Well, we are coming out of our summer sojourn now and getting ready for the show season to kick in, with the Sydney Royal starting things off for us in the next few weeks.  However, when I say we have been putting our collective feet and paws up over the summer, I don't include Zeke in that, because he and his handler and co-owner, Huey Miin Lim, have been on a roll! In the last several weekend of showing, Zeke has come home with not one, but *two* BEST IN SHOWS (All breeds) and then a RUNNER UP BEST IN SHOW (All breeds) as a follow up!   As a result, Zeke is continuing his hold on the Number 1 spot for the Finnish Lapphund breed pointscore nationally *and* is currently 3rd on the working dog group pointscore for Victoria (DOL Pointscore).  Well done Zeke and Huey Miin as you both continue to break the breed records!

I'm pleased to say that the other Taigakoira dogs will be coming out soon too - Miss Miia (now officially with the Australian Championship title attached to her name) is starting to warm up as the weather cools in the show rings, and Zeke's half siblings will also be out soon too, handled by their owners both in Victoria and interstate (we are looking forward to seeing how these young lappies mature!).

We have another big year in and out of the show rings planned before we take a break again at the end of the year (hopefully with a litter to keep us busy!) so keep an eye out for more updates!

Only a week after we announced Zeke (Gr Ch Taigakoira Tahtien Valo (AI)) had qualified for his Grand Championship, we are pleased to announce that last Sunday he took his tenth Best in Group (Group 1) at the Romsey Championship Show under Judge Rodger Bridgford (Vic), which means that Zeke has now qualified for his AUSTRALIAN SUPREME CHAMPIONSHIP!

Zeke is now one of four only Finnish Lapphunds in Australia to have achieved this title, and in one of the most highly competitive states in the country, he has held his own.  Amazingly, he has achieved this at only 22 months old, making him the youngest Supreme Champion Finnish Lapphund in Australia.

I have said before what a special dog Zeke is, and that I knew he had the potential to really shine, even from a young age.  His co-owner and handler, Huey Miin Lim, has really bought out his star quality, and been his biggest supporter.  As a breeder, its wonderful to see your dogs do well, but that's not as important as knowing that they are truly loved by their owners.  

A special mention must also go to Zeke's other handler, Aimee Petersen for her support, advice and expertise, mentoring Huey Miin and Zeke and being an amazing person all round.

Our friends in the breed and outside of it have given us tremendous support and encouragement along the way. It does take a village, and the dog world has provided that - we are very humbled.

Less than 12 months ago, Zeke achieved his Australian Championship at the Sunbury Show, and we were ecstatic at that.  We had thought that, this year, we would do some shows and see how far we got - at first, we thought we might get a bit closer to a grand by the end of the year if he did well.  Little did we realise that within that 12 months, we would achieve the ultimate show title - a Supreme. 

Zeke is now currently  #1 Finnish Lapphund in Australia and in the Top 10 Working Dog in Australia (DOL pointscore).  Most importantly, he is an amazing dog and a great ambassador for the breed, and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us.

Thanks to Teresa Gaudio for the wonderful pic of that special win.

Taigakoira is pleased to announce that Zeke (Taigakoira Tahtien Valo (AI)) this weekend qualified for his AUSTRALIAN GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP title, at only 22 months of age.  Zeke is the youngest Finnish Lapphund in the country to have achieved this title, made possible by his record breaking wins which have included: 

• 2 x Reserve Best in Shows 
• 9 x Best in Groups
• 15 x Best in Group 2nd (Runner Up Best in Groups)
• Best of Breed at Royal Melbourne and Royal Brisbane (2018) and Best of Breed at Adelaide Royal (2017) 

Zeke was one of two pups born in a very special litter for us in December 2016, and from the start,  this little male puppy caught my attention - he was exceptional, even from a very young age. While this litter was the combination of two imported and uncommon lines here, he had that special something that excited me as both a breeder and show person.  When I told his co-owner to be, Huey Miin Lim, that I thought she should come out and see him, I knew that she would ask me what I thought of his potential as a show dog.  My reply was that I thought he was one of the best puppies I had bred, and it was not a difficult job to convince her that she should take him home.

I know well that potential is only one side of the equation though, and Huey Miin has been completely dedicated in her mission to bring out the best in Zeke.  While we jokingly refer to her as "tiger mom" at times, Huey Miin has also done an exceptional job in developing him and building that partnership and bond that is the foundation for any kind of dog activity or sport, including conformation showing. Its no secret that best dog in the world will not get far in show world if they are unhappy in the ring.  Much rests on the handler ensuring the dog has fun, and Huey Miin has made that a priority. As a breeder, I cannot ask for any more.  And her dedication has been rewarded - Zeke is a lovely example of the breed in type and a joy to watch on the move, with the right amount of reach and drive and lovely balance. He is not only expertly presented, but, as the Melbourne Royal judge remarked, is true to the requirement for the breed to be moderate, and to have that character that makes a Lappie, a Lappie. 

I am very proud that Taigakoira has now produced our first Grand Champion with such a lovely boy. I thank Huey Miin for all her efforts and dedication to Zeke, and to all the judges who have awarded him so highly - and in a breed which is still growing in Australia. I'd like to also thank our many friends who have supported Huey Miin and I in the campaign to achieve Zeke's title, particularly Aimee Petersen who has also done an amazing job in supporting Huey Miin, handling Zeke on occasion (and providing the odd boot camp for teenage boy dogs), and helping to make this achievement possible.  

Thank you all, and congratulations again to Huey Miin and, of course, our shooting star,  Zeke. You still get first mum kisses, even with the other big dogs watching.

(thanks to Teresa Gaudio for the pic!)

We are super proud to announce that Zeke (Aust Ch Taigakoira Tahtien Valo (AI)) has bettered his winning record, winning  at just 19 months old,  his first 🏆🏆 RUNNER UP BEST IN SHOW!!! 🏆🏆 at the Dareton Kennel Club show! Over the course of the three show weekend at  Dareton, Zeke also took group placings all three days, resulting in:

💫Runner Up in Group + Intermediate in Group under Miss Caroline Stuart (NSW) (Friday 13/7)
💫 Best in Group + Intermediate in Group under Mrs Wendye Slatyer (NSW) (Saturday 14/7)
💫 Best in Group + Intermediate in Group under Mrs Patricia Hall (NSW)
💫 RUNNER UP BEST IN SHOW + Intermediate in Show under Miss Caroline Stuart (NSW) (Sunday 15/7)

This amazing weekend is off the back of some wonderful results from other shows, with Zeke picking up multiple Best in Group, Runner Up Best in Group and Class in Show placings.  As a result,  💫 Zeke is currently #1 National Finnish Lapphund Show Dog of the Year (Dogzonline Pointscore).

A huge congratulations to Zeke's co owner and handler Huey Miin Lim for doing so well with Zeke and helping us to achieve his full potential.  We are looking forward to seeing what else our lovely boy will achieve! 

Pic by Clare Van Der Wolde

It's been a while since we have updated our dogblog but soooo much has happened during that time!  Taigakoira dogs have been doing super well in the show rings - Taavi (Ch Taigakoira Buoremus Davvir PT) took out Best in Specialty Show in 2017 at the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria's Championship Show under judge Saara Sampakoski (Finland), and ​Zeke (Ch Taigakoira Tahtien Valo) has been taking multi Runner Up in Groups, Class in Groups and Class in Shows, was BOB at the Adelaide Royal in 2017 and most recently reserve dog at the NSW Finnish Lapphund Club Specialty Show.  Well done to Taavi's owners and handlers, Meagan Thomas and Simone Dillion, and to Zeke's co-owner and handler, Huey Miin Lim.

In the meantime, we have been campaigning our lovely new imported girl Miia (NUch SeUch DkUch FiUch NordUch NW-16 EuJW-15 Lapinlunas Onnentyttö (imp Nor), and we are pleased to announce that in just over 6 months, Miia has added *another* title to that long name of hers, qualifying for her Australian Championship. On the way, Miia has impressed in the ring, most recently taking out Runner Up in Group 5 (Working Dog Group) and Open in Group at our Easter shows.  However, we are only just beginning to have some fun in the ring and we have a lot more showing ahead of us! We thank Miia's breeders, Rebekah & Anders Ylén (Sweden) for breeding such a gorgeous girl, and Jonna Almenäs, for looking after her (and earning all those extra titles!) in Norway.

Taigakoira lapphunds have a lot planned for the next 12 months, including (hopefully) litter plans for new pups - we would love to hear from anyone looking for Taigakoira lappie, particularly for show prospect (just contact us via our contact form).

Well, the day has finally arrived where our sweet girl Miia has not only arrived on our shores, but is out of quarantine and with us at home, getting to know her new fur family.  Both Miia and Tähti have been kennel mates previously when living with our good friend Jonna Almenäs in Norway, and were reacquainted quickly (Miia remembered that Tähti is still Queen). Miia has also been having fun doing zoomies with Nova and the rest of the Taigakoira lappies, joining in with their antics (and their barking).  She has taken her new home in her stride, enjoying the country life (although it appears that her rather unhealthy poultry obsession with chickens will continue - just as well they are safe and sound on the *other* side of the fence!).  Best of all, she has found her spot on the lounge in the evenings and is settling in nicely.

Miia is such a delight to have around - friendly and happy, she loves everyone.  She will have some time at home to readjust and settle, but will be out in the show rings here very soon - we are very much looking forward to having her having some show ring fun here! 

Ok, it's been a while since we updated the blog - but that's because we have been so busy at Taigakoira! Our Haaveilla litter arrived in December, with Zeke and Nova being the result of this match between our imported girl Tahti and imported semen from Lecibsin Kaapro.  So we were busy with these two gorgeous babies (see below).

Now Zeke and Nova are now nearly 7 months old and looking lovely.  While we haven't had a chance to take Nova out for many shows up to now, her brother Zeke has gone gangbusters in the show rings, taking out 7 baby in groups, 3 baby in shows, 1 baby in specialty show and 3 baby sweepstakes.  Although he has only just aged up, he has taken a Minor in Show and even a Runner Up in Group! Huge congrats to his co owner and handler Huey Miin Lim, who is really letting Zeke's star shine!

That's not to say Nova has been slow off the mark though - even though we have only been to two shows (and one was baby puppy) - at her first show in minor she took out the bitch challenge and runner up best of breed - again, at just over 6 months of age.   

We plan on doing a lot more showing in the next 12-18 months, and will be travelling a bit, so if you want to meet the Taigakoira team just contact us - we would love to meet you!

Well, it doesn't get much better than this!

We are incredibly pleased to announce that, at just over 2 years of age, our lovely Miia (Lapinlunas Onnentyttö) won Best of Breed, the CAC and the Norwegian Winners certificate at the Norwegian Winners Championship Show (Nov 20th 2016).  This last CAC means that she has added another 5 new titles to her name, as she is now a Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Nordic Champion (as well as the Norwegian winner title) - and, once approved by the NKK, will be known as NUch SeUch DkUch FiUch NordUch NW-16 EuJW-15 Lapinlunas Onnentyttö (that's a bit of a mouthful there!) 

Her BOB critique under Finnish Judge Maija Sylgren was:

2 yrs, ex(cellent) type and prop(ortions), well balanced, beautiful bitch, g(ood) head and expression, correct bite, beautiful neck and topline, well set tail, ex(cellent) body and bone, well balanced angles, efficient mover, ex(cellent) coat, nice temp(erament). 

The icing on the cake for us is the news that Miia is currently the top winning Finnish Lapphund bitch in Norway for 2016 (NKK list) and second for the breed overall - not a bad achievement for a young girl who is still maturing!   

​As always, we are most indebted to our good friend Jonna Almenäs for looking after Miia so well and showing her to her titles, and to her breeder Rebecka Ylén for trusting Miia to us.

We shall be opening a bottle tonight to celebrate!

Lapinlunas Onnentyttö (Miia) -  BOB, Norwegian Winner, CAC - Photo by Rita Bekkeli

BOB, Norwegian winner, CAC -  Lapinlunas Onnentyttö and Best Male (Opposite BOB) Lapinlumon Ilo.  Photo by Rita Bekkeli

Miia (EuJW-15 Lapinlunas Onnentyttö) has again done us proud, in both Finland and more recently in Denmark.  

On November 5th and 6th Miia won 2nd best bitch in Herning at the Danish and Nordic winner shows, and bought home the Danish CAC's for both shows.  Her critiques were:

Kritik til hund SE 55745/2014 05.11.2016: 2 years - beautiful young female so true breedtype in every detail - typical strong bones and feet - correct angulation - and front - lovely head and expression - well set small ears - correct bite - nice coat and colour - moves paralell with typical head carriage and topline for this breed nice temperament - high quality female.

Kritik til hund SE 55745/2014: 2 year old of excellent quality, very nice head, nice topline and front, very well set tail, very nice bones, excellent coat quality, free mover, very nice in stand, friendly temperament.

Miia showed prior to this at the Finnish International Show at Kuopio, in early August.  On the 5th we were very excited when she won  best bitch with CAC and CACIB; she followed that up the next day with a 2nd best bitch, CAC and reserve CACIB.  The final day she completely blew us away, taking out Best of Breed (and another CAC) against top Finnish competition.  We had hoped that she would do well, but never imagined this!

Now Miia is over 2yrs (just!) we are hoping that she will shortly gain that last CAC needed for her title(s) - she is a delight to handle in the ring and while we look forward to when she makes it out here, we have great plans for her.
​

It's been a bit of a gap since our last update - but that's not to say that we haven't been busy! Tähti arrived in September and we have hit the show rings to get in a few shows before the summer break.  Tähti too to Australian showing in style, collecting multiple Bitch Challenges, Runner Up and Best of Breeds in her first shows.  

Tähti also placed second in a large Open Class of mostly international bitches at the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria's Championship show, under specialty judge Ambjorn Lindqvist (SWD), on 24.10.2016  She was also awarded an Excellent Grading and the following critique:

Ex type, lovely head and expression.  Ex neck and top line, well set tail.  Well bodied, ex angulation. Sound mover, ex coat.

We are very happy with how she has settled in and even though she has been here a short time she is nearly half way to her Australian title.  We will take a break over summer, and be back in the show rings in early 2017.