We've had such a busy busy year! Not only did we change our pugs - added the fabulous Visconti di Milan - but also brought on board the gorgeous Leonidas - Wolfram I Love You Love Me at Abifinstar. In between Ive been busy mentoring litters sired by Maximus - he's doing great guns and actually sired a litter of 12 which was totally amazing. Our dog handling is done by the fantastic Mark Crompton - Cromysway - which is a great help to me. Mark is extremely professional, knows his stuff, arranges the matings and provide a scan in the customers home to confirm pregnancy. As a result of our friends the Rudd family losing their beloved Henry and our Jeanie pup Tilly being distraught - we sent Leo to help heal the wounds - Leo and Tilly are now best friends and Lynne Rudd has kindly agreed to show Leo for me and we both attend Ringcraft at Wirral Ringcraft on a Tuesday evening - this is a great place to learn the techniques.
May saw the Blackpool & Fylde Bulldog Club seaside themed Open Show - I was on the door - and I believe our receipts were very good - this is an excellent show to come on in and try showing your dog - it's open and friendly and it's a great place to start. We had Leo in the puppy walk and he was great.
The Blackpool & Fylde Bulldog Club support Bulldog Day North - led by Vicky Collins-Natrass - so in June I headed up there to lend a hand with Lily and my old school friend Carole - great weekend - Lily did get a bit snappy - so kept a yellow ribbon on hand - great fun in the hotel room when she wanted to jump in the bed with me (spoilt at home). This fantastic fun day raised £000's of pounds for Bulldog Rescue and was a great success - I'll be there next year.
Whilst we continued to train Leo at Ringcraft throughout June - as soon as he hit 6 months - he's being campaigned at Championship and Open shows. Our very first event in July was two events in one - the Leeds Championship Show followed by the Sheffield & Leodensian Bulldog show - different judges - different things that appealed to them - but both with tough competition. We didn't get placed but both Lynne and I were delighted with Leo's performance and we are now planning our next show.
As for breeding - we've had our ups and down - several bulldog matings haven't worked out - plus poor Marina (pug) had a phantom pregnancy - we have just mated Princess Hollyberry with Valentino so are awaiting news as to whether she is pregnant or not - if she is litter is due September so that will keep me busy.
Finally, health has been first on the agenda throughout the year - the studs - Valentino and Milan have all been health tested (they're under 1 so as far as possible) - Valentino is dominant black - is clear of PDE and PKR - Milan is Hereditary Cataract clear and clear DM - and coming up shortly is Bulldog Breed Council testing at the Manchester Counties Bulldog show for Lois and Raani at the end of September. Leo is too young yet but will be tested when he hits one. We can only do our best to try to ensure we breed the best quality dogs.
May saw the Blackpool & Fylde Bulldog Club seaside themed Open Show - I was on the door - and I believe our receipts were very good - this is an excellent show to come on in and try showing your dog - it's open and friendly and it's a great place to start. We had Leo in the puppy walk and he was great.
The Blackpool & Fylde Bulldog Club support Bulldog Day North - led by Vicky Collins-Natrass - so in June I headed up there to lend a hand with Lily and my old school friend Carole - great weekend - Lily did get a bit snappy - so kept a yellow ribbon on hand - great fun in the hotel room when she wanted to jump in the bed with me (spoilt at home). This fantastic fun day raised £000's of pounds for Bulldog Rescue and was a great success - I'll be there next year.
Whilst we continued to train Leo at Ringcraft throughout June - as soon as he hit 6 months - he's being campaigned at Championship and Open shows. Our very first event in July was two events in one - the Leeds Championship Show followed by the Sheffield & Leodensian Bulldog show - different judges - different things that appealed to them - but both with tough competition. We didn't get placed but both Lynne and I were delighted with Leo's performance and we are now planning our next show.
As for breeding - we've had our ups and down - several bulldog matings haven't worked out - plus poor Marina (pug) had a phantom pregnancy - we have just mated Princess Hollyberry with Valentino so are awaiting news as to whether she is pregnant or not - if she is litter is due September so that will keep me busy.
Finally, health has been first on the agenda throughout the year - the studs - Valentino and Milan have all been health tested (they're under 1 so as far as possible) - Valentino is dominant black - is clear of PDE and PKR - Milan is Hereditary Cataract clear and clear DM - and coming up shortly is Bulldog Breed Council testing at the Manchester Counties Bulldog show for Lois and Raani at the end of September. Leo is too young yet but will be tested when he hits one. We can only do our best to try to ensure we breed the best quality dogs.