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!)