Show Results and Latest Puppy Photos

Life has been crazy around here since I last posted. The two litters keep us busy, of course, but last week I was on the road a lot, either because of the dogs (training class, dog shows, picking up a dog from a friend) or because of work. That's why the photo sessions and this post have been delayed.

Oh...and did I mention laundry? Lots and lots of puppy laundry!

Chance, Winter, and I went to shows in Bloomington, IL over the Memorial Day weekend. Chance was a total disappointment. He made it very clear that he did like showing, especially the in Group rings (although on Friday he actually managed to get a Group 2 in the Owner-Handled Group). I could tell he was unnerved by all the cheering and clapping and general air of excitement and anticipation that is part of the Group judging. So...since he already has his championship and obviously wants no part in showing anymore, his show career is now officially over!

It's kind of sad really because he is a beautiful Lhasa and could go far. But the attitude has to be there. Again, showing is not for every person -- or for every dog! And he was clearly telling me, "No more, Mom!"

Ch. Joyslyn's Moon Shadows (Chance)

 Winter, on the other hand, thought showing was a real kick! She is just 4 months old, and I entered her Saturday and Sunday in the Beginner (4-6 mo.) Puppy Competition. She took Non-Sporting Puppy Group 2 on Saturday and Group 1 on Sunday. Here she is with all her ribbons.

Joyslyn Mon Ami Winter Wind

Puppy Photos

The first seven photos are of the puppies from the Josh and Bekka litter.

Gracie

Gus

Izzy

Jampa

Millie

Xena

Trinket

The following photos are of the puppies from the Breaker and Onyx litter.

Cooper

Eddie

Iris

Lexi

Pearl

Pippi

Rosie

And, because I am still trying to catch up, that's it for today!

 Joyce

The Lhasa Apso Breed Standard (and also Puppy Pictures)

"What is a "Standard?" 
 
"Knowledge of any purebred dog, ring champion or pet, begins with its standard, a written description of the ideal specimen of a breed. Standards describe perfect type, structure, gait, and temperament. Rarely does a dog measure up to every specification of its breed standard. Indeed, the standard is a conceptualization—much like the Platonic forms—that guides the imaginations of those seriously interested in the breeding, exhibition, and performance of purebred dogs."~ Bud Boccone. "Proud to be Purebred: Breed Standard, the Breeder’s Blueprint."

So, a breed Standard is a picture in words. Those of you who own books about the breed can find the current Lhasa Apso Standard (revised in 1978) in those books. A common complaint from new exhibitors and breeders (and judges) throughout the years since 1978 has been that the Standard did not go far enough in describing the whole dog. That led to the Breed Standard Committee of the American Lhasa Apso Club (ALAC), the breed’s Parent Club, writing the Annotated Guide to the Standard. From that came the Illustrated Guide to the Standard, which as its name implies, used words and photos to describe the ideal. From that came the Judges’ Education Seminar materials. All are available for viewing by selecting "Judges Corner" on the website of the American Lhasa Apso Club at www.lhasaapso.org.

Fast forward to 2016 when a motion was made in mid-December of that year to have the Breed Standard Committee work on revisions to the current Standard that used the educational materials from the various Guides to complete the "picture in words" and describe all aspects of the Lhasa Apso. Needless to say, now that the document is finished, having the blessing of AKC, and being up for vote of approval (or not) by members of ALAC, there is some controversy about whether or not the revisions should be approved. Persuasive letters are being written by those on both sides of the issue. Persuasive Facebook postings abound. And, of course, some people are mud slinging, calling names, and making unfounded accusations. Welcome to Facebook, right?

By the way, as a member of the Breed Standard Committee, I am (of course!) in favor of the changes. I believe the proposed Standard offers descriptions of the breed that will be a helpful guide to future breeders, as well as to judges who must compare the exhibits in their ring to the ideal represented in the Standard.

We will know the outcome of the balloting by the end of June. I’ll let you know what happens.

For those who may be interested here is a side-by-side comparison of the current Standard and the proposed Standard. (If you are not interested, just scroll until you get to the puppy pictures!

Note: If you click on the image, it will be enlarged and become easier to read.

 

If you are still with me on this issue, you might be interested in reading the first Standard, from which all others has come. As is pointed out in the ALAC Judges’ Education materials, "The earliest standard for the breed was written at the end of the 19th century and is found in the book Dogs of All Nations which was compiled by a Belgian dog fancier. Word for word, it is also the longest Standard for the breed and remained in effect for over 30 years. The British revised their Standard in 1934. Without alteration, this updated British standard was accepted as the AKC Standard for Lhasa Apsos in 1935. In 1978, the American Standard was revised...and again shortened...the most significant change being the removal of a preference list for color."

And Now To The Puppies!

The following pictures are of the Josh and Bekka puppies that were born at the end of March. They are now 7 weeks old. The weeks have sped by and I am sure all those who are buying them are eagerly awaiting the day when they can come to pick them up. Note that all 7 of these puppies have been reserved.

Trinket - 7 weeks

Millie - 7 weeks

Izzy - 7 weeks

Xena - 7 weeks

Gracie 7 - weeks

Gus - 7 weeks

Jampa - 7 weeks

Pictured below are the four-week-old puppies from the Breaker and Onyx litter. All but two females from this litter have been reserved. Since people have not yet selected the female puppies, I cannot tell you which two are still available. That is yet to be determined.

Cooper on the left, Eddie on the right, age 4 weeks

Iris, age 4 weeks

Lexi on the left, Pearl on the right, age 4 weeks

Pippi on the left, Rosie on the right, age 4 weeks

I am very proud of all the puppies. They are active, happy, and lovely.

Joyce

Puppy Pictures

Before you get a dog, you can't quite imagine what living with one might be like; afterword, you can't imagine living any other way.
~ Caroline Knapp

I'm just going to plunge right in with photos since I think that is what many of you are most interested in anyway.

I wrote last week that Autumn finished at the WI shows the first weekend in May. Here are two photos from that show. The first one was taken the day she got her championship. The second one was taken the next day. Other exhibitors asked me to continue showing her to hold the major since they are few and far between these days. I showed her in the Bred By class then had a friend take her in for the Winners class. She won again anyway. Now CH Joyslyn's Wind Song, Autumn is home and a bit jealous of the other dogs I am taking to training classes and shows. I feel sorry for her as she cannot quite figure out why she is left behind. She loves the show ring. I may decide to continue showing her to earn her Grand Championship. Right now, I am focusing on getting Winter, the 4 month old lead broken!

Speaking of dog shows, we went to a small show in Iowa last weekend. Breaker (GCH CH Joyslyn's Heartbreaker ROM) was entered because the show has a Veterans competition. (Dog ages 7 and up) We thought it would be fun to also enter him in the Best of Breed class in regular competition. We'd also entered our younger champion, Chance, but the "old man" beat the young one, taking Best of Breed both days. Here is a photo (rather blurry -- sorry!) taken of Breaker in the Group ring. He showed great and made us proud. Actually, he is showing better now that he did in his early years.

Breaker in  the Group Ring - May 12, 2019

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies

Okay, here are photos of the babies. The older littermates are getting really cute - and, of course, really mischievous. Piddle pads have become tug of war toys. They investigate everywhere, mostly place I do not want them to go. We have barriers up in the family room so they cannot go behind the recliner. They are learning to use newspapers and piddle pads for going potty -- not always 100% but they are trying! They will be 7 weeks old this coming weekend. We have started weaning them and they are over the moon about eating puppy food! Their mom, Bekka, is still overseeing things but I think she is happy to turn the bulk of the care (and clean up!) over to me.

Here are photos taken at age 6 weeks. Remember that all puppies from this litter have been reserved.

Gracie - 6 weeks

Gus - 6 weeks

Izzy- 6 weeks

Jampa - 6 weeks

Millie - 6 weeks

Trinket - 6 weeks

Xena - 6 weeks

 The following photos are of our second litter, now 3 weeks old. Both males and two of the females have been reserved. We have 3 females still available.

Pippi and Rosie - 3 weeks

Pearl and Lexi  - 3 weeks

Cooper and Reacher - 3 weeks

Iris - 3 weeks

That's it for this week! 

Joyce