Some History

Today, I decided to go back in time and give you a peek at some photos from the album of our first champion and first Special, Ch. Joyslyn's Piece of the Rock. At the back of his album is a one-page clipping from Dog World's June 1978 issue. This issue was an annual issue published by Dog World which featured the "Ideal" of each breed. The offer was extended to us for Rocky to appear as the  "Ideal" and we were thrilled to accept. (However, I must admit that we had to pay a hefty advertising fee for the privilege!)

First note that the issue includes the old standard which lists color preferences. It says, "Golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-color, black, white, or brown. This being the true Tibetan Lion-dog, golden or lion-like colors are preferred. Other colors in order as above. Dark tips to ears and beard are an asset."

Now, of course, under our current Standard, all colors are equally accepted with or without the dark tippings.

The picture is of our multiple-Group-winning American Canadian Champion Joyslyn's Piece of the Rock. Rocky's photo was taken by Steve Newell for that issue.

I doubt if you can read the copy, so here is what it says, "With great pride we accepted the offer for our multiple-Group-winning Ch. Joyslyn's Piece of the Rock to represent the Lhasa Apso in this issue. Rocky is a young dog who is upholding the fine traditions of winning and producing for which his line is noted. Rocky's great-grandsire is top producing BIS Ch. Everglo's Spark of Gold ROM; his grandsire is multiple-BIS Ch. Arborhill's Rapso-Dieh (ROM pending ALAC approval), and his sire is BIS Ch. Arborhill's Rah-Kieh ROM.

Rocky is a light golden, well-balanced compact dog. He is 10 ½" tall and weighs approximately 18  lbs. His outline—level topline, long arched neck, and tail perched atop his back—is impressive, as is his smooth effortless movement.

Used at stud on only a limited basis, Rocky has clearly indicated his potential as a great producer. He passes on his elegant outline, straight front legs, tight reverse scissors bite, lovely expression, and easy-going, lovable temperament.

Pointed at 7 months, Rocky went to handler Marjorie Lewis at 13 months and finished in 5 straight shows with three majors. He began his specials career two months later with Marge. Together they have become the top winning Lhasa team in our area of the Midwest. Our ultimate goal is, of course, a Best in Show, for it is our dream that Rocky be the fourth consecutive dog in his line to win the top award.

Rocky's breeders are Lynn and Joyce Johanson, JOYSLYN'S LHASA APSOS, and he is owned by Joyce Johanson and Ethel Hines.

At Joyslyn's we breed with the Standard as our guide and strive for high quality in confirmation and temperament. We proudly offer Rocky at stud. His fee is $150."

Unfortunately, Rocky never achieved the BIS goal we set for him, but he was our first champion and his show career plus the careful mentoring given me by his handler Marge Lewis, set Joyslyn's on a course I would never have imagined when we first decided to show our dogs. Now, almost 36 ½ years after Rocky's birth, I look back at his photo album and relive a lot of memories.

Thanks for letting me share them with you.

Pictures from Rocky's album include the one of his first point, taken in September 1975 when he was 7 months old (and I was a young 24)!  Note the scruffy tail! The next is of Rocky and Marge after his first major win in March 1976, age 13 months. Notice if you will how much his coat grew in those months. The third is of Rocky and Marge, taken after a group win in September 1977, age 2 years, 7 months.

Rocky & Joyce, Sept. 1975

Rocky & Marge, March 1976

Rocky & Marge, Sept. 1977

Life is good when you have a Lhasa to love you!

Joyce

P.S. In case you did not know, if you click on a photo you can enlarge it. If you want to read the entire page from Dog World, just click on it and you can magnify it from there.