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:
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!)
- 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!)
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