The First Weigh-In

I don't have Zavi's early weights, but to continue my records, as he's 8 weeks today – we'll start today. 

Mr Zavi is currently 7.7 kg – Strangely, Orin wasn't weighed at 8 weeks (probably because his siblings were leaving), but he was 7kg at nine weeks. About right I think, as Orin was one of nine. Loki was 5.7kg at 8 weeks; again, he was from a large litter, so it was to be expected. Though Ross was from a small litter, he wasn't a big puppy, but he was a little older than 8 weeks when he arrived at Blanik. 

What Is It About Orange Collars?

Loki

Orin

Beti 

Meerah

Zavi

How strange, out of all the colours of the rainbow that so many of the Blaniks have been "Orange!" Actually Ian's Kiaan was also "Orange!" Orin was originally blue, but after a lost collar was changed to orange, and Beti was originally red, but for the same reason was also changed to orange. What do I do for the next litter then, hide the orange collar? LOL 

Zavi Is Home

It sure has been a long week. 

Walking

Our lovely walk today - it was just so wonderful to get out. Being out in nature sure is the best medicine. 

Zavi's First Poster

Blackpool Critique

Coat, Eyes And Socialising

You can easily find Zavi in this video, his orange collar stands out through his thick coat. I think his coat is longer and thicker than Orin's was at the same age – though O was quite hairy too. It's my experience from being in the breed for over 35 years that mostly well-coated puppies become well-coated adults, but as we know, nature sometimes throws in a curveball and does it differently! Of course puppies with less coat can continue to have a thick adult coat, we'll use Blanik Fitz as an example of that! Sammi was not a hugely coated puppy, but with every moult her coat seemed to come back thicker, and Ross has been the same really; when he's in full bloom he looks pretty decently coated in recent years. They say there's nothing worse than a poorly coated sable, and my word at times he's looked rough! 

If you watch the video you'll see a glimpse of Mattie and maybe understand why I set my heart on a puppy from this litter other than previous ones. Her free-flowing easy movement is so impressive, and her conformation is unexaggerated and balanced, to finish the picture, she has dark eyes and beautiful colour. Of course I understand that Zavi's eyes may well be lighter than my preference, but eye colour is never a game changer! 

Without flooding him, I'll start socialising as soon as I can; maybe give him a few days to settle in this mad house first. I need to find out who he is, is he a bold Beti, a riotous Ross or a more low-key Loki? How we socialise will have a lot to do with his personality. Kai helped Ziva recover after the disasters of her early socialising, Mikey, Sammi and Noya did wonders for Loki's withdrawn personality ... and Beti is helping me with Meerah, who sometimes reacts oddly in certain situations. Beti herself and most of the others haven't needed the backup of an adult to explore the world, but if Zavi does – well, I've got just the woman for the job! 

A Baby Orin

Zavi

OMG - I'm in love! 

Meerah and Owen

Little Miss Mwnci behaving perfectly for Owen at club again tonight. She's saving all her naughtyness for Builth!

Beti Visiting

A lovely afternoon sitting in the shade in Carrie's garden, drinking lemonade with a bit of an extra something in it and eating cake. Beti was over the moon to be there again and my favourite purple hydrangea looked better than ever! I think it's a good year for them. Not many photos, as I forgot to take her any treats for payment!