Moving forward with our breeding into 2026 I feel it is key to evaluate not only the strengths, but the weaknesses of our programme, not only in regards to our dogs, but the way we operate. Here's what I aim to improve this year:
- Currently I feel we lack diversity, although our programme is of a decent size and our dogs vary greatly, we have multiple from the same bloodlines. I will be picking external studs with this in mind, should we import any new blood, rare bloodlines will be my priority.
- I first discovered the breed through agility however have since greatly distanced myself from the sport, this year I would like to start attending regular training sessions with a couple of our dogs, with hopes to get back into the sport competitively. On the other hand I am grateful that our upcoming girls living in guardian homes have all started agility foundations and appear to be thriving, I can't wait to have a go running them one day. Thank you to Fern, Nala & Nova's owners!
- This year I also feel I need to change the way I hold my waiting lists, I am more than happy to take applications 1+ year in advance and grateful to everyone who considers our puppies BUT I am considering only opening official lists after a mating has occurred. I currently fill my lists to the number of expected puppies, and will take more interest if the ultrasound shows more. I am finding too often that when I reach out to those who enquired for a specific litter, I end up with many dropping out or postponing for the next litter, which may or may not have a full list, in the case do I honor the owner that was waiting for X pairing from day 1, or the owner that registered general interest with me first.

This morning we were lucky enough to see some of our first born puppies again - Jessie, Fae, Hudson, James Bond, Indy and Skye were all able to see their mother again, plus Luna (who lives with Jessie) was able to see Isla, she wanted to savor the memory so decided to take a selfie with her new friends, unfortunately we failed to capture all 9 at one time. 

After visiting the dolomites for the first time in 2023, I knew I had to revisit and take my mum. A holiday with me is as much for the dogs as it is myself, this time Isla, Rocky and Quinn were tagging along, they conquered mountain trails, lakes, gondolas and chairlifts. We visited the most popular places in the Dolomites: Seceda Ridgeline, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Cadini di Misurina, Passo Giau, Cinque Torri (my personal fav), Marmolada, Sassolungo and everything in-between. 

For 6 weeks we have toured the mountains of Europe with the dogs in our converted sprinter van.
Starting with a 6h drive to Calais, 30 minute Eurotunnel crossing followed by another 8h drive to our first destination, Annecy. From here my highlights are La Tournette, a 25KM circuit of Le Parmelan and stroll up to Pas du Roc. From here we drove to Chamonix and South, visiting Parc national des Ecrins and Mercantour, through Italy, seeing some of the Italian Alps and the Dolomites, to the Julien Alps in Slovenia (a place I definitely need to see more of!), back to Italy and into Austria, followed by Bavaria in Germany. Unfortunately for us the weather was insanely hot, making hiking with the dogs unfair so we were unable to do half of what we planned and ultimately cut the trip short. Hopefully one day I will be in a position to repeat this trip!