Sorry so here about Tarka's Son Ali, the old pictures are so nice to see. Sophie, Ilka looks to have enjoyed herself on your day out, lovely pictures of Ceilidh Elspeth. These are of Oscar and Misty taken this weekend.

Well Done Sophie

and Ilka of course. Sounds like a great day. Bensen is not far from me but I've not been there before. Next time I will have to come along too. Typical Munster going to say hello to the Judges! Maybe she thought she could win the day with charm!

Lovely photos of Ceilidh Elspeth. She is looking well.

Sorry to hear about Jensen, poor boy.

Love all the old pictures. Elle you haven't changed a bit in ten years and Zeb is still looking young and gorgeous too!

Sophie

It sounds as if you and Ilka had a fantastic day!!! Welldone to you both!! Love the pics put up by everyone, Tarka is such a special girl. So sorry to hear about her son. Thoughts are with his family. xxx

Hi

First thanks very much Ali, you know why.

The SPT got up at half 4 (don't know how you all keep getting up at those sort of times for shows ect) got there (Bainton, Oxford) for 9.
There were mostly GSPs, a couple of Vizslas, a couple of Weims and two GLPs and Ilka was the only LM.
On the first run she was quartering well and looking happy and keen but turned the wrong way a couple of times which was our fault (Dad has not trained a HPR for years and even he said he'd lost touch a bit and the rules have become less strict which don't necessarily think is a good thing but we did get some very useful advice) but after most of the ten mins you get she started to lose interest as shes used to allot more scent and the ground was dry and also being a Diva daughter what did she do? go and say hello to the judges which is not the greatest thing to do but they said they liked her so maybe it worked and we got to have a second run.
But the weather was hot and by the time they gave us a second run (they let the adults who had a second run go first because the field we went to next had paridge in) in the mean time Ilka was getting hot and a bit stressed (so was I) so lost the plot on the second run and kept trying to go back to Dad so he came over to try and help and she put up a hare and did not chase it which I was pleased with but I think if she had found game and pointed it on the first run she might have been graded.
After that we went to see Sue Harris who helped Dad train his GSP.
So was not a bad day and learnt quite a bit.
On her first run above and below sat by Dad.
Photos taken by Charlie.
Will catch up later I'm off for a hack as Charlies on Easter hols.

Some working shots

My boy Logi A younger Tarka, bless her

We're off to a poultry sale today, stocking up with Chickens for when the sale of the land goes through, dogs are all walked and we are off for the morning!!

My Zeb!

Ahh nice to see you have a pic of the most handsome boy ever! (although does bear a strong resemblance to Curtis - the recent, although not today's, "dog of the day" boy) on http://www.photos.thelargemunsterlander.com/

however, there is a new link added to http://www.news.thelargemunsterlander.com/ today, Holly & Lil "couture collars" - amazing products - and interesting reading on their site!) clearly loving dog owners that run the company!

Zeb

This is the handsome gorgeous Zeb litter brother to Jenson, Solo and LEash, and still very much with us, very fit and well, he is a picture of health. Pictured here in the snow we had last month, he often forgets he is no longer a puppy!! Thanks Elle for the photo of my first born!

Some more golden oldies

These are of Leah and Solo as puppies, and one (not very good) of Solo being shown as an adult at Three Counties Show, he either won Best Dog or Reserve Best dog that day, bless him. Does remind me of Dudley or the other way round if you know what I mean!! The Black and white photo is of Leah as an adult with her best girlfriend Majik. Majik is the one curled up in the plastic dog bed, which so happened to be full of water!!! Do you remember that day Judith?

A blast from the past.

Found this picture today, do you remember it Elle? It is at Windsor show in 1998, with Tarka on the left, then Elle and Zeb, followed by Leah and Solo with Andrew, Dylan with Sharon, and Baron on the end. Baron was Tarka's husband.

Jensons Mum and Granny

Tarka on the right and Bella, Ardmore Seabreeze, photographed 5 years ago, Tarka was then 9 and Bella would of been 12. Sadly Bella is no longer with us.

Sad News

I have had some sad news.
BLITZAN REVELATION - Jenson recently passed away, he is another of Tarka's sons. he was born 16th November 1997.
Thank fully Tarka is still going strong but it is very sad to think 4 of her children have now gone, Leah, Solo, Jenson and Storm. I take great comfort in the fact that Zeb and Dylan are still very much with us.

I am going to put some photos on the photo blog today of Jenson, Solo and Leah.
http://www.photos.thelargemunsterlander.com/

I am very grateful to Yvonne and Barry for giving Jenson such a long and happy life, I know he was truly loved and adored.

Elsa

Elsa enjoyed playing with Maggie this morning in the sunshine - then a trip to the vets to get her vaccine. She has to stay in one more week - then off to see the big wide world. She got loads of attention at the vets - asked if she was a cocker or a springer as usual and then the what's that when you tell them. Our vet knew what she was though as he knows Maggie. One lady said that is the prettiest pup I have ever seen! Ahhhhh sweet Elsa.

Lovely pictures of Jumble and Oscar.

Nice to see pictures of Ceilidh again Elspeth - glad she has made such a good friend in Paddy.

What gorgeous pictures on here, Ceilidh is as gorgeous as ever and Paddy is such a sweetheart.

Oscar looks so well Mandy and I love the smiling/grinning ones, bless him.

Baby Jumble is growing up, it's lovely to see her, Andrew missed her when she left so he was very pleased, to behonest we miss them all. All the pictures are such happy ones!!!

some pictures of Jumble

Enjoying playing in the sun!

More Pictures

Could not resist posting these pictures!!!

Oscar Pictures

Its hard been a Munsterlander!!!

Oscar is loving going out for his short walks take him to school on a morning and then when I collect Holly from school he loves all the attention he gets from everyone, people think Misty is his Mum bearing in mind he is only 2" small than Misty when I say he is a Large Munsterlander they say have not heard of one of them before!! I am so glad I ended up with a boy as originally I wanted a girl but by chance I was offered Oscar who we are over the moon with, he is so affectionate and just wants to sit on your knee and rest his head on your neck he is one big softy apart from when Simon gets home from work, Oscar thinks that Simon is another dog (poor Simon) he has to put an old jumper on and they spend ages just rolling around on the floor together its so funny to watch as Oscar barks and growls at him then takes a running jump on top of him. Going to the big field again tomorrow morning to try my recall again so hopefully will also get some picture of him playing in the field with Misty, these pictures were taken yesterday. Nice pictures Elspeth, you have to make the most of the nice weather. Ali, great pictures of your gang playing in the field love the one of Darcy with the Cat and the Puppies Dad looks a very handsome chap. Karen, Elsa does look very similar to Oscar does she have a tiny bit of white just under her chin its hard to see on picture, Oscar has a tiny bit of white or more like flecks of white, their faces do look alike.

Still no camera as it got let in Edinburgh not only by me but by my friend who was supposed to bring it up, o0h well. Stole dads to take a few when playing down in bottom garden tonight. Such a lovley night but there had been fog most of the day. Looking forward to a good walk tomorrow, going to take them to local woods I think, lots of wonderful smells there so they always end up crashing out for hours afterward. These two really are thick as theives, from Paddy being a dog that hated/ was terrified of all dogs and on first meeting her wouldnt even go into the same room never mind go near anyone who had touched her, he has come an incredibly long way and I dont think he could live without her. She is the same about him though, if he goes anywhere without her she hunts and gazes out of the window for him and wont properly settle down until he is home. Not the best quality pics but will try to improve quality over weekend, just not used to this camera. The running one is slightly blurred but Paddy was in full chase of Ceilidh barking all the way too. He cannot do anything quietly!!! Anyway, must dash, night time walk is being cried into my ears by them both. Have great weekends everyone, fab pics here and on daily dog, looking forward to the "first walk" pics of the babies!!

Jumble

Hi,
Just returned from an exciting evening. Jumble has been to the vets for her final injection and micro chip. She is such a cool customer and didnt cry at all The vet was most amazed. The vet thiought she was a cocker spaniel!!! I was most annoyed. It is the first Munsterlander she has met.
We then went on the lead for a walk. She did so well and stood at the side of the road so nicely before we crossed.I willpost some pictures soon.

Thank you Ali! Gosh you are on the ball this morning! He is a very handsome boy - with him and Diva as parents so wonder they're such lovely pups!

Your wish is my command!!

Lovely pictures of your gang Ali - especially Tetra - very pretty photos of her. I will try and take some of Elsa this weekend if we have nice weather.

Great picture and video of Elle's Brooke on the news page - if you want to take a look go to: http://www.news.thelargemunsterlander.com/

Gozzi is lovely, but would love to see him facing the other way - sweet picture of him though with his little friend.

Gozzi

Photo of babies Dad on the photo blog: www.photos.thelargemunsterlander.com

Family snapshots

Tetra

Mum and Daughter have a quiet cuddle

Play time

Growing up - Little Miss Mischief

Even Diva relaxes and has some fun, taking a break from Mothering.

Tetra is a big carrier

A pensive Darcy

Cuddle time for Darcy

It's easier to get pictures of Tetra than Darcy, he bogs off with the big dogs, in particular Logi his Idol, Tetra stays closer to me. Darcy does however love his cats, especially to snuggle up with. It's been a glorious day here, I took some video but it will take a moment to up load so maybe tomorrow. Mandy well done with all your training you're putting me to shame, I really should to some, keep up the good work and looking forward to pictures from you at the weekend.

Mandy - Oscar did well with his recal today - it is lovely when you see them running back to you. Love to see some recent pictures of him, I expect he has grown.

Cat, would also like to see some pictures of Jumble too. What a star sitting to the whistle already! I haven't taught sit to the whistle yet but she comes to it (in the garden) - in the field it's not always as good! It is funny her going through the cat flap - Elsa kept getting through a trellis in the garden and she has just realised she is now too big - almost got stuck yesterday and we had to help her out! Matt sounds like he has bonded with her well and is enjoying his new pup. What work do you do? It's nice that she can come with you.

Sophie - good luck for Saturday in the sping pointing test! Looking forward to hearing all about it. I'll be thinking of you.

Elle has updated the Hessonite pups - they are growing fast if you want to take a look: http://www.owners.thelargemunsterlander.com/hessonite.html

Also for those with young pups - take a look at this: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090402/tuk-op-for-puppy-that-ate-baby-s-dummy-6323e80.html - thanks Elle.

Hi All - Went for first walk today with Oscar and Misty to the big field at St Ives near where I live, he was a star let him off the lead and every time I used the whistle for recall he came straight back to me, although we did not have any distractions (other dogs) when he was off the lead, we met some when he was back on the lead and he just wanted to play. His recall with the whistle is really good as done lots of practising with it. Misty has now started wanting to play with him but he gets scared as she barks at him when she want to play. So far we have learnt Sit, Flat, Playing Dead, Leave, Wait and recall so we are getting there, just cannot believe how quick they grow, will post some new picture at the weekend.

Thanks Ali will text or ring you to let you know how it goes, and I'd like to go to NAT (especially to see the latest little monsters sorry I mean munster) but I think it really is to far for an Easter Sunday plus have entered for a second SPT on the saturday in oxford again but thanks anyway and will have to meet up some time this year.
Ps Tetra and a hoover that must be funny to watch and yes can imgine a full grown muster trying to sit on a hoover lol.

Good Luck Sophie

I too am loving the puppy updates, one or two of you are being a bit lax though and I really would appreciate up dates, after all I did my updates nearly weekly ;-)

Anyway Rosie I do know what you mean about wrong identification it happens to us a lot, but I know last Summer my Mum and Dad were walking on Bodmin moor when two muddy Munsterlanders came bounding up with the owners running behind shouting sorry!!!! (Can't you imagine it, two tidy walkers met by two Muddy Munsters,) Obviously the owners didn't know Mum and Dad were used to it, they caught up and apologised and Dad said that's OK not a problem we know what Munsterlanders are like.... well the owners were gobsmacked, and Mum went on to tell them about me, the extra surprise was to my parents when the couple piped up and said oh we know Ali, we were on her waiting list but missed out so hoping to have one from her next year instead!!! What a small world.

I am so glad all my hard work pays off with the puppies and they are all settling in. As for the hoover Tetra is a terror with it as she likes to climb on it and have a ride whilst I push her around, OK now but what about when she is fully grown?!? Can you imagine....

I will pop up pictures of the two a little later on, must get some work done, too much to do and all I want to do is got out and play with the dogs and enjoy the sunshine, still must be good.

Sophie you have worked very hard on Ilka and working her I am sure you will both do very well on Sunday, make sure you text me as I will be dying to hear how you get on, shame you can't come up to the Natural Aptitude test with Ilka, if I could get a lift for you would you fancy it?

Will pop back in shortly.

Enjoy.......

Enjoy puppy hood while it lasts - it is over so soon...........

Our Gus was two yesterday! (see www.news.thelargemunsterlander.com )

Hi

Lovely photo of Elsa she is gorgeous as are all the puppies they look very cute now and expect they will grow in to pretty girls and handsome boys love to see some more photos of every ones munsters, caught up with all the posts and they all sound very settled and healthy like Ilka she has hardly been unwell at all think you / Ali puts a lot of effort in ensuring their health and to socialise them too, which is still appreciated with Ilka, Sid was quite ill when we got him and I think he had worms and he was scared of the hoover but Ilka has no problem with the hoover and is really good with the cats as well often see Molland hanging round her back legs while shes walking along lol. Ilka has finished her season and so has now settled back down again she is also getting so much better with people which is great.
And I'm looking forward to the spring pointing test on Saturday have a feeling she'll know exactly what to do but I won't but I am 7th in the running order so am going to watch and try to learn be great to let her use her instincts as she does not get much chance down here in Devon and after we're going see Sue Harris a friend of my Dads who breeds Vizslas and judges ect don't know if any ones heard of her?

Morning.

I am loving all the photo's and tales of how the new pups are doing. I Loved lins list of things that Bailey reacts to.I Thought about it while I was trying to sweep the patio with Ringo pulling on the brush for dear life:). No one knew what Ringo was to start with Cocker , springer and any number of crosses. Now he is know by many there is some one in a Village near us who has two and some friends and my mother -in-law has met them, we are hoping to take Ringo to meet them on a walk. He loves other dogs and on Sundays when I take him to local country park while Stig is training he has become well known amongst the other dogs and walkers. He used to be wary of men but is getting better, everyone comments on his lovely nature, not having a Munster before we are learning all the times as well. I loved that Junble uses the cat flap hope she doesn't end up like Winnie the pooh one day stuck in the middle :)

JUMBLE

Hi,
Just an update on Jumble. She has settled in so well. She only cried the first night and is now so settled and cool.
She has a good routine, helping feed the hens and ducks, sheep and goats. She is obsessed with the hens and ducks and will sit for hours watching them! She has made good friends with the goats but the sheep chase her when she pinches their food.She is so clever and has taken to going out through the cat flap whenever she needs the toilet!! I am not sure what she will do when she is older. She is dry at night now and only does the occasional wee in the kitchen when she is excited. We have taught her to sit to the whistle.
Matt totally adores her and has constructed various toys for her.She is inclined to be a bit nippy but has learnt what no means.
yesterday she came to work with me and was so quiet for 2 hours then cried a little. All my patients could hear her and wanted to know what kind of dog she is. It suprises me no one has heard of Munsterlanders!
On Friday she is going to have a micro chip placed and her injection. Then the big world awaits.
We are totally besotted as I am sure everyone is with there pups/dogs.
Thank you so much Ali and family!!!

Hi All

Been lovely weather here this week - had a few cold mornings but nothing like the frost they had in Scotland by looks of the picture on the photoblog yesterday. The photo above was taken last week - haven't taken any for a few days so I'll have to start clicking again - she has grown so much.

One great achievement is the car - The last two times I have taken her out in it she has laid down in the back with Maggie and not a whimper - think she is almost enjoying it now. So relieved as had such problems in this area with Maggie when she was a puppy.

Night times are very peaceful now she gets herself up to do a wee in the night on the paper and then settles back down to sleep - last night though just one wee so we are making progress. Still an early riser though - usually up around 6am. She is doing better at eating her late evening meal now too although not as keen as she is with the others and usually have to hand feed her as she is just too lazy to stand up and eat!

She seems to have fallen in love with my younger son Seb - goes crazy when he appears and she cries if he goes to the loo! Told him it's probably because he smells more than the other two kids)lol He has babysat her a few times though so probably made the bond with her.

I was planning on getting her microchipped Ali - Maggie is and I will speak to the vet when I see him on Saturday when Elsa has her injection. Can't wait to take her out down the road to see the big wide world.