The ''Tease'' Litter Turns Ten!

It's hard to believe how quickly time goes by, but this week we celebrated the 10th birthday of Daisy's litter by Romeo!

Their most well known son, ''CH Afterglow The Big Tease,'' has given us so many wonderful memories, including his unforgettable performance at Crufts where he won the group and was RBIS under Peter Green of the USA, retiring from the show ring.




As a relative youngster, Donny scored a remarkable position on the Poodle world-map by winning the Standard variety from ''the classes'' at Poodle Club of America under breed-specialist Debbie Cozart (Cotian Poodles) and then BEST OF BREED under the late, great Richard Bauer!  He spent another year in the US, where he became a multiple all-breed BIS winner with his co-owner and handler Michael Pawasarat.

When his tenure in America was complete, Donny returned to England.  His first CC win led to his first UK BIS award from a field of some 10,000 entries!  His second CC, at the Scottish KC, was followed by a group first under Andrew Brace in an amazing line-up, and then his second Best under Derek Smith.

His third and championship ticket came from a Poodle Club BOB win under breeder-judge Linda Barker.

The following year, Donny was the Top Dog All Breeds in the UK!

He also represented the UK at the Eukanuba World Challenge in Long Beach, CA.

As a producer, Donny has sired several champions around the world, including our own UK & Am CH Afterglow Sugar Daddy who himself became a top producer.  3 puppies from Donny's most recent litter have become CC winners in Britain (including Crufts!) making him the breed's current Top Stud Dog.

Show-ring kudos aside, this intelligent, fun loving clown is an absolute delight in every way imaginable! He exemplifies the sense of humour and zest for life that make Standard Poodles the most wonderful breed...ever!

Wet 'n wild...

We just love this photo of Beckie (Afterglow Crystal Decanter) who is now living in Norway with Vibeke and Karl-Eddie of the well-known Statesman Kennel.

Clearly she is not afraid to get her paws dirty!

Beckie is a daughter of our champion tricolour dog ''Afterglow Dragon Quest,'' and appears to be growing up into a beautiful youngster.  We look forward to hearing about her adventures in and out of the ring in the months to come!

Adventures in Shelties...

Two years ago we decided to explore the world of American-bred Shetland Sheepdogs.  A dog who stood out in our minds from prior trips to the US was the incredible CH Popstar SS of Northern Farm.

After some research and investigation we were able to acquire a tricolour bitch from Kathy Wilkins (Lochlyn) in Georgia named Am CH Lochlyn Going Rogue.  

''Palin'' has had a litter here in England from her US mating to the impressive blue dog Am Gr CH Mistybrook's Panda Crossing, and we've kept a blue bitch here at home to grow up.  Afterglow Pandora, pictured above, has been shown once as a minor puppy and is qualified for Crufts 2014.

We are thankful to the American breeders who have spoken candidly to us about their dogs, and helped us with this ''undertaking.''  In particular, Tom and Nioma Coen of the world-renowned Macdega kennel have been a great source of knowledge, advice and encouragement.

Now, we are delighted that through the Coen's cooperation we have been able to bring the spectacular ''Hallie'' to the UK in partnership.  American CH Hillstone Hallelujah was previously awarded Best of Winners at the prestigious ASSA national specialty as a puppy to finish her title in grand style.  Her father, Am CH Macdega Notorious,  has been one of America's most successful sires for the past several years, and is himself a son of ''Popstar.''

At four years old, Hallie is not only a real delight to live with, but possesses the elegance, moderation and beautiful head detail so typical of her family. This dynamic 14.5'' girl is as attractive on the move as she is posing in the garden.  She will be shown occasionally in Britain and the Continent, and we will hopefully have exciting breeding plans in store for her future.

She is seen here as a youngster in the USA.

We are grateful for the chance to bring such a precious American gem to England, and are excited about our involvement in this lovely breed!

Marley's legacy...

A few years back our special tricolour girl ''Rhonda'' (Sh CH Afterglow Veronica Mars) won the CC, BOB & Group 3rd at Crufts, and was immediately retired to be bred to visiting Swede ''Clinton'' (CH Fiddle Stick's Air Force One.)

Soon after she gave birth to a beautiful, all tricolour litter of 3. One male from the litter, American CH Afterglow Tristar, went to Shelby Roberts in the USA and won the triple crown of sorts by topping the Varieties at Westminster, Eukanuba & the American Spaniel Club National. 

We kept the other boy here at home, and he grew up to be Sh CH Afterglow Trinidad, affectionately known as ''Marley'' (pictured above.)  He won his 1st CC & BOB as a minor puppy under Dr Ron James and was shortlisted in 2,000+ gundog group.  He made up his title soon after.

But ''Marley's'' biggest contribution has been as a producer: not only are his kids nice to look at, they are a dream to live with, too...Happy, outgoing and eager to please!  ''Marley'' is the sire of the 2013 Pup Of The Year winner, Sh CH Afterglow Dragon Quest, also known as ''George,'' who we are currently growing up at home.  

We felt that ''Marley'' was also the perfect match for our BIS winning Japanese import girl CH Nereid JP Mele Kalikimaka....who is black!   From that litter came ''Pearl'' or Sh CH Afterglow Pearl's A Singer, who is currently the UK's Top Gundog and No. 3 All Breeds!  ''Pearl'' began the show season with the CC & BOB at Crufts, and was recently awarded Best in Show at Three Counties.  She has won an impressive collection of RBIS awards and group wins along the way! ''Pearl'' is always owner/handled by Susan Crummey, and will hopefully one day make her own contribution to both our black and particolour families.

Poodle racing: It could happen!

We're lucky to live in a rural area, which is great for two big reasons.  The first is that the dogs can bark as much as they want, and the second is that there is lots of room for them to run.  We try to free-run our dogs daily, in groups of 4 or so at a time.  The benefits for the dogs are physical as well as mental.  They develop great muscle tone and endurance, and the sense of freedom keeps them happy.  And it makes us happy watching them in action. Pictured here are youngsters sired by Ricky (CH Afterglow Maverick Sabre) during today's run.

The beauty of the Standard Poodle...

This shot of Dino (Am & UK CH Del Zarzoso Salvame from Afterglow) illustrates the grace, elegance and air of distinction that makes Standard Poodle the true ''king'' of dogs!

In a relatively short space of time and in limited outings, Dino and his US handler/best friend Amy Rutherford have earned a wonderful record in the US for owners Sloan Barnett and George Lindemann, Sr.  The team has won multiple all-breed Best in Show awards in stiff West
coast competition!