Klancraig Chat

Nearly six months old

2012-02-12T18:55:00.000Z

Well I don't know where the last six months have gone, since it seems like only yesterday that we were preparing for the arrival of our Tilly/Bruno babies and now here we are and the litter are nearly six months old.I took this picture of Flash this evening after a stint on the grooming table.

Dr Jean Dodds

2012-02-09T23:58:00.000Z

Today my friend and I have booked two places to attend a talk to be given by Dr Jean Dodds DMV. Dr Dodds is an internationally renowned expert in clinical pathology, haematology, endocrinology, immunology and nutrition and is a leading expert in the testing and diagnosis of thyroid problems. She has also been a strong campaigner to change the vaccination protocol in the US and had been instrumental in achieving changes in revaccination schedules. The day consists of talks on Thyroid Disease, Vaccine Issues and Nutrition... all of these topics are right up my street and I can't wait to attend.In my humble opinion thyroid issues are far more prevelant in dogs in the UK than people realise resulting in a plethora of health and behavioural problems and often go undiagnosed since the tests many of our vets perform are simply not thorough enough.Dr Dodds is speaking at two different venues on two dates, details of which can be obtained by contacting the following -Al Matherne - al@care-uk.com for the talk on Saturday 9th June in Manchester or Christine Stansfield - c_stansfield@btinternet.com for the talk on Sunday 10th June at Roade Village Hall, Northamptonshire.

Last Day of the Shoot.

2012-01-30T23:55:00.001Z

This season Gary and Bronte have been working on a different and much bigger shoot than the one we have worked together over the last few seasons. For the first time ever Gary shot over his own (well my) dog and she picked up for him and several other guns. Gary said she worked like a trooper. I am so proud of them both but especially Gary who up until a couple of years ago had not worked an HPR.

Hopefully next season Gary will be working Flash. Flash will be the first GWP that Gary has trained, hitherto I have trained our dogs but since moving to Much Wenlock and being invited to join our local shoot, Gary has been truly bitten by the bug and has desired a dog to train and work himself. It was lovely to come home this evening and find Bronte curled up in front of the fire in the lounge - just where she deserves to be after such a busy day. Can't imagine for one minute though that she will let Gary leave her behind next year...

Otto - Klancraig Kaptain Darling

2012-01-27T21:51:00.000Z

This is Otto, litter brother to Flash, Deano, Isla, Meg and Ted.

Bruce - Klancraig Hermes

2012-01-27T21:37:00.000Z

This is Bruce, who is from Tilly's first litter and is litter sister to our own Winnie. Bruce lives with his half sister Meg (pictured below).

Meg - Klancraig Lady Kordelia

2012-01-27T21:16:00.000Z

This is Meg at five months of age. Meg is from Tilly's second litter and is litter sister to Isla, Ted, Otto, Flash and Deano.

Klancraig Mrs Miggins - Isla

2012-01-24T16:23:00.000Z

This is Isla at five months of age. Gail will soon be starting gundog training classes with Isla and as such, we hope to see Gail and Isla at some working tests this summer.

Klancraig Lord Blackadder -Ted

2012-01-15T20:48:00.001Z

Winnie - Klancraig Artemis

2012-01-12T23:56:00.004Z

Our Winnie-woo AKA Klancraig Artemis. From Tilly's first litter and half sister to Flash.

Klancraig Lord Flashheart (Flash) at 21 weeks of age.

2012-01-12T20:38:00.002Z

Kennel Club Names

2011-10-02T19:32:00.002+01:00

After some considerable thought Gary and I decided to name this litter after Blackadder characters so we are delighted to announce that we have been granted the following names - Klancraig Lord Flashheart (Flash aka Badger), K. Lord Blackadder (Ted), K. Kaptain Darling (Mr T), K. Lord Percy Percy (Percy aka Mr Big), K. Lady Kordelia and K. Mrs Miggins.

A Week of Seminars

2011-10-02T18:45:00.002+01:00

Well what a week - it kicked off last weekend with the seminar which the German Wirehaired Pointer Club hosted on the subject of Dilated Cardiomyopathy the speaker at which was Joanna Dukes-McEwan who is a specialist in this field. Joanna was a very interesting speaker and all credit to the Club for hosting such a talk on a condition which is beginning to appear within our breed.
On Sunday, I attended the UKRCB's 19th Annual Symposium the subject of which was Learning For Life: Considering a New Approach to Educating Puppies - which covered first experiences of puppies in the nest and during their first few weeks of life in their new homes.
Then on Frdiay evening I had the pleasure of attending a seminar entitled 'Calming the Conflict' which was hosted by the Dogs Trust Training & Behaviour Advisors which covered A Conflict of Species (why observations of captive wolves do not give us an insight into domesticated dogs), A Conflict of Emotions (theories of Attachment and how they affect our relationships with our dogs), A Conflict of Beliefs and A Conflict Of Learning Theory.
Lots of information to take in some of which I think should be common sense but certainly food for thought as to how we raise our puppies and interact with the dogs that we live with.

More It's a Dogs Life...

2011-09-28T17:03:00.006+01:00

It's a Dogs Life...

2011-09-27T13:06:00.003+01:00

Mum and puppies enjoying a lazy warm afternoon...

Five weeks and enjoying a raw diet

2011-09-20T23:30:00.005+01:00

Our puppies are five weeks old tomorrow and thoroughly enjoying their raw diet of raw meaty minces, sardines in tomato sauce, chicken wings and chicken necks... and what they can't finish mum is happily disposing of!
Below are pictures of Mr T, Ted and Flash tucking into their chicken wings this evening.

Mr T

Ted

Flash

Midland Game Fair September 2011

2011-09-18T19:51:00.002+01:00

Well I have had a lovely weekend manning the Discover Dogs stand at the Midland Game Fair at Weston Park in Shropshire with Tracy Cartwright - accompanied by Bronte and Tracy's young bitch Candy. We were there on behalf of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club to introduce people to this wonderful breed and answer any questions posed by members of the public.
On Saturday afternoon Tracy's mum Jenny joined us with their youngster Oscar and together we all took part in the Parade of Gundogs whereby onlookers had the opportunity to view all the breeds and listen to a brief history of their origins and today, Gary joined us at luchtime with Fergus and Winnie to help man the stand.
I think I can speak for Tracy too when I say what an enjoyable time we all had, speaking to people and meeting other wires - and suprisingly there were a quite a few around.
Bronte and Candy were flagging towards the end, I think there are only so many greetings they could make and cuddles and kisses they could share but they were a credit to our breed, as were the youngsters Oscar and Winnie.

Tilly and Bruno Pups - three weeks

2011-09-08T19:18:00.017+01:00

Today we decided to attempt to 'stack up' our puppies for their weekly photo shoot and as you can imagine had lots of fun in the process - at this age they are slippery little critters and stacking them is like trying to handle a bar of wet soap!

Ticked Girl

Dark Bitch

Mr Big

Flash - was Badger

Solid Headed boy - Ted

'Mr T'

If you are viewing these pictures and not accustomed to looking at pictures of gwp puppies look beyond the markings since they alter so much as they mature. To see a perfect example of this just look at our website and on the individual profiles compare puppy pictures with pictures taken of each dog as they matured.
When picking a puppy, your choice should be made on construction and personality not markings. A decent breeder that has spent time with their puppies should be able to guide you on the choice of puppy given your experience of the breed and aspirations for your youngster, this is why so many breeders insist on choosing the puppy for each individual home.
As for these little kids, their teeth are starting to come through now and they are all starting to show their own little personalities, albeit that they are still such babies.

Tilly and Bruno babies at two weeks of age.

2011-09-01T20:32:00.009+01:00

From top to bottom - dark bitch, ticked bitch, Mr T, black and white boy (solid head), Badger (two pictures) and Mr Big.
Our babies are just over two weeks of age and getting these pictures was something of a challenge since they are such active little critters, so sorry because the photographs really don't do them justice, especially with the flash light on the camera!
They all have their eyes open now and are up and about on their legs. I walked into the kitchen this morning to find their bed looking like Beirut, heaven knows what they were up to last night but bless them, they were all sitting bolt upright and looking up at me as much as to say 'it wasn't me'...
I moved them one after another onto the big dog bed so that I could tidy the whelping box and although Tilly was less than impressed with them scattering around the kitchen, they weren't phased at all and were happy to explore.
Tilly is still being a devoted mum and has loads of milk, so we won't be weening them yet awhile.

UKRCB Symposium 2011

2011-08-26T11:35:00.001+01:00

On Sunday 25th September the UKRCB are holding a Symposium which this year will be discussing 'the current state of research into puppy education, the new approach which is proposed and research currently underway to assess the new approach to puppy education'. Having attended a talk hosted by the UKRCB earlier this year and given the topic being covered at this talk, I am really excited at the prospect of attending.
The following link will take you to the relevant page on the UKRCB website for more information http://www.ukrcb.org/symposium/

Girls at Eight Days

2011-08-25T20:28:00.004+01:00

Top two pictures - ticked liver and white bitch, bottom two pictures - dark liver and white bitch. Both beautiful little girls.

Boys at Eight Days

2011-08-25T13:41:00.007+01:00

From top to bottom - Mr T (black and white boy), Mr Big (liver and white boy), Badger (black and white boy) and solid headed black and white boy - don't worry he will get a nickname too when we think of an appropriate one ...

Tilly and Bruno Pups - one week of age

2011-08-25T00:27:00.006+01:00

Our babies are a week old today and boy how they have grown. Whilst they are very contented puppies, eyes still closed, they can certainly make their way around the whelping box in search of mom when needs-be.
Shown above, from top to bottom liver and white bitch, black and white boy, black and white boy, liver and white boy, liver and white bitch and black and white boy.
Gary and I are absolutely delighted with these puppies and enjoying every minute of watching them grow.

Tilly and Bruno Puppies Arrive

2011-08-20T09:05:00.004+01:00

Gary and I had been on our vigil, watching Tilly from about Friday since she had puppies two days early when she had her last litter two years ago. Tilly however, had other ideas and kept hold of those little babies until the early hours of Wednesday morning when we became the proud grandparents of six beautiful puppies - seen in the picture opposite from left to right a liver and white boy, three black and white boys and two liver and white girls.
As before Tilly is proving to be a devoted mum feeding, cleaning and counting puppies each time we lift one out of the whelping box.
Of course nothing is getting done at home since the whelping box is in our big kitchen - the hub of our household - and as we all drift in and out we are all drawn to Tilly and her pups and just spend endless minutes watching them eat and sleep.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the GWP

2011-08-06T19:22:00.003+01:00

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

The following is copied from the German Wireahired Pointer Club website:

"GWPC Committee Health Statement
There has been much discussion on the subject of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and the GWP on various web forums and social networking sites. This statement gives information on the current position of the GWP Club in relation to this issue.

What is DCM?

DCM is a common form of heart disease in dogs. It is the enlargement (dilation) of the heart chambers and a thinning of the heart muscle leading to a marked reduction in the ability of the heart to contract and therefore pump blood (Heart Failure). The disease is an acquired condition, that is to say the dog is not born with it, but it develops over time. Although typically physical symptoms show by middle age, it is not uncommon for cases to be diagnosed at much younger ages. The disease leads to premature death or long-term disability. Onset in middle age can be mistaken for natural ageing; however tiredness and exercise intolerance are potentially early signs of DCM. Although viral infections, immune disease and excessive alcohol consumption can all result in DCM in humans, there is no clear evidence that this happens in dogs. There is a genetic basis to the disease proven in many large and giant breeds (e.g. Doberman, Boxer, Great Dane to name but few). In these breeds the condition is thought to be caused by a dominant gene, meaning that it is passed down one line unlike a recessive gene, which requires carriers on both sides of a mating to create affected dogs (e.g. von Willebrands Disease).

What is the GWP Club Response?

In March 2011, it was brought to the attention of the GWP Committee that there have been cases of confirmed and suspected DCM involving a small number of GWPs, including younger dogs. The committee immediately requested that the GWPC Health Sub-Committee investigate this matter. This investigation is ongoing and it is likely that there will be firm guidance on the subject in the near future. There is no evidence as yet of this being a widespread condition in the GWP. The GWP Health Sub-Committee will advise in due course on what, if any, action should be taken by the Club and its members.

In the meantime, we have arranged a seminar on this important subject open to all club members and we especially hope that as many breeders as possible will attend. This will be on Saturday 24th September at Middlewich Community Centre, starting at 12.30 with a buffet lunch followed by the seminar and a questions and answers session. The Speaker will be Joanna Dukes McEwan BVMS, MVM, PhD, DVC, Dip.ECVIM-CA(Cardiology), MRCVS of the University of Liverpool Small Animal Hospital; and a leading authority on DCM. The session will cost £15 a head which includes food and drinks – available from Sharon Pinkerton – sharon@bareve.com – 01469 532991/07860 292020

What does the GWP Club Committee Recommend?

Whilst the GWP Club Health Sub-Committee continue with gathering evidence and professional advice, the club recommends that anyone concerned about this condition should consult their veterinary surgeon, especially if they are planning a litter or to use their dog at stud. It is possible to test for this condition using the Echo-Doppler technique. Whilst the test is not definitive, it can give an early indication of abnormality, which would require a further test after 12 to 18 months to check for any further adverse changes in heart function. In most cases, you would need to be referred to a specialist veterinary cardiologist for these tests to be carried out. Several breeders have already begun this process of testing.

It would also be helpful for any GWP Owner having had experience of heart problems in their own dogs to share that information on a confidential basis with the GWP Health Sub-Committee, and with other breeders/stud dog owners who may plan to breed from the progeny of such dogs.

The key message from the GWP Committee at this time is for owners and breeders not to panic, nor to be complacent. Whilst there have been few confirmed cases, there have been enough in a breed of this size to prompt concern. We do encourage testing for two reasons. Firstly, the more test results that are known, the more we can assess the extent of the problem in the GWP and secondly, if detected in younger dogs, early treatment has been shown in other breeds to slow the progression into heart failure and symptomatic DCM. By taking positive action now, and working with health conscious and responsible breeders, we aim to eliminate any possibility of this condition becoming a significant problem in the future."

As responsible breeders that are passionate about our breed, we embrace any tests which are available for conditions which affect the GWP. As such, we will be testing any dogs or bitches that we own and intend to breed from for signs of this condition.

Weeding the Garden....

2011-07-31T18:16:00.003+01:00

Tilly is seven weeks pregnant today (to her first mating) and we decided that it might be nice if she came and spent a quiet afternoon with us weeding the front garden. Of course she was not amused since she expected to be going off for a run and since there are hare and partridge around, not to mention the sheep on the other side of the hedge - we had to be vigilent just in case she decided to sneek off and do herself some damage. As it was, other than Tilly stalking a hornet, it was Fergus who took himself off for a jolly when we took our eyes off him for two minutes to welcome visitors....

Wales July 2011

2011-07-28T21:40:00.005+01:00

Today Gary, myself and Megan returned from a short break away on the Welsh Coast.
We went there on Friday with Tilly and Winnie - we always take a couple of the dogs, taking them all would not be feasible - but Tilly and Winnie were the lucky ones for the second time running this year, since Tilly is expecting puppies and we felt that she would be stressed out by being left behind albeit that she would be at home being looked after by our grown up children and having the company of our other dogs.
We have had a wonderful time with glorious weather. Lazy mornings, and sunny days punctuated with strolls through the dunes and along the beach. Gary is pictured above with Winnie, the picture was taken one evening on the path above our caravan site, just as the sun was setting and Gary and I were there enjoying a drink as the sun set. Both Tilly and Winnie have loved paddling in the sea and running up and down the beach but Tilly - who is now almost seven weeks pregnant and just over two weeks to go until her puppies arrive - has paced herself, although not in her eating habits! Over the last week she has definitely grown and although she was still happy to play, for the most part was also happy to just mooch around and sleep on our bed. Needless to say, whilst I have thoroughly enjoyed our break it will be good to get back into a full sized double bed, since me, Gary and a very pregnant Tilly in a static caravan sized bed was a tight squeeze !!!

Tilly... five weeks and counting

2011-07-17T16:55:00.004+01:00

Well Tilly is five weeks to her first mating today and blossoming. She is such a happy little girl and thoroughly enjoying all the attention (and extra food) that she is getting. She is very quiet and contented but happy to come and roll onto her back and show you her 'babies' when asked - a trick that she obviously remembers from her first pregnancy.
The general consensus is that you should not increase a bitches food when they are first in whelp but someone recently said to me that 'they haven't read the text books' and act on instinct and I totally agree. So we have reached a compromise and only slightly increased what we are feeding Tilly but have increased the highly nutritious foods like fish and eggs. Whilst she is still ravenous we have noticed over the last few days that instead of tucking in as she usually would, she is hesitating and sniffing her food before eating. Needless to say very soon she will be telling us what she does and does not want.
Anyway, Gary and I are so excited about having a new edition to the family. Gary has already picked a name should he keep a little boy... Fraggle, after the childrens program Fraggle Rock. So since we like to give each new litter a new theme in respect of their names - this litter is going to be named after favourite childrens programs or characters.
We have updated our website with pictures and details of this litter and in particular images of Bruno which we hope you will enjoy.

Tilly is Expecting Puppies!

2011-07-11T23:53:00.003+01:00

Tonight we took Tilly along to the vets to confirm whether or not she was pregnant. To be honest, for me it was a mere formality prior to making the public announcement since I have thought from about a week after mating that she was 'with child' since she seemed very pleased with herself - like the cat that got the cream - but was also ravenous all of the time.
We have mated Tilly to Mandy and Robert Geary's handsome young male Bruno, Germanus Guardian JW (AI) - both Tilly and Bruno are fully health tested and puppies are due on or around 13 August.
Having puppies in the Craig household is a really big event and we are all very excited, not least of all Gary who is keen for a puppy of his own to train and work.
We will update both our blog and website with pictures, pedigree and further details over the next few days.

GWPC Championship Dog Show 2011

2011-07-10T20:12:00.002+01:00

Today I attended the German Wirehaired Pointer Club Champ show at the Tomlinsons Canine Centre In Leicestershire. It's a cracking venue for such an event and the weather was glorious too, just to add to the enjoyment of the day. Unfortunately, I missed the 'closing date' so I was unable to enter any dogs myself but went along anyway, since I have recently rejoined the German Wirehaired Pointer Club as Membership Secretary and needed to collect the necessary paperwork from the resigning secretary.
I travelled with friend and fellow enthusiast Tracy Cartwright (Mikicin) and after Tracy hurt her leg, handled her two dogs - Candy (NL Ch Tum Tum Tracy V D Josephine Hoeve (IMP NL) and Oscar (Mikicin Mischief Maker)to win not only their classes in the 'Specials' but their 'Breed' classes too.
Despite all the turbulence of recent weeks, it was lovely to be at a show again and meeting up with old friends.

Wales June 2011

2011-06-03T23:51:00.006+01:00

This week, Gary and I trotted off to the Welsh Coast for a few days with a couple of the dogs but strangely, no children. They are all getting to the age now where going away to Wales with mom and dad really doesn't hold any appeal. Funny though how going away with two dogs feels very much like going away with two kids... we took Tilly, who just can't wait to play with any child who wanders her way and if they have a ball, all the better and Winnie who thoroughly enjoyed her romps through the dunes, not to mention chasing the little birds on the sand and paddling in the sea - then she is only two and Tilly is far too 'grown up' to chase birds and paddle!
We took a short hike into the Welsh hills - it was extremely hot and but for the breeze would have been way too hot for such a jaunt but the views from the top were breath taking - Barmouth and Porthmadog to the right and Tywyn to the left and behind uplands that felt like you were at the top of the world. We even came across the ruins of an old farm house that should Gary and I ever come up on the 'big one' on the Lottery, would be our next venture as we would both love to live in such a remote location with such phenomenal views.

Nutrition, Health & Behaviour: The Connection

2011-05-28T19:08:00.002+01:00

Today I had the pleasure of attending the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists' (UKRCB's) seminar 'Nutrition, Health & Behaviour: The Connection', the guest speaker at which was Wendy Volhard who is the author of the book The Holistic Guide For a Healthy Dog. I was the guest of Brigitte Barton who is herself a Canine Behaviourist and recently discovered the benefits of feeding a raw diet.
As the title suggests, the talk was about the relationship between nutrition, health and behaviour in the dog and highlighted how important a good (raw) diet combined with plenty of socialisation, exercise, breed specific pursuits and a stress-free environment are on the health and mental stability of our dogs. Common sense you may think? Not to some lazy dog owners who are content to feed a poor diet and allow their dogs to be couch-potatoes with little or no exercise or mental stimulation and then wonder why they have sickly dogs with behavioural problems.
I am a committed 'raw feeder' but still consider that I have a lot to learn on the subject and therefore welcome the opportunity to attend seminars like the one today, especially when the speaker is someone as knowledgible and dedicated as Wendy.

National Dog Show 2011

2011-05-08T19:55:00.001+01:00

Today was the National Dog Show which is held at the Staffordshire County Showground. Our judge was Pam Blay and she had a very respectable entry of 42 dogs and bitches. It was a bright but very cool and windy day which threatened rain.
Gary and I popped along with Winnie and Lottie. We were absolutely thrilled with Winnie's third place in Post Graduate Bitch since she has not attended either a dog show or ringcraft class since this time last year but behaved like an 'old hand' and didn't put a foot out of place.
Lottie on the other hand - who got VHC in Open Bitch - was a little madam! From the word go this morning and long before we left for the show, she decided that today she couldn't possibly concentrate on the job in hand and would rather bounce around and play.
Still, it was lovely to catch up with our show friends and well done to everyone who was 'in the cards'.

Indie Needs a New Home

2011-04-30T19:40:00.008+01:00

My name is Indie and I am four years old. My mum thinks that I am a very beautiful example of a liver and white German Wirehaired Pointer bitch.
Unfortunately, in my short life I have already had two homes with two lovely families but sadly neither home was the right one for me. Mum says that this time, if she cannot find 'the right' home for me, then maybe I will have to stay with her - which would be nice since she lives on a beautiful farm and I would get to be with my mum, dad, chums Rory, Elliot, Hannah and Megan and my wirey family - but mum thinks that I would benefit far more from being in a smaller family where I would get more one-to-one attention.
I have heard mum and dad comment that I am a really lovable little girl and I must admit that I love being around my human family far more than I like being with my wirey companions, although I get on really well with my wirey Uncles Fergus and Ollie.
Mum thinks that I am full of character - she says a typical GWP - and if I can get into mischief I will. I love being outside, especially when I can sit on the patio table and chairs but mum and dad know that if I wanted to I could escape the garden, since I am really clever at jumping. Mum and dad also know that as a lack of training when I was younger, I really enjoy self hunting and I have a real knack of turning a deaf ear if I don't want to come back!
Mum thinks that my ideal home with be with experienced GWP owners, where I am an only pet or leastways will only be expected to share my space with a boy companion. Small furry pets might offer me too much of a temptation to chase and retrieve. Since I love company and am full of energy mum and dad want me to live with people who have plenty of time to spend with me and would enjoy exercising me lots.
Mum says that if you are interested in giving me a home, you should first contact by email but be prepared for a grilling since she is determined that should I go to another new home, this time it really will be my forever home.

Tilly's 6th Birthday

2011-04-10T13:40:00.003+01:00

Today is our beautiful Tilly's 6th birthday. She is shown here enjoying a cuddle earlier this morning in the sunshine with me.
Tilly is a very big part of family life in the Craig household - with her playful cheeky nature. Without a shadow of a doubt the favourite of our dogs as far as our youngest daughter Megan is concerned.
In 2009 Tilly delighted us with her first litter of eight puppies of whom Winnie was one.
Happy birthday Tilly-tots.

Early Evening With the Dogs

2011-04-05T21:27:00.007+01:00

Today we had mixed weather, sunshine and dark clouds. We had a great time with the dogs on the fields overlooking the farm. As usual, we didn't have a camera to hand but took a few impromptu snaps on Gary's phone. Here are some of the pictures of me, Gary, Fergus, Ollie, Bronte and Winnie Woo.

Happy 4th birthday Lottie Spotty

2011-04-01T17:33:00.005+01:00

Today we are celebrating Lottie's fourth birthday. I love all of my wires but must confess that I adore this little girl. At three and a half weeks of age, we nearly lost her and from the day she came home from the vets, it was clear to me that she was never going anywhere - of all thirteen puppies in Bronte's litter, she was meant for us and the choice was made.
To me, she is so easy on the eye and a pleasure to watch whether she is standing with her front paws on the window sill looking out across the fields or whether she is mooching around the farm yard. She has a very expressive face and can convey what she is thinking with just a look and I love her cheeky, playful nature (even if she is fixated on retrieving) and the fact that she is so cuddly too.
So happy birthday Lottie Spotty and love to all your brothers and sisters too. We are very proud of you all xx

German Wirehaired Pointer Club AGM March 2011

2011-03-29T18:54:00.002+01:00

On Sunday it was the Club AGM which as usual was held at Stoneleigh Village Hall in Warwickshire. Sadly but not surprisingly, the AGM was poorly attended. 2010 saw big changes on the Committee not least with the resignation of Claire Shaw the longstanding Secretary of the Club. In recognition of her dedication to the German Wirehaired Pointer Club, members attending the AGM voted in favour of Claire being award Honorary Life Membership. More recently the Rescue Co-ordinator Ian Roberts resigned. The closing of the year saw a mass exodus from the Committee, with only two new nominations being put forward, leaving several vacancies unfilled. A new Rescue Co-ordinator has been co-opted onto the Committee in the form of Ms Una Russell. Hopefully, the old adage 'a new broom sweeps cleanly' will apply and Una will be the much needed breath of fresh air that Rescue needs. The role of Rescue Co-ordinator can be a thankless task and certainly a very time consuming one but we would like to wish Una all the best in this new venture. I think this year may prove to be a pivotal year for the Breed - make or break as it were. One that will either bring the Breed together or send it further on the route of self destruction...

Rieyonne Kommanchi For Klancraig - Roman

2011-03-19T21:54:00.003Z

Today we awoke to a beautiful, warm and sunny spring morning. Imagine our shock when we got downstairs and discovered that our wonderful spotty boy had passed away peacefully in his sleep.
It was first confirmed that Roman had an inoperable tumour under his ribs in August last year and a series of X rays taken by our vet also suggested another tumour in his digestional tract. Although we continued to raw feed him, we immediately stopped giving him whole bone since it was very apparent that he was experiencing difficulty digesting anything other than soft foods.
Roman managed the autumn despite having several 'off' days during the cold, wet winter months but on the whole coped with his condition fairly well.
Sadly over the last week, Roman's health took a turn for the worst and we knew the time was drawing close to having to make the awful decision to let him go.
Little did we know when we said our goodnights to the dogs last night that we were also saying our goodbyes to Roman.

A lifetime of living with dogs and I have never lost one peacefully in it's sleep, so we are blessed that Roman chose his time to leave us and did so in the safety and comfort of his own home, surrounded by his family and companions. Why then do I still feel dreadfully guilty that I did not know his time was so close and just say those last words of farewell?
Roman's passing is certainly the end of an era - nearly twenty years of owning dalmatians. They are a truly wonderful breed and we have been fortunate to live with four beautiful dogs - Pip, Kromwell, Phaedra and Roman but Roman was a cut above the rest; a kind and gentle boy who can never be replaced and will never be forgotten.
We have all shed a tear today. It is amazing how the passing of one little spotty dog has changed the dynamics of our household so much. He wasn't a noisy dog but the house has certainly been very quiet and Fergus especially has been milling around whining, obviously wondering where his bestest buddy has gone.
Rest in peace old boy - run free at the Bridge, no more laboured breathing, no stiffness, bright and white once more and reunited with all your old chums who have been waiting to greet you.
Reiyonne Kommanchi For Klancraig - Roman - 15 April 1997 to 19 March 2011

DFS Crufts 2011 - German Wirehaired Pointers

2011-03-15T15:18:00.009Z

Last week saw the arrival of DFS Crufts which for anyone showing their dog in the UK is the highlight of the show calendar. This year as last, we only took Lottie (pictured here being handled by our friend Mandy Hayes) and our youngster Winnie, despite having 'qualified' had to stay at home.
Both Lottie and Winnie are docked - this is possible since the current docking ban made an exemption for certain working dogs and thus kennels like ours are still able to dock. However, dogs docked after the ban came into force (6 April 2007) may not be shown at a show where the public are charged a fee for admission. Hence Winnie was unable to attend.
Docked and Denied is a campaign spearheaded by Wendy Oxman (Wendavia GWP's) which hopes to voice opposition to this ban by people like ourselves who wish to show and work their dogs competitively and Wendy and her team did a sterling job at Crufts advertising this campaign.
The docking issue aside, we had a lovely day out. Our judge this year was Mrs Pat Dempster (Benreeda GWP's) who had a respectable entry given that so many young docked dogs were absent. As usual, Lottie showed her little socks off - she really is a pleasure to handle in the ring and we were delighted with her 3rd place in the Open Bitch class.

A chilly, damp and foggy day in autumn....

2010-11-20T11:37:00.004Z

With too much studying to do Gary couldn't join our local shoot today, so instead what better way to spend a cold and damp autumn afternoon than snuggling-up in front of the woodburner with your wirey pal. So that's exactly what Gary and Lottie decided to do today... Now wires might live to hunt and love their food but they will also never say 'no' to a cuddle!

Winnie - Klancraig Artemis

2010-11-06T13:02:00.003Z

We finally got five minutes to take a picture of Winnie in the yard today. She is nearly eighteen months of age and maturing into a beautiful young lady. She has the most delightful nature and is showing plenty of promise in the field. She has been shown sparingly this year but may appear in the showring more often in 2011 but more importantly, we plan to continue her training over the coming months in preparation for the Working Tests next year.

At last... its here

2010-11-06T10:21:00.003Z

Well Gary has been chomping at the bit for weeks now waiting for the first day of our local shoot and today it has finally arrived and what a beautiful morning it is too - bright and warm. The dogs were all on their toes last night as Gary got his gear ready but sadly for them, they have been left behind this morning... all except Gary's trusty sidekick Fergus of course!
Eric (the gamekeeper) tells us that the shoot is covering new grounds this year and has more birds, so I look forward to catching up on all the news and listening to their exploits when I meet Gary down at the George and Dragon this afternoon.

Docked Breeds Campaign in the Dog World Newspaper

2010-11-03T14:57:00.002Z

Wendy Oxman (Wendavia GWP's) has spearheaded a campaign in the Dog World publication, inviting owners of docked breeds to express their dissatisfaction at not being able to exhibit their legally docked dogs at Crufts.
We have funded an advert which will appear in Dog World in support of this campaign.
At Klancraig we intend to dock our puppies until the Government imposes an all out ban on docking. We may have only shown Winnie selectively this year but she has qualified for Crufts 2011 by winning Best Puppy in Breed at the National Dog Show in May. Ironic - and in our opinion unjust- that despite being legally docked, she cannot attend Crufts since the public pay a fee to enter the show.
Well done Wendy for starting this campaign - I believe she has already received enough support to fill seven pages in the paper, including an advert funded by the German Wirehaired Pointer Club.

2010-10-29T18:14:00.003+01:00

Today is Fergus' eleventh birthday. He was our first wire and I can remember collecting him like it was yesterday. It was love at first sight and both Gary and I have doted on him ever since. He is a very gentle, biddable boy who despite the boredom he most obviously felt tolerated being shown because we asked him to co-operate but in the working arena he certainly came into his own. We were delighted when he gained his show champion title but words couldn't describe the pride we felt when he gained is full champion title.
Fergus long since retired from both the showring and competitive working circuit but since moving to Much Wenlock has been Gary's companion on our local shoot. Our shoot starts again in just over a weeks time and both Gary and Fergus are chomping-at-the-bit at the thought.
Aside from his successes in the showring and field, Fergus also sired the litter from which Ollie came. Whilst Ollie can't be described as being 'laid back' like his father, he certainly inherited his good looks and gentle nature.

Midland Counties Canine Society Championship Show 2010

2010-10-29T00:42:00.000+01:00

Today Gary, Megan and I took Lottie to Midland Counties Champ Show which was held at the County Showground, Stafford. We have only made a few appearances in the show ring this year but were delighted to be placed second in the Open Bitch class under judge Mrs Rachel Thompson.
As usual Lottie had a great day out, showed her little socks off and never stopped wagging her tail. It was great too, to catch up with friends and see the dogs.
The results were as follows:
DCC - Karl O'Connor's Sh Ch Karlejay Gump You've Got Mail JW SHCM
RDCC - McCullough's Kimmax Anton
BCC and BOB - Sarah Morris' Sh Ch Bareve Buffy
RBCC - Norma Ellis' Normbar Lindsay
BP - Barbara and Sharon Pinkerton's Trollangens Runar At Bareve (Swe Imp)
Well done everyone.

GWPC Special General Meeting

2010-10-19T19:13:00.002+01:00

At the weekend the German Wirehaired Pointer Club held it's Open Show and this was followed by a Special General Meeting called by a number of paid-up members of the Club (including myself) who were concerned that the GWPC Rescue may not be making reasonable enquiries to identify and notify breeders where a dog or bitch of their breeding turned up in Rescue. This concern was first voiced at the AGM last year.
The GWPC have formed a sub committee to review and amend (where necessary) the guidelines and code of ethics relating to the Club Rescue but some members were concerned about what may happen in the interim period between this review and amendments being passed.
I am delighted to say that the vote went in favour of the proposal and in future and where possible, Breeders will be notified should a dog or bitch that they have bred be signed-over to Rescue.

Indie's New Home

2010-10-18T17:52:00.004+01:00

Indie came back to live with us at Easter this year. She is litter sister to our own Lottie and daughter to Bronte. In no rush to rehome her, we have spent a happy summer getting to know Indie all over again. For Gary and I, one of the downsides to taking back a puppy or dog that we have bred is that once here, they quickly become a member of our family and we get very attached to them. Despite this, we felt that Indie deserved to go to a loving home of her own. We are delighted to say that Indie went to her new family a couple of weeks ago and has settled in well with Liz, Chris, their children and their spaniel Cookie. Getting used to their cats might take a little time but we have every confidence that Indie will get there in the end! Liz and Chris are experienced dog/GWP people and intend to train and work Indie. She shows every indication of being a very talented young lady and we will be watching her progress closely. Thank you Liz and Chris for giving this special girl the forever home that she so deserves.

Winnie's first birthday

2010-05-18T20:50:00.002+01:00

Today we would like to wish Winnie (Klancraig Artemis) and her siblings Lottie2, Storm, Dora, Kato, Otto, Flint and Bruce a 'Happy First Birthday'. Winnie and her siblings are from our Tilly/Timo litter (refer to our website www.klancraig.co.uk) and we will be forever grateful to Maxine and Peter McCullough (Kimmax) for allowing us the privilege of using the handsome and talented Timo. Between them Tilly and Timo produced a litter of beautiful, healthy puppies all of whom have the most delightful temperaments.
Our thanks also to the families to whom these puppies went for giving them such wonderful homes and for the regular updates and photographs.

National Dog Show

2010-05-09T11:08:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was the National Dog Show held at Stafford Agricultural Show Ground where our judge was breed specialist Barbara Stamp (Tynsil).
Unfortunately I was unable to attend the show so Gary took Winnie (Klancraig Artemis) along since our friend Mandy Hayes (Germanus) had kindly offered to handle her for us. This was Winnie's third show ever and her last opportunity to enter the puppy bitch class, since she is a year old later this month but Winnie being Winnie, she took it all in her stride and behaved like a trooper for Mandy and in doing so won a very strong class.
Mandy had previously won puppy dog with her youngster Bruno (Germanus Guardian AI) which meant there was the dilema of who should handle Winnie for Best Puppy in Breed - needless to say Gary was thrown in at the deep end and ended up handling her himself which was the first time that he had handled a GWP at a show and I missed it!!
We were thrilled that Winnie won Best Puppy in Breed.

Ollie - Sh Ch Kimmax Kandy Storm By Klancraig

2010-04-19T15:23:00.002+01:00

Today is Ollie's ninth birthday... not that you would think so going by his behaviour! He is still very much the 'clown' at home - a loveable rogue - his favourite trick with all our visitors is sidling between their legs (from behind) to say hello and then bringing them a gift - anything will do but it's usually a shoe or piece of bedding.
He thinks nothing to emptying the kitchen bin for a nighttime snack if we don't remember to move it at bedtime and is not above curling up on the mahogany dining table for a sleep on a lazy, sunny afternoon. Towards the end of the shooting season he also discovered that he had a taste for pheasant, having discovered several hanging in the barn whereupon he devoured two!
Still we wouldn't have him any other way - just grateful that he's the only joker in our household, I don't think we could cope with two Ollies!! Happy birthday xx

Roman (Rieyonne Kommanchi For Klancraig)

2010-04-15T23:05:00.005+01:00

Today was Roman's thirteen birthday - yes ANOTHER birthday in the Klancraig household - we told you that they were coming thick and fast and there is still one more to go this month and another early next!

Roman is still very much 'top dog' at home despite his age. Physically he is in great condition - lean and reasonably well muscled for his years. His coat and eye are clean and bright and his pigment remains dark. His teeth are in great condition too!!! Perhaps we should attribute some of this to the fact that he has been raw fed for nearly eight years.
Of course he has slowed down some and sleeps more than he did and is selectively deaf but he loves his walks, visits to our local pub and of course his food!
We are very proud of him and love him dearly and look forward to at least a few more years of his gentle company. Happy birthday Roman xx

Phaedra (Bryedal Emmaslass For Klancraig) - 'Fayfee'

2010-04-13T21:21:00.002+01:00

Phaedra was our beautiful, gentle liver and white dalmatian bitch and Roman's soulmate. Today 'Fayfee' would have been twelve years old. Still very much missed for her cheeky smile, God Bless sweet little girl xx

GWPC Breed Seminar April 2010

2010-04-11T20:30:00.002+01:00

Today we had the pleasure of attending the German Wirehaired Pointer Club Breed Seminar, having been invited to take Lottie along as one of the 'assessment dogs'. Bronte came along too and made a brief appearance to demonstrate correct 'reach and drive' during the talk which was given by Josie Baddeley (Lourdace) and Di Arrowsmith (Fleetapple).
Lottie was one of five dogs chosen to be assessed on their movement and conformation by fourteen up-and-coming judges. All five dogs were thoroughly well behaved during the assessments which took nearly four hours - standing, being looked-over by a succession of assessors and then moved repeatedly. Needless to say, Lottie and I are both shattered this evening.
Congratulations to Barbara Stamp (Tynsil) for arranging such a successful event on behalf of the GWPC and fingers crossed for all those who attended the seminar.
On a personal note it was lovely to see mum (Bronte), dad (Plumley) and daughter (Lottie) all together.

Happy birthday Tilly

2010-04-10T15:29:00.002+01:00

Well the birthdays are coming thick and fast in the Klancraig household at the moment and today we would like to wish Tilly a happy 5th birthday.

Indie (Kimmax Sealed With a Kiss)

2010-04-08T18:49:00.008+01:00

Introducing Indie who has just come back to live with us here at Klancraig. Indie has come from a loving home but due to a change in family circumstances her owners felt that it was in Indie's best interests for her to return to us.
So far she has settled in well considering that she has come to live in a busy family environment and now has to adjust to being one of a pack rather than an only dog. She is a very loving and playful little girl..
Although she is already in lovely condition, we have put her straight back onto a raw diet and she is happily tucking into chicken carcasses, an assortment of minces, offal, sardines and eggs.
We have started some very basic training with Indie and she is booked to attend a one-to-one training session with Gary and trainer Nigel Dear.
We have no plans to find Indie a new home at the moment but are enjoying her being here and getting to know her again.

Happy 3rd Birthday

2010-04-01T08:22:00.000+01:00

Happy 3rd birthday to Lottie and all her litter brothers and sisters xx

German Wirehaired Pointer Club AGM

2010-03-28T16:13:00.002+01:00

Today was the GWPC AGM which was held at Stoneleigh near Coventry. Although I resigned from the Committee mid term last year and was not standing again this year, I went along to support our Club and show an interest in the matters which affect both it and the membership.
As meetings go, it was relatively straight forward and nice to see a number of new faces standing for Committee.

Bootle, Crosby & Sotuh Liverpool Canine Society - Judge Amandy Hayes (Germanus)

2010-03-27T20:07:00.003Z

Today we took Winnie to Bootle, Crosby & South Liverpool Canine Society Open Show at St Helens where the judge was Amanda Hayes (Germanus). We were delighted to be awarded Best Puppy in Breed, unfortunately however Winnie did not go on to achieve anything in the Gundog Puppy Group, I think in part since she was slipping on the floor both moving around the ring and being stacked up. Not to worry, she enjoyed her day out making friends with lots of the other competitors and I got the chance to meet up with friends too.
Well done to Una Russell and her boy Kimmax Bourbon (Bisto) who took Best of Breed and went on to get G4, a well deserved win.

The Border Collie Convention hosted by the Midlands Border Collie Club

2010-03-20T20:37:00.003Z

Today I spent the day at The Border Collie Convention - the first of its kind - which was hosted by The Midlands Border Collie Club. My close friend and business partner Lisa Lister (Havocsmill) has owned, worked, shown and bred border collies for a number of years and as you can imagine, I therefore have an interest in the breed as she does german wirehaired pointers.
Together Lisa and I had a really enjoyable day. All credit to The Midlands Border Collie Club who were such good hosts - tea, coffee, wine and food were in no short supply. The day started with a breed specific talk on movement and construction by Ross Green (Fayken) who owns the breed record holder Sh Ch Tomkory Palerston at Fayken, followed by a selection of demonstrations/talks - preparation for the showring and showring handling by Jo Ratcliffe (Grandver) and Rachel Spencer (Tobermoray); breeding by Penny Forster-Cooper (Sheltysham) and Felix Cosme (Beagold) and judging by Kathy Burnell (Fieldbank) and Toni Jackson (Elbereth). Lisa and I chose to attend the show and breeding talks. Speakers were both knowledgeable and entertaining.
The talk which Ross gave was very informative and to accompany his speech he showed a selection of pictures and videos which clearly demonstrated the effect of construction on movement.
Penny Forster-Cooper discussed the different methods of breeding - inbreeding, linebreeding, and outcrossing - their advantages and disadvantages and Felix Cosme demonstrated the effects of his breeding programme for fixing a 'type' to his line.
I would have no hesitation in attending another such seminar and feel that much of what I leant today can be applied to my own breed - the GWP. Hopefully, as these events become more common place, our breed club will hold a similar event.

Crufts 2010 and docked dogs

2010-03-18T17:54:00.006Z

This year we only entered Lottie at Crufts since we were unable to enter Winnie. Although Winnie is legally docked, the law currently stipulates that she cannot be shown at a show where the public pay an entry fee to watch and as such, she was not eligible to enter.
Despite the fact that Lottie was not in the cards this year, we had a lovely day meeting old friends and catching up with everyone's gossip. The atmosphere ringside was friendly and relaxed.
Crufts is something of an institution and the show that most dog show enthusiasts look forward to entering. It is also the show that most dog lovers are familiar with - whether they follow breeds, agility, flyball, obedience - they either visit Crufts or try to follow it on the tv. It is the Kennel Club's flag ship - the show at which the best of the best appear either to represent their breed or their given sport. Sad to think therefore, that because of the current legislation concerning docking and since the Kennel Club have chosen not to find a way to accommodate the docked breeds, many of our quality dogs were unable to attend. Certainly, the fact that young docked dogs were not eligible to be entered at Crufts impacted on entries, since the numbers of dogs and bitches being exhibited in the lower (and usually age related) classes was poor.
Like many other kennels that choose to dock their puppies, it is only a matter of time before we here at Klancraig have no young dogs that are eligible for entry at Crufts, not to mention some of the other Championship dog shows that insist on charging an entry fee for spectators.
Of course we could choose not to dock but why should we when we wish our kennel to represent the versatile, dual purpose GWP that is worthy of being shown AND worked? At Klancraig we choose to dock for the welfare of our puppies, especially those that go to working homes and we will not be deterred from this even if it means that we must forego showing our youngsters.

The Cost of Feeding a Raw Diet

2010-02-16T15:14:00.002Z

At Klancraig we 'raw feed' our dogs - that is to say we feed them a species appropriate diet of raw meaty bones, minces, offal, fish, eggs, fruit and veggies. (A more detailed description of how we feed our dogs can be found on our website, on the Dog Care page).
We are members of several forums dedicated to this subject and recently, on one of those forums the subject came up relating to the cost of feeding a raw diet. Obviously, cost will be dependant upon the size of the dog, how much he or she eats and how varied the raw diet is that is being fed. It has been sometime since I actually sat down and calculated this but given that we do feed a very varied diet to our dogs, I was pleasantly suprised to find that it costs approximately 70-80p per day, per dog according to what we actually feed.

Spring is in the Air...

2010-02-14T19:05:00.002Z

Well, I am under no illusion that spring really isn't in the air yet and that there is plenty more bad weather to come but this morning was so lovely - clear skies and bright sunshire. It was my turn to visit Nigel Dear and because of Christmas and the snowy conditions, it was the first time that we had met since November time last year.
Bronte and I had a one-to-one training session with Nigel and I was delighted with how she hunted and retrieved. I am really looking forward to entering some working tests with her this summer.

Back to School

2010-02-07T18:10:00.003Z

Today Gary went on his first one-to-one gundog training session with Nigel Dear of Llanforda HPR's. Gary already takes a big interest in our dogs but hitherto his involvement has been very much behind the scenes. However, having spent the last two seasons beating on our local shoot with Fergus, he has been bitten by the bug and now wishes to take a more pro-active involvement in training and working our dogs - who knows, we may even get him in the showring with one of them!
At nearly ten and a half years of age and with a wealth of experience behind him Fergus does not really need to go back to school since he has now retired from the competitive working arena but it does make him the perfect companion with whom Gary can learn the finer points of working an HPR for when he gets a GWP puppy of his own.
Gary enjoyed his afternoon (once he found where Nigel was) and Fergus is going to be kept very busy over the next couple of weeks doing 'homework' with Gary, ready for their next lesson.

Otto's Visit

2010-02-07T13:35:00.005Z

Yesterday Gary and I spent a lovely afternoon with James and Claire and their youngster Otto, who is Winnie's litter brother. To look at them Otto and Winnie are like two peas in a pod and proved to be just as cheeky as each other too! We had a tasty pub lunch in the George & Dragon - James and I eating one handed whilst Otto and Winnie took it in turns to bat each other on the head with their paws and entertain the other diners with their antics and then we went for a walk along Wenlock Edge. The weather was very kind to us and we had warm, mellow sunshire and the dogs had a great time running down the bridle path and through the woods.
We are really pleased with Otto - he is maturing into quite a striking young man with a beautiful nature which we are delighted to say, seems to be apparent with all our Tilly and Timo offspring. Otto's basic obedience is excellent and James hopes to start gundog training classes with him later in the year.
Pictured here at Wenlock Edge - picture courtesy of James and Claire.

Last Weekend of the Shooting Season 2009/2010

2010-02-01T19:56:00.004Z

Gary made the most of the last of the shooting season this weekend. Saturday saw 'Beaters Day' and Gary was invited to join Eric (the Gamekeeper) and the usual team of beaters to shoot, whilst 'the Guns' enjoyed a days beating. Don't be fooled - Gary didn't shoot all of these birds himself - pictured here, Gary and Eric with a number of birds shot on the day.
Today was the last shoot of the season and Gary took the day off work to resume his role as beater with his trusty side-kick Fergus. They had a fab day out and we were really proud of Fergus, who at nearly ten and a half years of age managed six and a half hours 'on the job'. Needless to say, tonight he has earned his place in front of the wood burner in the lounge resting his weary limbs.

No doubt both Gary and Fergus will now be wondering how they are going to fill their Saturdays. However, since working on our local shoot over the last two seasons, Gary has been really 'bitten by the bug' and will be attending one-to-one training sessions with Nigel Dear with a view to taking a more pro-active role in training and working the dogs in the future.

Winnie's First Show

2010-01-24T19:26:00.002Z

Today was Manchester Dog Show and our judge was Mr Tony Taylor. This was a championship dog show although there were no tickets available for our breed and being local to us (at Stafford Agricultural Show Ground) it was an ideal opportunity to take Winnie along and get her accustomed to the hustle and bustle of a big show.
Despite the fact that she had only attended three ringcraft classes, Winnie showed no sign of being phased by the crowds, the dogs or the noise and she stood and moved in the ring beautifully. We were delighted to be placed fourth in the puppy bitch class.
To finish our day Gary and I took Winnie to our local dog friendly pub, The George and Dragon, where she enjoyed a nice bag of scratchings before curling up and going to sleep amongst all the feet.

Winnie's First Pheasant

2010-01-23T22:30:00.004Z

Well living in the back of beyond most definitely has it's drawbacks (far more outweighed by the advantages though, I must admit) - one of them being the problems that we have encountered with our broadband.
Despite having had internet for the best part of a year now, we were unable to access our Blog and were on the verge of pulling it and designing a new one, when we decided to give it one last go on our new computer (which has Windows 7) and low-and-behold, the Blogg was accessible!

Today we took Winnie (our eight month old puppy from our Tilly to Timo litter) to join our local shoot for the last hour and only for the second time this season. We were delighted that she readily retrieved to hand one of the pheasants that had been shot. She really is a delightful little lady, who is so willing to please.
Fergus accompanied Gary, as he has done all season. Prior to moving to Newhouse Farm Gary whilst being very active with the dogs behind the scenes, has not been involved in showing, training or working them. However, since our move and being invited to join our local shoot, Gary has taken a more pro-active involvement with them. They have made quite a team and I think they will both miss their Saturday mornings out together!

Crufts 2009

2009-03-08T09:46:00.003Z

Well it comes to something when I have to sit on the Samsung stand at Crufts to update my Blog!! We have been at Newhouse Farm since the June last year and we are still waiting for Broadband! After waiting for months for Virgin to install it, we cancelled our order in November with an assurance from BT that we would be up and running with them within ten days, ha, ha. They did come out on Christmas Eve and attempt it but apparently further works need to be done on the lines before it can be installed. BT have advised us that work is planned in March but lets just see - so for now its any port in a storm and today that means popping into the Samsung stand!!!
We were here yesterday for Gundog day. Lottie (Kimmax Kiss Kurl for Klancraig) and her litter brother Milo (Kimmax Kiss My Brass) both won their respective limit classes which was smashing. Lottie really enjoyed the attention she was getting from everyone who came to meet her and was quick to jump up and give everyone a cuddle and a friendly lick on the face in return for a treat!
Helen has attended Crufts on all four days with Dilise (Kimmax Kiss N Make Up) supporting the Safe and Sound Team. Well done to both Helen and Dilise who by tonight I am sure will both be shattered.
It was lovely to see everyone again at the start of the show season and great to meet up with some of our puppy owners too and catch up on all their news.

Welsh Kennel Club 2008

2008-08-18T18:32:00.002+01:00

Lottie (Kimmax Kiss Kurl For Klancraig) won second place in Junior Bitch at the weekend under judge Val Fosse. Her litter brother Milo (Kimmax Kiss My Brass) owned and handled to perfection by Paul Gardiner took second in Post Graduate Dog.
Lottie went on to win Reserve in the Junior Stakes class which had an entry of 46 (gundog and utility) under judge Mr E Engh (Norway).

Paignton August 2008

2008-08-13T18:31:00.002+01:00

Lottie (Kimmax Kiss Kurl for Klancraig) won the Junior Bitch class under judge Sandra Marshall. Since I was unable to attend myself, thanks go to Tracy Cartwright for taking Lottie to the show and to Maxine McCullough and Sarah Turner for handling her in her class and the Challenge.

National Gundog Association August 2008

2008-08-13T18:26:00.003+01:00

Lottie (Kimmax Kiss Kurl for Klancraig) took second place in Junior Bitch under judge Pat Dempster. Her litter sister Dilise (Kimmax Kiss N Make Up) owned by Helen Hinks took Reserve in the same class and their litter brother Milo (Kimmax Kiss My Brass) owned by Paul Gardiner was third in Post Graduate Dog.

Call Me Easily Pleased...

2008-08-13T18:22:00.003+01:00

I had a really wonderful suprise last night when I left home to pick my daughter up from work. It was dusk and as I rounded the bend in the lane, what should be in the road ahead of me but two stags and a doe! I knew that there were deer in the woods and fields around us but hadn't had the pleasure of seeing any. It really made my day to see such magnificent creaures - my only disappointment was that I didn't have my camera to hand.

Meeting the Neighbours

2008-08-03T14:03:00.002+01:00

Today we were lucky enough to meet some of our new neighbours who run the local shoot - apparently our farm house sits smuggly in the middle of it! I was delighted to be asked to join them when the season opens - by all accounts it is a really friendly affair.
Hopefully next time we meet I might be more appropriately dressed, since my neighbours suprised me this morning when I was still in my dressing gown and slippers - living so far out in the sticks I wasn't expecting to meet anyone at that time in the morning!!

Eating stones!

2008-08-03T13:58:00.003+01:00

We are relieved to say that Ned (Kobnko Y R Ova the Pond to Klancraig) seems to be well on the road to recovery following his ex-laparotomy after eating a rather large stone which got stuck in his lower intestine!
Fortunately for Ned we realised fairly quickly that all was not right and took him to our vet where an X ray revealed the problem. Luckily, the stone had not damaged the intestine so there was no need to remove any tissue.
Back to his lively self and back on a raw diet (without the whole bone for a while) we just need to build his weight back up now to what is was pre-op.

Moving House

2008-07-16T15:27:00.004+01:00

We have moved!
Still in Shropshire we have now moved to a beautiful old farmhouse just outside Much Wenlock - the area, known as the Shropshire Hills, is described as 'an area of outstanding natural beauty'.

We spent our first night there on Saturday and had a few hair-raising moments when we thought Gary had overdone it with the logburner!! Neither of us have used one before and Gary had a bit of a furnace going in the hearth which set off all the fire alarms!
Waking up there on Sunday was like being on holiday. The farmyard was awash with sunlight even at seven o'clock in the morning, so much so, that I let the dogs mooch around exploring their new home whilst I had a quiet hour reading Harry Potter!

Chunky Monkey

2008-07-16T15:15:00.003+01:00

Well it was a sad time at Klancraig on Saturday morning when we said farewell to Chunky Monkey (Kimmax French Kiss for Klancraig).
Chunky is litter sister to Lottie (Kimmax Kiss Kurl for Klancraig) and was from our first litter of GWP's born in April 2007 and registered under the Kimmax affix.
She is a beautiful, very gentle, lovable and biddable little girl who we felt was going to be forever in the shadow of her more 'lively' sister Lottie. Rather than that, we decided to ask our friend Anne and her husband Stuart and their eight year old GWP George if they would like to give Chunky a new home and I am thrilled to say that Anne was delighted at the prospect.
Anne lives in rural Shropshire and her and Stuart are devoted to George and the added bonus for us is that Anne raw feeds and minimally vaccinates, as we do here at Klancraig.

Anne phoned on Sunday to tell us how well Chunky had settled in and how well her and George were getting on. Hopefully, we will see her in the not too distant future, when Anne next visits.

GWPC Championship Show

2008-07-16T15:06:00.003+01:00

On Sunday Lottie (Kimmax Kiss Kurl for Klancraig) attended the German Wirehaired Pointer Club Champ show and won the junior bitch class. Her litter brother Milo (Kimmax Kiss My Brass) owned by Paul Gardiner, won special yearling dog. The judge was Ruth Martin (Sunhouse).

Tamworth and District Canine Society Open Show

2008-07-16T15:01:00.002+01:00

On Saturday Lottie (Kimmax Kiss Kurl for Klancraig) attended the Tamworth and District Canine Society Open Show where the judge was Sarah Turner (Abbotsbourne). Since we have spent the weekend moving house, Tracy Cartwright (Mikicin) was kind enough to take Lottie to the show and Maxine McCullough (Kimmax) handled her.
We were delighted that Lottie took Best of Breed and then went on to take Group 2.
Well done Lottie and thanks to Sarah for giving her BOB and Tracy and Maxine for their help on the day.

Fundraising for the GWPC Rescue

2008-06-30T14:55:00.001+01:00

Heather Rose is doing a Sky Dive at Whitchurch on 5 September 2008 and monies raised will go to GWPC Rescue and some to the Samantha Dixon Brain Tumour Trust. So far Heather has about £700 pledged but obviously has to cover the cost of the jump from this. Any sponsorship people will offer is very much appreciated. For further details or to make a pledge contact Heather on hev379@hotmail.com

GWPC Meet the Breed Day

2008-06-29T18:36:00.003+01:00

Today was the GWPC's Meet the Breed Day. It was a really enoyable day and for the most part we had good weather... that is right up until the point where they started judging the fun dog show and then the heavens opened and the show was moved inside!
The fun dog show (the proceeds from which went to GWPC Rescue) was well supported. I think this was the highlight of Megan's day - Megan being my eleven year old daughter - who won Most Beautiful Bitch with our black and white girl Tilly (Abbotsbourne Olympia for Klancraig). Megan was thrilled to take first place and delighted with her doggie-goody bag.
There were numerous demonstrations - falconry, working, show, grooming, clicker training and cani-cross. I found the talk which Diana Durman-Walters gave on falconry very interesting. She had taken along a young Barbary Falcon and given it's age chose to give a talk rather than a demonstration. I think it must be spectacular to watch a falcon and GWP working in unison - even more rewarding to be the one working them.

Diana Durman-Walters and the Barbary Falcon.
Pictures courtesy of Sue Rose.

The highligh of my day was winning Maureen and Tony Taylor's homemade Sloe Gin on the tombola... the biggest disappointment was getting half way home and realising that the unopened, catering sized Black Forrest Gateaux which I had been given was still sitting on the counter at Shirland Village Hall!!!!

Windsor Championship Show June 2008

2008-06-27T17:37:00.003+01:00

Well, unfortunately we faired about as well at Windsor today as the weather. Although the day started off bright, true to the weather forecasts the showers soon followed and those handling bitches in the Open class felt the first few drops as the rain started.
Lottie behaved herself, stood beautifully and moved with purpose, despite the long car journey and then not really having that much time to stretch her legs before judging. Today was not to be our day however and we exited the ring with a reserve card - junior bitch.
Still we did have one lucky break... I needed three new large dog crates and managed to buy three that should have cost me £172.50 for £140.00 so the day wasn't a complete loss!

Blog Banner

2008-06-16T22:15:00.002+01:00

My daughter Hannah (15 years old) designed my blog - hope you like it. She also arranged for the 'banner' design - Lottie, Ned and Fergus - random pictures from our photos at home.

Birthday Boy and Girl

2008-06-14T09:46:00.004+01:00

Ned enjoying the sunshine on the Welsh Coast, picture credit - Hannah Craig.

Klancraig would like to wish our own Ned (Kobnko Y R Ova the Pond to Klancraig) and his litter sister Duchess (Kobnko Y R to Footsteps) a very happy second birthday.
Duchess lives in Holland with our good friends Ankie Somers and Marja Barten.
Ned and Duchess were bred by Trish Bond-Beckett of Kobnko Kennels in Australia. See Ned's profile on www.klancraig.co.uk

Intimidating Show Judges

2008-06-12T17:07:00.003+01:00

I was really appalled to learn that earlier this week Barbara Stamp (Tynsil) who judged GWP's at Three Counties Champ Show on Monday, received an anonymous card (anonymous other than it was signed by 'the Breed') - making sarcastic comments about her choice of Best Of Breed - implying that it was a 'done deal' even before the day.
I have always found Barbara to be a friendly and helpful lady who is fair minded and in my opinion judges the dogs on the day and not the person at the end of the lead. This is why I have always supported her and entered my dogs under her, even though she has never given any of my dogs an award (other than maybe placing them in their class).The correspondence which Barbara has received is nothing short of bad sportsmanship and a spiteful attempt at intimidating her in relation to her decisions at future shows. Fortunately for the Breed, Barbara will I am sure, treat this with the contempt it deserves. Still it shows that certain people in our breed will stoop to any level to get what they want.

Three Counties Championship Show June 2008

2008-06-11T22:18:00.004+01:00

Three Counties Championship Show June 2008 - Judge, Breed Specialist Barbara Stamp (Tynsil HPR's) pictured here with Best of Breed Timo II von Bockenhagen at Kimmax and bitch CC winner Kimmax Kiss Kurl for Klancraig.

Well we entered Lottie (Kimmax Kiss Kurl For Klancraig) at the Three Counties show but right up until late Sunday night we weren't sure that we would be able to attend. Gary (my better half) was not able to do the 'school run' which potentially meant that I could not go. Fortunately for us, we were second in the ring after GSP's and as such, I didn't have to leave home until after 9am. Unfortunately, we didn't get in the ring until late in the afternoon and as a result, dogs had to endure the heat under canvas on the benches or suffer the heat being walked around the show ground.

Lottie, who has been sparingly shown, made her first appearance of the day in the Junior Stakes handled by Maxine (Kimmax). It's nice to be able to stand back and actually watch your dog perform and Maxine did a fantastic job, right up until the point that Lottie spotted me lurking ringside! Still Maxine's superb handling skills prevailed (despite her being cross with me) and Lottie was awarded a VHC.

Following on from that we took part in the breed classes judged by breed specialist Barbara Stamp (Tynsil). By this time it was extremely hot and I think that dogs and handlers were struggling alike. Nevertheless, Lottie kept it together for me and won her class and then to our sheer delight went on to be awarded the bitch CC at the tender age of fourteen months - what a fantastic achievement.

Congratulations have to go to Maxine and Peter McCullough who made-up their young boy Timo II V. Bockenhagen at Kimmax (imp Deu) who is a super young chap and long overdue his title. Timo also took Best of Breed.

GWPC Meet the Breed Day 29 June 2008

2008-06-11T21:56:00.003+01:00

The German Wirehaired Pointer Club have organised a 'Meet the Breed Day' for GWP enthusiasts.

The event is scheduled to open at 10.00 am on Sunday 29 June 2008.

There will be a (show) handling demonstration at 10.30 am

Falconry (with a GWP) and Working a GWP demonstrations from 11.00 am (and someone will be on hand to answer questions and give advice during the day on both subjects).

There will be a grooming demonstration at 11.45 am

The Clicker demonstration begins at 12.30 pm and again someone will be available throughout the day to give advice on obedience training.

Heather Rose is organising a ‘fun’ dog show which will commence at 1.00 pm.This consists of ten novelty classes (open to any breed), rosettes and prize cards will be awarded and possibly prizes for class winners and Best in Show. The cost is £2 per first entry and £1 for each subsequent entry with the same dog. Proceeds will be donated to Rescue. Entries taken on the day.

There will be a scurry which will commence at approximately 11.30 am and will continue throughout the day.

In addition there will be a Regalia Stand, a raffle, a tombola, and Tracy Cartwright will be available to speak about Cani Cross (which is dogs and owners doing cross country) and dogs who give blood donations.

Ian Roberts (GWPC National Rescue Co-ordinator) will be available to represent Rescue. Barbara Stamp (Tynsil) will also be available to answer any breed specific questions.

Refreshments will be available.

Dogs are welcome – whatever the breed.

Note the change of venue which is now Shirland Village Hall, Main Road, Shirland, near Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 6BB. Perhaps you could all make sure that friends who are interested in attending are aware that the venue has changed.

Further details from www.gwpclub.co.uk