The sire of this litter is Franc - RFBCN Lidgate's Triever Franc CDX. The CDX is an obedience title awarded by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and stands for Companion Dog Excellent. I have never competed in formal obedience and have the upmost respect for those that do - it looks easy but I know there is hard work and dedication to achieve these titles. (I would like to say that I hope to one day compete, but only time will tell if that ever happens.) Franc was awarded High in Trial (HIT) at the Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty in 1990. This is a wonderful achievement! Born on October 21, 1986, he lived a wonderful 14 years with his owner Linda. Franc was BAER bilateral hearing meaning he heard in both ears. Here is the only picture I have of Franc.
The dam of the litter is Odessa - ARG GR CH INT CH Zagreb's Odessa. Odessa was imported from Argentina in June 2009 and is an Argentina Grand Champion and an International Champion. Odessa will be shown to her conformation championships in the US - both AKC and UKC, and may possibly enter the agility ring. This girl can jump baby gates and exercise pens that are 30 inches high from a standing position! This girl is not only sweet, but she has beauty and brains and I hope to get her titles on both ends of her name. Odessa is BAER bilateral hearing, OFA elbows normal, PennHip tested, OFA thyroid normal, CERF normal - no ISD. Here are pictures of Odessa.
Now for puppies news...
Sunday was a fun day - puppies got their first manicure and pedicure. They were all so calm while I clipped nails which I appreciated because a squirming puppy makes it difficult to do nails without injury to their quik. The calmness meant no quiks got nicked. Hooray!
Sunday also brought about Cuddles starting to open his eyes and he started to walk. Granted, he looks like a little drunken sailor when walking, but he was determined and is getting better with time. Last night I let him do a little exploring outside of the whelping box and he is definitely getting the hang of moving around. Here are two pictures taken of Cuddles - one taken Sunday 25 July and one taken Tuesday 27 July. You can see the change in just 48 hours.
Monday morning Peanut began opening his eyes, and Tuesday morning Oreo began opening her eyes. Buttons is very close to opening his eyes too.Monday evening I came home to see Buttons and Cuddles sleeping on their backs. They looked so relaxed! I just had to get a picture. (Pictured below left to right: Peanut, Cuddles, Buttons)
Doesn't that just make you want to take a nap?
I am really enjoying the puppies and watching them grow and change on a daily basis. This is my first experience with puppies this young, so every change is fascinating. I spend many hours every day sitting by the whelping box (which is really a kiddie pool) watching them and holding them. My days with them all contained are numbered because this morning Cuddles was almost able to get out of the pool. Oh let the fun begin!
