Winter Photos

Chester - Lovin' the antlers

 

Laura Dion's  "Chester" after a refereshing snowplow.

Northwest Briards Take Canada By Storm!

With over 1,000 entries in conformation alone, the Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers shows in Abbotsford BC are billed as Canada's Largest Dog Show, bringing judges from around the world.

On Thursday Am/Can Ch Bijou Educated Guess - Griffey completed his Canadian Championship by going Winners Dog at the LMDF Shows, presented by Janine Starink to Judge Ekarat Sangkunakup of Thailand.  Griffey was Best of winners earlier that day in the Peace Arch Working and Herding Specialty.   Griffey went on to earn his CKC Rally Novice title on Friday and Saturday earning all three legs in three tries, including one First Place!

Also on Thursday at the Peace Arch Working Herding specialty Judy Meggitt's Am Ch Briardale's Camille Lebec - Elle went Best of winners for a two point major showing to Charlotte McGowan of Newton MA.

On Friday, Am/Can Ch Deja Vu Sense and Sensibility CD, RE - "Ellie" took Second Place in the Veteran Sweepstakes showing to Gary Tucker.  Later Ellie took a Group One showing to Jack Boyd of New Zealand.  At almost ten years of age, she looked stunning in the Best of Breed ring!  What a way to retire!!!!

Am/Can Ch Deja Vu Back Seat Driver CGC, RA, PT, CD Am/Can-RN, JHD-s, TT - "Nash" completed his Canadian Championship on Sunday October 31, at the Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers Shows in Abbotsford BC, expertly presented by Shea Skinner to Judge Paul Stanton. Stanton, an F.C.I. All Breeds judge from Sweden later awarded Nash a 4th place in the herding group. Nash also earned his CKC Rally Novice title with 2-First Place perfect scores and 1-Second Place score of 99.

Mark Your Calendars! Information on 2011 National!

Host Hotel Details
Clarion - Greensboro Airport Location
Room Rates: $74 per night, including FULL hot breakfast.
**The pet fee has been waived and up to 6 dogs are allowed per room.**
The hotel is located near the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, but is within 1 and 1/2 hours from Charlotte or Raleigh airports. There is plenty of shopping nearby in the Wendover Place shopping center for any needs during your stay including Pet Smart, Sally’s Beauty Supply, Target, Walmart, Macy's and many more stores/restaurants and a number of banks, etc.

Show Dates
The National will be the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday following the all-breed shows at the Greensboro Coliseum (indoors and air-conditioned)
The dates for these shows are as follows:
Danville KC, Wed-Thurs, August 10-11, 2011
Greater Hickory KC, Friday, August 12, 2011
Carolina Kennel Club, Sat-Sun, August 13-14, 2011
These all-breed shows have special events such as Puppy, BBE, Veteran Groups, seminars, etc.
BCA National is August 15-17, 2011
Breed Judge: Mr. Stanley Saltzman (Accepted nomination)
Sweepstakes: Michele DeTour (Accepted nomination)
All-breed Agility trials will be held in Concord, NC, August 10-13, before the National and in Greensboro at the Coliseum starting the day after the National ends and running from August 18 - 21.

2010 BCA National Win Photos Are Up!

The photos can be viewed here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44174497@N05/sets/72157625163276522/

National Sweepstakes Results

JUVENILE
6 -9 Mo Dogs
1 Fairytales Tantome de L'Opera Magnifique
2 Robin Hood-Dior Dalido
3 Deja Vu Chercher First Star I see Tonight

9 - 12 Mo Dogs
1 Eastbay Deja Vu Emmet
2 Penny Lane Eight Days a Week de l'Heureux
3 Dior Everybody Loves a Lover

12 - 15 Mo Dogs
1 - Bijou Educated Guess "Griffey"
2 - Ch Bijou Endless Journey "Norman"

15 - 18 Mo Dogs
1 - Deja Vu Elephant in the Room
2 - Deja Vu Popsakadoo E Equals MC Squared
3 - Voila Ernesto de Los Niegos
4 - Dior Boyz Earl Looney Tunes

6 - 9 Mo Bitches
1 - Free 'n Easy de l'Heureux
2 - Ricci Nina - Dior Dalido
3 - Fairytales Ficelle
4 - French Toast de l'Heureux

9 - 12 Mo Bitches
1 - Eastbay Deja Vu Elbow Room
2 - Mon Amies Escalade
3 - Esme Du Roi De Berger
4 - Classique Ears To Ewe

12 - 15 Mo Bitch
1 - Exactement Wright Moravia Campanella

15 - 18 Mo Bitches
1 - Deja Vu Chercher Eats Shoots & Leaves
2 - Deja Vu Popskadoo Evenger
3 - Elli Of Mystic Oaks
4 - Ch Esprit d'Mystic Oaks

Best Jr Puppy - Eastbay Deja Vu Emmet
BOS Jr Puppy - Free 'N Easy de l'Heureux
Best Sr. Puppy - Deja Vu Chercher Eats Shoots & Leaves
BOS Sr.Puppy - Deja Vu Elephant In the Room
Best In Sweepstakes - Deja Vu Chercher Eats Shoots & Leaves
BOS In Sweepstakes - Eastbay Deja Vu Emmet

VETERANS
7 - 9 Year Dogs
1 - Ch Sagi Bailywick Tintagel's Pride
2 - Chaotic's Tresor Magnifique de Lindeau

7 - 9 Year Bitches
1 - Ch Deja vu Ten
2 - Ch Chaotics Turquoise de Lindeau

9 - 11 Bitches
1 - Ch Deja Vu Ruffles Have Ridges
2 - Ch Best Betes Rambling Rose
3 - Ch Philaine de Bejaune
4 - Ch Deja Vu Sense & Sensibility

11 and Over Bitches
1 - Ch Bigtree's Prima Donna
2 - Ch Kaliphi Magnifique Obsession
3 - Ch Blackwater's Phiddle Dee Dee

Best In Veteran Sweepstakes - Deja Vu Ruffles Have Ridges
BOS To Best Veteran - Ch Tintagel's Pride

Briard in 4-H Blindfold ID Competition!

~ Submitted by Judy Meggitt  Elle and I participated in the Snohomish County Fair 4-H Blindfold Competition on Saturday September 4.  There were five 4H participants and only two participants guessed that Elle is a Briard. The kids did an amazing job. It is really hard to be blindfolded and idnitify breeds from just touch. All the kids zeroed in on the ears. One guessed bearded collie and one guessed giant schnauzer in addition to one “I don’t know.” There was an assortment of about 14 different dogs for the kids to identify. Some big, some small, some well known and some obscure. The outcome was very close between two Seniors, a 4H boy and a girl. Everyone got big ribbons for participating and the top three got large trophies.

This is the last year for the old dog barn at the fairgrounds. They are constructing a new building which will house dogs, rabbits, chickens and other foul. I cannot imagine that plan will work out real well.

On Friday night, I also attended the memorial service for Beryl Epling who originated the dog barn idea, construction, and the 4H dog program in Snohomish County. Many stories were told about Beryl and the 4H kids through the years, mostly she came into play when someone got into trouble. There were several laughs and a few tears. The weekend brought back many memories of the 10 years I was a 4H leader for a dog program. I got to reconnect with several young and old 4H friends.

The 4H dog program takes in donations of old trophies in which leaders refurbish and use for dog trophies during fair. The kids love earning one of the big trophies, they are very proud of their achievements.

Tiger and His Beanie

A Unique Event!

~ Submitted by Jeanne Lorang Today in the Pacific Northwest, there was a run off in Obedience - two dogs were tied for first place in Utility B. The uniqueness? It was two Briards! That has to be one of the few times (maybe the first time ever) that two Briards were in the same Utility B class, and to have them tie for first is pretty amazing. There are so few Briards working at that level. And yes, there were other dogs in the class, it was about 10 from what Laurie said. So, Ms. Belle with Laurie Beck finished her UD today.

Ms. DC Tessa with Carol Wolfram won the runoff, and picked up about 10 OTCh points. Good thing she won, since the OTCh points would have been wasted on Belle. After today, Belle can start earning her OTCh points - yeah! And start working on those 10 UDX legs.

Congratulations to Carol / Tessa and Laurie / Belle - two very nice teams!

Save the Dates - Oct. 29-31!

~ submitted by Lynda Ronell California Briarders are trying to get an entry together for the BCNC designated Specialty in Dixon, CA. It is held with the Northern CA Herding Group Show Oct. 29 Judge is Atilla Soos. Oct. 30 Judge: Anitra Kuneo Oct. 31 Judge: Joyce Vanek

California Manadatory Spay-Neuter Bill Dead

~ Submitted by Pam Ohlsson, BCA Legislative Liaison.  As of last night (August 31), California SB250 (mandatory spay and neuter) is DEAD...AGAIN. We've been fighting this thing for 4 years and knocking it out; let's hope this is the last time it rears it's ugly head.

Congratulations to two of the Tessa/Bono puppies for their wins!

Bijou Educated Guess "Griffey" went BOB over specials for a 3 point major at the Sammamish KC show. Griffey is owned by Tracy Thorleifson and beautifully presented in these photos by junior handler Haley Premble in the group ring.      Norman went BOB and on to a Group 4 in Atlanta. Norman is now a champion and has been onwner handled all the way by Karen Terry Cobb (see video below). Tessa is owned by Carol Wolfram. The boys are now 13 months old.

BCA Supported Entry

The Pacific Northwest Herding Club is holding a herding trial on October. The BCA is supporting the entries of Briards on Sunday October 3rd.   Information on the trial can be found here: http://pnwherding.blogspot.com/

Great Weekend

~ Submitted by Carol and DC Tessa   This past weekend I took Tessa north to compete at a herding trial. Boy, what a weekend that wound up being. We compete on C course (boundary/tending style) and this trial not only offered C course on sheep but sheep/cattle and ducks on both A and B courses. A lot going on daily with a trial that filled so much that they needed to add an extra judge each day. Three different judges judged our runs over the three days and all three gave us very similar scores. Tessa was quite consistent and we wound up with scores of 93, 94 and 94 (out of 100.) We needed 9 points to finish our herding championship. Going Reserve High in Trial on Friday we got a four point major, High in Trial on Saturday gave us a 5 point major and not only a new herding championship title but a Dual Champion title as well. The club was offering silver belt buckles for high combined score (highest score total for all three days) so we ran again on Sunday and got an extra 4 point major and the big prize of a silver belt buckle for High Combined on sheep. Not a bad way to finish that championship in two weekends of trials with 3 High in Trials and 1 Reserve High in Trial. Tessa's mother Java was a silver belt buckle winning dual champion as well and I am thrilled to have Tessa following in Java's herding footsteps. Now on to the whelping box for Tessa in the hopes that she will produce a daughter for me to herd with in the future.

Quarterly Update of NW Briard Accomplishments

~ from Gail Oneal Dara got her second leg for her JHD title and Emmy got her first leg and second place towards her HRD title in the Inland Empire Collie Club AHBA trial.

Tessa's Son Norman With His Scooter

Spokane Results

~ submitted by Tracy Thorleifson
photos coming soon
Sat., Spokane KC – WD – Griffey, RWD – Ranger; BOB/BOW – Dara
Sun., Spokane KC – WD – Dobbin (Nightwind’s Just Dobbin), RWD – Griffey, BOB/BOW – Dara
Mon., CDA KC – WD/BOB – Dobbin, RWD/BP Griffey; Best Puppy in Herding Group – Griffey (Dara was pulled on Mon/Tues because she is singled out).
Tues., CDA KC – WD/BOB – Griffey, RWD – Ranger

Sat, Sun., & Mon. Griffey’s junior handler, Haley Pemble, also showed Griffey in Junior Showmanship. Very brave to take a 10 month old puppy into a class where having a dog trained to nail free stacks is what wins. They did not place but looked great together. I overheard one of Haley’s friends telling her that “it takes guts to take a puppy into Junior Showmanship.”

Sat night Gail and husband Bob organized a lovely dinner at a local Thai restaurant. Sandy (Dobbins’ owner), Dallas & Judy Meggit, Hannah (Ranger’s handler) and Luis (Hannah’s boyfriend), Tracy & Haley, and honorary Briard people Dennis & Kathy Morgan (current owners of Boxers who shared our grooming space) all attended.

See You "Later"

~ submitted by Gail Oneal

Ripley (left) and Later (right) - summer 2005

Later: Ch. Nightwind Ohmy Next Day Delivery HXAd HTDIIId (1997-2010)
Ripley: Ripley Be Leve It Or Not V.D. Hoolhoeve HSAs JHD (2000-2008)

They both loved life to the fullest and were our best friends, as well as with each other. They both teamed up to raise Emmy-and did a wonderful job. Later dearly loved dog shows and was a natural ham. She represented briards well and made many friends for the breed. Ripley was a clown and the most funny dog we ever had-from his "boing-boinging" up and down at the door, to his pouting (with lip out) when he got in trouble. They were well loved and are greatly missed.

Later with sheep

Goodbye Sammy

~ submitted by Tracy Thorleifson
On Monday I said goodbye to part of my family and one of my best friends. At 11.5 Sammy had developed severe orthopedic issues, front and rear, and could no longer stand, sit, or walk unassisted and would not eat except when I hand fed him. It was time. I spent much of the weekend and all day Monday either crying or denying. The vet came to my house and the end came quickly. It was, I suppose, a good death as such things go, but he is still gone.

One friend, veteran of many more losses than I, commented that at such times there is nothing unique to say. She is, of course, right. For all of us to live and to love dogs inevitably invites loss and grief, sooner or later. While there may be nothing unique to say, I am resisting the idea that my pain is not unique. It is my grief, my loss, my friend and constant companion who is gone – and Sammy was unique. The place in my heart that was his, was his alone. The individual that was Sammy is irreplaceable.

A trainer once aptly described Sam as a 220 amp dog in a 110 amp world. Endlessly enthusiastic and intense, Sammy lived and loved fiercely. He was my first show dog, my first AKC champion, my first obedience dog, my first Novice A title. Most improbably, he was my first (and likely only) High In Trial obedience dog, winning at the 2002 Briard National Specialty by qualifying when far better dogs NQ’ed. He was my entree to the dog community and many of my current friends were met through him.

Happiest when at my side – and always in the same room with me – Sammy and I had reached that stage in our relationship where we knew each others’ faults and no longer tried to change them. I accepted that he would bark long and loud if left outside, fence fight with the neighbor’s dog if allowed, and chase any cat who had the bad sense to be visible on our walks. He accepted that breakfast would inevitably be late on weekends, and that the younger dogs went to class while he stayed home. It was both comfortable and predictable. The crinkle of unwrapping cheese and the hiss of whipped cream in cans brought him running and steak or chicken for dinner meant excellent table scraps. He liked Brie cheese and pasta with pesto sauce. Baby gates were objects of suspicion and accorded great respect, while fireworks and thunder storms were endlessly terrifying. Even at 85 lbs and 27+ inches tall he thought he was a lap dog, and often spent evenings on the sofa next to me.

There will be other dogs. There are other dogs. Ellie, who is 9 and now practically perfect, is a constant comfort. At ten months, Griffey is still carving his own place in my heart. But they are not Sammy and even with their presence the house is quiet. The place next to my bed is empty and no dog lies beneath my desk as I type.
There is nothing unique to say yet everything about this loss is unique.  I miss. Right now I think I always will.

Tyee Shows, B.C., Canada

~
submitted by Carol Wolfram  We had a great time up in Canada. There was a large Briard entry of 5 dogs!   Four of the five are pictured above - Griffey (left), Ricki and Ruckus (center) and Jojo (right).   De La Rossa Moravia Campanella "Ricki" (top left),  Crack A Joke Moravia Campanella "Ruckus" (2nd down left) and "Jojo" (3rd down left), an Aladax bitch, are all owned by Bonnie Judd of Aldergrove, B.C.   It was fun visiting with them and their owners. Helen Moulden brought her two Briards Dante and Aminta to visit with us. Iris Bergen and her parents were there and brought their Briard Felix by to visit and everybody enjoyed hanging around just to talk Briards.     I was kept quite busy with both Bijou All Flash No Cash "Tessa" (pictured at Mill Bay) and Bijou Educated Guess "Griffey" (with judge). Whew, I don't think I have ever run around the ring so many times before. Griffey was quite the little star in the breed ring. He showed well in the classes for both myself and Tracy. Then I had the pleasure of running him around in the adult groups every day as well as two days of puppy groups and puppy Best in Show. He just kept going into the ring again and again. What a trouper he was. I was also very happy with how well Tessa did in obedience plus of course the fact that she finished her Canadian Championship. She earned two titles up there (Ch and CD) and we will go back up for more obedience trials in the future.  The last picture is of the mother and son (Tessa and Griffey) on the dock across from the hotel where we stayed, a lovely little park right across the street!

Mother's Day Puppies!

Ch. Nightwind's Instant Winner - "Ivan" (OFA Good, Thyroid normal) X Radieux's And The Winner Is HSAs - "Emmy" (pointed, OFA Excellent, Thyroid normal).  This was a frozen semen breeding so Gail Oneal is especially happy to report that 9 puppies were born Mother's Day: 2 boys and 7 girls.   PNWBC members will recall that Ivan was owned by Pat and Sandy Parsons and shown to his championship by Gail in the late 90's. Gail may be contacted via email at gailoneal@q.com

Road Trip

Griffey (left), Tessa (center) and Nash (right) relax after playing fetch.  Tessa and her son Griffey stopped by to visit Nash and stretch their legs on the way to catch the Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, Canada.

Dog Philosophy

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy
3. When loved ones come home, always run and greet them
4. Always practice obedience (when it's in your best interests)
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory
6.Take naps and always stretch before rising
7. Run, romp and play daily
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm
9. Be trustworthy, loyal and friendly
10. Never pretend to be something you're not
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently
13. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk
14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you
15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do
16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree
17. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body
18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends

Southern Gentility

Tessa's boy Norman now lives in Gerogia.  At eight months he has already picked up some proper southern manners. Norman a.k.a. Bijou Endless Journey also picked up 9 points and two majors last weekend in Kentucky proving that you don't have to be rude to get ahead in this world!  Congratulations to Norman, owner/handler/trainer Karen Cobb and breeder Carol Wolfram!!!

Seattle Kennel Club

Bijou Educated Guess "Griffey" shown by Haley Pemble and Heartsong’s Durango "Ranger" shown by Hannah Spencer represented Briards at the Seattle Kennel Club show on March 13 and 14. Both dogs showed beautifully and the Saturday judge commented on the quality of both. Griffey ended up winning both days. In a display of gracious good sportsmanship, Ranger’s handler, Hannah, showed Griffey in his class on Sunday when Griffey’s junior handler Haley was delayed. Hannah ran Griffey around the ring for his 6-9 mos puppy class, raced out and took Ranger in the ring for his class. Fortunately Haley made it to the ring just in time to take Griffey in for Winner’s Dog. Kudos to Hannah!

Tia Is An Agility Dog

~ Submitted by Sonia Thompson  Nightwind's Definitely Maybe made her agility debut this weekend at the ACK Chuckanut trial in Lynden. She proved herself to be an agility dog! She earned 3 Q's and 3 first places (one Q and one 1st place were duplicates of a run during which the timer crashed, so except for the fact that she did another perfect run, actually they didn't count . It was her FAST run, and we did the course differently on her second run, yielding a higher score). She dropped a bar on her Jumpers run, so she didn't Q, but other than that her run was perfect, including 4 perfect sets of weaves. I am very proud of her.

Puyallup News!

Briards were well represented at the Western Washington Cluster held at the fairgrounds in Puyallup, January 16-18,2010.  Six Briards competed in conformation, "Andre" in Rally, and "Tessa" in Open B and Utility B. 

CH Deja Vu Back Seat Driver, CGC, RA, PT, JHD-s "Nash" presented by Shea Skinner took BOB and Heartsong’s Durango "Ranger" presented by Hannah Spencer took Winners Dog all three days. On Saturday showing to Charles Olvis, Nightwind's  Double Dog Dare Ewe"Dara" took WB/Best of Winners.  On Sunday showing to Doris E. Werdermann, Briaramour's Dazzling Femme Fatale "Gia", presented by Erin Winton, took Winners Bitch and "Ranger' took Best of Winners.  Click this link to view a video of the Best of Breed competition.

Bijou Educated Guess "Griffey" made his debut at the Puyallup shows at just 6 months old. Shown by three different people in three days, owner Tracy Thorliefson was pleased that "Griffey" had such a good time!  The Puyallup shows were also a debut for "Nash" as these were his first shows with his new handler Shea Skinner.
Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

CH Cachet Deja Vu Andantino RA "Andre" finished his Rally Excellent title with a placement.  CH Bijou All Flash No Cash,  HSc, HSAs, OA, NAJ, RA, UD pleased the crowd with some brilliant moments in the Open and Utility rings.
Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

An informal meeting of the Pacific Northwest Briard Club was held at Charlie's and attended by board members Gabrielle LaRoche, Sonia Thompson, Kath Williams, Tracy Thorliefson and Carol Worlfram and club members Gail Oneal, Judy Meggit and daughter Chelsea.  There was interest in hosting a meet the breed booth at the Seattle show (although concern that more lead time might be necessary). The group agreed they would like to work toward holding a supported entry at a show that has obedience, conformation and good access in the hope we might entice folks to travel from California.

Polish Briard Helping in Haiti!

A nine-year-old rescue dog of the Polish Urban Search and Rescue is helped down from a UN truck as the team searches for survivors together with the International Search and Rescue team ISAR Germany, in Port-au-Prince. There were eleven dogs on the Polish team, only one of which was a Briard. The Dog is International Ch Broyt z Andaye - "Macho" - vice winner of World Poznan 2006.

Bobby Titles Yet Again!

Bobby (Briard x OES) and Iris were at a big 2 ring Agility trial last weekend. Besides 2 qualifying runs, Bobby also got his Master Jumper title at 9 1/2 yrs of age. It was a very distracting and loud environment and Iris is proud of how well he handled it. Video link of his run to follow.

Pacific Northwest Briard Club Dinner

WHAT
An early dinner and informal meeting of the Pacific Northwest Briard Club

WHEN
Sunday, January 17 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm - following the herding group judging

WHERE
Charlies Restaurant is located at 113 E Main Puyallup, WA. Phone: 253-845-0588

For more information contact Gabrielle

New Briard in the Northwest!

Submitted by Sally Lewis ~ Austyn (photo at left) is now almost 4 months old. She was born Sept 12th. She comes from Aladax Briards, as does her Uncle Jordan. Her dad is Ivy, who is from Portland, Oregon. He is originally from the Czech Republic. Austyn is such a character - a bundle of enrgy and curiosity! She just loves her Uncle Jordan! Austyn's mom is Jordan's half sister. Jordan will be 2 in April!
Austyn and Jordan (above) - classic briards -doing what they do best - couch potatos!!!!! Jordan is pictured (below) in the back yard and standing at the gate waiting to go run thru the barn to the back pasture where he LOVES to play ball!!! Jordan and Austyn are lucky to have 10 acres in Ferndale WA to romp and play. Rumor has it that sheep could be added tp the mix....