and it is also wonderful when one's efforts fall out so well and are indeed further developed to the highest level...Carina is very humble talking about her short stay in cockers. But it was HER idea to mate her multi group winner Ch Travis Double Up to her grandson, the likewise multi group winner Ch Travis Touch Mark. She actually raised the litter, allowed me to put my prefix on the pups, and sent Am Ch.Travis Double Ache to USA where he won very well, including BIS at the great Spaniel Club Specialty in Philadelphia. Another cocker, Carina? Anytime...
100 kr slaget är priset för att piska en häst i mål.
(10.03.2007)
Så dömer travsporten sina djurmisshandlande kuskar efter att en välkänd Örebro- profil "mattpiskade" sin häst till seger förra helgen. Prova att banka en hund, katt eller häst i andra sammanhang, tävling eller inte. Förmodligen (förhoppningsvis) blir resultatet avstängning från klubbar samt polisanmälan. Sorterar vi inte under samma djurvärnslagar? Och vem anliter en sådan kusk i fortsättningen - med öppna ögon och rent samvete vill säga...Det gäller att se långsiktigt. inte kortsiktigt på tävlingskarriären. Eller gällde det att få in månads-slanten för träningsarbetet? Består träning i att även bli slagtålig?
Barn och fruar verkar ibland vara lokaliserade någonstans mellan travhästen och de älskade husdjuren dock...
Titta på bilden. Det verkar finnas hjälpmedel nog att kunna vinna UTAN aga!
Hur många slag fick hästen som "uppmuntran"? FEMTON! Loppet gick alltså med vinst trots straffet. Så är travet en schlager? Nja, arret behövs snyggas till.
WOW SAY WE!!
(08.03.2007)
Both the Vital Spark children Manaca's Beat About the Bush and Manaca's Bag of Beans were placed very well in the yearling classes at Crufts! What an achievement! The dog was placed second out of seventeen, the bitch third out of fifteen. See all the results at www.crufts.org. Well done, Yvette and Monica! It paid off to dive into the lion's den! And tails on too, folks!
Edwin is getting some Mama Scan meatballs tonight to celebrate his role as a VIP- dog. He sends his best wishes! And wants to appear on his most recent photo, at SSRK Motala last autumn, photo by Forsander.
In group competition the winning flat from Almanza was of course swedish bred and owned in Norway. Second and fourth place was taken by a German bred vorsteh and an Italian labrador retriever, while the English pointer placed third was owned by the Norwegian Wilberg immigrants. So competing in Great Britain is far from "a closed case" anymore...
Who was first, the hen or the egg? When does "truths" become "facts"?
(08.03.2007)
I remember "telling" a veterinary expert just a few years ago that (to my experience) there must be at least two different kinds of PRA in dogs. And was abruptly put back in my corner as being non- professional in scientific matters.
Well, I just bred my first litter of dogs in 1971...
At the breed conference the eye specialist Mr Lennart Garmer told us that they now believe that there is about TEN different variations of this disease. As we did not know!!
At the TV4-news this morning, they reported that there has now been discovered a new illness affecting women, called "the broken hearts syndrom". The patient might die from it and scientists had found changes in heart rythm, breathing trouble and depression. It resembles symptoms of a heart attack and the patient is in need of immediate treatment to survive. Well, this "condition" has been described in films, theatre and litterature for centuries....
As we did not know!!
What about empirical methods of science? Are they completely overthrown by instruments and medical equipment? (And have men hearts of stone?)
Art looks the part!
(06.03.2007)
The Hairy Monster (Travis Art Nouveau) did really well from junior classes last year and notched up 4 certificates, 2 BOB and 2 Best Dog. He will be out trying to get his crowning certificate soon. Such a treat to show this out- going character who really does not notice who is in the other end of the leash.
(No no! he is NOT an English cocker spaniel with a new hair style...)
A second BOB at his second show!
(06.03.2007)
The Finnish Vital Spark- son Fenbrook Aint No Other did it again and was also 2nd in Group. Still in puppy class of course.
After all the successes in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, it is nice to see that Edwin also suits the Finnish blood lines. And he has had very few occasions to prove himself!
The Shavians have sent some exciting pics of the Gossip Starts Here puppies too- by "snail-mail" so not for this site. Best of luck with them.
Real Values...
(06.03.2007)
We live with dogs, we think dogs, we breathe dogs and we debate doggy matters. But sometimes it is useful, if not necessary to take a step back and get some perspective.
So shut down your computer, put dogs and children to bed and never mind the telly. Instead, go out and get Khaled Hosseinis "The Kite Runner" and have a reading experience you will never forget. This book really makes a difference! And it deals with Real Values such as friendship, honour, courage, fellowship, conviction, forgiveness and love. But also about displacement, conformity, outrage and bad conscience. This book is human and forgiving - not superior or condescending. ( No?? Well, check out the superior articles at the site of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America instead;
www. ecsca.org. klick on "events".)
For no reason at all..
(01.03.2007)
Just could not resist the picture. Makes you feel warm inside!
Testing testing testing...
(01.03.2007)
Our German export Travis Concrete Rose, sister to our Travis Rip Off is tested for everything down there! FN and Optigen normal as well as A hips.
(Exciting to know how our breeding looks like - on the inside!)
Pippa is due to be mated in the spring and if everything works out well, we will go along to have a look at some of the continental stock.
Photo shows Pippa before take off.
We ARE in the catalogue- but that is as far as it goes!
(01.03.2007)
So do not look for us at Crufts this year. Our travel has been inhibited for different reasons. Regrettably we are therefore not able to show our favorite girl under one of the Cocker people that we appreciate most. It would have been a thrill just to learn his opinion on this bitch. We do hope there will be another occasion.
But - "Always look at the bright side of life"! Instead we get to see the Swedish Melodie Grand Prix finals! So everybody not going to Crufts- get your phones ready- and vote for Sebastian of course!!
Best of luck to the other Swedish competitors at this the worlds greatest dog show. We are keeping fingers crossed...and drive carefully!
The new book on Cocker Spaniel is out and doing well!
(01.03.2007)
In only two months time the "Cocker-book" has sold about 25% of the edition. We are very pleased with this, considering that many people already purchased the earlier edition. Of course the latest version is re- written and is this time basicly aimed towards new cocker enthusiasts and fresh dog owners in general!
If you have problems with the purchase of this book, contact us!
Apart from this we can strongly recommend all dog owners to tune in the super problem- solving programme "the Dog Whisperer" on Swedish channel 4+! The dog psychologist Caesar Milan really puts words to behavior that we unconciously practise in our relation to dogs, good or bad! And he never uses force or violation...It is all about trust and leadership!
Yet another Vital Spark- offspring winning!
(27.02.2007)
This time Fenbrook Aint No Other was BOB puppy at his first outing in Finland, with his sister second among the bitches. Thank you for the nice photo!
We like Barcelona too!
(27.02.2007)
One of the latest of Vital Sparks progeny has made her debute! This is young Kriss Tops Barcelona that did her first show resulting in BOB and BIG-3 !
Well, we really think he is holding up very well, right at this moment he is trying to force his way through the fence containing three VERY willing ladies. Not to be though, we have three six months old babies waiting to prove themselves...
Dina points out the new direction!
(14.02.2007)
-But hey, what happened to the doggy business? We will have to get a bigger place- and more space! (Why did we promise the child a pony...)
Good or bad?
(09.02.2007)
Registration numbers of our breed have increased with 58 % in the last five years period! Thus climbing up to number 5 most popular breed in Sweden. It is nice that our breed is so well liked, but I do hope that this explosion does not mean that breeders forget their responsibility towards the breed and the puppy buyers...The breed conference last week end gathered about 80 people, who had a really good time together. I hope that next gathering might include friends from the other Scandinavian countries as well!
Five of the Top Ten breeds in Sweden came from group 8. And it was a group 8 dog that won the Dog of the Year title as well. This super bitch represented the American variety, though the breed itself did not even make it to the Top Twenty..Let us hope that the big win does not bring along any negative effects here!
BOB at this years first Swedish Spaniel and Retriever Ch. Sh.at Västerås-
(02.02.2007)
- as well as BOS and the World Winners title in Poland 2006 was Multi Ch Travis Hold on to Your Dream. Owner is Mrs Britta Dafgård. This makes our breedings second World Winner, an achievement of which we are very proud!
"Ebba" is shown winning BOB at Gothenburg last year (left). She is by Norw, Ch Classicway Coat of Arms out of Scan. Swed. Winner Norw. Swed Sh Ch Travis Wake Up and Dream. (a Vital Spark Daughter)
"Grandma Kari and auntie Anna are trimming dogs and cats.."
(02.02.2007)
..Forget about it! My mom is a PROPER hair stylist -and it shows!"
-Tobias, (1) has discovered his potentials.
All mail to kari.haave@gmail.com, please!
(30.01.2007)
Other mail adresses are inactive at the moment. If you are waiting for an answer, do try the above!
Now in English!
(30.01.2007)
We do not find it very practical to update this page in both Swedish/ Norwegian as well as English. Therefore we will try to inform you of our activities in English in these pages in the future. We will also try to anwer all mail as soon as possible now that we have better equipment at hand...Sorry for all delay in this matter!
Photo shows Ch ww-03 Travis Gossip Starts Here, res. Best Dog at the Stockholm Winner. Thank you for this, Finland!
BOB at the Stockholm Winners Show!
(30.01.2007)
Both top winners were by our great old man Multi Ch Travis Vital Spark, who must qualify as one of the top stud dogs in the cocker world. Thank you for all pictures sent to us from this show. We really forgot to bring the camera along ourselves....
Below his latest young daughter and further down the page her litter brother.
(Click on the "fler nyheter" at the bottom of page to view som more..)
Vår lilla Edwin-tjej
(30.01.2007)
Travis Hallelujah Moment, Lindex bland vänner...
ÄNTLIGEN! Det blev vinter!
(26.01.2007)
(Vi håller på Alsgaard...)
Diesel och Dina
(26.01.2007)
Diesel, Ch Travis Double Dutch fick en ålderdom som bästis till barnbarnet Dina. Han gick bort förra året och lämnade ett stort tomrum efter sig. Från att ha varit (besvärlig) flockledare i kenneln, ganska nådelös emot uppstickande unghanar - till att helhjärtat gå in för uppgiften som barnas bästa vän är en lång resa på det inre planet. Så ska en riktig cocker vara!
Ny champion förra året var Travis Hit and Miss
(26.01.2007)
Hon är dotter till Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here som i sin tur är halvbroder på mödernet till den "all time great" avelshunden Ch Travis Vital Spark. Freddie har finska och danska barn på gång och vi kommer att matcha våra unga hundar i mån av tid under året.
Den här har ni sett..
(26.01.2007)
Steven,ännu en son till Gossip Starts Here,bild Monica Forsander
Tävlingslusta KAN vara ärftlig...
(26.01.2007)
...den tar sig bara olika uttryck! Här ligger barnbarnet Dina (3) i hård-träning. Inget fel i att påminna lite om sommertider heller! Hej,hej som man säger...
Trötta på Edwin barn?
(26.01.2007)
Det är inte vi. Orsak till exempel Levis 5 månader här bredvid. Här finns även broder Nudie och syster Lindex.. Bilder kommer.
En av de kommande...
(26.01.2007)
Travis Miles of Smiles är son till Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here och syster till vår senaste champion Ch Travis Hit and Miss. Han är utställd på endast två utställningar, Norska kennelklubben Fredrikstad och Kongsvinger.Resultatet var BIR båda gångerna för Lotte Jörgensen och Kari Granaas Hansen! BIM var i Fredrikstad Ch Travis Maine Course och i Kongsvinger hennes debuterande lillasyster Anemos First Serve to Travis.(Som oxå är på G..)
Äntligen en BIR-bild från Stora Stockholm-
(26.01.2007)
-och äntligen bredband! Vi är förutom vinsten med Ch Travis Maine Course otroligt glada och stolta över att bli 2:a bäste hane med WW-03 Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here. Som var mycket ur slag den dagen och som konstaterades sjuk i Ehrlichia dagarna efter. Han är nu behandlad och pigg igen. Tankarna går till Ch Travis Able and Willing som även han var sjuk och som avled senare i veckan efter att ha opererats akut för invaginerad tarm.
BIM i Stockholm var unghunden Manacas Beat About the Bush. Båda vinnarna halvsyskon och fallna efter Multi Ch Travis Vital Spark!!
Såväl Årets Cocker som 2.a Årets Cocker i Danmark var även de efter Vital Spark. Vi gratulerar kennel Cockergold med matchningen och även norska kennel Carillo med att ha producerat den mycket fina mamman till dessa båda.( Kom igjen, Kari Granaas, get out and shake your legs!)
Ny hemsida- adress och nya e-mail adresser på gång!
(10.01.2007)
Sidan kommer att heta www.traviskennels.com. med tillhörande postadresser såsom kari@traviskennels.com eller anna@traviskennels.com.
OBS! swipnet- adressen upphör snart och tillsvidare nås vi säkrast på:
kari.haave@gmail.com eller
anna.haave@gmail.com
Vi kommer även att ha en telia.com adress, och meddelar här när den fungerar.
Bredband på gång!
(10.01.2007)
Vad roligt att Du saknar uppdateringarna på sidan... Vi tröttnade på sega modem och nötta kablar i hembygden och slängde alla uråldriga teknikaliteter i väggen!
Tack för alla fina kort som vi har fått från vännerna under tiden som hemsidan legat på is. Dessa kommer att publiceras efter handen. Vi har massor med fina resultat att redovisa så klart!
Här dock ett snapshot av (en av dom) nya,TRAVIS UPSIDE OF ANGER, för att markera det nya året. Han är yngre helbror till champions Travis Shop till You Drop och Ch Travis Able and Willing.
BIR och BIM SKK Norrköping
(31.05.2006)
- Ch WW-03 Travis Gossip Starts Here var bästa hane. BIR och BIG: Se nedan. Tack, Madeleine Ivarsson för blixtsnabb service med fina kort! Vi blev så glada. Även Anneli Sunquist har skickat en CD full av kort tagna under rörelse etc, dessa publicerar vi så snabbt vi hinner. Tusen tack!
Andra gruppvinsten på SKK- utställning på två starter, med två olika hundar!
(29.05.2006)
- Och två olika handlers, här Nord(?) Ch Travis Maine Course med Anna i snöret. Dömde gjorde Salvatore Tripoli, Italien.
WWW-03 Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here var BIM, hans dotter Travis Hit and Miss vann sitt andra cert på två starter.
Och Arty Party the poodle monster var Bästa Hane på sin andra start, från unghundsklass! (Travis Art Nouveau på fiiint.)
Roligt i Västerås!!
(30.04.2006)
S N Ch WW-03 Travis Gossip Starts Here var bästa hane för andra gången på sin andra start i år, samt BIR och BIG! Tack för det!
Travis Fool´s Goal vann öppna klassen åter en gång och var tvåa om certet, medan Travis Main Course vann championatet i Sverige (och kan hända även i Norge och Danmark där hon oxå har cert från junior och unghundsklass. Vi kollar upp reglerna...)
Tack Anneli Sundquist för ett fartfyllt kort!
Vår unga pudel Arty Party var BH4 från unghundsklass, på sin något hejdlösa debut. Nästa gång travar han nog kanske lite...
Tack även för alla gratulationer. Dom värmer skall ni veta!
Edwin- son vann sitt första cert under Phyllis Wise, Astrawin (SSRK Uddevalla)
(14.04.2006)
Fancy Paws My Eternal Obsession ägs av Frida Ankarsson. Mamma är Ch Timanka Ride the Broom. Tack Frida för fina kort och stort grattis!
Edwin är still going strong vis 10 års ålder och är än av rasens vinstrikaste avelshundar någonsin. Vi har tre unga barn hemma som kommer att debutera i år.
Numera står Edwin dock endast till förfogande i begränsad omfång, till tikar som vi tror passar avseende typ och härstamning.
Best bitch och reserve best bitch (t.h) Yorkshire cocker club
(14.04.2006)
Annilann Miss Tick Meg och Plaiglen Magic (Coastline Happy Hour, imp. Finland-Plaiglen Iced Magic) Denna tik var även reserve best puppy.
Thank you John Hartley for lovely photos!
(All rights reserved!)
Best in show Yorkshire cocker club
(14.04.2006)
Annilann Miss Tick Meg (SH CH Spinneyhill Stormy Weather over Fonesse- Annilann Miss Tickle) Även res CC på Crufts några veckor efter. Congrats!
Reserve best dog Yorkshire cocker club (t.h)
(14.04.2006)
Candyke Diamond White e. Mossdew Sorcerer u Candyke Smokey Lady
Best puppy och reserve BIS Yorkshire cocker Club
(14.04.2006)
Nicibec Now Ur Talkin efter Sh Ch Cannyonn Classic Gold-Charbonnel Velveteena at Nicibec (photo John Hartley)
S N U Ch Travis Love in a Mist har blivit Dansk och Nordisk Champion!
(02.04.2006)
Tack till Jytte och Hans Andersen och grattis även till bästa tik med senioren Ch Travis Vital Importence! Ragnhild Hjorthöj dömde. Travis Love in a Mist kommer att paras utomlands under sommaren.
Full mailbox och lite driftstörningar!
(24.03.2006)
Vi har tyvärr liten tid att svara på alla mail som kommer. Vi sparar dom självklart och hoppas på tid för en dag vid datorn, men den verkar inte infinna sig! Och därmed fylls mailboxen... Tack alla ni som mailar med frågor om mycket. Kan ni i stället ringa? Det går bäst på jobbet, tel 019- 103335, eller mobilen 0705-68 78 69.
Frid och lugn råder det däremot på bilden från vår korre i Jukkasjärvi... Ida i motljus!
Titta på kort i större format?
(23.03.2006)
När ni har har klickat på länken "les mer" så kan ni därifrån klicka på kortet, så kommer det fram i det stora formatet...
Skön start på utställningsåret!
(22.03.2006)
Vi gläds oerhört åt debuten i år på SKK Malmö, där WW-03, S N Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here gjorde come back efter ett och ett halvt års uppehälle i karriären genom att bli bästa hane. Vår unga tik Travis Main Course debuterade i öppen klass och vann sitt femte cert (tagna i tre länder) på sex utställningar samt sitt tredje BIR. Hon är endast slagen om certet én gång, då av kennelkamraten Travis Hit and Miss, dotter till BIM- hunden i Malmö.- Samt var slagen om BIR- et senast, på NKK- Fredrikstad-05, av en annan (debuterande)kennelkamrat, Travis Miles of Smiles, även han efter Gossip Starts Here. Main Course är givetvis fallen efter Multi Ch Travis Vital Spark, som er halvbroder till Gossip Starts Here. Tack för jättefint kort, Anna Johansson!!
Travis Final Goal vann öppen klass och var 4 BH! Fler kort kommer...
Nedan tre nya hoppfulla som finns kvar hos oss.
(13.03.2006)
De övriga tre tikvalpar i kullen finns hos fodervärdar som verkligen går in för uppgiften og siktar på utställningsringen. Tack Stig och Carina, Peter och Carina och Gun och Felicia för att ni är så noggranna och duktiga. Vi hoppas samla ihop alla för fotografering snart! Den här gången var det Elisabeth Borgersrud som plåtade.
TRAVIS WELL AND TRULY
(13.03.2006)
3 månaders tikvalp. härstamning se nedan.
TRAVIS DOT THE I
(13.03.2006)
Tre månaders tikvalp, härstamning se under.
TRAVIS SOUL MEETS BODY
(13.03.2006)
Efter Travis Gossip Satrts Here och Travis Lagonda, en röd replica på morbroder Travis Aston Martin som nu lever lyxliv vid strandkanten på Ingarö.
PRESS STOP!
(13.03.2006)
Grattis till RES.CC på Crufts önskar vi Annilann Miss Tick Meg, som blev Best in Show på Yorkshire Cocker Club 18 februari. Lycka till i fortsättningen! (se snap shot här under. Vi hoppas på en Hartley- bild från Yorkshire inom kort...)
Barnbarn till tusen!!
(10.03.2006)
Dina och Mads fångad av kameran i ett första möte. Hur skall man hinna med hundutställningar? Och så alla jyckar som har vässat formen här hemma.
Vital Spark barn BIR och BIM två dagar i rad i Danmark!
(10.03.2006)
Ch Travis Vital Importance vann BIR från veteranklass, med Ch Cockergold Cool n Vital som BIM på DKK Odense 18 februari. Resultatet var omvänt på den följande spanielspecialen! Även tikcertet gick där till ännu en Edwin dotter, medan BIR hunden blev BIS för Per Iversen. Kennel Galaksi var BIS uppfödargrupp på kennelklubbens utställning med kullsyskon ur två kullar undan deras Carillo- tik och Edwin. Veterantiken var BIS-2 på DKK. Suverän insats, alla!
Stolt över avkomman är man då vet ni!
(09.03.2006)
(Före detta) skate- snowboard - brutna armar och ben- sonen, med blöjor och förstfödda barnet. Man blir knäsvag...
Lite snapshots från Yorkshire Cocker Clubs utställning.
(09.03.2006)
Resultat samt fler foton kommer sedan. I England var det vår med påskliljor, vårlamm och snödroppar. Samt evigt grönt gräs och gröna häckar. (Gräset ÄR grönare på andra sidan!)
Trevlig utställning, god mat och givande kennelbesök i efterkant gjorde veckan till en välkommen flykt från skandinavisk vargavinter. BIS- tiken påminde om gamla rekordhållaren Sh Ch Bournehouse Starshine. En verklig grupphund!
Nya barnbarnet TOBIAS "pays tribute to" farmor som dömde i England...
(09.03.2006)
-Eat, sleep and dribble Chelsea var slagorden hemmavid. Vi tycker att Tobias väl platsar i Champs League, men håller annars på Arsenal så klart...
Den nya cocker spaniel boken är på gång!
(11.02.2006)
Tack för alla mail som efterlyser boken. Texten är nu under bearbetning på Ica- förlaget och följs av fina kort tagna av Marie Loré. Hennes vinterbild på (snö)yra cockrar ser ni här bredvid. Texten är till större delar nyskriven, resten bearbetad och up to date. Beräknas utkomma under senare del av 2006.
Hundsport är inte bara att tävla eller föda upp söta små valpar!
(11.02.2006)
-Men även att ta ansvar för rasens framtid, kvalité och ryktbarhet.Hundklubbarna skall svara för kvalitésäkring med sina regler och intentioner. Men ansvarsfrågan omfattar också den enskilde människan, dennes val och handlingar. Hamnar hunden i rätt hem? Får köparna stöd och support? Är hunden frisk och välmående? Är man med att göra sin ras bättre och sundare?Huvudansvaret för detta ligger självklart hos den enskilde uppfödaren. Men också den som låner ut sin hane är med att skapa framtiden! Det är viktigt att alla dessa nämnda led tillsammans fungerar på ett kraftfullt och övertygande sätt.
"Känslomässig intelligens" kan vara stickord att använda sig av...
Hand i hand med ansvarsmedvetenheten går målinriktningen i avelsarbetet.
(11.02.2006)
Detta är synnerligen viktigt att vara medveten om och kritiskt värdera inför sig själv och "drabbade" valpköpare. Det är större chans att få bra coaching som nybliven hundägare om uppfödaren vill något mer med sin produktion än att gulliga lilla "Sorry" skall få en liten familj att ta hand om då och då. Man bör fråga sig:
-Har du en tik som är tillräckligt bra?
-Har du tillräckliga kunskaper om rasen, dens skötsel samt uppfödning?
Diskussioner om dessa frågor försiggår på olika mailinglistor på nätet, mer eller mindre dolda och privata. I det offentliga rum finns www.cocker-spaniel.cjb.net
som ställer lite frågor- och får svar. Interessant att ta del av!
Coming up!
(10.02.2006)
We are working on the English version of our site. Please klick the flag below for news and information.
SORRY, NO ROSETTES, FOLKS!
(10.02.2006)
Jeg har forstått att Norsk Spaniel Klubbs hjemmeside desverre ikke er oppdatert når det gjelder DOMMERENDRING på klubbens utstilling i Bergen i mars. Undertegnedes oppdrag der er trukket tilbake gjennom beslutt i styret den 5/12-05.
I utstillingsannonse i Våre Spaniels nr 4-05 står det " med forbehold om godkjenning." Det betyr at man (som tidligere) måtte söke dispens hos SKK for tillatelse for meg å dömme eventuelle eksemplar av rasene clumber, vannspaniel og sussex spaniel, som jeg ikke er autorisert for.
Dispens- söknaden ble levert den 17/11.
Den ble (tacksamt) godkjent i begynnelsen av januar.
Klubben anförte dog i mail til meg allerede den 5/12 -05 at de syntes at behandlingstiden var for lang og at de derfor skulle finne en alternativ dommer.
Opplysninger om ny dommer i Bergen bör stilles til Norsk Spaniel Klub. Fristen for påmeldelse utgår den 26 februar. Lykke til alle sammen!
Travis Fast Decision, vår korre i Jukkasjärvi!
(20.01.2006)
Här är hon förevigad i - 28 grader. Ungefär som vår temperatur inomhus kan jag känna. Stormen ylar och takpannorna flyger i luften. Den här kennelkäringen skall sluta sina dagar - om inte i Finistére- så säkerligen i Toscana. Om hon inte halkar i diket dessförinnan...
Bilder på vår 6 veckors kull är på väg in på sidan.
(20.01.2006)
Här är den ända tuppen i hönsegården, röda hanen Felix, som heter Travis Body Meets Soul. Vi skal försöka få in bilderna på fliken "kull". Vår tekniska talang är inte slående uppenbar, men det tar sig som det heter...
Lux Ch S DK U Ch Köpenhamnsvinnare-05 Travis Hold On to Your Dream-
(20.01.2006)
- blev BIR på årets första internationella utställning i Göteborg! Ca 80 cockers var anmälda och domare var Zena Thorn Andrews, berömd uppfödare av strävhårig dvärgtax samt irländsk varghund under prefixet Drakesleat. Hennes man Terry Thorn gjorde Ebba till Köpenhamnsvinnare samt BIG-2 i höstas.
Grattis och well done, Britta!
Grattis Schweiz!
(19.01.2006)
Travis Legacy Gold, efter WW-03 Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here ägs av kennel Levana och har testats optigen A, HD A, samt har erhållit titlarna Deutcher Jugendsieger Berlin och Deutcher Bundesjugendsieger. Han är även Dt. Jugend Champion.
Här geht man nich vie die Katze um den Brei som vissa andra... Vi är redan på väg till badkaret med broder Legacy Gold. Vielen Danke, Theres. Tack även till norska skolvärket för den initiala grundkunskapen i tyska språket. (Vi blev inspirerade av idrottsgalan...)
Freddie- sonen Travis Hot Legs...
(18.01.2006)
börjar forma sig. Han har redan ett cert (liksom tre av hans syskon) och håller nu även på att få sin vuxna päls! Bada, föna, bada, föna hälsar vi till matte Elin Larsen kennel Haugbråthen.
Nytt år kan också betyda återblickar!
(18.01.2006)
Nyårslöften kan vara många- och ibland flyktiga. Det nya året medför också att man stannar upp och tänker till lite. Inte bara på det som komma skall utan även på det som har varit. Annars kan man inte åstadkomma ändringar! Det här vackra kortet på vår " all time great" Ch Travis Touch Mark kom från Maria Mullersdorfs hårddisk, där det hade legat oanvändt i lång tid. Bilden startade några funderingar: "Var det bättre förr?" Var vi mera tävlingsinriktade? Var hundarna bättre presenterade och konditionerade? Eller helt enkelt bättre konstruerade? Dömde domarna annorlunda? Var stämningen hjärtligare och sportigare? Var uppfödarna mer inriktade på kvalitativa egenskaper? Var det helt enkelt roligare? Eller har vi blivit för gamla....
Årets veteran i Norge!
(18.01.2006)
N S Ch NV-2002 Travis Wordsworth blev årets veteran inom Norsk Spaniel Klub. Ch Travis Hells Ablazing var trea och Ch Travis A La Carte femma! "Quality lasts" som det heter. TACK Karin, Gerd och Elisabeth för fina prestationer.
Vi har valpar!
(16.01.2006)
Vi firar nyår med en ny kull efter WW-03 Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here. Mamma är Travis Lagonda, syster till Travis Aston Martin. Fler bilder kommer, här en första lilla titt. Vi fick fem tikar och en hane, röda, blue roan och orange. Den enda tuppen i hönsflocken är röd. På fotot är den här lilla tiken drygt fyra veckor gammal. Fler kort kommer denna vecka! (Fotoseans på onsdag..) Fotograf M Mullersdorf.
Anemos First Served to Travis snart flygfärdig!
(16.01.2006)
Här är lilla syster till Travis Main Course, Travis Dinner Date och Travis Keep It Classy på sin första genomgång på Annas trim i Oslo. Nu faller valppälsen och Siri har presis lärt sig att "stå och gå"... Uppfödaren Elisabeth Borgersrud fotograferade.
Mamma Ch Travis A La Carte kommer att ha sin sista kull i vår.
Vi önsker alla våra hundvänner ett GOTT NYTT ÅR!
(30.12.2005)
Vi har väckt upp tävlingslustan igen och har ett nytt gäng i startgroparna. Här en bild på Travis After Dark som har ett cert och som planeras ställas ut i ny regi efter flera års ovärksamhet.Tack till hans nya fodervärd som håller honom i sådan fin kondition! Han är broder till Nord.V-02 Travis Puttin On The Ritz. (Hennes förstfödda son Travis Choose the Style var BIR och BIS-2 valp i Danmark på sin första utställning. Ägare kennel Galaksi/ Cockergold. Vi har själv kvar röda hanvalpen Travis Intermission.) After Dark är fallen efter samma mamma som Ch Nord-V 02 Travis Ferrari, namligen gruppvinnande och fullcertade Travis Double Date. Pappa är kullbroder till Ch Travis Vital Spark, Travis Spark in the Dark.
Kennelns Oslo- avdelning ser ut såhär.
(30.12.2005)
Anna har flyttat och är på hugget! Vår unghane Travis Art Noveau är på väg ut i ringarna. Nu finns det snart tid att göra sista finputsning av frisyren! (rasen är inte cocker spaniel, utan mellanpudel...
NEWSFLASH I JULSTÖKET!
(19.12.2005)
Nord SF-V, Ch Travis Mastermind är Årets Cocker i Norge för tredje året i rad, titeln dock delad med sin son Skjervtun Time To Move On i år.
Grattis, grattis!
(Time To Move About lite mera för andra utställare i rasen i Norge kan hända?)
Tre olika Travis- hanar är pappa till Årets Cockrar!
(16.12.2005)
Årets Cocker i Sverige är fallen efter vår amerikanska export S N Ch Travis Fool For You.
-Grattis till Ch Backhills Doris Day samt uppfödarna Karin och Britt Marie Staaf.
Årets Cocker i Danmark är fallen efter Tysk, S N Ch Travis Vital Spark, hemma igen efter vistelse på kennel Cést Si Bon.
-Grattis till Cést Si Bon Mirifique Maurice och uppfödarna Jytte och Hans Andersen.
Årets Cocker i Norge (tror vi) är fallen efter Ch Travis Master Mine, årets cocker i Norge de två senaste åren.
-Grattis till Skjervtuns Time To Move On och uppfödarna Elin och Leif Borgersen.
Vi tackar uppfödarna för förtroendet. Väl kämpat!!
BIS avelsgrupp, BIS uppfödargrupp, BIR och BIM..
(16.12.2005)
...på vår enda norska utställning i år, NKK Fredrikstad. Bilden visar kennelns uppfödargrupp innehållande champions i fem länder (Tyskland, Luxembourg, Danmark, Sverige, Norge), fyra BIR- vinnare samt Norsk-, Nordisk-, Finsk- och Köpenhamnsvinnare.
Avelsgruppen vanns av 10-åriga Tysk, S N Ch Travis Vital Spark, t.v. på bilden.
BIR blev debuterande blå hanen Travis Miles of Smiles (efter WW-03 Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here) och BIM blev Vital Spark- dottern Travis Main Course (BIG-2 NKK Kristiansand...)
Dogville hundefrisør
(05.12.2005)
Nå er hjemmesiden til Dogville hundesalong oppdatert.
Se under fliken Hund & Kattesalong.
Anna har fått nye, lekre lokaler i trendige bydelen Grünerlökka i Oslo, som hun deler med hunde- og katte- designshopen Doggiedo. Butikken har også eksklusiv webshop og adressen finner du på Annas hjemmeside www.dogville.info.
Anna vil også selge trimmeredskap og hårprodukter for hund og katt.
Hun kommer også å hjelpe til på det travle trimmet i Örebro, mens Kari kommer å kunne trimme i Oslo i perioder.
Vi vil etterhvert også åpne en salong på Hund och Kattspecialisten i Karlstad!
Vital Spark avkommor dominerar i Danmark!
(30.08.2005)
Coxkergold Xtra Blue får illustrera alla framgångar som hennes syskon åstadkommit i Danmark på senaste tiden. Dessa är i kombinationen med Ch Carillo Cover Design. BIS Super Cocker show, BIR i Odense på DKK samt ett flertal BT eller BH- placeringar samt valp- BIR har dessa syskon plockat på sig. Kombinationen har gjorts två gånger. Här sa det verkligen "klick"!
Ch Travis Mastermind BIR på på Norsk Spaniel Klubs utstilling i Oslo!
(20.08.2005)
Still going strong, nu med en dotter som bästa tik, samt son och döttrar på de främsta placeringarna på NKK Bjerke sagen efter. Dömde gjorde Tarja Hovila Ägare är kennel Skjervtun i Norge och Mastermind är även han son till Ch Travis Vital Spark.
Travis Fast Decision BIS i Nord- Norge!
(20.08.2005)
Ida vann därmed även sitt första cert. Hon har radat upp fina BT- placeringar från juniorklass och vi gratulerar kennel Frostwork med fina insatser!Ida vann därmed även sitt första cert. Hon har radat upp fina BT- placeringar från juniorklass och vi gratulerar kennel Frostwork med fina insatser! (En tur i skogen duger oxå, tycker Ida...)
"Världens vackraste cockerhuvud..."
(20.08.2005)
...tycker Anna Wikström om sitt kort på Ida, Travis Fast Decision. Tack Anna, för alla kort, och tack till alla som skickar digitala hälsningar på sina hundar. Vi kommer att göra en fotosida på era fina kort som vi verkligen uppskattar!
BIS cocker sydväst i BJUV!
(15.08.2005)
S U Ch Travis Hold On to Your Dream blev bästa tik på SKK- Tvååker samt vann BIS i Bjuv för danska domaren Kim Bay. Grattis till kennel Occis som även blev BIS- valp med sin Ferrari- dotter.
Travis Le Mans BIR i Moss, Norge
(15.08.2005)
Kenzo vann därmed sitt andra cert.Grattis till kennel Wineleaf!
Vi har 6 veckors valpar efter Ch Travis Vital Spark och Travis Brassed Off!.
(13.08.2005)
2 hanar och två tikar, tre trefärgade och en blue roan.
Annas favorit-tjej- eller kanske var det systern? "An all champion litter" tror vi- Mamma Smilla har tidigare endast haft valpar med Vital Sparks halvbroder Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here, där tre avkommor nu varit ute och vunnit cert på sina första utställningar.
-trefärgad tik-
(13.08.2005)
med härliga färger i tantecknen.
trefärgad hane-
(13.08.2005)
vår första, svårt att välja tycker vi som har var sin favorit här hemma...
Den enda blue roan hane i kullen
(13.08.2005)
- och den showigaste.
Gotland - det ultimata stället för sport och vila.......
(14.07.2005)
Travis Main Course - cert i tre länder, två BIR på tre utställningar, slagen om fjerde certet av sin kennelväninna Travis Hit and Miss som debuterade här.
Travis Hot Legs och Travis Fast Desicion debuterade midsommar!
(28.06.2005)
Båda är första barn till WW-03 S N U Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here undan Travis Brassed Off. Båda vann jun kl med CK och fina bästa tik/ bästa hane placeringar. Hot Legs vann sitt första cert!
Domare var Kim Bay och Eivind Mjaerum. Duktiga ägare är Haugbrathens och Frostworks kennlar.
Mamma Brassed Off fick samma dag fyra valpar efter Ch Travis Vital Spark, 2+2, blue roan o trefärgade. Alla mår toppen!
N S U Ch Travis Wordsworth var BIR och BIS-veteran i Trondheim midsommardagen!
(28.06.2005)
Leo har haft ett strålande come back år i Norge, tack till Karin Winbladh som håller honom i sådan form. Kvalité håller i längden!
Lata dagar på utställningsfronten - febril aktivitet vid datorn!
(24.06.2005)
Detta år är avsatt till nyproduktion av boken om Cocker Spaniel som första gången blev utgiven av ICAförlaget 1985 och som sedan blev omarbetad och återutgiven tio år senare. Fotograf är Marie Loré.
Vi håller dock fyrbenta gänget i tip top shape- och kommer att dyka upp här och där på utställningar under hösten!
Anemos First Served to Travis
(24.06.2005)
Vi välkomnar vår parningsvalp från Elizabeth Borgersrud i Oslo, samma kombination som de tre certvinnarna ur förra årets pang- kull efter Vital Spark - N S U Ch Travis A´La Carte...
N S U CH VDH Ch Travis Vital Spark latar sig däremot inte!
(24.06.2005)
Hans valpar med flera av nordens bästa tikar ser som vanligt mycket lovande ut. Valp-bilder kommer på sidan snarast!
NKK Int BØ
(22.02.2005)
Foto:Lotte Andreasen
BIR och BIG-3 för Anja Puumala på NKK´s internationella i BÖ var
Travis Main Course från unghundsklass - på sitt livs andra utställning.
( första certet kom i Danska Fredericia)
BIM var SF-V-04 NV-03 N Ch Travis Master Mine. båda efter S N VDH Ch Travis Vital Spark.....
SKK Int. Älvsjö
(12.12.2004)
Nord V 01, N S U Ch Travis Ferrari blev BIR och SV-04 på "Stora Stockholm".
Kenneln var även Bästa Uppfödargrupp.
Tack till alla våra duktiga vänner som ställde upp med hundar i toppkondition!
Vi hade bland annat sex uppfödningar med i de rekordstora championklasserna!
Det var en stor ära att få vinna för en av rasens Grand Ladies, Gerd Flyckt Pedersen.
-We are thrilled to bits!
SSRK Grängesberg
(14.11.2004)
Domare: Marjo Jakkolla, Finland
Travis Keep It Classy blev BT-3 med Cert från juniorklass.
SKK Int. Växjö
(07.11.2004)
Domare:Maria-Luies Doppelreiter, Österike
Travis Keep It Classy blev BIM med Cert från juniorklass.
ägare: Karin Staaf, Kennel Backhill's
SSRK Hallstahammar
(03.10.2004)
Domare:Helene Björkman
Travis Keep it Classy vann juniorklass med CK och slutade som 3:e Bästa Tik med Cert!
äg. Karin Staaf
SKK Nat. Norrköping
(14.08.2004)
Domare:Hans Rosenberg
Travis Keep it Classy vann juniorklass med CK och slutade som 2:a Bästa Tik med Cert!
SKK Int. Ronneby
(31.07.2004)
Domare:Fred Cuthbert, Irland
Travis Hold On To Your Dream vann öppenklass med CK och slutade som 2:a Bästa Tik med Cert! (ägare: Britta Dafgård)
Travis Keep it Classy blev 2:a i juniorklass med CK och slutade som Reserv Bästa Tik.
SKK Tvååker
(11.07.2004)
BIR Ch.Travis Gossip Starts Here
BIM Joycock's Ultimate Passion
Domare:Svend Lövenkjaer, Danmark
Ch.Travis Gossip Starts Here blev Bästa Hane,BIR & Grupp-1!
Ch.Travis Vital Spark blev 3:e Bästa Hane och BIR-Veteran.
SKK Tvååker
(10.07.2004)
Domare:Juoko Leiviskä,Finland
Ch.Travis Gossip Starts Here blev 2:a Bästa Hane
Travis Fool's Goal (bildet) vann öppenklass med CK och slutade som 4:a Bästa Hane med Cert
Ch.Travis Love In A Mist vann championklass med CK och slutade som 2:a Bästa Tik.
SKK Borås
(04.07.2004)
BIR Ch.Travis Gossip Starts Here
BIM Ch.Grimsholmens Code Red
Domare:Ann Carlström, Sverige
Bästa Hane:
BH-1,BIR:Ch.Travis Gossip Starts Here (röd) ägare:K & A Haave
BH-2:Ch.Line Sam Orbit (blr) ägare: T. Lundborg
BH-3,Cert:Grimsholmens I Walk The Line (röd) ägare:A-B Westerdal
BH-4:Travis Le Mans (svart) ägare: K Winblad
BH-R:Ch.Line Sam Hot Dog (svart ägare:J Uddh
Bästa Tik:
BT-1,BIM:Ch.Grimsholmens Code Red (röd) ägare:I Hansson
BT-2:Ch.Travis Love In A Mist( blr) ägare: K & A Haave
BT-3Cert,BIS-Vet: Marimia's Rain-Drop (blr) ägare: F Ankersson
BT-4:Line Sam Again (svart?) ägare:URöjgers-Parkman,Tyskland
BT-R:Travis Hold On To your Dream (blr) ägare:B Dafgård
SSRK Värmland, Rottneros
(03.07.2004)
BIM Ch.Travis Love In A Mist
BIR Ch.Travis Gossip Starts Here
Domare:David Shields,England
Bästa Hane:
BH-1,BIR,BIS-4:Ch.Travis Gossip Starts Here (röd) ägare:K & A Haave
BH-2:Ch.Matchpoint Different Choise (röd) ägare: K & A Törling
BH-3,Cert:Westerner Timekeeper (blr) ägare: I. Ivarsson
BH-4:Allert's Night Party (blr) ägare: D. Svensson
BH-R:Ch.Atacama's Zougin (orr) ägare:S. Berggren
Bästa Tik:
BT-1,BIM:Ch.Travis Love In A Mist (blr) ägare:K & A Haave
BT-2,Cert,BIS-Vet:Artmaster's Annie (blr) ägare: J & G Jarefors
BT-3:Travis Face The Music (blr) ägare: K & A Haave
BT-4:Matchpoint Different Surprice (röd) ägare: K & L Norlund
BT-R:Flashdance Betty Boop (blr) ägare:S Berggren
Allerup Gl. Have
(30.05.2004)
NuCh SU(u)CH Travis Vital Spark "Edwin" -
blev BIS-Veteran under Anne Buwik (Norge)
samt Dansk Klubb Champion!!!!
Dagen innan 29 maj blev "Edwin" BIR i St. Peter-Ording, Tyskland under Dr. Beyersdorf!
12 Juni i Neumuenster ,Tyskland så blev Edwin BIR och BIG-2!!!
Uppfödargrupp på norska spanielklubbens club show
(29.05.2004)
Foto: Stig Arne Kjellevold
"Uppfödargrupp på norska spanielklubbens club show, bestående av BIS, Ch Travis Mastermind, BIS-veteran Ch Travis Hells Ablazing
(även Bästa hane för Jackie Marris Bray, Helenwood, i Kristiansand några veckor innan), 2:a bästa hane, Ch WW-03 Travis Gossip Starts Here och tvåa i segrarklass (efter vår egen T.Love in a Mist) samt trea bästa tik från unghundsklass, Travis for Sure.BIS-vinnaren samt BIM vinnaren Ch Travis Love in a Mist är helsyskon efter Ch Travis Vital Spark.
BIS Veteran NSK Club Show
(29.05.2004)
BIS-Veteran: Travis Hell's Ablazing
Club Show, NSK Hönefoss (Norge)
(29.05.2004)
BIR Ch.Travis Master Mine
BIM Ch.Travis Love In A Mist
Domare:W J Ironside, Skottland
Bästa Hane:
1. BIR, BIS: Ch Travis Master Mine (blr) Äg. E Borgersen
2. Ch Travis Gossip Starts Here (röd) Äg. A & K Haave
3. CERT: Libell's Noble Caesar (blr) Äg. A Andersen & B-I Sjöström
4. Timanka's Very Important (b/t) Äg. R Johansen & F B Karlsson
R.,BIS-Vet: Ch Travis Hell's Ablazing (svart) Äg. G Dahle
Bästa Tik:
1. CERT, BIM: Travis Love In A Mist (blr) Äg. A & K Haave
2. Ch Claudette Inch By Inch (röd) Äg. Kristin S Handeland
3. Travis For Sure (orr) Äg. Anna & Kari Haave
4. Ch Skjervtun's Instent Karma (b/t) Äg. Elin Borgersen
R. Ch Carillo Carizma (blr) Äg. Kari Granaas Hanse & Jan Kolpus
"Ronja" Travis Love In A Mist blev Norsk Champion på denna uställning!
NKK Int.Kristiansand (Norge)
(09.05.2004)
BIM Ch.Travis Master Mine - BIR Ch.Travis Love In A Mist
Domare: Frank Bjerklund,Norge
Bästa Hane:
1. BIM: Ch Travis Master Mine äg. E. Borgersen
2. Ch Travis Ferrari äg. Anna & Kari Haave
3. Ch Travis Hells Ablazing äg. Gerd Dahle
4. CERT: Travis Le Mans äg. Karin Winbladh
R. Rhuston Captain Sunshine äg. Oddvar Hausken
Bästa Tik:
1. CERT, BIR: Travis Love In A Mist äg. Anna & Kari Haave
2. Carillo Cover Design äg. M. Kristensen & L. Andreasen
3. Travis Face The Music äg. Kari & Anna Haave
4. Jekobas First Home Made äg.. Gerd Dahle
R. Travis A La Carte äg. Elisabeth Borgersrud
BIR-vet: Travis Hells Ablasing äg. Gerd Dahle
BIM-vet: Travis A La Carte äg. Elisabeth Borgersrud
BIR-uppfödargrupp: Kennel Travis, Kari Haave
NSK Kristiansand (Norge)
(08.05.2004)
BIM: Ch Travis Hells Ablazing - BIR: Travis Love In A Mist
Domare: Jackie Marris Bray, Helenwood
SKK Älvsjö
(11.04.2004)
BIM: Ch Backhill's Doris Day - BIR: Ch. Travis Ferrari
Domare: Laurent Pichard