Farlap Bloodhounds

MISSING BLOODHOUND. URGENT HELP NEEDED . COULD NOW BE ANYWHERE IN UK

2012-01-28T19:34:00.000Z

URGENT - MISSING 2 YEAR OLD LIVER AND TAN BLOODHOUND IN CHESHIRE AREA. Please would every one help us to find Hector. He has white on his feet and a largish white blaze on his chest. He got away whilst on a walk and was hit by a car on the A34 between the Eden Point and Handforth round-a-bouts in the Cheadle Hulme area the day before yesterday. He ran away after being hit by a car... As you can imagine the owners are devastated and still have people out looking for him. They have contacted the police, vets, rescues and farmers in the area but still no news. He is also micro-chipped. please contact me if you see or hear anything

Totally Illogical.

2012-01-25T16:39:00.002Z

Illogical came into our lives in 2006, a bundle of confident but calm gorgeousness. She never lost her calmness and was always gorgeous, and without a doubt was the "hound of my heart", so her loss this week from cancer, has been extremely hard.
I have found a few of my favourite photos of her, one at 15 weeks showing off her enormous character, another at 12 weeks with her grandfather fergus (who is still with us in his 12th year) and another when she won BIS at the Czech Bloodhound Club show, when we went there for our summer holiday 3 years ago.
The only comfort at the moment is knowing she has puppies from her 2 beautiful litters, who are giving their owners a lot of pleasure and who carry her unique character around the world. Her babies are in the UK, Australia, Germany, Hungary and Mexico, as well as the three who live here with us. We hope that her grandchildren who are due to be born very shortly, will continue her lovliness, and have her wonderful gentle dignity.

Birthday Bargain

2012-01-16T22:54:00.000Z

Heres Farlap Bargain (aka Miss Eden), every bit the birthday girl.......enjoying her day tracking in the lakedistrict and having a cuddle with her Dad at the top!

Happy Birthday!

2012-01-16T18:23:00.000Z

Happy first birthday to the 2011 B litter. I cant believe they are a year old already, and I wish all the pups and their owners a fantastic 2012 with their pups. Farlap Bran, in Germany had a special treat for his Birthday breakfast! How they have grown since this photo at a couple of days old!

Snow much fun with Bran

2012-01-06T19:44:00.000Z

Finally Ive got around to sorting out the photos from our visit to Bran in Germany......here he is hunting along the road in a snow blizzard, as well as finding Christine in the forest. it was far from easy scenting conditions so he did extremely well.

After the sad news with Tarnish earlier in the week, it almost seems indecent to be smiling, but we have had some happy news today, and it has lifted our spirits a little bit. CH. Farlap Candle and CH. Farlap Basnicky are due to be proud parents in a few weeks, following Candles positive scan today. Hopefully the patter of little feet will raise our spirits very soon!

Whirlwind Newyear

2012-01-05T14:04:00.001Z

The last few days have been a bit of a whirlwind, with fantastic highs and sad lows. Firstly we went to Germany and visited Farlap Bran, who many will remember as "Brian" !! We had some fun watching him hunt (mantrailing) in some of the worst snow blizzards ive ever been out in......he was a real star and the photos will follow shortly. meanwhile heres one that the "lost" person (in this case his mummy Christine!!) took as he came in to the forest to find her.

Our return home from Germany was tinged with much sadness as we realised that Tarnish was finally not going to be with us much longer due to her tumours. it was a sad start to the New year for us when we had to have her put to sleep on january 2nd, however she will hopefully be racing about somewhere now, with her brothers and her Mum. Her father Fergus is still going strong despite his 11 years!

and yet more Christmassy messages!

2011-12-22T19:41:00.000Z

Great to get some more cards and photos in the post today. These two boys (Joshua and Silas) sent their photos as they do every year, plus an interesting parcel for their brother and sister (Bas and Barvicka) to open on Christmas day!!! Thanks boys!

More Christmassy stuff

2011-12-20T21:23:00.001Z

Had this great photo today from Eden (Farlap Bargain) and her luuuurvely lurchery friend getting in the Christmas spirit! We love getting cards and photos from all of our Farlaps at Christmas and next to arrive was Bran, doing a trail in the snow in Germany, through the village. Cant wait to see him next week.

Nearly Christmas

2011-12-19T21:09:00.000Z

I cant believe how this month has flown by and now its nearly Christmas I get lots of updates with the Christmas cards from the Farlap pups all over the world....I Love catching up and hearing how they have been all year. Heres Bailey (litter brother to Candle and Cinnamon) having a cuddle on moms lap! They never grow out of it do they!
Logic has made a fine recovery after her bout of peritonitis a few weeks ago, but now its Tarnishs turn to be poorly, with her tumours returning with a vengeance.

bringing home the bacon.......

2011-12-10T21:41:00.000Z

..........well.....the pheasant and snipe anyhow! Today was shoot day for Tennant.....its our favourite pastime in the winter on Saturdays and certainly beats shows hands down! Our bag today was 2 woodcock, 3 snipe and a pheasant......so heres Mr T bringing home some of the spoils for his daddy.

Weve had a bit of a traumatic week this week, with Logic being taken ill very suddenly with peritonitis, as an after effect her of her torsion (we think). However shes responding well to drugs and is certainly appearing back to her normal self.

Family day out

2011-11-23T17:09:00.000Z

Farlap Constant

Farlap Constant (Harry)

Farlap Benedict (Bertie)

I have had a couple of lovely days out this week, visiting Farlap hounds in their homes. Monday I went to visit Watson who lives in Brixham, hes such a sweet boy from the "C" litter. Today was a trip over to East Devon to visit Bertie (Farlap Benedict) and Harry (Farlap Constant) and I took Cinnamon and Baffle who are from the same two litters, to play with their brothers. We had two lovely walks around their fields and all went well until Cinnamon (always the trouble maker) discovered their bird table, and in her usual thuggish way, managed to knock it over and demolish it, and started eating all the bird food as fast as she could. Harry had never seen such atrocious behaviour and thought he'd investigate, but Cinnamon decided it was "her food" and bit her brother on the nose. Exit a very upset Harry. Meanwhile Baffle had managed to find a huge pile of fox poo to roll in and so the two disgraced hounds were bundled in the van and taken home. The smell on the return journey, of Cinnamon farting after her bird food, and the fox poo covering Baffle, was less than pleasant!

The weather was perfect

2011-11-22T18:13:00.000Z

Sunday saw us hosting the Kelperland Trophy special stake (4 hours cold, 2 miles long) and without a doubt, the weather was perfect. Thanks must go to the line walkers Louie and Andrew, and the land owners who were The Loud family and the Moyse family. Also special thanks to Sharon Newman for taking some lovely photos of the day......this one was a favourite for me, showing Duncan taking his hound to the start of the line....just look at that concentration! Sadly the judge didnt feel either hound hunted well enough to be awarded the Kelperland, although both were given COM's. Having walked the 1st line many times myself, and being in a grandstand position to see the hound hunting it 80% of the way round, I was a little disapointed as the hound was spot on for the 80% that I watched.
It was good to meet some newer club members who are interested in getting their hound hunting, and we look forward to hosting future stakes for the bloodhound club.

A summing up and tea at the Clovelly Inn, and it was the end of a tiring day.

Photos are here!

2011-11-11T19:25:00.000Z

The photos from last weekend are here, and thankyou to Rob "Bailey" Manley for taking them.

Weekend Fun!

2011-11-10T14:43:00.001Z

last weekend was the Bloodhound Club Open Show, and under judge Gillian lamb, we had a great day.
Farlap Cinnamon, at her very first show was Best In Show. Farlap Baračnik (owned by Fiona McKenzie) was best dog and res. best In Show. Farlap Baffled was best Puppy in Show. Congratualtions also to Farlap Graceful, (ably handled by Lynda Haydon,) who won Novice bitch. What a fab day it was.
As soon as the photos are sent to me Ill include them on the blog. I was also thrilled to find a lost treasure on the day. I was given a painting about 20 years ago, by a dear friend of her favourite hound, one of a pair of bloodhound brothers. He was a Brunwar hound, known as jason (yes that is what he was called despite what people try and tell you!!). There was a matching painting of his litter brother (Rufus) that had been lost so imagine my astoundment at discovering the missing painting for sale on the regalia stand at the show on Sunday. Needless to say I snapped it up and the two brothers are now reunited in my home!

Now a date for the diary: Sunday November 20th is the Kelperland Trophy, an invitational stake organised by the Bloodhound Club. We are pleased to be hosting this stake, and if anyone would like to come along and see the hounds hunting 2 mile lines, 4 hours cold, then we would be pleased to see you. The meet is 10.am at Axworthy farm buildings, please email me for sat nav or directions. There will be a presentation and light tea afterwards at the Clovelly Inn.
If anyone would like accomodation then theres a holiday cottage literally 20 yards from the meet. Its 3 bedrooms and available for a short let. Please call Mrs Loud on 01566 783516 for more details.

Life of brian part 3

2011-11-03T21:39:00.000Z

Farlap Bran, who we always knew as "Brian" is just progressing in leaps and bounds, and we are immensley proud of him. His search work training is now taking part in urban/town settings and this week he had a day tracking a "new" person on 6 different trails (but just one scent article) along A roads, through a railway station, over pedestrian crossings, 3 foot bridges, a car park........ and all with the hustle and bustle of the town going on around him. I love receiving photos of him at work and relaxing in the home, but these are my favourites from his owners Robert and Christine, this week.

Worrying week

2011-10-14T16:06:00.002Z

Its been a really worrying week here, with Logic becoming ill on Monday, and having a full blown torsion and twist, resulting in emergency , life saving surgery. thankfully she survived the surgery and now we have the slow and delicate recovery, involving 24 hour round the clock care for the next few days. Ultimately this has meant having to let down those people kind enough to enter their hounds under me on monday at the Bloodhound Club working trials, for which I apologise profusely, and no one is more disapointed than me, as I love judging working trials. However im sure that all those who have known the heart break that our hounds can bring us, will FULLY understand why I feel unable to leave Logic for the next few critical days, and I hope my replacement judge enjoys their day.
On a much brighter note, we heard from george (Russian Ch. Farlap Guesswork) who had been to the "Russia 11 Speciality"
George won Best male and Club Winner and specialty and CAC, CACIB, BOB ThenhHe won his group as well! Well done George. Not just a pretty face either as he went to his Russian Hunting Fieldtrials the week before and won a Diploma I and Diploma II. Great news to brighten our week. Here he is posing on the winners rostrom! Then we heard from germany, from Robert, Christina and "Bran", that he had succseesfully completed a two and a half hour cold line, through a village and built up residential areas. brilliant news, and only 8 months old......Im so proud of all my "Farlap pups", no matter what their achievements (although maybe not Bliss eating her mums new iphone!!!) and love to hear what they have been up to.
I was saddend to hear about the passing of Michael Clarke. Its sad that there are so many people in the breed these days who have probably never met or even heard of Mick and Christine, but they have been in the breed for over 40 years, and have had dozens of hounds, and a number of champions amongst them over the years. Mick had the most amazing life working all over the globe, but his heart was always back at Elsenham with his animals, his beloved bloodhounds, his racehorses and his amazing game birds. He put a lot into the breed just by being "there" although never a breeder or seen in the ring, we all knew him as a calm kind gentle character, and I can only hope that the two farlap boys that shared his life until the very end, are now bringing some comfort to Christine at this hard time.

Bloodhound trials........just too hot to handle!

2011-10-04T20:40:00.000Z

Gerty and I tootled off to the trials on Sunday ( i cant understand why they want to break from tradition and do Sunday trials....bad form.) but the weather was just so hot, that by 3.30 when our turn came, the ground was like parched cinders, and poor Gerty found little scent. She did manage the 1st hundred yards and I was quietly optimisitc but as we got to the middle of the field, it was just like the sahara, and although she bravely tried her best, I decided she'd had enough and asked the judge to guide us to the end for her to find her runner before she became to disheartened on her 1st ever attempt at trials. Never mind, she has all winter to practise for the spring trials! Thankyou to Sharon newman for this photo of gerty in action.

Cinnamons turn

2011-09-30T21:16:00.000Z

Well last week it was Tennants turn to be the cover star, and this week Cinnamon gets a chance to shine as she is the "new face" of the "Devon Microchipping" business, and looking every inch the diva! More details here www.devonmicrochipping.co.uk if anyone would like their litters or adult dogs microchipped.

its all about Tennant!

2011-09-28T12:17:00.000Z

Like buses......you wait for ages and then they all come along at once.....this time its not just Tennant on the cover of a magazine, but its Buck and me too! Here we are after a lovely morning hunting rabbits on the farm, what fun times the three of us had together then. Meanwhile the rain has temporarily left Devon, the sun is shining, and Basnicky has taken up residence in a sunny beer barrel plant pot!

Tennant and Chips

2011-09-25T18:53:00.000Z

Thought it was time that Tennant had some airtime on the blog, so here he is after winning reserve BOB at Cornwall Gundog Club show......posing by the pond and looking all gorgeous and handsome.
An interesting conversation at the show with a woman about microchipping, and she just couldnt accept that her "trained gundog" should be chipped as she said it was so well trained it would never leave her side.

"Well thats just fine, but what about if you have a car accident and the dog runs off in a panic from the scene" I said.......her answer? "Oh hes too well trained for that"!!!!!! Sometimes I despair about people and their stupidity!!!!!...so while we are on the subject, just a quick note to remind anyone interested, that I am a qualified microchipper, so if you would like your dog or your litter microchipped please dont hesitate to get in touch.

Days like these......

2011-09-22T11:15:00.001Z

Days like these dont come along too often.......spending every moment doing something that the hounds and dogs love, good company,scrummy cakes & sunshine!! it started off well when the post arrived and in it was the certificate from the KC confirming Candle was a "Champion". Then Sharon and Bill (Newman) arrived with some lovely cookies and cakes, and walked a line for Gerty, which she flew round! Its a real shame I havent had a chance to get her to her sheep test before the trials as she really doesnt enjoy being hunted leashed, and once the lead is dropped she flies ahead with great style; I think Im going to struggle to hunt her on a leash next month :(
After lunch we all went out to the fields and did some dummy training with Skarlat and Tennant. They are half brother/sister, and watching them work was really interesting, and Skarlats drive and tenacity rather impressive.
After dinner in the evening we took Flint out with the lamp to catch some bunnies for the ferrets breakfast, but sadly there were few about last night and he didnt get a run atall. Big disapointment for Flint.

Thankyou to Sharon for these two lovely photos of Gerty coming in at the end of her line, plus Skarlat & Tennant relaxing after their training.

Miss Dis-Graceful

2011-09-19T18:50:00.000Z

"Farlap Graceful" is Gertys sister and we are lucky in that we get to see her quite often. It doesnt matter how cute and irresistable she was as a baby, she is certainly living up to the breeds reputation for being naughty in her adulthood and her owner has just given me an uptodate list of what shes managed to destroy/consume so far. No wonder shes been renamed "Dis" Graceful!!! It should be added that this is a hound thats never left alone, so shes not bored and alone, shes just a normal if slightly naughty bloodhound, so well worth thinking about before new owners take on this breed!!
Heres the list:

Large stones

Carrier bags

Several dinners out of the cooking pot

Sun glasses and Reading glasses

Socks,Pants,Tea towels/clothes

3 children's gates fixed to the wall

Laptop charger and Mobile phone

Granite table

The corners of the work top

Rearranged the entire garden

Several dogs beds

Garden furniture the garden table was completely destroyed

Pulled the entire working of my rear lights from the inside of my golf

Several boots wellies & shoes

Oh and pulled down the lounge curtains

Not bad work in 16 months........and here she is with her partner in crime, a short legged one!

Constant & Benedict

2011-09-18T18:34:00.000Z

It was lovely to receive some new photos of Constant and Benedict (aka Harry and Berty!) today. Im so lucky that these two boys live nearby and I get to see them regularly.

Miss Eden is a star

2011-09-14T21:50:00.000Z

Farlap Bargain (aka Miss Eden) went off for a quiet day in the cotswolds at the weekend, and came away with a working trials permit!!! Well done to Peter and Jo and Eden too of course, I know how much training they have done and Im one very proud granny! Here she is on the day at the start of her permit line. Cant wait for her to start trialling next season.

The Richmond Dilema!

2011-09-10T17:49:00.001Z

We had a great day at Richmond Championship Show, which was only deflated by the number of absentees, that made the entry so poor. What a shame. Never the less we were thrilled that under Zena Thorn Andrews, Ch. Farlap Candle won her 4th CC and BOB, Farlap gertrude won res CC, and Farlap Baffled won Best Puppy. As Baffle hasnt had his mugshot on the blog for a while I decided to get some up todate photos taken of him, so here he is at 8 months old.

Going BOB also put us in rather a dilema about going into the group under a judge who has had a considerable influence over the potential future of our breed, and not in a way that I personally approve of...... My final decision was not to go under this judge, and fortunately every other bloodhound exhibitor I discussed it with, was in full agreement with my decision.

Mr T has it covered!

2011-09-07T09:12:00.002Z

Tennant is a cover boy today, starring on the front cover of Countrymans Weekly magazine. What a star!

Wet wet and wetter!

2011-09-06T17:20:00.002Z

We have now had 48 hours solid rain and the hounds are officially fed up. After the 5th walk of the day, and my third change of clothes after yet another soaking, I decided enough was enough and Id spend an hour or two in my office instead. The hounds had all gone to bed in disgust at the weather, and Gyp, who appears to have some horrendous medical and life threatening allergy to rain, came into the office with Baffle and me. Typically Baffle settled down in his spot and was snoring as per usual, and I popped back into the house to get a coffee.......when I came back, this is what I found!!! Gyp is now going t be my PA, but his telephone manner needs a bit of work!

More tales from the Life of Brian!

2011-09-04T17:19:00.004Z

Bran and his humans went to the St Hubert show in Belgium this weekend, it was the 1st time in the ring for both owner and hound, so quite a big moment. Their 3rd place, amongst 6 puppy dogs, was a brilliant achievement. Then as if that wasnt enough excitement in one day, they did a "search" through the town, and bearing in mind all the hounds and people there, its quite incredible that Bran succeeded and found Christine with all those distractions. Here they are on the line through the town, and then relaxing afterwards...well done to Bran, Robert and Christine, from a very proud granny!

Looking a little bit sheepish

2011-09-03T21:28:00.003Z

Gerty has been doing some more sheep training today so that when we get a chance to take her for her stock test, she will be thoroughly used to them. Shes so used to seeing sheep on the farm that she doesnt take much notice, but of course once shes hunting and her adrenalins flowing it could be a different story.......hence the training regime! Todays damp weather has also been ideal for lines, and hopefully we will do some more hunting with her tomorrow, which will be much more enjoyable than trapesing all the way to Nottingham for the bloodhound show. We are sorry to be missing showing under a judge we respect so highly, but its just too far to drive there and back in a day, and I really am feeling a little tired of shows right now, with their pitifully low entries it hardly seems worth going.

"B" team get tracking

2011-08-30T22:07:00.002Z

We are getting some great reports from the "B" litter, on their tracking/hunting progress.
Farlap Bran who lives in Germany is doing tracks through town centres, and doing some serious scent discrimination work with his handler Robert, and Roberts wife Christine. I was hoping to see them next weekend but plans have had to change a little here, and sadly we wont make it now.
Farlap bargain (AKA Eden) is also making great progress with her hunting as can be seen here in the photos of her tracking on an old Cumbrian airfield. Her handler Pete, another professional "search dog" handler, is having a lot of fun with her and I bet they cant wait for her to turn 12 months and start trialling.

Go Gerty, Go!

2011-08-25T21:30:00.003Z

Well......... thanks to Kitty who has been walking lines nearly every day for 2 weeks, we have got Gerty really going well , and yesterday we took her to Buckinghamshire for her working permit, which she passed in quite arduous dry conditions, so I was very proud of her. Also thanks to Kitty for this lovely photo of Gerty coming into her runner (Peter Brown) and a cheery looking handler! For those interested in her tracking lead, you can read a bit more about it here http://www.farlapbloodhounds.com/section533515.html

Gerty does good!

2011-08-12T20:12:00.005Z

At last Gerty has done something right!!! After despairing of her in the show ring (shes not keen!) we decided to give her a go at hunting. WOW........finally something she enjoys!!! She did her very 1st line of 300 metres, and today had her 2nd line, about 400 metres, with a gate way and a sharp turn. Well done Gerty! Here she is posing in her harness! (photo copyright Kitty kilian)

This n that

2011-08-10T09:21:00.004Z

Yesterday we had a great trip to the beach with Baffle, Tennant, the lurcher team and "Princess Drizzle" (who is anything but!). It was Kitty;s first real trip to the "Ocean" so great fun for everyone.
We have received some lovely photos today from talented portrait artist Ev Burnside, and the one she has taken of Baffle in the show ring is great, thanks Ev! Her website is here

www.evelynburnsidepetportraits.co.uk

Finally we had photos today from "Little Brian".....who is now BIG BRAN!!! (see sofa photo!!) His tracking is amazing, and hes doing 1km lines through towns, with skateboarders and dog walkers as planned distractions......His owner traoner Robert is doing a fantastic job!

Farewell

2011-08-09T15:54:00.002Z

What a sad day for the breed, with the loss of Jean. I well remember her arrivingat a trials in Dorset, to watch her 1st trials, with Flora a mere 5 month old baby, and from that one day, she achieved so much with her hounds. All our thoughts are with Duncan.

Another fun weekend

2011-08-08T12:42:00.006Z

Another fun weekend with the hounds..........saturday was up to the hound show where some of the judging was interesting. It was Farlap Blissfuls first show with Lynda, who, despite having been to several shows herself when she was the "Brighton Bloodhounds" kennelmaid, this was her first excursion with her very own bloodhound. She handled Bliss really well, and Bliss was calm and collected all the way. Their 2nd in puppy bitch has qualified them for Crufts 2012. Well done girls!!
Baffle was also a good boy in the ring andI couldnt have asked any more of him. Gerty was her usual awkward stubborn self! Sunday saw us at the SW Lurcher championships, but as we were the only "bull bred" there, Im guessing everyone else knew that this wasnt her type of hound LOL. Nevermind it was a fun day out, and we took Gyp on his first official "day out" as well.

Shame to see people using their (perceived) positions of authority to their own ends and to air their personnal grieviences instead of to the benefit of the breeds we love. Looks like more pills needed!!!!
Thanks to KITTY once again for some great photos xxx

Thanks Kitty!

2011-07-29T13:05:00.004Z

.......for taking this photo of Baffle, its his first "show photo". I hope he can remember how to stand at Hound Association, as he seems to have forgotten hes a bloodhound this week, and is acting more like a pirhana!
Discovered today that the most unlikely of people read my blog!!!!

Our Quarter Century

2011-07-26T07:33:00.003Z

Leeds Championship Show 2011 saw Candle winning her 3rd CC, making it the 25th CC for Farlap (excluding all the overseas ones). It was also Baffles first show, and he was 3rd in his class which I was also very pleased with, as it was a very noisy and scary show for a 1st time baby. Despite 13 hours of driving and an unpleasant verbal attack in the ring from another (presumably jealous?) competetor,.......I should add that they were NOT even in the same class as me....... we had a fantastic day in Leeds!

24 hours in Paris

2011-07-14T14:21:00.008Z

Our short sojourn to Paris was interesting. Some of the judging was quite unusual (and thats being polite!) and I certainly have never seen a judge using a microchip scanner to ascertain the origin of a dog, to aid their decision before!! We were pleased that Logic won her "Champion bitch" class and so the weekend wasnt completely wasted. However the best part of the weekend was seeing our dear dear friends Pavel and lenka, catching up with Maria and Farlap Guesswork (who had spent 4 days on the coach from moscow to get there!) and enjoying a couple of lovely days in the French Countryside, sampling local fare. Congratulations to Farlap Guesswork (George) for becoming a World Junior Winner.
All 3 of our girls were graded excellent, which should be very pleasing but considering one of someone elses hounds went around the ring hobbling lame, and that also was graded "excellent" then I dont think I can really take this judges opinions too seriously!!
It was great to have Dr Jim Edwards (USA) support ringside, and his comments to us afterwards were much appreciated.

photos show Maria and George, Lenka who kindly handled Isabelle to 1st place for me, and Logic winning her class. photos courtesy of Linda Vander Sichel.

Sweet Dreams..........

2011-07-07T19:43:00.002Z

Weve just had this lovely photo of Bran in germany with his new BSD police -dog puppy friend "Hades". Its the sweetest photo!

Graduation day

2011-07-04T21:27:00.003Z

Look at proud mummy Jo, with her graduating "Eden" (Farlap Bargain). Now they have to start the next training course which Im sure will be quite a challenge. As you can see, she also loves to pose with Daddy!
Wehad a visit from Monty and his owners last week, and Baffle really loved having his brother to play with for the day. Logic was also pleased to see her son, and the three of them had a great run in the field together. (I was a very bad Mummy and forgot to take any pictures while he was here- sorry!)
On a completely different note......why are some people so unable to do anything without trying to cause unpleasantness?. Whilst its easy enough to take legal redress (and those wheels have been set in motion!), I still dont get what these people feel they have to achieve by their comments and behaviour. Maybe they are jealous? There again maybe they can't help it and they have some mental health issues going on that they are not in control of? Who knows!

The Graduate!

2011-06-29T17:06:00.003Z

Congratuations to Farlap Bargain.....aka "Eden" who lives in Cumbria. She has just completed her 6 week puppy course and graduates this week! What a proud Granny I am!

Clearly all that effort is hard work for a girl as you can see from this photo of her relaxing at home afterwards.
Living in such a stunning area means we get to see lovely pix of her on the beach and mountains......heres my favourites from this week, enjoying herself at the beach.

Day Tripper

2011-06-10T17:28:00.005Z

Weve had 2 lovely "day trips" this week with some of the hounds. Todays was to visit two of our puppies who live in East Devon, Farlap Constant and Farlap Bartholomew, and I took Baffle, Issy and Gert along to have a romp with their half brothers/cousins. (photos top to bottom- Isabelle Guerin Roborovski- Farlap Constant-Farlap Constant-Farlap Constant)

Ten and a half and going strong!

2011-06-08T23:18:00.006Z

A few people have asked how "Fergus" is recently so just to prove theres life in the old chap at ten and a half, here he is on our field walk earlier this week. Still a puppy at heart, and still more than capable of flattening his mum with the video camera!
Our "scouting" software that we use on the www.farlap-photography.com site also runs on the bloodhound site, and image theft, by downloading, saving , copying etc is taken very seriously and there will be invoices going out this week to the recent download thieves. You ARE tracable and the first invoice this month will be sent to the RVC (IP address) that recently downloaded two puppy images from the blog. Remember that all images on this site are protected by copyright, and any form of downloading, reproduction or transmitting is illegal.

Imposter

2011-06-08T12:03:00.002Z

technically there really is a bloodhound in the photo, you just have to look a bit harder! Having just one surving pheasant chick, we felt a bit sorry for him/her, so decided to pop one of the puppies toys in and see what happened.....chick is now completely obsessd by it and thinks it is its mother!! I hope that he/she doesnt think the same about the real bloodhounds or there could be a disaster!
Its been an eventful couple of weeks since I last wrote the blog. Sadly we lost our Czech hound Cythar after a brave struggle on his part. His character really took over when he arrived in 2007 so hes greatly missed: although Bas has now appointed himself "King Pin" in his absence.
We went to the club Championship show at the weekend, and although not very successful in the ring (Gerty won her class, but Bas and Candle each came 3rd in theirs), it was great to meet up with "Miss Bliss" (farlap Blissful), whom we havent seen since she left us at 8 weeks old, and she had some fun with her brother Baffle. Also saw Gracey again, who improves each time we see her......rather like michaels handling :))

Pup-dates from theB litter

2011-05-31T12:25:00.003Z

Weve had some great photos and emails from some of the "B" litter this weekend.
Monty (Farlap Bertok) in Somerset is clearly superior......every photo seems to involve him lording it on the sofa or overlooking his country estate! Miss Eden (Farlap Bargain) in Cumbria on the other hand seems to share her time between cuddles on the bed and the very serious job of tracking. Finally Bertie, who has completely taken over the sofa.

By George I think hes done it!

2011-05-26T15:36:00.002Z

Well done to George (Farlap Guesswork) in Russia on becoming a full Russian Champion this week, and winning his group as well! We are so proud of you and your mummy Maria.

The Life of Brian!

2011-05-23T20:39:00.003Z

Those who remember "Brian" who was the biggest character from the recent litter (and who went on to become "Farlap Bran") will be glad to hear hes having a really fun time in his new home.
His "mantrailing" tuition has now started, and with the help of another police handler, hes been doing quite difficult tracks (in terms of the conditions underfoot). Here he is at work, and also showing that even top Police dogs have to relax sometimes!!!

Early Starter

2011-05-11T15:28:00.002Z

Had this great photo arrive of Farlap Bargain (aka "Eden") on her 1st tracking session at just 16 weeks old, and clearly taking to it very well!! Cant wait to follow her progress.
A lovley surprise arrived today in the form of this stunning photo taken by the talented Amelia Siddle, and showing Candle entering the group ring at WELKS. Lovely thanks Amelia.

Wedding? what wedding?

2011-05-03T15:45:00.003Z

On bank holiday Friday I took Candle up to West of England Ladies Kennel Society (WELKS) and was thrilled to get the CC with her, and then also BOB under breed specialist Ken Miller.
After hanging about nearly 6 hours, and Candle getting very bored indeed, we finally went in for the group........and couldnt believe it when we were shortlisted into the final 6 and was nearly struck dumb when Zena Thorn Andrews pulled Candle out 2nd in the group. Someone said there was a big wedding on the same day but I was so wrapped up in my own "fairy tale" I never saw even a glimpse of it on the telly!!!
Photo courtesy Carol Ann Johnson. (Thankyou CA x)

We grow in our sleep!

2011-04-28T17:32:00.002Z

Lots of lovely photos arriving from the puppies in their new homes, so here are a few to share.
Clearly Eden (Farlap Bargain) is taking the mantra of "growing in your sleep" to a whole new dimension as she appears to do a lot of sleeping.....when shes not out doing baby tracking lessons that is!!
Bran has had a few trips out with his police handler daddy and police dog "partner in crime" Akim....who looks at him as if he still cant believe he has to share the bed with such an unruly monster!
Baffle who of course stayed here with us, has had some fun trips out to local dog shows as a spectator where hes met all different breeds and their owners. Apart from some car sickness hes loving his day trips!
Heres Bargain asleep as usual and Bran with his "police partner"

Too hot to trot

2011-04-22T18:28:00.004Z

The recent hot weather has made excercising the houndds a real chore as its too hot to do our usual perambulations of the fields and so all walks have been either early morning of evening time. Even Baffle has been feeling the heat and slowed down a bit....although not much!!
We heard this week that Bargain and Bran had both started their hunting training which is great news.....cant wait to seet he photos! We also heard the very very sad news that Bagr passed away.....for those who hve only recently joined the blog, Bagr was my favourite puppy from the BA litter 3 years ago, a lovely big red boy who completely took over the lives of his family. A few weeks before he passed away they brough home a new companion for him....Farlap Bertok, and I hope they find some comfort in watching Bertok grow up and getting into the same sort of mischief that dear Bagr did.

So grown up

2011-04-11T21:56:00.003Z

Baffle is growing up so fast....this weekend has been "lead training" and hes taking to it quite well. However his sister "Biscuit" in Hungary is going one step further as she is off to her first show in a few weeks time.....in Italy!!! yes unbelievably they have "baby" classes there and so she is off to the Italian Bloodhound Show to strut her stuff. Here she is in a lovely photo, by up and coming photographer Kitty Kilian, having a ball with her Aussie friend.

Growing like weeds!!!

2011-04-05T10:07:00.004Z

The puppies are growing at great speed.......one weighs in at 18 kg already!!!!
Weve been loving all the regular reports and photos from their new families, and look forward to lots more over the coming months and years........and are already planning a visit to Miss Biscuit, just to make sure she isnt being TOOOOO naughty!!
Heres Benedict with his half brother Harry (from Logics previous litter) and as you can see they are great companions already. Also Bran (Brian to his friends!) relaxing in the warm German sunshine and Bargain practising "clean boot hunting"

Sunny Days are here again.....

2011-03-28T16:21:00.004Z

........well in Devon any how!
After our drive to Germany in the week, taking Biscuit and Bran to their new homes, its just nice to relax in the sunshine and spend time at home with the puppies on the lawn.....they are growing fast and furiously and making the most of the sunny weather by playing in the garden a lot of the day.
Weve had loads of great photos from all the puppy owners, and some hilarious stories of puppy antics....keep them coming please, we love them! Heres a few for you all to enjoy.
Top to Bottom:
Bargain
Bran (aka Brian)
Bliss
Bourbon

Little and large

2011-03-17T09:54:00.002Z

Some brilliant photos arrived today, showing how well Bertok has settled in well in his new home in Somerset, which he shares with his Uncle Bagr......as you can see, he is already running rings around him and showing him who the new boss is!

The Eaglets have landed

2011-03-14T13:42:00.006Z

Great to hear that Bliss and Bargain have arrived safely in their new homes. I think they will be giving their owners a lot of fun over the next few weeks. Bertok (formerly Baffle!) left today for his new home in Somerset where he will live with his Uncle: (Bas's brother Bagr) and judging by his confident demeanor, will be ruling the roost very soon!
This photo arrived earlier from Farlap Crofter....showing that you really do need to have a sense of humour if you own a bloodhound......or in this case, if you have one come to visit!!!

We had a pleasant enough trip to Crufts, although the poor entry and general lack of ringside atmosphere made it rather a dull show I thought. Candle was reserve CC and Gerty won special Junior bitch. It was an exciting show for Graceful as it was her owners very first Crufts......I think they enjoyed it too! Farlap Baracnik, who belongs to Fiona McKenzie, won res Dog CC so well dont to him as well.
Heres Candle and Gerty relaxing on the benches after judging and counting down until it was time to get out of the NEC!

Sunshine makes a difference

2011-03-08T19:17:00.004Z

What a difference a bit of sunny weather makes! The puppies seem to have grown so much, both mentally and physically in the last week after being able to spend lovely sunny afternoons playing in the garden and exploring their out door surroundings.
We have had a clear week of puppy visitors which has meant Ive managed to catch up with some house hold chores that Ive been putting off for so long....namely decorating! Im now contemplating calling the Farrow and Ball helpline to ask how long it takes for their yellow masonry paint to come off a bloodhounds coat......if my liver girl looks slightly yellow at Crufts you will know why!!!
I heard a really horrendous story of late.....someone sold a puppy to people who didnt seem to have a clue about the breed or its rather difficult requirements. Poor little mite was a nervous wreck, not helped by the owners going out to work and leaving him in a crate during the day.He was terrified of all and sundry and eventually started fear biting. the breeders response on asking for some help was "none of the others are like it so you must have caused the problem"
I really despair at times when I hear these reports ......what sort of people sell to such novice owners, let alone ones who are out to work in the daytime and leaving a puppy at home alone.

Dad taking a day off duty

2011-03-02T09:35:00.003Z

I was sent these fantastic photos of proud new father, Dominic (Farlap Curate) having a relaxing time on the beach in mexico with a dobermann friend, and taking a bit of a break from the responsibility of being a new father!
Congratulations to Karla and family on their lovely litter of puppies, and Grandma Logic sends kisses too!

Pups on the run!

2011-02-26T20:58:00.003Z

The pups are getting more and more adventurous by the day.....taking on a new room each day, they are now adventuring out doors....photos soon!!!
I still cant decide which one I will keep...there are so many nice boys to choose from....we will see!

pupdate

2011-02-23T22:48:00.002Z

its been a sad week here with the traumatic loss of Bonus. thankyou to everyone who has emailed....your kindness has been very helpful.
Heres Miss Biscuit up to her naughtytricks and looking like butter wouldnt melt!!!

A fetching pink number

2011-02-16T23:02:00.003Z

Poor Tarnish has had to have an operation today to remove several rather nasty tumours that were growing in her skin. To try and protect the stitches a little, shes now wearing a sparkly pink t-shirt, tastefully arranged over her ears!

Its all in a NAME

2011-02-15T17:38:00.003Z

The Kennel Club approved my names for the puppies today. We couldnt have our first three favourite names as they were already in use as affxes, so that was ashame, but at least the rest were OK.
heres a few pix of them growing!

Mail from Warsaw

2011-02-11T10:55:00.003Z

A lovely surprise in the post this morning ,it was the official certificate from Warsaw, from The Polish Kennel Club, to confirm that Isabelle is a Junior Polish Champion now.
How sad and disapointing that the KC of GB refuse to recognise this accolade. Thankyou to lenka for campaigning her in Poland for me as a puppy.

5 pounds and counting...........

2011-02-09T18:53:00.004Z

yes some of the pups are now over 5 pounds in weight and their appetite for solid food grows each day (good news for my feed rep!) and despite the sleeping photos, they really are running around quite well now.
We have had a busy week with visitors, every day, coming to see their puppies, and one staying with us a couple of days as they are visiting from overseas......we have had a lot of fun and laughterthis week and these pups are certainly going to some fantastic homes!
They finally got named today.....more on that later..... and Ill try and update the blog with some further puppy photos this week .

Get those running shoes on!

2011-02-04T18:15:00.006Z

There will be another small informal bloodhound training day, here , on Thursday Feb 24th for those Farlap hound owners who wish to learn how to get their hounds tracking/hunting.
All Farlap hounds no matter how young or old , are invited to come along and have a go.
All you need to bring is your hound and some energy!
Those who are already hunting their hounds are also welcome to come along and have a practise line.
Provisional plan is:

morning coffee
Some hunting training
a light lunch
more lines/ sheep training in the afternoon.

If you would like to come please email me on sam@farlap.co.uk before feb 16th to let me know you are coming. Anyone else wanting to come, with a "non Farlap" hound is welcome if there is space, but please let me know in advance that you wish to come.

Choir Practice

2011-02-04T00:44:00.002Z

The adult hounds had their daily sing song this morning and to my amazement the babies heard them singing and decided to join in....have a look at the video......some of them are even doing it in their sleep!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOCnC6cWdOQ

Eyes wide shut!

2011-02-02T18:07:00.004Z

Well their eyes are opened, focusing is nearly complete, legs are working....but of course they are still sleeping! One or two troublemakers have now sussed out how to lever themselves out of the box onto the floor......whereupon they shout loudly for assistance!
Meanwhile Tennants feeling rather neglected with all the puppies gettting the attention so thought I should add a photo of him and his daddy, taken on the last day of the woodcock season, thoroughly enjoying themselves!

Puppy Dreams

2011-01-28T16:11:00.002Z

Sweet dreaming puppies......a short video of the babies at 12 days old

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35UvQVcSrcY

Who's looking at ya baby?

2011-01-27T17:29:00.003Z

At last the pups eyes are starting to open....I always feel this is such a milestone and love it when those little dark slits appear, and they look at you with everything clearly out of focus for a few days....then the penny drops and they mug you everytime you enter the room!
As this is such a crucial stage in their eye development, I choose not to use flash photography or add a light source while they are so vulnerable, so photos will be a bit limited for a week, although ill try to get some in natural light where I can.
Meanwhile the other hounds are hanging around and waiting for something exciting to happen.....they are not overly impressed with me spending so much time in the house with the pups when I should be outside entertaining THEM! (L-r Tarnish, Isabelle and Barvicka)
I recently discovered there is someone in the breed, who has stolen a photo from my website and is using it on theirs to advertise their less than pleasant breeding activities......I am advised this person is a reknown puppy farmer........ I will be taking action for copyright theft.

How to be the "pushy" one

2011-01-25T13:31:00.003Z

Liver girly is showing her true colours....hows this for pushing in!?
They are just starting to walk on four legs today....and any minute now we can start to expect eyes to start opening which is always the biggest landmark in their early development.

heres the first tentative steps, and a few more sleepy photos as you all seem to be enjoying them!

1 week on.....

2011-01-23T19:33:00.002Z

I cant believe they are a week old already. Here are a few "happy one week birthday" photos!

Here come the Girls!

2011-01-22T16:45:00.001Z

6 days old and growing fast!

what a nice surprise

2011-01-21T17:57:00.003Z

Jo Beckett kindly sent me this photo today, taken by her hubby Justin......its Fergus and his grandaughter Logic, at Crufts 2008. Dear fergus is now looking considerably older nowadays, so its lovely to see a photo of him looking so good......and its also been pointed out to me by Andrew, that I was looking somewhat younger then too!!! Thanks Jo!

Oh Miss Gerty you have finally done something RIGHT!!

2011-01-20T12:26:00.005Z

Imagine our surprise this morning to receive a notification from "that" Dog paper telling us that Farlap Gertrude, (aka the worlds naughtiest puppy!), is officially Top Puppy in breed 2010!!
Well done Gerty! Its extra special to us as Gerty is from Generous's last litter, so "thankyou" to our lovely much missed boy.

pupster pix

2011-01-19T19:53:00.003Z

Sorry ive been slow getting pup pix online......I have injured my back and everything is taking me so much longer to do.......but here are todays photos for those who are missing their puppy fix!!!

Welcome to the "B" team!

2011-01-16T19:42:00.001Z

All 9 safely delivered this morning. Mother and babies doing well :-)

Congratulations "Down Under"

2011-01-13T18:57:00.002Z

Well done to Shelly (Aust. ch. Farlap Cautious) who luckily lives in a dry bit of Australia!
She had a lovely litter of puppies last week and mum and babies all doing well. Some nice news for a change.

Things come in threes

2011-01-12T18:26:00.003Z

After what was a sad sad week losing Generous we thought it couldnt get worse but we were wrong, and yesterday Gravity had a torsion and had to be put to sleep. It was her third "blow up" in as many months and until now she had gone back down without intervention, however on this occasion she twisted and we had to make the decision that was best for an elderly frail hound. I cant believe how much we miss her already as she was my permanent draught excluder in my office, and her comical ways always kept us amused.
It seems that Gerty (Farlap Gertrude) needs to take over her aunties place as the family clown, as today she decided to chew off, and eat, the indicator on the Landrover. Thanks to everyone who has emailed/called to say how sorry they are to hear about Generous......your kind words have been so appreciated......and to those who have been less than kind.....remember that "what goes around comes around"

Generous in name. Generous in nature

2011-01-04T16:53:00.002Z

Another sad day here, and not a good start to the year atall, as we had to say "goodbye" to our beloved Generous (Ch. Farlap Generous) today, and let him go to sleep.
He was from the third litter bred under the Farlap affix, and wasnt even destined to stay with us, but at 8 weeks old I decided that the family he was due to go to, werent really the right people for him, and so he stayed here, and was named "Generous" after the great bloodhound Cammonstone Generous, who I had always adored and admired, and I was so grateful that Jane didnt mind another hound taking the name so soon after her boy. Generous went on to become a champion despite his dislike of the showring. After his 1st CC I made him a promise that if he could just make an effort and get a couple more, then I wouldnt take him to any more shows......well he did get a few more CCs and I did take him to just a couple more shows, but after that I let him enjoy his role at home as "king pin" and chief puppy wrangler, as that was what he liked best. he also competed in working trials, attaining a certificate of merit, but most importantly of all to me, he was a very loyal and loving boy who always wanted to be with me whatever I was doing around the house, he was like my shadow. He will be hugely missed.
Losing two dogs in just over a week has been heartbreaking here, and certainly we havent felt like celebrating any of the New year. On top of that Im laid up in agony with a tooth abcess which cant be dealt with until the end of next week, so if anyone calls or emails this week, please dont expect a sane answer!

Sad Times

2010-12-30T19:47:00.003Z

Well thats Christmas over and done with for another year, and as a non enjoyer of Christmas, it was never going to be much fun.....however this year was particularly sad as we had Farlap Linesman staying with us for a few days , and sadly his diabetes took a turn for the worse and he had to be put to sleep on Boxing Day. He was 12 years old, and a great little character, and will really be missed here and by my Mum, with whom he lived.
The rest of the Christmas period has been rather miserable as the ground thaws out, the mud generates yet more mud, and the hounds get filthy. Our lovely crisp winter walks in the fields are now more like daily mud baths, and so we are hoping the cold smap returns soon. Logic is getting seriously fat, in her last few weeks of pregnancy and like us, is not enjoying the damp muddy conditions.

Relaxing in Style

2010-12-17T15:58:00.002Z

This great photo arrived from Farlap Constant.....aka"Harry", hes finally learned to share his sofa with his dad!
Meanwhile the farlaps have been enjoing the tiny amount of snow we have had here in Devon, barvicka especially enjoys it!

Aha......there it is!!!

2010-12-16T10:31:00.003Z




			Bas finally discovers his last sack of World Dog Show prize food!

Mixing business and pleasure!

2010-12-15T17:57:00.007Z

I had a job in Germany last week, which initially looked a straightforward job, photographing a wild boar shoot in the forests of Rheinland. Howeer as the day drew nearer, one or two strange coincidences started happening, and I was getting to hear tales of bloodhounds being somehow involved in the weekend. So therefore it came as a great and wonderful surprise to discover that the boar hunt I was photographing for a magazine, was actually one that was driven by bloodhounds....and not just ANY old bloodhounds, but two of them were the sons of my very own Generous. What an amazing coincidence.
Now all the bloodhounds I have ever owned, (apart from tolerant who was trained to track wounded deer) have only hunted "clean boot" ie the natural scent of man, and they have never been allowed to hunt "wildlife" so I was very interested to see what would happen.
You cannot begin to imagine the spine tingling sensation you get when 6 adult male hounds start speaking on the line of a wild boar, in the snowy forest hillside, and its echoing right up the valley. So although I always abide by the rule of never mixing business with pleasure, this was one exception I was happy to make!

On our return home, Logic was looking decidedly fatter and most definitely pregnant, so her special pregnancy (puppy building) diet has been started, and her waist is being measured daily!

APPARENTLY THE NEXT PARAGRAPH HAS CAUSED SOME CONTRAVERSY AMONGST A COUPLE OF BREEDERS, WHO SEEM TO IMAGINE I AM TALKING ABOUT THEM OR SOME FRIEND OF THEIRS. SADLY INSTEAD OF ASKING FOR CONFIRMATION, THEY HAVE JUST GONE AHEAD AND PUT A LOAD OF UNPLEASANT COMMENTS ON THEIR OWN WEBSITE OR BLOG ND ASSUMED THAT MY COMMENT IS DIRECTED AT THEM. IF THEY HAD BOTHERED TO ASK ABOUT WHOM I WAS REFERRING THEY WOULD HAVE REALISED ITS MOST UNLIKELY THE PERSON IM WRITING ABOUT IS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THEM (UNLESS THEY HAVE SOME LOW LIFE PALS BREEDING FROM UNREGISTERED BLOODHOUNDS COURSE!)
I STILL MAINTAIN THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN GO TO AN ADDRESS AND BUY A 12 WEEK OLD PUPPY WITHOUT BEING ASKED ANY QUESTIONS, IT IS NOT THE RIGHT WAY TO GO ABOUT IT.

I am trying to fathom out why someone would rather have an "instant puppy" from someone who is a novice in the breed themselves, and (according to the kennel club website anyhow) from nonregistered or health tested parents. Why anyone would do that, when they can go to a breeder who health tests, who has many many years of experience to offer them, who can help them out with all aspects of the breed, whether it be showing or trialling, all for the sake of "wanting it now". I sometimes wonder if people use their brains atall, and whether they actually consider that they have to live with their hasty decisions for many many years to come.

At last some news!

2010-12-09T12:35:00.003Z

Well the news was good today, the scan showed some puppies all growing magically, so its been a frantic day of emailing puppy waiting list people, to tell them the exciting news. Heres mum and dad-to-be. Photos courtesy of/copyright Carol Anne Johnson, Nick Sutcliffe and Farlap.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2010-12-02T19:23:00.003Z

well actually we have had about half an inch here on the edge of Dartmoor, not exactly wintery and white here! However just to prove we had some, heres Basnicky posing on the step in the snow!
Meanwhile, in Cambridgeshire they obviously have considerably more snow, as I had this lovely photo Baily arrive today (Farlap Crofter).

Cover Girl

2010-12-01T13:38:00.003Z

Looks like someones a cover girl! In a moment of mental block I had it in mind that it was Gerty, but now I have to revise that as its clearly Aust. Champion Farlap Cautious.
Also have to revise my earlier post this week about George in Russia and add to it that he is now a Jumior Russian Champion, so well done George....we are very proud of you!

Farlap Bloodhounds: Go for it george!

2010-11-29T17:40:00.000Z

Farlap Bloodhounds: Go for it george!

Go for it george!

2010-11-29T17:31:00.004Z

George (Farlap Guesswork) has continued his winning ways in Russia this weekend with
Best Junior, Junior CAC, Best of Breed, and Group 2!! He also sent me this great photo of him and his proud mum Maria, from the weekend....congratulations Maria and George, Im so pleased for you.
The cold snap has brought its own problems here, with sheet ice in the yard, poor Generous fell over quite badly on Saturday and is now on bed rest and looking sorry for himself.
Tennant has enjoyed the frosty weather though, and had to retrieve a woodcock, a rook and a pheasant all on the same day.
On the "maternity" front, we are just counting the days to the scan date and keeping our fingers firmly crossed (and our toes too!)

Under the knife!

2010-11-21T17:32:00.002Z

It was a busy week this week with both Vivid and Damson going under the knife. Vivid had a lump removal and was also speyed at the same time, which means for the next 10 days or so, she cant join the rest of the bloodhounds on their daily routine, excercising and "argy- bargy", and she is getting more than her fair share of sofa time right now! Damson our ancient deerhound had to have some rather grotty old teeth removed, which seems to have perked her up no end as well as making life for us more pleasant as her breath was evil before they were removed! Tennant is not taking kindly to having to share his favourite sofa with Vivid as can be seen in the photo!
Logic has now been mated and we must just hold our breath until the scan date to see if there are going to be any bloodhound puppies very soon!

2nd Birthday celebrations

2010-11-19T09:15:00.002Z

Well it was the "C" litters 2nd birthday this week and I hope they all had a great day and lots of liver cake!! My two celebrated by disappearing off across the fields on the trail or a red deer, with me frantically running (gasping) after them, and eventualy managed to catch up with them, all looking very pleased with themselves, and the deer long gone over the horizon!
Looks like Crofter is a much more sensible boy than my two, here he is with his Dad looking a very proud "Birthday Boy".

2010-11-14T21:06:00.005Z

Farlap Guesswork (AKA George) went to his 1st shows in Russia this weekend and won :
1st show: JunCAC, Best Junior
2nd show: Jun CAC, Best Junior, Best of Breed,and group 2
3rd show: Best Junio, Junior Club Winner at Special Bloodhound Show
Well done George, what a great way to start your show career!!

Its also the birthday of the C litter, and so we send birthday greetings to all the litter, who are living all across the world, including Mexico and Australia!

On a final sad note, we heard over the weekend, about the death of Farlap Tireless, who had done well at working trials over the years.

is it me??..........

2010-11-04T11:16:00.002Z

..........or are there some real morons out there these days??
We have had no less than 4 emails this week asking "Do you have bloodhound puppies for sale"?
and these people seem to imagine that they are going to ring up one day and collect a puppy the next! I try to explain (gently as I can!) that there are few and far litters born in the UK, and that those of us who care about the future of the breed and the welfare of the individual hounds, are NOT churning out litter after litter, and having a ready-made stream of puppies available for casual enquirers. They seem surprised when I explain that we want to meet their family, do home checks and ask a lot of questions. Most we never hear from again, and some I see acquire puppies elsewhere, or simply move onto the next breed on their wish list....very few make the visiting stage or the puppy list. One even had the nerve to say I was making it hard for them to get a puppy from me, as if I had nothing better to do with my time.......well yes I was.....they lived in a city with virtually no garden, a tiny baby, and were out most of the day....where exactly would a primitive hunting hound fit into that lifestyle???
Rant over!

Finally!

2010-11-02T17:07:00.005Z

Finally 3 girls are in season....OK, none of them are the one we actually WANT in season, but hopefully the pack hormones should kick in and she should come into season very soon (fingers crossed).
Meanwhile Ive been doing a bit more training with Flint this week and his aptitude to retrieve rabbits has astounded all of us......we seemed to have skipped the "skin wrapped dummy" stage that comes after the dummy training, and are now at the "fresh game" stage. Hope his enthusiasm to return it to me lasts!

Looking Good!

2010-10-27T08:30:00.002Z

Heres George (Farlap Guesswork), brother to our Gertrude and Leslie & Michaels Gracie......they are 10 months old now and hes pictured at the side of the lake in his home city of Moscow.

waiting waiting......

2010-10-26T19:55:00.003Z

and still waiting for Candle and Logic to come into season......any minute now hopefully. I know we have several people all waiting for our next litter of bloodhounds, and so I promise that the moment I can give you some news, I will.....meanwhile you will have to join us in the waiting game!

Trials and Tribulations

2010-10-25T18:33:00.002Z

What a great day we had at the Bloodhound Trials last week......I decided to only enter Cythar as to be honest Id been pretty slack on the training this autumn and only Cythar had had the hours put in......and he really loves a day out on his own, so off we trundled to oxfordshire.
It was the 1st trials since his accident and I was unsure how he would cope if other hounds or people crowded him, and several times I had to guard him from less considerate owners who allowed their hounds to barrell into him, however he DID cope and more importantly once he got out into the field and started his line, he was as happy as he ever was.He had awful terrain (although the line itself was a simple loop) with dry dusty drilled soil, devoid of any vegetation , for the whole mile long line, but he really worked it and found his runner with a great enthusiastic ID, so I was very very pleased with him, even if he didnt appear in the winners cards.
Flints training is coming on leaps and bounds and we had a vermin control session at the weekend, and he was mighty proud of himself when he made a 1st class retrieve of a tree rat!!!

Panic Over!

2010-10-12T18:37:00.004Z

Well im glad to report that Ben is safely home in his home in latvia, after his owner had to pay a substantial"ransome" for his safe return. He was hungry and dehydrated, but alive and otherwise unharmed. What a terrible ordeal.
Here in Devon Ive been doing my usual last ditch attempt to feign some kind of fitnes for the forthcoming "bloodhound working trials" and as per usual I am horribly unfit, ill prepared and staggering breathless from field to field with my back on its way out and feeling like Im on my last legs!! Cythar on the other hand is loving all the extra training and doing hour cold lines with relish....lets hope it continues into next week! Damson, despite missing her old friend Envy, is really reliving her youth with Andrews new pup....and his retrieving is coming on leaps and bounds. After the trials I hope to get him onto cold game, but this week Im having to concentrate on Cythars training rather than the puppy's. Whilst going through some old photos I found this one of the two family members we have lost this last month......Henna and Envy who were inseperable, and died within 2 weeks of each other.
Tennant is hopefully going to a show tomorrow and as the shooting season is about to start, and he will probably get rather scratched and marked over the next few months, then it will probably be his last show for the winter. I heard someone say the otherday that, despite buying a working active gundog breed, they had no intention of doing any gundog training with him. How very sad for the dog.

URGENT WARNING IN EUROPE

2010-10-04T18:14:00.004Z

If you live in Europe and are offered an adult male Black and tan Bloodhound, please let me know.
A black and tan boy has been STOLEN whilst on a walk, in Latvia, and his owner is desperate to find him. We believe he has been stolen to be sold on, and anyone with any sightings or information please get in touch.
We are running a pledge system to help his owner be in a better position to offer a reward for information leading to his safe recovery. if you could spare just a £ or a $, please visit our page here http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pledge-a-reward-and-help-Inara-get-her-stolen-bloodhound-boy-home/164584066886026?ref=mf
No one needs to send any money at this stage......just to pledge it, should the situation change and a reward is to be paid out at some point. Im sure that people could miss one small open show and pledge their entry fees cost, or maybe go without that bottle of wine and pledge the cost? Just imagine how you would be feeling if it were your bloodhound that had been stolen!

Partners in crime

2010-09-28T17:04:00.002Z

As usual, the mighty Drizzle is upto no good, and yesterday dug out and killed a mole, with her new partner in crime watching and shouting encouraging words! Here they are, looking decidedly shifty after the event! tennant of course, was having nothing to do with such ruffish behaviour, and took his usual aloof position, where he could watch with disdain.

Lifes a Beach!

2010-09-24T22:40:00.003Z

Tennant had a few peaceful moments on the beach today, but was soon joined by Flint, the puppy from hell!! You can tell from the look on Tennants face, he is soooooo fed up with him now! However the bloodhounds are still viewing him as potential chase material!