Royal Cheshire

Beti looking about right for her age I think, she was second in the class. The judge commented that she needs more body and coat. Yes I agree on coat, but it's coming back, her body will come with time, she's not two yet so we have time on our hands.

Meerah was second of two, Some nice comments from the judge, followed with, "but she's just too big!" Hell I know, and I'm so disappointed, but nothing I can do is there. Some humour about her size on the day left spinning round and round in my head in the evening and overnight. I hope people aren't laughing at her, or me for showing her ... I guess Meerah will have to stay home after this month. 

Lyra, Orin's L/C daughter looking lovely and flowing around the ring with her amazing gait.

Lon Eifion

Another convenient walk on route to Tremadog. Lon Eifion is the cycle track that runs from Caernarfon to Bryncir. I stopped in Bryncir, where there is a small car park, and walked towards Pantglas. Not a long walk as time was tight, but being out there in the countryside helps me headspace so much.

Mum was the worst I've ever seen her today, my concern deepens for her future. Apart from her awful mobility, she seemed quite confused and forgetful, I've come home feeling quite concerned about the current situation, and as I said, the future. 

Capel Engedi

 

I just couldn't believe it when I came across an old Chapel on the Lon Goed ... Of course when I came home I had to find out what I could ...  

"The chapel on Lon Goed is likely referring to Capel Engedi, which is situated off the historic Y Lôn Goed (Lon Goed) in the rural area near Chwilog, Gwynedd. It is described as being in an idyllic rural location with far-reaching countryside views. The chapel has planning permission for conversion into two holiday lets. Lon Goed itself is a lane lined with trees, famous for its beauty and celebrated in Welsh poetry, particularly by R. Williams Parry. The lane runs for about five miles, connecting Afon Wen to Hendre Cennin."

Lon Goed Again.

It looks like Ross has nothing more serious than a UTI. His prostate is normal, his temperature was normal and there were no crystals in his urine. Only blood/protein was detected, so antibiotics have been prescribed. Though he doesn't look overweight to me, he was 41.5kg so a smirk from Beth about that!

Today we joined the Lon Goed on the old Chwilog to Llanystumdwy road, so not at the bottom which is at Afon Wen ... I would have had to cross the main road to go down so I went uphill instead. I went further than I've been before, maybe a little too far for Ross to be honest, as he was lame on the way back. Memories came flooding back of doing this walk with an elderly Tali, Sammi and a puppy Ross .. and then that photo of Kaiah hiding behind a huge rock came to mind, some sweet memories, but some tears. I remembered so clearly the nightmare of Ross' limp back in 2017, as ever I was so negative about it. I remember pleading to a god I don't believe in to let him have  good quality of life, to make it so we could manage his pain in his youth, and seek more help for him in later life. Well now it is "later life" and the boy was lame again today ... but he's lived life to the full and with some extra TLC now he's an older chap, lets hope he continues to do so! 

Pinchmill Adira Of Blanik

Beautiful Beti, wet, unbrushed, in season and just coming back into coat. Now coming close to her second birthday, such a special girl, the light on the darkest of days. Thanks, Ian and Jackie for this photo of my whirlwind!

More About Heads

A perfect example of overdone, and if you think we don't have heads like this in the UK, well sorry but sadly we do! If we keep breeding from animals with huge block heads then I fear this will become  "acceptably the norm!" 

I listened to the critiques from the Sieger as the judge commented about one of his top winning males as being "on the limits of proportions, " he suggested caution was necessary, but still said he was a beautiful dog and put him first. Years ago I commented that a male I bred "Arko" was bordering on being coarse, but my god he was not like this! Whilst I also dislike snippy heads, a GSD should not look like a collie, I really think this is an ugly trait that is creeping into our breed. 

The head of a dog is the first thing we see when assessing them, if we carry on like this we will lose the breed characteristics of what is "A German Shepherd Dog," as guardians of the fabulous breed, surely we can not let this happen! 

Seasons and UTI

Beti is now on the last week of her season, Zeus is still going demented, but I'm still able to take him out with Meerah at the moment. Just the field for everyone today but these three may have to miss their walk tomorrow as I think I'll have to take Ross to the vets. I hope it's nothing more serious than a UTI! 

Hairy Ross

For a dog who had no coat as a youngster, this boy hasn't half made up for it. Though he doesn't have a lot of length to his coat, it's just so thick, and looks lovely, till it starts to come out! We've been brushing him endlessly and when I put the blaster on him last week I thought I'd got it all out ... nope he looks exactly the same again now!

There's been a lot of hanky-panky going on between Ross and Beti, I'm sure he almost "got there" yesterday. Beti is such a little tart, if he's not taking any notice of her she's practically on his head. Ah well safe sex for Beti! LOL 

Zeus has left breakfast for days and is really wound up, Orin hasn't skipped a meal and is easier to deal with. It's funny I've found the stud dogs are easier to manage when a bitch is in season than the other lads. Nico, Dexi and now Orin were much more in control of their urges ... though of course they are the ones that I need to be the most careful with, human error could be a disaster when they know exactly what to do! 

Beti And Ross In Carmel

A walk in Carmel for Ross and Beti, now everyone has done part of this walk, Orin and Siska have yet to get to the stream. I found my way back along the other side of the field, it was great to do a circuit, but even in wellies I was wet from my knees up when I got home. I guess all the tall wet grass and reeds got the better of me. But who cares, we had a nice time. Where can we go next then? There must be so many similar walks that we can do ... it's just finding them.

Next

Beneze - another stunning head - Wow I have a lot to think about.

(If a photo of him in stance is posted I will add it later)

Vesco has already been posted numerous times on this blog, a lighter eye and less mask but still a very pleasing unexaggerated head. 

George, again a lighter eye, but correct ears set and an unexaggerated head. 

I really don't like the overdone heads which are creeping into the breed, this should be a breed of moderation and have no Mastiff or Akita characteristics. Foreheads should only be slightly domed, but not furrowed, the head should not have a pronounced stop, and the skin should not be loose, lips should be tight-fitting. Heads should very much be in proportion to the body. A dark mask is personal preference, and I have always preferred it, but it's not a game changer in the right dog. If we continue to breed for "overdone" regardless of personal taste, then surely we lose the breed characteristics of what is A German Shepherd Dog.