Reach and Drive

As one of the most beautiful and elegant of Giant Breed Dogs, THE NEWFOUNDLAND is  classified as a Working Breed,  capable of covering a lot of ground and pulling heavy carts as well as rescuing a person or a stranded boat in deep water. While observing the side gate of the dog in the show ring, one should notice a tremendous reach and drive as the dog propels itself across the ground with his large frame and well-developed muscles. The gate should be smooth and appear effortless while the tail functions as a rudder and should not be curled over the back like that of a Malamute.  The Newfoundland has a strong shoulder, well-muscled rear assembly and straight top line which is covered with a long dense coat. These photos are a primary example of a strong mature Newfoundland capable of demanding work.


Thank you Terri Muro for your excellent photography.

Hats Off!!!!

Hats Off!!! to the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the Stanley Cup in Ice Hockey 2010!!! And a special Hats-Off to Antti Niemi, the Finnish Goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks who worked his way up from Juniors and the AHL to show his talent and determination facing countless pucks to win the Stanley Cup for Chicago. Having had a son as a Goaltender in Junior Hockey in California and Canada, I know what a tremendous effort this has been for Mr. Niemi and what a fabulous job he has done for the Blackhawks team. He deserves his MVP status for the Stanley Cup, for without his astute attention to where the puck was at all times, there would have been many more goals. Niemi, your talent and athleticism pushed your team to the top. A jolly good Hats Off to you and your team. Competition is more than just winning.

First in Line

FIRST in the line up at the Hangtown Kennel Club show, Hummer got a good look from the Judge and moved in full gear as he ran around the very nicely groomed ring in Placerville over Memorial Day Holiday. Sharing the same ring times as his brother Alexander, they had their handler hopping from ring to ring. It was great fun!

CH Win N Rome's One and Only Isabella!

Congratulations to our friend BELLA, now Champion Win N Rome's One and Only Isabella, who finished her Championship by winning the Major at the Coyote Hills Kennel Club show in Vallejo this weekend! Hummer is looking forward to sharing the Best of Breed ring with her in her next show and many more future shows as they enjoy grazing, traveling, running around the ring and celebrating together. Well done Bella!!

Burning Down the House

Until I get another camera, which I have not yet had time to shop for, I will display other peoples' photographs, which, although they do not contain photos of any dogs, are much better than I could ever take with any camera. These are all photos of places where I would either like to be or go to, from Northern Canada to Italy, any beach with any sunset would be fine too. However, I live with dogs, and I also have a puppy who is into everything all the time. I let my dogs into the house, they are with me most of the time and enjoy the cool floors inside or the deck outside. Even though Hummer is content to sleep and relax after a long walk, the LABRADOR puppy, ALEXANDER, is busy chewing, sniffing, exploring, asking for..... something! Channeling a puppy's energy is the single most important thing a dog owner can do to keep the peace and to keep the house from being destroyed.
So far we have been lucky. So far I have been able to supply enough chew bones and toys to satisfy this exceptionally beautiful and energetic Labrador. Hummer has been spared many a time from the wrath of Alex who wants to play play play, and although Hummer is fine with it, he does get more tired and wants to sleep in his own corner. We have been working on ring craft and obedience with both the baby and Hummer. I look forward to their next show in Vallejo so they can channel their energy towards the show and not the corners of the house. Pretty teeth and regal stance are the order of the day. The HOUSE, although not perfecty clean, organized, or decorated, is comfortable for the dogs,from the garden decks to the cool marble floors, is not yet ready to be BURNED DOWN!!

Twist and Shout!

The Hollister show was a great time with great weather and the company of Fritzy,a young and spry Newfoundland and half brother to Hummer. On Saturday the Judge, the Honerable Burton Yamada, was giving Hummer a serious look but ultimately chose Fritzy for Best of Breed as Hummer was not gating very well. He must have twisted something and was not his usual smooth self. Hummer will have to get used to me as his new handler! This is sometimes the disappointing part of working with not a machine, but an animal who is like an athlete and has to be most careful before competition. Otherwise it was a most pleasant weekend and we look forward to training and getting ready for our next competition this month. Hopefully we will have something to shout about in the near future!

We are ready to Rock'n'Roll