In a year where there was so much sadness and disappointment, we had a stellar year in the show ring. A year that saw us win Best in Groups (BIG1) with four separate dogs, a Royal BIG2, our first homebred champion, retirements and debuts.
LIINA - Aust Ch. Armahani Moonstone Movtta (AI)
I could not be more proud of Liina in her first full year of showing. She started the year, at the first show, with her first group placement, taking BIG3 at the Tasmanian Kennel Club, under Susan Gray (Tas) and finished the year with a BIG1 at the last show of the year, under Wolfgang Schnitzer (SA).
In between she was awarded Best in Show (BIS1) at the Working Dog Club of Tasmania Specialty Show, by Val 'Joan' Hutton (NSW); Runner-up Best in Show (BIS2) - all breeds - at the Combined Breeds Dog Club, under Kaye McGhie; a total of six BIG1s, four BIG2s and three BIG3s; numerous classes in show; and countless class in groups. Liina finished 2021 as Australia's Number One Finnish Lapphund Bitch and Number Four Bitch - all breeds - Tasmania. Amazing for a girl who has only just turned 2.
BENNI - Aust Sup Ch. Armahani Heliodorr Hulivili (AI) ET
Having turned 7 during the year, Benni had his first year of semi-retirement, only coming out for some special occassions. The first was for Veteran Sweepstakes, the day after his 7th Birthday, placing First and winning a beautiful big rosette.
He attended the Working Dog Club of Tasmania all breeds show, where he won Best in Group (BIG1) under Working Dog specialist Daniel Aitchison. On the same day he was awarded Runner-up Working Dog of the Year (2019). Benni is missing shows and people seem to be missing him, so he might make a couple of outings in 2022.
FLEUR - Aust Ch. Neut Ch. Armahani Iolite Ilo (AI) HT
Fleur has had the most amazing year of her show career, during 2021, finishing as Tasmania's Number One Neuter - all breeds. She did this winning 10 Best Neuter in Shows (BIS1) and 6 Runner-up Best Neuter in Shows (BIS2).
But perhaps the most exciting bit was that Fleur was handled and owned by my 9 year old daughter, Lillian. What a gorgeous team they make.
THEO - Aust Ch. Zuleika Le Bombe
Theo became our first home-bred Finnish Lapphund champion this year. And he did it in style winning Best in Group (BIG1) under Vicki Schneider (Qld). Thank you to my sister, Anita, for piloting Theo to this achievement. He also won a number of classes in group. Theo has been enjoying a break while he matures and coats up a little more. We look forward to bringing him back out in 2022.
J¨AGER - Zuleika Gold Digger
Unfortunately Jäger didn't get to see much of the ring, in 2021, but when he did he made an impact. He attended the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria Open Show, in August, taking Runner-up Best in Show (BISS2), under Ms Lorell Sheppard (Vic). Then he came and spent October here in Tasmania. During his stay he won a Best in Group (BIG1), under Paul Stevenson (Tas), but the highlight was winning Runner-up Best in Group (BIG2) at Tasmania's largest show, the Royal Hobart Show, under Pamela Campbell (WA). Hopefully Jäger will come for another visit, during 2022 and we can finish off his Australian champion title. ORSON - Armahani Opal Otso (AI)
2021 saw us debut the youngest member of the Tasmanian Armahani/Zuleika team.
Orson is only 8 months old, but is already a class in group winner and has his first points towards his Australian Champion title. I can't wait to see what 2022 brings as this little guy begins to mature.
2021 was a great year, but with our young team really hitting their strides, we know 2022 is going to be even better!