Another Best In Show Barbet

UKC/CKC/FCC Ch. Neigenuveaux's Gambit and Francois Menard

Last weekend at the Quebec City UKC dog shows, Claire's little brother Bosch won a Best In Show with his owner, Francois Menard. This is a proud moment for us; there are now two Best In Show Barbet in the UKC, and they are both out of the same mom, Ch. La Cour Alee Magic Charm (Bernadette). Our Claire is the first Barbet to win a Best In Show in UKC. It's really great to see the Barbet getting so much recognition in the ring!

UKC/CKC/Intl Ch Neigenuveaux's Ermagarde (Claire) with judge Joanne Hurst and Judy Descutner

Eyes: Perfect!

Neigenuveaux's Ermagarde - Claire

Today Claire went for her biennial CERF check to assess her eye health. As part of a breeding program that includes testing for heritable diseases, we have our dogs examined and approved by a Board Certified Canine Ophthalmologist. It is important to me to maintain Claire's CHIC status by keeping all of her health records in an online database that is open to anyone, and having regular updates to her status. Currently, there are only 3 American Barbet listed with the CHIC program.

True Angels

Polly and Lexie at AKC's Meet the Breeds

One of the best parts of being a breeder is experiencing the joy that my puppies bring to their families. 9 years ago, I bred my last litter of English Cocker Spaniels. One of these puppies, Lexie, went to a 16 year old girl named Polly, who lives in New York City.  Polly was a very special teenager who attended a children's performing arts school in Manhattan, and performed on Broadway in "Phantom of the Opera" at night. Over the years, Polly and Lexie have traveled North America in the national touring company of Phantom, and Lexie has made many friends for the breed. Polly also uses Lexie's sweet and gentle personality to bring comfort to sick children through the "Angel On A Leash" program at the New York - Presbyterian Children's Hospital at Columbia University.  

"Science is finally confirming what people have known intuitively for years: therapy dogs help people physically, emotionally and socially. It's known as the "therapeutic touch," the proven scientific fact that when a human pets or interacts in some other way with a dog, within minutes they get a massive release of beneficial hormones."  

 I am so proud of Polly, and everything that she has accomplished with Lexie. They have brought joy and improved healing to many, and Lexie has laid by the side of children as they died. Truly there are no words to express my appreciation for the life that Polly has given Lexie. They are a beautiful pair who give of themselves every day. I was thrilled to visit with them this weekend at the Meet the Breeds event at the Javits Center.  

Meet the Barbet at AKC's Meet The Breeds

Tracey and Tug pose with Judy and Claire at AKC's Meet the Breeds

This weekend, Claire and I will again be hosting the Barbet booth at AKC's Meet the Breeds for the third year. Meet the Breeds in New York City is a gigantic event where over 40,000 spectators have the opportunity to see over 160 breeds of dogs and 50 breeds of cats. Unlike a traditional dog show, Meet the Breeds offers visitors the opportunity to spend time speaking with owners and breeders, meeting and touching the dogs, and learning why or why not a breed may be the ideal choice for their family. It is an incredible educational experience for anyone interested in purebred dogs. In our Barbet booth, Claire and Tug are well accustomed to the busy day with throngs of  kids and adults who want to meet, kiss, touch and visit with this wonderful French breed. Several younger Barbet puppies will also be at our booth throughout the weekend. If you're in the New York metro area, come to the Javits Center Saturday or Sunday for a day filled with beautiful purebred dogs.

For more information on AKC 's Meet the Breeds, click here.

Barbet Champion Solene

Today was a big day for our pretty Barbet puppy, Solene. Her UKC Championship papers came in the mail, and the show photographer posted a lovely picture of her in the Gun Dog group at the Carnation City Kennel Club in Ravenna, Ohio the day she finished her Championship. I am really pleased to see her lovely outline, beautiful head, and how nicely she carries herself while on the move. Solene is just 8 months old in this picture.

The UKC is an enjoyable way for breeder-owner-handlers to participate in Conformation in the United States while we work for full AKC recognition. UKC shows can usually be entered on the day of the show, and they offer temporary listings for dogs with registration papers from other registries.

Although our January 2012 Claire/Bango litter was small, the quality is wonderful, and Solene exemplifies just what we were looking to get out of the combination. Her head,  movement, shape, and carriage make me very proud. Her fun personality makes her a special little girl to live with.

Solene Demonstrating Beautiful Extension

Another New HTF Barbet Champion

Isabel with Hanna, just a few days old

After a quick campaign, Ch. Neigenuveaux HTF's Intl Hanna recently earned her Canadian championship at just 7.5 months. I was really pleased to see her twice win Best Puppy during the Club Barbet Canada National Specialty weekend. We are proud to have bred this sweet girl, and now look forward to seeing her in the performance arena where we hope she will excel at Agility. Hanna is the sister to Solene from our Claire/Bango breeding, and she is owned by Veronica Matthews and Florence Erwin of Ontario, Canada. Congratulations on your new champion!

Neigenuveaux HTF's Intl Hanna at the Barbet Specialty in Long Sault, ON

Hanna on the move

The Lake, the Whippet, and the Barbet Puppies

With our warm summer weather winding down, we have been busy going to dog shows with Calla the  Whippet and Solene the Barbet, Agility training classes with Bob, and preparing the lake house for winter.  Calla has finally gotten her first points, after a long year dealing with her broken leg, repair at Ohio State Vet School, and lengthy rehabilitation. Seeing her finally entered into the AKC records was a gratifying achievement. There were many months when I doubted that she would ever be sound enough to show. Huge props go to Jonathan Dyce and his team at the OSU hospital for their tremendous work repairing Calla Lily's leg.

Calla Lily wins Winners Bitch at the Butler County Kennel Club

Bob, our 7 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, is showing a lot of promise at his Agility classes, thanks to our wonderful instructor, Irene Barrie. We still have a lot to learn, and I'm trying to figure out the intricacies of agility handling, but by spring, I think we will almost be ready to try our hand in competition.

Bob practices his jumping skills

Last weekend we spent a beautiful weekend at Deep Creek Lake, MD, visiting with family and friends, and preparing the house for the winter. Unfortunately it was time to pull the boat from the water, but David did manage to squeeze in one last run behind the Mastercraft. It was some of his best skiing of the year, and he is always sad when water ski season is over.

The early morning fog on the lake -- Worth getting up early

David gets one last run on Deep Creek Lake, MD

Solene, Nessa, and Calla came with us to the lake, and the Barbet girls were very happy playing in and around the water. Calla? Not so much :)

Nessa soaks up the sun

Curious Nessa

Solene with her little partner in crime hiding in the background

Solene and Nessa

Nothing demonstrates great conformation like a wet dog