The First Quarter

Is it really April already? Once again, family and work commitments have meant the start of the year has seen limited showing. But that doesn't mean we don't have some bragging to do.

Our first show weekend for the year was the Australia Day cluster of shows. Three shows in two

days saw Benni finish with:

1 x Best in Group (BIG1)

2 x R/U Best in Groups (BIG2)

3 x Best Australian Bred in Groups

Thank you to judges Sandra Patterson, Edward Ryder and Caroline Stuart.

In early February we headed to Hobart, where Benni took his 20th Best Australian Bred in Group. Cricket then kept us away from shows until 23rd March.

Two shows at Longford, with Benni taking R/U Best in Group (BIG2) and Best Australian Bred in Show, under Working Dog specialist Shaneen Bendixon.

The absolute highlight of the year to date came on the 30th March. A very early start saw us head to Hobart. I was thrilled when judge Marilyn Hoy awarded Benni Best in Group (BIG1), but the best was yet to come, converting to BEST IN SHOW (BIS1). All I could do, when I rang Benni's breeder/co-owner Jacqualine Lincoln was cry out the words: "Benni Best in Show." He is the first Armahani bred All Breeds Best in Show winner and the first wolf sable lappie to win an All Breeds Best in Show in Australia.

Benni finished the first quarter of 2019 as:

#1 Finnish Lapphund (Tasmania)

#2 Finnish Lapphund (Australia)

#2 Working Dog (Tasmania)

Our homebred youngster, Jäger (Zuleika Gold Digger) also came for a short holiday in preparation for the FLCNSW Specialty and Sydney Royal Show. Jäger resides in Melbourne and is very loved by Stephanie Ives. He has only been shown a handful of times. Whilst here he competed in Puppy Sweepstakes, finishing in the final four and beat his father to earn his first points towards his Australian Championship title.