This is the room where we place our pups that we will "run on" for six to twelve months before deciding who ultimately will become a part of our active breeding program. What determines who stays and who will go to a new home? There are many things to be considered before we can make the final choice: First and foremost do we like the pup; his or her personality, can we live with them? Does the pup "fit in" with the other dogs? Are they happy being one of a dozen or more dogs, sharing our attentions, or would they prefer to be in a one or two-dog family? Do they like to show off? In other words, will they have fun in the ring or do they have to be dragged around fighting the whole way? And, of course, we have to stand back and forget this is our precious puppy and really look at him (or her!). Has he/she lived up to his/her potential? We "assess" our pups many times over the months starting as young as only a few weeks old. We also like to have another breeder help with the assessments as often as possible; not necessarily a dachsie breeder. A good breeder will know what makes a worthy dog regardless of the breed (some just have a better "eye" than others).
Not all pups will stay with us permanently, of course. There wouldn't be enough room! Some, like "Striker", have gone to co-ownership homes where they can get the one-on-one attention they adore. Periodically they'll come for a visit to be shown or perhaps to "play house" with one of the girls. Most others will be placed into companion homes with our regular "Non Breeding" contract; a select few may be offered to a show or breeding home.
"Tika"; DOB April 08, 2011; Red. Tika is the only girl born to our lovely Fern this spring. She and her two brothers were born on my birthday, a couple of days early. What a wonderful birthday present! We hemmed and hawed, thought long and hard and, finally, decided to run on this little beauty, watch how she grows then decide whether or not she is to take her dam's place in our breeding program.
How the pups got their name: The number eight plays an important role in these pups background; not only were they born on the eighth, their dam was born on the eighth (of June) and their grand-sire, Fern's sire, was born on the eighth (of May). What else could we do but acknowledge their mystical/mysterious/magical beginnings? All three pups have very special names. Tika is Pamadron Mystical Eights, Magic (black & cream) is Pamadron Magical Numbers and Otto (red) is Pamadron Infinitely Mysterious.
Tika made her show debut this past weekend at the Belleville & District Kennel Club Shows (Oct 22 - 23, 2011). Saturday she walked around, never fussed about the hustle and bustle of the people and other dogs, large and small. However ... she saw that green "stuff" on the floor of the ring and said "no way Jose!". The judge, Shirley Limoges, is wonderful with pups and allowed me to carry Tika to a point where she could walk towards the exit - boy did she motor then :) The next day, with a bit more practice, Tika had it figured out! She went in the ring like a seasoned pro and came out with her first championship point then went on to win BEST PUPPY IN GROUP ! Thank-you to both Ms Limoges for her gentle patience and to Michael Hill for our lovely little girl's first point and wonderful BPIG win.
Tika takes the ring by storm! At the Ottawa Kennel Club shows, November 2011, Tika goes WB BO Friday and Saturday, adding two points towards her championship. Sunday, November 20th Tika goes WB, BW, BEST OF BREED, BPIB, over specials males, for three points!
"Jewel" now known as "Lilo"; DOB May 07, 2011; Cream. Lilo is our pretty little girl out of Wyndy and Toad. She has gone to live with her co-owner, Irene Munoz of Avignon Dachshunds in sunny California, and will make her show debut later this winter. Our plan is to have Lilo start her show career in the American rings and come to Canada in a year or two to complete her Canadian title. We will watch her progress in pictures in the meantime.