Kennel Moniker

In Germany there are a few aptitude tests that dachshunds must meet in order to not only move onto more difficult and Elite tests (Natural tests, VGP, VP) and in order to be approved for breeding.

Spurlaut (literally translates to “Loud on trail”) is a test used to test the nose, desire, line security, and voicing of the dog. For an old post that I wrote regarding how Spurlaut works in Germany see this Spurlaut Post.

Even though I am now living in Sweden, I wanted to check my own breeding stock to ensure that this genetic trait is still present. In Sweden, Dachshunds can partake in 3 different hunting-type exams: viltspår (blood tracking), drev (hunting), and gryt (underground). Drev is the closest to spurlaut, but it is still very different. Even though hunting tests are not a requirement for breeding in Sweden, I think it is important to maintain these qualities.

We are happy to report that Liina has 2 new “titles” from Germany to put behind her name: Sfk and Sp!

Sfk= Schussfestigkeit (Shot steadiness)

Sp= Spurlaut

Not all dachshunds love water (Freddie can attest to that), but Baxter is a bit of a water rat. His mama Iiris is also a water lover. Liina has yet to make her point of view known.

From the first week we had him, Baxter showed off his swimming ability. The little guy thought that the lilypads in my friend’s garden were sturdy enough to hold him. With a splash, I ran over to save the little pup, only to find him swimming away like a pro. I lifted him out of the pond only to hear another splash a little while later…

His first passed hunting exam was water retrieving, which he did with gusto, earning full points and being asked to stay on as a back up dog in case someone didn’t want to swim out to the duck.

By this point, it should come as little surprise that Baxter will wade into any body of water we come across. While out for out first sunny, warm, spring-like day this year, we found a small pond in the dog park down in Malmö. After finding a stick (then a bigger stick), we had some fun retrieving until my little “otter” decided that the water was just too cold for him. The air is starting to feel like spring and the blue skies are giving everyone a much needed energy jolt. Here are a few photos, proving that dachshunds can love water! 🙂

Spring is slowly, but surely making its way to southern Sweden! Baxter and Liina are enjoying long walks (when not too rainy), daily trips to the dog parks and chasing bunnies. Although the Finns loved the 50+cm of snow we received a few weeks ago, this Wisco gal is happy the white stuff is gone. Let’s hope for an early spring and great things for 2017!

It is a new year folks! With this new year comes with a new set of goals. This year I hope to focus not only on my little mini Liina, but also hope that Baxter can get a little more time in the spotlight.

As I mentioned earlier, Baxter is retired from showing… at least until his Veteran career. I think that 17 show/working titles (without counting Winner titles and working results) is more than enough. He is an amazing dog and in fantastic shape and he deserves to be more than a sofa dog (he is only 5 this year after all)! He has great drive for chasing deer, hare, cats 😉  and I hope that I can rent some land this coming year so I can get my boy out in the forest and see how he does on Swedish Drev. Otherwise, I hope that I am still close enough to a Gryt this year to see if we can improve our score. In any case, we are practicing our tricks and trying to keep in good shape.

Our young lady is still our little project. I have decided that I would like to have her continue her trial career. I have spoken with friends in Germany and she (and I) will spend time practicing and performing working trials in Germany this year. Hopefully there is also a show thrown in, but well, it isn’t so necessary. Our only show hope this year is for a final CACIB so my little one can be an international Champion. So we will see and hope for a great year.

To make things more exciting, Liina may be having a love rendezvous sometimes this year, but this is still in the works. Keep posted for more details. 🙂

Happy 2017!

Although we currently have no snow here in Skåne, the dogs are all little snow lovers! Here are some of our favorite photos from past winters in Switzerland and Sweden.

Best wishes for the start of 2017!

On Oct 14th, 2016, early in the morning, J Frk-Fröjd’s Freja gave birth to 5 puppies-2 males  (Ymer & Vile) and 3 females (Thekla, Troja & Idun)- after J SEVCH Fallilou du Sangre Bleu.

The pups weighed between 276-308 g and are all wildboar in color. COI of the pairing is 0% and the pedigree is filled with Hunting champions.

All of the females are reserved, but the males are still available to serious, caring, and active homes.

For more information contact me at: whdackel@gmail.com or Skogsvettens Kennel directly.