This weeks breed notes I need to start with trying to educate. On several occasions now a certain judge has now passed comment about our breed and has been completely wrong not only in their statements and explanations but more recently in the manner of which this is occurring! I would of thought that when one is showing their dog under a judge then of course compliment or criticism should be expected within the ring but at ringside when said judge is not judging or is exhibiting a dog of their own not only do i find it inappropriate but clearly others find it highly unprofessional and quite off-putting. The basis of the comments are also completely wrong which in turn could have a seriously detrimental effect on our breed. After reading more recently Andrew braces article it shows how easy it is for people to completely change breed characteristics, characteristics that set all breeds apart. There are several characteristics that set these dogs apart from similar or relative breeds. A lot of these are behavioural traits which only when you live with a CED can you understand these but for judges looking at first glance at a CED there are several physical differences. The CED has one distinct difference to its Nordic cousins, the mane and spinal stretch of fur that primarily sits over the shoulders and runs down the spine. Granted the UK KC breed standard is short and somewhat vague but it does clearly cover the point of having a mane in our coat description. The country of origin standard published by the CKC does go into far much more detail about what the breed should look like and its original purpose. I can understand that if you are not "in" the breed people can be forgiven for not knowing full details but surely if you don't know something why form an opinion that is wrong and harmful. Or is it more of case some people actually think they do know more? The reality for those of us within the breed is a very difficult one. These dogs are an extremely vulnerable breed in 2011 only one CED was registered in the UK and those of us with females of age had no males to mate to our dogs and in turn those with males of age had no females to offer them for stud to. In a nutshell to say the future of the breed looked very bleak was an under statement  With the loss of Ann Allen (Shepherdsway) not only did many of us lose a friend and mentor but also a major link to future breeding, stud dogs and contacts. That loss left the CED with no breeders in the UK and after a rehome/spay/castration program of the Shepherdsway Kennel no dogs either! This is when some of us decided we needed to do something hence the importation of a bitch in whelp from Northern Canada (Alberta) and a potential stud dog from Iqaluit (Nunavat). This brought registrations of CEDs during 2012 to nine and has now increased in 2013 to twelve. The clear difference of bringing in dogs from the Arctic compared to dogs bred here in the UK some several generations down from Arctic bred and raised dogs shows. The obvious coat difference. Having myself dogs bred and born here to having an Arctic born dog was a massive difference in coat length and density. Also having a dog that was not regularly groomed and relied on environment to aid moult (if at all) showed as my well groomed dogs coats did feel softer than the imported coat. It also to be noted that dogs bred directly out of Arctic bred dogs and then imported here also show a much denser and longer coat. So even by breeding from these imported dogs in the offspring it is very apparent that coat can be born with but then lessons over time due to our climate and the fact that a lot of dogs now live indoors. Which combined with our heating, insulated homes and clearly most of us that have indoor dogs do not wish to live with a dirty smelly dog hence there well groomed appearance which in comparison to dogs that live outside and that are not groomed as regularly they seem lesser in coat. Even with a heavier or less coat they still display the thicker mane of fur and over the shoulders in the males and some of the first generation females clearly have the longer mane although nowhere near as heavy as the males. Another obvious point to note is the CED has a straight topline, under that mane and thickness of fur they are level backed even though that fur can give the impression of a higher front, this can be felt when you go over the dog. They also do not slope to the rear like the GSD or even the slighter sloping topline of the Alaskan Malamute. I think when looking at faults deriving from these it really depends on just how important the individual thinks however its a good job that these choices don't depend on a life or death situation. Breeders that show will change there type if judges persist in placing a type that suits them NOT the breed. Breeders that breed for a working type will never change their lines as they have a dog that suits the needs that the breed should be used for. Ultimately the breed is going to change if judges personal opinion continues. Anyway we are hoping to have another Breed Seminar in the near future so we can hopefully invite both knowledgeable and those that would like to know more about the breed. Anyway moving on we have had more show results with a fantastic from Three Counties this weekend in AVNSC Working and Utility Napu placed second in Post Graduate dog and Rufus placed third in Open Dog. A very naked Angel achieved as i expected VHC in Open bitch but she needs to get back into practise for showing again as both her and Siku missed out from having puppies earlier this year. I would also like to wish Lemmy a speedy recovery after having a saliva gland removed after getting an infection. He has a shaved neck at the moment so not sure how long it will before he is back in the showring, we will miss his antics at ringside over the next few weeks. Elsewhere all the puppies are doing very well and growing well. Its nice to see the updated pictures so keep them coming

Never a dull moment with team Akna that's for sure! The last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster ride of emotions. With shows and some slight changes to the pack we seem to be on a roll. Around the show ring "Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna (IMP CAN) ***" has been showing his little socks off. Tuesday evening the 28th May was the Boston Premier Show over at Newark. With a large AVNSC Working entry and with Poo entered into Open Dog class of 16 i didn't think we stood a chance. It was a very busy event with lots going on but with us only being at the same venue a couple of weeks before i was hoping Poo would be settled and he was. Although when our class was called I looked around the ring and seemed to surrounded by several top winning dogs, with only a couple absentees from counting. There were only two CED's present, Poo and Rufus (Shepherdsway Jack Frost). Poo met the judge and strutted his stuff and moved solid and strong. We got back into place and to my surprise when she was short listing the class she pulled us out. Moving us all together she then picked out her dogs and we placed third. Overjoyed that the judge clearly appreciated my boy as she watched him move right up the final stand. Next to Melton & District Canine Society where the CED has breed classes. This is a local show to Akna and today was another brilliant day and Akna does another first for the breed. A well supported CED class of six dogs, with the Smiths travelling up from Bracknall, the judge placed Napu first followed by Maple (Akna Northern Soul ***) in second. Kara (Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna) in third and Kai (Shepherdsway Chestnut With Akna) in fourth. Then giving Best Of Breed to Napu and Reserve to Maple. With Napu BOB we waited for the Working Group judging and it was well worth the wait. The judge loved him and totally understood the breed and the somewhat suspicious nature they can sometimes exhibit, which over previous shows has clearly meant he has missed out! After moving all the dogs she was ready to choose her working line up and Napu was a awarded Working Group 1. Sadly we couldn't make a triple when we went into Best In Show but a very proud owner I am, i have a very proud breeder whom i emailed on my return who still works all her Canadian Eskimo Dogs within the polar regions of the North Pole where she lives and endless messages of congratulations have poured in. We are off to Three Counties next weekend so fingers crossed again. Also we have our pack change or should i say new edition. Shepherdsway Volcanic Dust Over Akna aka Dusty has now become one of the Akna pack. Dusty will be coming out to show at East Of England in July, he has already started back with his harness training and has settled in here like he was never away. I am hoping that he will also be able to put something back into the gene pool in the future. The puppies all seem to be doing well, with lots of pictures of owners holding their dogs appearing they are growing so quickly, time has flown by. I hope to see several of the guys coming out around August time when they are six months, its so exciting. Please keep us updated on your show wins or stories so we can get it all in the breed notes. A little bit to add also that the CED seems to have been doing very well at shows across the water in Canada with Bev from Arcticice Kennels have several BOB's and Puppy Group placings so accumulating points for her dogs within their judging system. I was sent some lovely pictures and it makes me so happy to see the breed doing well everywhere. Well done to all and keep up the good work. 

Well showing seems to be happening every weekend at the moment, which is keeping the Akna Pack busy for sure. It was nice to see quite a few dogs at The National Dog Show a couple of weekends ago. Although they were split among two classes as I couldn't take one of my entrants due to season. Anyway it was quite late in the afternoon for us and all kicked off with combined Junior class. Three of last years puppies were Desna, Maple and Lemmy placing first to third in that order looked really good in the ring at only thirteen months old. Lemmy in my opinion looked the best as he has good weight and coat. The sisters both myself and Claire Henry have been battling since they both had seasons and really did lose some body weight. They are also still very puppy like in behaviour and so is their brother however this is one thing about CED's they never really grow up mentally. Then onto open dog and only two dogs Rufus and Napu again placing first and second in that order with Rufus placing Best Dog and Desna placing Best Bitch as no puppies now. Well there are plenty of puppies waiting to get into the ring but they will not be six months until later in the year, August time. For the first time we had also put together a Breeders team which consisted of the three junior dogs. Akna are very proud to have been awarded their certificate and we also entered the Breeders Competition where we placed second. I look forward to doing some more of those as we had a really good time and it was different. With more show results for Napu this past weekend, Saturday was one of our local ringcrafts shows. Loughborough and District Canine Society just ten mins away from my house! Napu placed first in Post Grad AVNSC and second in AV Working, On Sunday we went to Stoneleigh to Coventry and District Canine Society and he placed first in AVNSC Working Limit and although the judge clearly quite liked him we didn't take any RBOB, shame as he had done very well as it was a very hot day with lots going on. When we got home he was ready for a nap so i took some of the other dogs out for a lovely sunny walk down the river with friends where they were all swimming and playing for a few hours. We have had some great puppy updates too with all the pupsters doing really well. Everyone seems to be growing nicely and have settled in their new homes. Still a couple of toilet training hiccups and getting food right but they are only three months old so still babies. Lots to learn yet. This coming weekend Akna will be at The Melton County Show giving some demonstrations in canicross, bikejor and scootering so come along and see us its a bank holiday weekend for the whole family. I have also recently made contact with a guy that has a dog from Ann out of Anuviks Blue Steel @ Shepherdsway and Shepherdsway Colour Me Red. She is red and white and seven years old now. Its really nice to start catching up with how all the other CED's are getting on and to put pictures to the names of the dogs. The CEDCGB club are very busy at the moment, Memberships thanks to Harriett Smith are growing, the judges list is currently being collated by our Chairperson Sue Smith, thank to to those judges who have applied to go onto our judges lists. If you would like to be considered for our list please visit our website www.canadianeskimodogclub.com and under the committee section you will find our secretary's contact email  Carol Atherton. Please send your details and CV direct to her. We are now also collating data on health as part of the Kennel Clubs health drive for Breed Clubs. The clubs Health Advisor Racheal Bailey has sent out data sheets to be completed and it is also downloadable from the CEDCGB website, if you have had or still have a CED please take the time to complete it. It is very important for the club to begin collecting data, producing health information in requirements to the KC and hopefully so that in the future this information can be used to help with health and breeding. We would also like to give our congratulations to Racheal Bailey of Akna Kennel for receiving her Kennel Club Assured Breeder membership.

Wow what a beautiful last few days it has been. Showing signs of being a lovely summer this year, fingers crossed! This will make the shows through the summer wonderful and hopefully being outdoors in the sunshine will make the dogs happier too. Over the weekend it was busy for everyone, with dog shows everywhere over the bank holiday. With Aurora in season she was a no go for the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society Dog Show but Napu was entered too so off we went. After last weeks indoor ring and tannoy phobia when we arrived and checked out the indoor ring and tannoys i wasnt really holding out much hope! I was starving so headed straight to the food corner and we found a seat and sat eating Victoria sponge and chips with cheese on. Needless to say Poo sat and shared all of it and then went for a second helping when my friend got some too! We sat watching the world go by and it was very busy however he seemed far more settled so i stayed where we were. Our turn in the ring was up and i had entered Poo into Post Graduate AVNSC Working a little bonus was a women judge so fingers crossed we went into the ring. In our class was a German Pinscher and a Newfoundland, for some reason the Newfy owner informed the steward it wasn't staying in. We moved round the ring and poo as always moved beautifully and light around the ring and shock was leaning into the judge and enjoying being looked at. I was thrilled to bits when she pulled us out first and he stood happy and relaxed even with everything going on around him. Then after the next class it was unbeaten dogs and a selection of all very popular Working breeds. A St Bernard, Newfoundland, Russian Black and then little old us. She moved all the dogs again and then plucked out the Russian for BOB and then WOW we got the Reserve. Poo was still happy as larry and wagging away even though i was a little anxious in the line up to be honest (and usually im not!) Well i dont know if it was the sunshine, the cake or the chips but i had a very happy dog today and a beautiful RBOB rosette. Next weekend is breed classes for us at the National Dog Show so fingers crossed Poo keeps this happy go lucky attitude. I have also seen results from Canada this weekend and one of the Arctice CED puppies Cupon placed Group 4 and won BPIG too so a big well done for results over the pond.

Sorry we have not had much to report over the past couple of weeks but there has been a bit of break between shows. I'm not complaining as we have had some lovely weather too, however lovely weather equals less training. The Akna dogs have had a few very early morning or late night runs when its been cooler but we change our training through the warmer months. Being quite lucky to have dogs that will behave and recall off the lead we take advantage of lots of free running, trips to the coast and plenty of swimming to keep all those muscles fit, hearts healthy and help get those coats all out! We were at WELKS last weekend with three of the pack and also Koldsnaps boy Lemmy was there too so that was a nice surprise seeing as it seemed to be Bouviers and St Bernards entered. I must say it was clearly a day for the girls. Maple and Aurora were the only ones in their respective classes but were so well behaved and moved beautifully. The judge has some very nice things to say about the girls, their lovely friendly natures and their movement. However the boys were not meant to shine! Maggie was also showing in the Malamute ring so she got stuck there so I took Lemmy in who stood well but decided he wanted to go running with nanny rather than trotting! he was a good boy for the judge though unlike Poo!!! As soon as i found out we were inside i went to check out the ring but it was clear to me after walking in the building it wasnt going to be an easy day. There were tannoys and as we walked in it went off and Poo was off on one. He did settle on the benches after a while but combined with a male judge and mixed with my stress of  handling al the dogs it wasnt to be his day. The judge was really lovely as well, he was so patient and even fed him some liver to try and settle him but Poo had it in his head and there was no changing his mind. So the boys finished with Lemmy second in JD and Poo not placing. I think maybe he has other thoughts going on in his head too as Siku has had a show of season, Aurora looks to be in season and Jade has started flirty play. The one joy of having my girls is that they all come into season together and then its all over which makes life easier. My two entire boys never fight over the girls however not eating and sleeping will surely follow. We have a couple of shows coming up next month Newark and Notts, National, Loughborough and District, Coventry and District, The Melton Show and Boston so quite a lot going on.Hoping to see quite a few other CED's at the shows too as i know a few others are entered so will be nice to catch up and see how everyone is doing. Racheal Bailey (Akna)

With Crufts and the rally season over it seems there is not a lot left to do????? Yeah right! Certainly the Akna CED's clearly have no idea that they need to chill out and are still keen to keep training. Even Angel and Siku are back to training now. Their pupsters are 6 weeks this week and the girls are more than keen to get out into the van when we go running. They are not up to speed yet but are back up to 3 miles no problem. They are starting to look scraggy with their coats almost out and lost some body condition from being zapped by the twelve pesky puppies. The puppies are doing really well and it wont be long before they start leaving Akna HQ to go onto their new homes. Out of the twelve little kids two are going to live in Scotland, eight around England and one maybe two are going into Europe! All of them are going to homes where they will be worked and several owners wish to show so there will be quite a few new faces hitting the show ring around August time, so keep an eye out for the next generation of Akna CED's. Elsewhere last weekend saw the final AMWA rally of the season at Buttersteep Rise and a few peskies went along, not all were competing but certainly the Smiths were proud of their second place in the AS/FDC class with Kai. Also Flick and Lemmy got to run in the courtesy class and did very well running as a brother and sister duo. Well done guys for truly braving all that mud! Further north at the Herts and Essex Border canine society open show Rufus was there and entered into the AV Working class under judge Richard Kinsey. He won his class and Best Of Breed which will hopefully now give him all his required points to gain his Show Certificate of Merit. A big congrats to Lizzie and David for achieving this with Rufus just short of his fourth birthday. The next event is this coming weekend and two of the Akna dogs will be competing at the AMWA Banham Zoo Easter weekend weight pull and then afterwards we will be attending the CEDCGB AGM. We now have the Show Points system back up and running and would ask you all if you have from Jan 1st 2013 any shows that you wish to submit to be in with a chance of becoming Show Dog of The Year 2013 please submit them directly to Lizzie Salter who is collating them all. Email: lizzie@asewinghabit.live.co.uk We will also be producing our CEDCGB Newletter shortly after the AGM so if you have any pictures or stories that you would like to see in the newsletter please forward them to Simon Atherton who has kindly offered to put the newsletter together for us. Email: casiat1@btinternet.com Please note you will only receive this newsletter if you are a member of the CEDCGB information about joining and form can be downloaded direct from www.canadianeskimodogclub.com If you have any info and results for Our Dogs please Email: rachealbailey33@hotmail or Tel: 07921136975 Well done to everyone for a fantastic race season and looking forward to seeing more of you around the shows through the spring and summer. Racheal Bailey Akna

Its been a busy couple of weeks for many CED folk. Taking advantage of the colder weather again to train the dogs, preparations for Crufts, looking after puppies and respective mums and even some long distance trek's! AMWA organised a trek in Dyfnant, Wales on March 3rd and Aurora, Kara and Napu went along with some Siberian and Malamute friends to join in. It was a lovely cold day, the trails were great and we were round and back in no time. Although that left time for us humans to enjoy a rather nice Sunday lunch on the journey home. The week prior to Crufts for us all exhibiting has been spent bathing, keeping them clean and avalanches of fur as typically the weather went mild and the coats began to fall out! Can Crufts be moved to November please? Crufts for some of us started on Thursday. Racheal and Lizzie arrived at the NEC to man Discover Dogs. With the stand set up and looking rather swish with snow camo and lots of traditional Canadian flags we were on hand to chat to the endless stream of folk and the dogs were lapping up all the attention. Day one was a great success and Rufus and Maple were a hit. Day two was Aurora's turn on the stand with Lorna who regularly attends races and helps out. Another busy day and lots of attention even tired Aurora out, which is no easy task. Saturday was Maple's sisters turn so Desna along with Claire her mum and Sarah who is patiently waiting for her little CED girl to turn 8 weeks old all went along to promote the breed. Another busy but great day was had by all and all the information leaflets were gone. Meanwhile there were visitors arriving at the airport who were coming to visit to see puppies and who were attending Crufts for the first time. So an exciting time for them. With Working day upon us it was lock and load and head to the NEC in convoy. Dogs, bags and people we arrived at a snowy NEC bright and early. Brandon headed off to Discover Dogs with Aurora and then Matt with Flick and Stephen with Lemmy would cover the day before CED's were going to be judged. Onto the breed results the judge was Mrs J Peak and she had a total of nine CED's with no absentee's. BEST OF BREED was SHEPHERDSWAY JACK FROST this will be his third Best Of Breed at Crufts he also was Best Dog. BEST PUPPY was one of last years Akna puppies at 11 months old AKNA NORTHERN LIGHTS. BEST BITCH was Aurora ARCTICICE QIMMIQ ANANA AT AKNA who was completely naked but looked super fit in the ring. RESERVE BEST DOG was NAPU OF NORTHWINDS AT AKNA. RESERVE BEST BITCH was SHEPHERDSWAY SNOW SHOWERS OVER AKNA. You can find all the class results etc on Fosse Data and click onto Crufts results online. Well done to everyone and a massive thank you to all who helped both at Discover Dogs and behind the scenes. Also a big thank you to everyone who turned out to support our breed and for all the well wishes.  If you would like to become a member of the CEDCGB you can download a form direct from the website. Go to www.canadianeskimodogclub.com/page23.htm and you will find a pdf version on-line  Alternatively you can email our Membership Secretary; Mrs Harriet Smith: harrietjs88@live.co.uk and she will gladly send you the information you need. It is now 2 and a half weeks before our AGM and this is only open to members so please if you would like to attend get your memberships in as soon as possible. The AGM will be held at Banham Community Centre Hall, Kenninghall Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2HB at 3.30pm on Saturday 30th March 2013. If you have any questions or anything that you wish to include in the agenda please email our club secretary Carol Atherton: carol@casiat.com

The Show and Working results are starting to lack as the rally season draws to a close. Akna will not be at any rallies now this season but will be back on the trails later in 2013 with a couple of CED teams. We have got planned to go to the Easter Weight Pull event organised by AMWA at Banham Zoo, as the puppies will be coming up to 8 weeks then so will be leaving the nest and going off to live with their new families. We do have some very positive news to announce. After a recent CEDCGB committee meeting and a lot of discussion and a lot of hard work behind the scenes we are now very please to announce that the club has now re-opened its membership and we have set a date for our AGM. If you would like to become a member you can download a form direct from the website. Go to www.canadianeskimodogclub.com/page23.htm and you will find a pdf version on-line  Alternatively you can email our Membership Secretary; Mrs Harriet Smith Email: harrietjs88@live.co.uk and she will gladly send you the information you need. There is a little over 4 weeks before our AGM and this is only open to members so please if you would like to attend get your memberships in as soon as possible. The AGM will be held at Banham Community Centre Hall, Kenninghall Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2HB at 3.30pm on Saturday 30th March 2013. If you have any questions or anything that you wish to send to our club secretary Carol Atheron please Email: casiat1@btinternet.com May i take this opportunity to wish everyone at Crufts good luck and to thank all who are attending Discover Dogs stand this year with their CED's.

What a muddy weekend for the Akna pack that was! With the SHCGB Kershope rally over it was a hard slog but worth the trip north. The trail was 4.5 miles of mainly up hill and thick mud. I would say barely a third of the trail was grass and hard packed but challenging and longer than normal which is what most of us with the freight teams are striving for. Day one was a nightmare with a missed start time and then two teams ready to go behind the CED's had to stand to the side of the start chute and watch the other teams take to the trails, tensions were high and everyone just wanted to go. We left the start chute 6 minutes later and whooshed off up the first hill without a problem and eventually catching the second team off and then towing them round to catch the first team off. Day two no one missed a start time and we all set off and with Team Akna now 8 minutes behind we had some serious work to do to make up the time lost and then to pass both teams and get far enough in front to secure a win. Well it was hard work but we did it the dogs worked like troopers as the trails was certainly no improvement on the day before with some rain in the night and thick fog it felt warmer but the temps said around 4 degree's. However a big well done to the doggies who literally worked up those hill's and dragged the rig and a muddy musher through those hard swampy sections bringing home first place in C2 class. Elsewhere and I'm sure in a far cleaner and warmer environment the Koldsnap kids were off showing. At Cleethorpes and District Open show in AVNSC Working Akna Great Bear Of The North For Koldsnap aka the Lemster placed second in Puppy and also second in Open. Maggie said she a great day out is really looking forward to a summer of showing off the boy and gaining valuable experience with him. This coming weekend we have SHCGB Sherwood Pines rally and Nuneaton and District Canine Society open show so a busy weekend ahead! Confirmed Crufts entries will see several youngsters from the 2012 Akna litter and some of the adults too it will be great to see all the dogs. As usual we will be at Discover Dogs for all four days, we already have several volunteers and their dogs to man the info stand but if you would like to help in anyway or if you have any info for the breed notes please get in touch.

Firstly we would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. I hope 2013 brings everyone a better year. Its been a busy time with the CED's over Christmas. After LKA weekend it was back to trek training for the dogs attending the Wyedean Mushing Xmas Trek held in the Forest Of Dean. The trails were superb with everything from grassy trails, hard packed up hill and down hill, lots of puddles and streams breaking the banks and flowing along the trails with all the usual twists and turns one could expect at a rally. The total distances covered were 18.1 miles over the two days with the bigger teams and even some of the younger CED's were bikejored along the shorter 5 mile loops. We had a total of 13 CED's attend the weekend along with many other sled and non sled dog breeds. A big thank you to everyone who supported the event and who took part and we will let you know exactly how much we raised for the CEDCGB and the other welfare organisations. After a very dirty trek and Christmas it was bath time for the dogs entered into Sleaford show. Our judge Simon Luxmoore was extremely pleasant and patient as the younger entrants had the devil in them from digging and slipping on the floor in the hall! Claire had already taken a wonderful swan dive in the Sibe ring so was feeling a little delicate. We had a wonderful time at the venue none the less and will definitely return next year to support. A total of 5 CED's were entered with Junior class winner Akna Northern Soul (Maple) followed by her litter sister Akna Northern Lights (Desna) taking 2nd. In Post Grad only one entry Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna giving him 1st and in Open Shepherdsway Jack Frost (Rufus) placed 1st with Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna (Kara) taking 2nd. The final run and Napu took Best Of Breed, Rufus Reserve and Maple Best Puppy putting two Akna dogs into the Working Group. The group was judged by Sue Smith and was huge, i think she finally judged in three sittings! Napu was short listed but didn't end up taking anything but none the less a very proud and happy moment. Maple also didn't get a placing in the group but it is all valuable experience for all including the stewards and spectators at ringside who most of which surprisingly knew exactly what the dogs were. After the show we headed to Thetford for a visit with friends, time to relax and good food and conversation oh and some much needed collar and harness repairs! The weekend of the first Wyedean East Open Rally was looming and it would mean more dirty dogs. The CED's were split into several teams, with a 4 dog team consisting of Angel, Siku, Napu and Kara, a Junior team but still running a full trail was Aurora with her team mate Darwin and then the Canicross class with a recent arrival Riker. A win for the 4 dog team and overall in the 4 dog class not last place. A win for Brandon in the Junior class, a 4th place in the Canicross and even Maple and Rufus ran the trails in the courtesy class. Well done to all yet again for supporting the classes at all these events. For us here at Akna its getting quite an exciting time with lots of CED plans going on. Crufts is entered so hopefully quite a few dogs going there this year and with Discover Dogs i can guarantee lots of Eskimo kisses and cuddles to be had. Also two of the Akna girls Angel and Siku finally coming into season Napu may well be a daddy. Fingers crossed that we will have the pitter patter of tiny paws or maybe not so tiny paws looking at the size of Poo's feet! Then we have Aviemore to look forward to with some exciting plans going on there plus for the first time the sled dog breeds will have representatives at Glenmore with information on the breeds at the breed stands. This will a great opportunity for people to come and meet some dogs. If you are planning on going to the great Aviemore event and would like some more info or would like to contact us to know more about CED's or even add some info to the weekly breed notes please get in touch.

Thursday 13th December was both a sad and happy day at the funeral of Ann Allen, Shepherdsway. The family gave her a wonderful send off and she regally arrived in a Marston replica carriage drawn by four beautiful black Friesians dressed in all their finery at the church. After a very emotional service Ann was taken to Kings Lynn crematorium where there was a further service. Her coffin was amazing coloured a pale blue with images of wolves all around it. She would of been truly proud to have had all the stops pulled for her. There were many familiar faces there and after it was nice to chat to some and talk about the mutual things we had in common with Ann. A very special lady who will be sorely missed by all that knew her, who leaves a legacy in Canadian Eskimo Dogs and Alaskan Malamutes. With regards to the Canadian Eskimo's that Ann loved and cherished I must put a few facts right with references made in last weeks paper and at the service. Our history of the CED is very special and important to us. One of the four original dogs imported by Ann along with Kath and Walt Howarth was High Lonesomes Polar Bear at Shepherdsway known to many as Panda. Panda was the dog that won many times and was seen in the big ring at Crufts on five separate occasions and handled in 2002 (when we first had breed classes there) by Sue Smith one of Ann's long standing friends. The reference to High Lonesomes Qimmiq Polaris III at Shepherdsway call name Polar, although a lovely dog he did not arrive in the UK till 2008 and never made it into the show ring due to his reserved attitude to strange people. The other three dogs imported in the late 1990's were High Lonesomes Finn at Shepherdsway, High Lonesomes Tiuk and High Lonesomes Little Sinner. Panda, Finn and Tiuk are all part of the history of most of dogs that we have here today but sadly Sinner never did play a part in the early breeding program as the High Lonesomes never sent her paperwork. It took several years and a court case for the Howarth's to get it and by this time Sinner was around 8 years old and they decided not go ahead. Lets hope now that we have our foundation dogs plus some lovely import dogs with more planned to arrive that we can continue to carry on Ann's hopes and dreams. With this in mind we have certainly seen a fantastic result at the LKA last weekend. AVNSC Working saw six Canadian Eskimo Dogs entered mixed in with a selection of Tibetan Mastiffs, St Bernards, German Pinschers, Greenland and Hovawart. First Pesky in the ring was Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna in Junior Dog who by default won his class due to absentees. This is Poo's last show entry into Junior so he now moves up to Post Grad as he a big boy soon. Next in was Shepherdsway Jack Frost who won Open Dog. It was then Best Dog with five dogs in for the challenge. I could not believe it when the judge walked over to me and shook my hand and then going over to David Salter to give him Reserve. It was a quick rush to get back and swap dogs ready for Puppy Bitch with two of my Akna puppies in the same class. Claire Henry's girl Akna Northern Lights placed a well deserved first, she stood and moved beautifully today much to Claire's surprise however mine Akna Northern Soul had other idea's and was playful to say the least taking a Reserve. Next class was Post Grad Bitch and \Arcticice Qimmiq Anana @ Akna mother of the two puppies won her class even though she was wooing and wagging the whole time. To be fair this girl has come on leaps and bounds in the show ring compared to the first few outings and settles far quicker and when she moves she moves so well. That just left Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna who had already been in the main ring at 8.30am with a 9 year old young lady in the Junior Handler class. Kara had stepped in due to the girls own dog not being well and for a little dot she not handled her well Kara loved every minute of it although collapsing on the floor to be fussed when the judge went over her probably didn't win her a spot in the final. In the Open Bitch class she placed second which left two Peskys for the challenge and Aurora took Reserve Best Bitch. Then a quick swap and over for Best Of Breed which was won by a truly magnificent male youngster but Napu took Reserve Best Of Breed which has made me very proud. Thank you to all around the ring for kind words and support its fantastic to have such an interest in the dogs. I hope today a very special lady had a broad smile on her face as i know we all did. Well for CED's i think the next big show outing is going to be Sleaford Show late December as for races we have the Xmas Trek coming up next weekend, Wyedean East after Christmas and then into the 2013 Kershope and Aviemore. Well a big well done to everyone today.

How else can the breed notes begin but with the sad and recent loss of someone very special to us all. With deepest regret Ann Allen passed away in hospital on Thursday 29th November. Her funeral will be held on Thursday 13th December at 1pm. A service at Outwell Methodist Church, Isle Road, Wisbech followed by her cremation at Kings Lynn and then the wake being held at the Servicemens Club, Outwell. All are welcome to pay their respects as are flowers and donations can be made to the Stroke Association. After a stroke a couple of years ago she suffered a further stroke that left her in a coma and she passed in her sleep in hospital. Ann touched the lives of many, in many different circles and had many friends both in the UK and all over the world. Mostly known for her involvement with Alaskan Malamutes and Canadian Eskimo Dogs Ann had a love of many dog breeds and animals especially her pride of cats. Many will remember Ann in the early days with her border collies and GSD's. I've been told many funny stories by Ann of friends or family being chased by one of her shepherds or the odd crook running the gauntlet on Allen land or even the dreaded cat Pixie, that would love you and then launch an attack onto your arm. For many years she did Border Collie rescue and took in stray cats or those dumped on her without turning them away or denying them of help. Ann also had birds, wildfowl, horses and of course the livestock on the farm. Having them around her certainly made her very happy. It was never a dull moment visiting Ann at home and she could always get you to task in one way or another as well as plying you with tea and food! Ann has had a heavy involvement with Alaskan Malamutes, importing, breeding, showing and working the dogs. She had a real love for the sled dogs of the north and i suppose that's why she ended up with Canadian Eskimo Dogs too. Ann paved the way in the UK for the CED importing with friends four dogs back in the 1990's which has truly left many of us with not only happy and funny memories but a legacy to be very proud of. Ann was a tough no nonsense woman who if required would pick up the phone and give you a right royal rollocking or congratulations and praise for a job well done. She was a generous lady who showed her appreciation for help and achievement. You always knew where you stood with Ann a quality among the many she had that I will for one truly miss. Ann helped many people get started within the two breeds and there are many Shepherdsway dogs and their owners who will miss her. I personally would like to thank Ann for everything she has done for me, for trusting me, helping me and for the gift of my first CED Angel. I waited several years for my grey eskimo and when i went to collect her and she told me thank you for all i have done and i was handed my little girl as a present i was overwhelmed. Needless to say Ann didn't appreciate the hug very much. I still laugh now when i let her go and the look on her face. For now I know there are many people who too are far happier in the knowledge that they knew and loved Ann and each and everyone of us has a funny memory that is personal to us that will last forever. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with her husband Chris and her son Michael and this is extended to all her friends who will miss her so much. Rest In Peace Ann, joined with many of her four legged friends especially Scout and Panda. We talked about the legacy that she leaves behind and life does indeed carry on. The Shepherdsway dogs have been strutting their stuff in the show ring and in the forests. On Saturday 24th November for the first time in the history of the show Canadian Eskimo Dogs had classes at the prestigious Nordic Show. It was a very proud day with 11 dogs entered and in attendance. With a very happy judge Hazel Fitzgibbon worjed through the classes. In Puppy class four of the 2012 Akna "North" litter supported with Akna Great Bear Of The North For Koldsnap taking first, second Akna Northern Soul, third Akna Northern Lights and fourth Akna North Wind. The youngsters have really come on in leaps and bounds. In Post Grad Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna placed first, second Shepherdsway Chestnut @ Akna and third Arcticice Qimmiq Aurora @ Akna. In Limit thw two sisters went head to head and Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel @ Akna took the win over her sister, Shepherdsway Cinders @ Akna. There was not so much support in the Open Dog and Bitch classes which was a shame so by default Open Dog was Shepherdsway Jack Frost and Open Bitch was Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna. Best Of Breed & Best Dog went to Shepherdsway Jack Frost who was also short listed in the Best In Show judging, Reserve Best Of Breed & Reserve Dog to Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna. Best Bitch was Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel @ Akna with Reserve Bitch Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna and Best Puppy Akna Great Bear Of The North. Many of the dogs entered into the Stakes Classes also with some good results too. AV Puppy placing second to BPIS was Akna Northern Lights. A surprised Racheal after winning AV Brace with Akna Northern Soul and Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel @ Akna. In AV Sled Dog Novice Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna placed second and in AV Sled Dog Open placing second also taking Reserve Best Sled Dog was Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna. It truly was a memorable day and we were all very proud to finally have classes at this show. Its been quiet with races for several reasons some of us made to Amanda Palmers training and race weekend at Elvedon a couple of weekends ago and the Akna pack ran well placing first in four dog freight and Kara with her junior bikejorer and Czechoslovakian team mate placed fourth. Team Casiat managed to get out on the trails at the SHCGB Cranwich rally last weekend. In the D2 class Mr A along with a very focused Noah (Shepherdsway Snow Ghost @ Casiat) finished in fab form along with their malamute team mate in first place. A big well done to them all and keep up the good work.

It never seems to stop with these pesky esky's all over the UK it has been full of things to do and places to go and i might add in some serious tight time spans! Bonfire weekend was just a blur, well the M6 was thats for sure. It started Friday 2nd with the Smiths heading up to Leicester bringing Kai and Flick and their Siberians with them. After a cooked meal, baths and toilet stops it was an early night for an early start. In my infinite wisdom I had decided we were going to NWPB of Scotland and the SHCGB Delamere night rally! Yes all in one day. We were up at 4am and with CED's all loaded we set off to meet the Henry's to collect Desna to complete the journey. One van, three women and eight eskimo dogs we headed to Edinburgh showground. We arrived about 10.30am got settled and waited. Luckily our judge Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews didnt break for lunch till after judging AVNSC Working so the plan to be out the showground by the latest at 3pm was all going to plan. It was a great result for the Akna puppies with two more now qualifying for Crufts 2013. Puppy class was 1st Akna Northern Soul (Maple), 2nd Akna North Wind (Flick) and 3rd Akna Great Bear Of The North For Koldsnap (Lemmy), Junior saw 1st and 2nd place unchanged but 3rd place went to Akna Northern Lights (Desna). Post Grad class Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna was the only entry taking 1st and then Reserve Dog with Maple taking Best Bitch and Best Puppy with Flick taking Reserve Bitch. I left Maple behind with Lisa to go into the Puppy Group however she was overlooked which is not surprising but the experience is paramount for these young dogs and she had a great time. I left the showground at 2.55pm and we hit the road back to Cheshire for an 8.30pm start time. Matt had already headed to the race site with the other dogs as had Steve and Claire so with a spot ready for us to park in we headed south. Luckily the roads were clear and the rain had stopped so we arrived at a very busy rally site at 7.30pm. It was a quick turn around with dogs watered and exercised, rigs inspected and changed ready to race i was amazed we did so well. We briefly spoke to the Lewis' who had popped along to watch the event, Becky looks very pregant now and it doesn't seem long now, hopefully another young musher in the making! I for one felt shattered and was so proud of all my girls. Shepherdsway Cinders @ Akna (Siku) and Arcticice Qimmiq Anana @ Akna (Aurora) stormed around the trails really working through the boggy sections to bring us home in first place. Matt Smith placed 5th with Shepherdsway Chestnut with Akna (Kai) and their sibe Diesel and Anne following in 6th with Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel @ Akna (Angel) and Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna (Kara). It was a very well supported class with i think 18 or more competitors so a very pleasing result for the CED's again. So we move on to this weekend just gone and yes as usual busy busy busy! It is Discover Dogs at Earls Court, London and we had Lizzie and Shepherdsway Jack Frost (Rufus) there on the Saturday later supported by Hariett and Akna North Wind (Flick). They were a real hit and attracted lots of attention. There is always a concern using young dogs at these events as it is a long day but Flick loves people and children as do all the other litter mates. We are all really proud of our dogs as clearly they have taken mums fantastic temperament and revel in strokes and fuss. Flick attended the Sunday for us too with Matt and had a wonderful day. On Saturday the Akna pack were receiving fuss and hugs from visitors at home. With plans for our 2013 litter well under way now with all the health tests done and paperwork in order it was a meet and greet day for one of our prospective new families. A husky owner for many years the family have been waiting for their son to grow a little more before introducing their next puppy. Its very exciting as they spend a lot of time abroad cross country skiing and in the mountains so it will a perfect situation for a CED puppy to be raised in. I already have a dog that lives in the French Alps and she loves skijoring and has a fantastic lifestyle. In fact I wouldnt mind living there myself! On the Sunday Maggie Wilkinson took Lemmy up to Hyde and District Canine Association Open Show and under judge Miss S Whybrow had an amazing result. Lemmy not only won puppy class, he went on to take Best AVNSC Puppy AND Best AVNSC Working but it didnt stop there! In the Working Group he took Group 3 and in the Puppy Group 2, needless to say Maggie is over the moon and so am I. That is the first Akna bred CED to take a working group placing and two in one day as well. At the same time I was with seven of the Akna dogs in Leicester at the Phoenix Centre for the film festival showing of The Last Dogs Of Winter. Costa Botes a New Zealand film director has put together an amazing documentary about Brian Ladoon and his colony of dogs on the Hudson Bay in Churchill, Canada. Our dogs are distant relatives of those dogs so when we were asked if we would support the event how could we say no? The dogs were greatly received and lots of photo's were taken and fusses dished out. Siku, Angel, Maple, Aurora, Napu, Desna and Kara were in attendance and really made the day complete. Some of the other Akna pack were there too for a little support and we had kit on display consisting of sled, rig, bike, harnesses etc for people to see and ask questions about. A big thank you to everyone who has supported and helped over this last couple of weeks, it really is greatly appreciated and its all to help raise awareness and promote our special breed so again thank you all. A big well done to Maggie and Lemmy on your fantastic results. If anyone has any updates on what they have been up to with their CED's please let us know. 

So much can happen in a week! Thursday was Midland Counties champ show. It was so exciting as it was Akna Northern Soul's (Maple) first show and we were looking for our Cruft's qualification as she was the last of the Akna Pack needing it. Also there was her sister Akna Northern Lights (Desna) and Akna Great Bear Of The North For Koldsnap (Lemmy), whose name is now confirmed. I also took Napu as he is still looking and moving great and the more experience he gets the better as he is only 15 months old so still a young boy. With great results the Canadian Eskimo Dogs really did make an impression in the AVNSC Working ring. I felt so proud watching both Maggie and Claire run the puppies that carry my name around the ring. Lemmy placed fourth in the Puppy Dog class, Napu placed second in Post Grad Dog, Maple placed second in Puppy Bitch and Desna third in the same class. Its an amazing feeling seeing them grow after everything we have been through to get them here and registered. Well after nice clean white dogs in the show ring we braved the weather in Thetford Forest for the AMWA Kings Forest night/day rally. Saturday through everything at us rain, sleet, wind, thunder, hail, snow, lightening and blue skies and boy was that trail tough with one dog on a bike. There were six CED's running at the event split between bikejor (which was a full trail) and AS/FDC class. With the hard graft on Saturdays night run Sunday looked even more difficult with rain over night and high winds. I had a few technical problems with the mountain bike over the whole weekend with the fact my own bike the brakes had leaked out their oil deeming it unfit to use, the bike i then borrowed was already being used in another class which gave me a delayed start Saturday but on Sunday i literally had a minute to grab the bike off the chap using it to get to the start before the off and then with a slight issue of Aurora taking a gee when we were supposed to go straight and nearly flying over the handle bars when the seat snapped off at full speed down hill i just expected my insurance policies to be cashed in there and then. How on earth i managed to remain on the bike with Aurora running like a scolded cat and my rear somewhat skimming the rear tyre god only knows! However with all the excitement of the race i didn't stop and managed a well deserved second place. Also in the bikejor was Anne running with Kara who placed fifth. In the AS/FDC it was nice to see Mr Atherton running a two dog team consisting of a malamute and Noah, why Simon didn't manage to experience such high levels of excitement on the trails is beyond me but obviously Noah did indeed have his sensible head on and the Casiat team finished second overall. The other team was three in the AS/FDC Angel, Siku and Napu who had two hard going but blinding runs and finished first place. We caught team Casiat on the night trail and it was a pleasure to race with Mr A again with such great control of the teams and amazing working ethic the overtaking was faultless by both dog teams. We did briefly see Mrs Casiat with little Romilly who for obvious reasons wasnt around for long at the night rally although after a recent bout of Chicken Pox probably the great outdoors was a better place to be and she got some fab shots of the CED's as did Lisa Mort so thank you for those. Moving on from racing Monday was spent at the Kennel Club building in London and in particular the library. Kath Howarth and Susan Thompson were brilliant in sourcing Eskimo Dog/Esquimaux/Huskie information that all relates back to the early dogs first seen in the UK. We found many dogs registered over the years, sporadic but lots to see and interestingly some of the specimens exhibited were sourced from Hudson Bay/Baffin Island in Canada and not from Greenland which may lead to some more interesting information begging question to the origins of some of the dogs we know differently today. The Zoological Societies also played a big part in showing and breeding exhibits before selling them off, in the early days to many wealthy individuals. We also found some old club magazines from the old "Eskimo Dog Club" they are a mine of information with some surprising articles to say the least! Health results and concerns and in books also some interesting pictures and references. I will start to collate the information and place some of this on the website over the next few weeks hopefully. Not an easy task as still working on getting the seminar DVD's put together. Plus with NWPB of Scotland and Delamere night rally coming up we are still busy here! 

Wow what a busy couple of weeks. First of all a big thank you to everyone that sponsored our climb up Mount Snowdon. Brandon was the first up with his two dogs and I closely followed behind with my two. We had a great climb up and even had snow when we neared the summit. The views were amazing and it was a great achievement to have the first Canadian Eskimo Dogs to the top of the second highest point in the UK. We are still collecting in our sponsorship money but will let you all know the final figure soon. Coming down was tough as the dogs were all harnessed up and on waist belts and just wanted to work all the way down too, it was interesting at times to say the least and with the snow turning to slush was quite treacherous in places. Even so it was a fantastic experience that we hadn't thought about doing before. I also spent some time at the Chesterfield library looking into the Asa Lee's collection stored there which contained some very interesting information on some very old "Esquimaux" dogs that were registered and shown the Kennel Club. There were some pictures and information on their owners which at some point I will sift through and post some of it on the website. I am hoping to visit the Kennel Club library soon and the British Zoological library as they too hold some vital information about the old dogs which i am sure is going to make very interesting reading. Onto some race results now, what an exciting start to the 2012-2013 race season. The first event attended by CED's was the Deans Doubles held in the beautiful Forest Of Dean. This event is a fun start to the season where musher's team up in pairs under team names. Each team member gets to run their team of dogs on their allocated time slot and the final times are added together to give the overall finish time. There were more CED's at this event than ever before with six from the Akna pack and six others between the other competitors, this included four of the "Akna" litter from this year who were not competing but did indeed have a mile run on the trails on the Saturday afternoon after racing had ceased. They all went out in pairs with an older, more experienced dog and trotted round the trail past spectators and even a herd of thirty or more wild boar! The teams for this year were Team Pole Position which was Racheal Bailey (Akna) and Sarah Heyes (Chillipaws) running between them seven CED's and in the novice class Matthew Smith was running Kai along with a Siberian. Pole Position did indeed live up to their team name and placed a very well earned first in their class. Sarah had ran one of the Akna dogs in her team and did a grand job and Racheals four dog were running on similar times to last year getting round the trail in around 14 mins. The Smiths team also put in a great finish with a second place for them. It was great to see the dogs all running and working so well and to see all the pupsters and how friendly they all were with dogs, people and each other. The girls are beautiful looking and have grown so much. This coming week several of us will be at Three Counties, then the AMWA Thetford Forest rally so plenty of chances to see the CED's showing and working. It will be Akna Northern Soul's (Maple) first show so I am very excited.

Another week has passed and again its been busy one way or another. A big congratulations to Maggie and Lemmy (Akna Nanuq Of The North For Koldsnap) on his first show. They went to the White Rose Canine Society show on Saturday. Lemmy took second in AVNSC Working Puppy and fourth in the AV Puppy stakes class. He was a very happy boy and loved the day. The first puppy out of the little pack to make a show debut. On Sunday was the first AMCUK Weight Pull event at Allerton Park. The Akna pack headed north along with visitors Matt and Harriet with Flick and Kaiser. When we arrived we had to weigh in the dogs. Angel was 52lb's, Aurora was 54lb's, Siku was 55lb's and Napu was 82lb's. This put the three girls all in the same class. Kaiser weighed in at 70lb's but was only going into novice class. He did really well, there were a few dogs in novice class this time. Napu and Aurora did really well as it was their first event too. Aurora was the first of the girls to go out after pulling 700lb's placing fourth and Napu was so funny. He pulled a pleasing 1400lb's placing fifth but i think it was more to do with the fact Andy who helps out and competes with one of his own dogs was stood behind him! I felt quite sorry for him as he is a really lovely chap but Napu really got it in his head that Andy was not to be trusted, funny boy. The girls did well, with Siku finishing in third place overall pulling 1100lb's and Angel placing second pulling an amazing 1200lb's. I am so pleased with their results. Next weekend we are off to climb Mount Snowdon in Wales to hopefully raise some funds for the CEDCGB. At a rough count we have around £45 up to now and if our offer to match it comes through that will take it up to around £90. My son Brandon who is now fifteen is also joining me with a CED. If you would like to sponsor us then please get in touch every penny pledged will be going into the club. 

A bit of a break in the breed notes I'm afraid. Its been busy here at Akna with the cooler weather we have been out 3-4 times a week training. With the weather so unpredictable it seems its better to get it while we can. The dogs are enjoying it all and even Maple has been running out with the guys too. I am very lucky that my gang are really obedient and have good recall on the trails, so puppy has been free running with the older dogs when they are in harness. I find this a really great way of getting them stretching all those muscles, enjoying the run without the strain of pulling and learning to ignore everything that's going on around them and focus on staying with their pack mates. I used to free run my dogs next to my bike years ago and have always found it gives them good focus and general fitness. I here on the grapevine that with the recent cold spell a certain peskimo has also taken to running well. Casiat's Noah has apparently been very keen in training and more focused, perhaps its that free running he has been doing!? Its great to hear the dogs are happy and looking forward to running as we are. Which leads me onto the next topic which is........drum roll please.......the rally season is here! Happy days spent in the forests of the UK, with cold, wet, windy, snowy and wintry weather is upon us at long last. The first event is this month in the beautiful Forest Of Dean, the Deans Doubles. This event is a great opener as it is more a fun event. There is a combined seven dog CED team entered between Akna and Chillipaws they are running in the 3-4 dog freight class and also we have the Smiths running Kai with their husky to team up in the 1-2 dog novice class, this will be their first event running on a rig as Matt has been scootering for a few years with their Siberians so exciting for them. Also congratulations to them on the acceptance of their new kennel name. "Gerifreki" was their choice based on their interests in Norse mythology Geri and Freki were the wolves of Odin. The translation of the name means ravenous or greedy ones, which is quite fitting for an Eskimo dog. Some of the pupsters will also be at the event but purely as spectators for now. Over to the show rings some of us travelled north to Cleethorpes and County Canine Association show for our breed classes. Our judge was Walt Howarth who would be considered a breed specialist. Him and his wife Kath were part of the original group to bring the registered Canadian Eskimo Dogs here in the late 1990's. I am sure Walt would be as excited and interested to judge our dogs just as we are to show under him. It was a good entry of seven dogs from junior to open with only one absentee. Napu as only junior won his class and then went on to take Reserve Best Of Breed all be it a very close call for that. Siku took first in Post Grad class giving Aurora a second place, in Open Rufus took first, followed by a second for Kara who then took Best Bitch and a third for Angel. Rufus then went on and won Best Of Breed and then a Working Group Three. Another great result for the CED. 

An exciting start to last week when the big brown envelope arrived at the house. Napu and Aurora's hip scores had arrived. I was not at home as it was my son that rang to say so i told him to open it as i couldn't wait till i got home! Aurora had already had her eye test prior to having her puppies and they were clear so fingers were crossed. With a total of 9 that was a great result and a great start to the puppies future with good health tests and a fantastic temperament. The big one for me was Napu, as he is from a long line of working Arctic expedition dogs. No health tests are done in these lines because working ethic is by far more important so when Brandon told me he was an 8 I was totally made up. Poo too had his eyes tested clear so now i can continue with the breeding plans i had and hopefully those waiting can get the Poo puppy that they have been patiently waiting for. I also spoke to Harriet and her boy Kai is a 13. I think I am about recovered after the last few weeks of organising the K9 Duathlon and Wolves Of Willesley Woodside event. Then the pre dog show prep that comes with owning white dogs! With most of the Akna pack staying at the event, two of the pack made their way north to Yorkshire to Darlington Championship Show. Maple (Akna Northern Soul) placed 5th in the Working Class out of 20 plus dogs which was great practise for her. While Napu and Kara settled in alongside each other at the show. With breed classes at this show it only leaves us with CED's one show for 2012 as the rest will all be AVNSC. Its quite exciting when its your own breed and there were two other CED's entered into the show. Shepherdsway Jack Frost (Rufus) and Steelpaw Vixen (Vixen). I left my two in the capable hands of Sharr and Jay who were also showing their own dogs and Maggie Wilkinson (Koldsnap) who owns Maples litter brother Lemmy. Eventually i got the call to say that judging was over and i was chuffed to bits. Maggie had done a fantastic job and handled Poo to win his class in Junior and then on to Best Dog. Kara was alone in her class but then went on to take Best Bitch which then meant both Poo and Kara were against each other for Best Of Breed. I cant believe my boy beat the top winning CED to get Best of Breed, I know he is a lovely dog but as the owner one always says that. Maggie did a grand job and even though there was no group placing for us this time I hope this is not the last time Poo can get to strut his stuff around the group ring. When they arrived back on Saturday evening I was still busy with the Shaun Ellis seminar and Sharr came in and presented me with the cards and rosettes, I was so happy that Poo had done so well. When I got back to the van after Poo was wooing away and so excited to see me. I gave him a massive hug and kiss and then we loaded the dogs up and took the quad out on the trails and did a 4 mile run. He worked really hard and I said to my friend its unbelievable that a few hours before he was trotting around the show ring and now in his harness just doing what he does, makes me very proud. A big well done to the others for supporting the classes. I think a couple of the puppies have some shows coming up, Lemmy has a local show and Maple will be with Poo at Midland Counties so fingers crossed for them all starting out in the big wide world of dog showing.

Its been a busy time with bathing for shows, in-between training with the cooler mornings. The City Of Birmingham show was quite good with an early start to the judging. AVNSC Working for us again but three CED's entered. Napu and Rufus were so well behaved and we stood side by side both inside and outside the ring talking and they just stand and chill. I am very impressed with the temperament of those two boys, Rufus for an adult and entire male is most definitely impeccable clearly a lot of time and effort has been put into him over the years and it shows. He is always up for a cuddle and hug from Auntie Rach and of course a small treat from my pocket! Kara on the other hand had other ideas at the show, she played up all the way in to the show jumping and play bowing and dashing about on the grass. This continued into the show ring with her diving at her shadow on the green carpet, pulling on the lead and wooing. She was having a ball however i wasnt so happy with her frolics!!! This lost her Best Bitch so a Reserve for her and no chance of challenging for Best of Breed. This was taken by Rufus, he really is racking up his BOB's at the minute. Napu won his Junior class and then took Reserve Best Dog was very pleased with him for that. Last week I sat waiting patiently for the all important phone call from the Kennel Club for my "North" litter registrations. It didn't come when I expected however after a long, painful weekend of waiting i got it. He said yes, not the man from Del Monte but the Kennel Club committee agreed that the litter should indeed be registered giving our gene pool here a well deserved bump up and also cementing a more solid future for us. All we need now is those all important hip score results from the BVA, its been a little over 4 weeks now so still a while to wait. This being patient thing is killing me. Its all worth it though. The next show for us I believe is Immingham at the end of September so a couple of weeks for that. I myself will be far busier, I got a good run in at Sherwood earlier in the week and will hopefully get another one in before the weekend and then I have my weekend event with Shaun Ellis and I get to run in the K9 Duathlon. My son Brandon will be running too and I am not sure who to run yet. Its a 2km canicross and then a 5km bikejor, ideally I would like to run two but I limited the event to one dog. It will be fun anyway.

With vans packed and dogs all loaded it was off to the AMWA Salisbury event. The event is organised as an educational weekend with the chance to do some training as well as participate in showing, weight pull, fun events and quizzes. The Akna pack arrived on Friday and was greeted by friends who had cooked dinner for us and saved us a spot with plenty of stake out space. The home made burgers went down a treat and the dogs were happy to be out the van after the trip. With the weather looking grim and getting cooler we decided to take the passenger rig out with some of the dogs. Angel and Siku have been desperate to get out over the last couple of weeks but with the weather being so humid this has not been possible. We put them in lead and then put Napu and Kara in wheel and set off with speed! They really did need the run as did all the others. On Saturday Fabrizio and Debra from Italy arrived. Since leaving us earlier in the week they had been to Oxford and Stonehenge. They were keen to see the dogs and meet all of Phoenix's neices and nephew from her sister Aurora's litter. Phoenix was very good at meeting everyone and didnt seem phased at all. It was nice to introduce them to some of the other CED's that they have only seen pictures of. I took them over to meet Becky and Dai Lewis who were there with all their Steelpaw pack. Noodle, Vixen, Sugar, Polar, Pogo and Badger who is now 12 years old. I left them to chat and take pictures and then they came to say goodbye before they left. We have invites to go to Italy in the future and hopefully we can work together to bring more interest and dogs to Italy. The puppies had plenty of playtime and regularly met up over the few days we were there. There will be some photo's added to the website gallery shortly, thank you to everyone who took their camera's and spent time taking some pictures for us. Just deviating off from the dogs I would just like everyone to wish Becky and Dai a big congratulations. They are expecting their first child due in November time so that's another junior musher or mushette for the future. Moving on to some show results on Sunday 26th August in the south at the AMWA Dog Show against Alaskan Malmutes and Siberian Huskys, little Maple (Akna Northern Soul) aged 20 weeks took a 6th place in Minor Puppy out of 20 - 30 entries. Kara (Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna) took a 2nd place in Adult Bitch and 1st in Prettiest Piebald. Further up the country Rufus (Shepherdsway Jack Frost) was at Suffolk Kennel Association Open Show. Not only did he take a 1st in AVNSC Working Open Dog he then went on to take Best Of Breed and then Working Group 2 under judge Bridget Bodle. In the last three shows a Canadian Eskimo Dog has taken a Working Group placing, its a fantastic achievement for the breed especially against the more common sled dog breeds. We are very proud of our dogs and hope to see more and more results like this in the future. The next outing for CED's will be Birmingham Show where we have three of the dogs entered. Fingers crossed for everyone.

It was a busy weekend for quite a few of us as we all headed from our different corners of England to meet at Wolves and Woofers GSD Rally and Show. Akna K9 were attending to give a demonstration to the public in the disciplines of canicross, bikejor and scootering. Supported by Arctic Wolf racing and friends with their dogs including some more CED's. However the weather was so hot we just couldnt jusify harnessing the dogs in those temperatures. So instead everyone decided to enter the obedience classes, dog show or generally chat to people about the dogs and what they do. There was a Pedigree Dog Show at the event so I entered the pesky's. With it being a male judge i thought Poo could do with the experience and the puppies would benefit as well. Napu got a first place in AV Junior class, Kara got a second in AV Open class and Kai although he didnt place in Open was again a very good boy and moved beautifully. He really is coming along well. With Poo taking a first he was called into Best Pedigree In Show alongside the AV Puppy, AV Sporting, AV Non Sporting and AV Open winners. Poo stood and moved as wonderful as always and clenched the Best In Show. The judge (Mr Brian Lowe) a Gundog man by heart said he moved really well and he really liked him and he knew what he was (shock:horror!) A big thank you to everyone who helped out, very much appreciated. Also a sad but happy time too little Star (Akna North Pole) made her flight to the USA on Tuesday. She arrived safely at JFK and Seanna (Arcticfire Kennel) collected little Star to begin her new life. She has been a wonderful puppy, in fact the whole litter have been bright as buttons and so friendly and forward. My house is back to normal now with just my pack left so normal service is resumed.....for now! It was wonderful to meet some of our international visitors for the first time this week. Fabrizio and Debra from Italy with their gorgeous girl Phoenix came to Leicester to visit us. We looked at pictures, chatted about the dogs and went for a walk followed by lunch. I am hoping they will be able to join us later this bank holiday week at the AMWA Salisbury event. We too along with lots of other CED's are set to be at this event. The Chillipaws gang, the Henrys with the lovely Desna, the Wilkinsons with Lemmy the little nibbler, the Smiths with their pack, the Steelpaw gang and the Bodleys. So plenty of Canadian Eskimo Dogs to see. If you would like more details on this event please drop me an email and I can get the point of contact, venue and directions for you. Have a lovely bank holiday all.

What a busy week here at Akna. Preparations for getting the 5 dogs ready for the East Midlands Canine Society Thursday night show were under way. With some quick ringcraft lessons for the handlers (and the dogs), grooming and more training. Its quite funny watching Aurora learning to be calm, she is so happy and excited to be out and about she just runs and jumps around. Not ideal for a the show ring of course but she is just such a cracking little dog which oozes energy its a shame to stop her. This has proven excellent in other areas though as once the harness goes on she is off and flies around the trails like a husky! With Aurora settling down it seems the excitement couldn't be contained by Angel and Siku who have had  enough of chilling out and want to be running. Don't worry girls the season is nearly here. Napu is his normal happy self and princess Kara just takes it all in her stride. With the dogs loaded off we went on our road trip. It was very exciting for me too as i wasn't planning on handling my dogs at the show as I had other commitments. I was stewarding for Sue Jones as she was judging several working breeds two of which I have had a lot interest in before. Our ring judging ceased in time for AVNSC Working so to the delight of my handlers I got myself ready and took 2 of the 5 into the ring. The Graduate class was a good result with Arcticice Qimmiq Anana @ Akna (Aurora) placing 2nd, Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel @ Akna (Angel) placing 4th and Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna (Napu) placing VHC. The Open class saw Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna (Kara) placing 1st, Shepherdsway Jack Frost (Rufus) placing 2nd and Shepherdsway Cinders @ Akna (Siku) in 3rd. Kara then went on to take Best AVNSC and Working Group 4 under Judge Sue Smith (Zeelukzak). She said some wonderful things about our beautiful Kara so we are happy. i have played catch up with the puppy owners this week. Maya has been to some show training and is a beautiful little girl but needs more training. Lemmy has been chilling with his mum and dad with the holidays and has enjoyed travelling around the UK, this will set him in good stead when his show and working career kick in. Billie has been having fun down the beach again due to the lovely weather in the South. Desna has been doing brilliantly at her obedience and ringcraft and i have seen lots of pictures of her. I will be seeing her next week and also Flick who will be heading north for a couple of days. This is when Star will head down south ready for her trip to the USA. Today she had her pre flight health check and her worming treatment and the vet was very happy with her. She has grown into a lovely young girl and Seanna (Arcticfire) will be thrilled when she arrives. Maple who i kept is coming along in leaps and bounds, she did very well at ringcraft the other night and walks lovely on her lead and her recall is amazing. I hope those long legs she has will be as good on the trails as her other family.

What a long week this has been! Since the show last weekend time has flown by and with the weather being very hot in places the dogs have not really been doing all that much. The Akna pack managed a very early training run on Thursday morning in the National Forest which settled everyone back down for a couple of days. Friday was an exciting day for the breed as I had organised for some of us to head to South to get hip scores done. The Fenskimo dogs Hawk and Chilli, two of the Akna dogs Napu and Aurora and the Smiths/Akna boy Kai all attended. It was a very exciting day and although the girls had a little moan the boys seemed very good with it all. Nice straight xray plates and looking at them they all look very good. Kim also had her boy Hawk re-xrayed. He had been xrayed before and the score can back from the BVA quite high, which was quite worrying however it had been left too long to rescore and appeal to the BVA. However looking at those plates his hips for a dog of his age and size looked pretty darn good to say the least. It was discussed by those present that the hips looked good and they were quite shocked at the result given. At least for now Kim can have her mind put at ease that there are no signs of HD and she can continue working him as he is a very strong dog that really pulls when being worked. After saying our goodbyes the Akna pack headed off to the Bracknall Forest for a nice bar-b-que and then a free run at Buttersteep Rise. It was strange being there and not seeing all the car park full of vans and dogs but we never saw a soul. Matt kept Kai and one of his siberians on the lead, Harriet had their other siberian and Scott had Kara while Jerry-Lee, Jade, Vika, Maple, Star, Flick, Aurora and Napu all had fun in the forest. They were black when we got back to the vans after finding the stinkiest bog they could but they were so good and came when called and stood waiting for drinks at the end together. I dont think there has ever been so many CED's running around in Bracknall it was a great sight to see. It was back home after with tired dogs and slightly more relaxed week ahead. The Akna pack will be at an event next weekend giving some canicross/bikejoor and scooter demo's and then Star will be heading back to Bracknall for a couple of days before heading to Heathrow on the final stage of her journey to the USA. She is probably the most travelled CED in the UK now after flying here in Aurora's tummy as a twinkle in her daddies eye and now flying back across the ocean to complete her destiny at the Arcticfire Kennel. All exciting stuff.

Wow what a fantastic weekend at East Of England Ladies Kennel Society show at Newmarket. With breed classes here for us it was nice to see some other people attending this year. The Salters, Akna Pack and The Smiths between them entered four dogs between the two classes. Three boys into Open dog Shepherdsway Jack frost, Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna and Shepherdsway Chestnut with Akna. Finishing the class in exactly that order. It was great to see the all the boys together. Princess Kara took the Open Bitch class on her own and took Reserve Best Of Breed to Rufus who took Best Of Breed. A little discussion due to the horrendous storm that broke out and it was decided all would stay for Working Group and Reserve Best In Show class. Rufus looked fantastic in the working group and it was a very close call. Judge Janice King was stuck between the Siberian and the Canadian, it was so tense at ringside but she eventually chose the Siberian giving the CED Group 2. Big cheers at ringside none the less another Working Group placing for a CED. The Reserve Group judge Kevin Young clearly liked the CED and this was also true in the Reserve Best In Show ring with every breed of dog that received a Reserve in the ring there was over 20 dogs and Kara was short listed in the final seven. Kara didn't move as well as she should just slacking off in the hot sun and after a long day but we were still very proud to have been short listed over so many breeds. The Akna pack bid their farewells and headed off to Thetford Forest for a well deserved walk with the dogs. Poo had a ball running around the forest in all the puddles and mud and didn't look very much like a show dog at all! Well done to everyone and it a big thank you to Bill Robins for coming to support us and taking some lovely pictures.

Summer is definitely here at long last and CED's all over the UK have been enjoying the warmer weather. The Chillipaws gang down in Devon have been regular visitors to the coast. Keep the pictures coming of the dogs enjoying themselves. The Akna gang have been on a road trip to Scotland. Catching up with friends from the races and exploring the Scottish countryside and coast. Star has shown her hunting skills down on the beach emerging with a dead baby shark! Maple was running around with the big guys in and out of the sea without any fear and Napu spent the whole morning running around, playing, swimming, climbing the rocks and exploring. Kara had a morning greeting with 40 or so sheep that were not in the field when we set up camp however had appeared through the night. She was such a good girl and got straight back in the van all happy and wagging. It was a lovely trip and the dogs really enjoyed it and with the high temperatures hindering any chances of running the dogs the swimming and free running around on the sand really does keep them in tip top condition. In the East the Casiat crew have been sending some lovely pictures across of their little girl Romilly and Noah. Its so nice to see the dogs with children and you can see just how much they adore each other. Traditionally Inuit children would play and mix with the dogs all the time and Pesky's certainly have lots of time to play. In the north Rufus had his trip to Leeds Champ Show and being judged by Mr Paul Singleton he placed him First in Open Dog and then he took Reserve Dog. Next weekend we will be at Newmarket Racecourse for the East Of England Ladies Kennel Association show.

First of all sad news I'm afraid. Some of you may have been lucky enough to know him, others should have taken the time too. A sad day on Thursday 12th July Alan Hickmott passed away at home with friends and Follie. Alan was very much a lover of the "Eskimo" dogs and back in the mid to late 90's had competed with his two beloved dogs Badger and Mungo. He was also back then a member of the old "Eskimo Dog Club Of Great Britain". Alan was a funny man with a great sense of humour and was much loved. I really got to talk to him over the last couple of race seasons as he had seen my dogs and was interested to know more, that's when he started telling me of his involvement back in the early days with the dogs. He showed me old pictures and paperwork that he had kept safe and sound and was kind enough to let me copy  some which I will not only keep safe and sound but will put on the club website for all to see. One thing for sure I am glad that Alan liked my dogs and that Napu reminded him so much of Mungo so that he could reflect back and think of those fun and happy times with his dogs, that's an endorsement to be proud of. It was also a fitting tribute that on Sat 14th July at National Working and Pastoral Breeds, David Salter asked the stewards at the Siberian Husky ring to hold a minutes silence before judging for Alan. Rest in peace Alan and we spare a thought for your loved ones left behind at this sad time. Well, also at W&PB the CED had their classes and judge on the day was Simon Luxmoore-Ball. I must say some of us were a little apprehensive of being judged by someone we didn't know but what a friendly and patient man he was. It was a shame that Mr and Mrs Smith didn't make it with their boy due to illness but that left 6 pesky esky's, some more pesky than others I might add! All the dogs were super friendly and even Rufus and Napu at very close quarters were being very good, very proud of them. With lots of helpers (thank you all) judging began and the end results were certainly what we would of expected. BOB and Best Dog was Shepherdsway Jack Frost, Reserve Best Dog & Best Puppy was Napu Of Northwinds at Akna, Best Bitch and Best Opposite Sex was Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna and Reserve Best Bitch was Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel At Akna. Although it was a close call for BOB between Kara and Rufus again. Rufus went into Working Group and so did Poo into Puppy group, although it is at times a little disheartening that our breed never quite gets that second look. I was certainly chuffed to bits with Poo's last show as puppy and with him turning 1 year old on the 15th its big Happy Birthdays to him. he has really settled down now with the judges, movement is always good with him and his friendly disposition really does make him cut the mustard. Aurora was as happy as always and really is showing signs of settling down in the ring quite well. She still has no coat and is still putting the weight back on after motherhood but is such a sweetie. The next outing for the CED I believe is Leeds where Rufus is heading north to compete in AVNSC, good luck up north.

I would just like to say a personal thank you to the committee of the CEDCGB for the lovely flowers and thank you card after the seminar. It was hard work but I am just glad after reading all the feedback that everyone who attended learnt something and went away with a better understanding of the breed. It was a very enjoyable event and I would hope that we can offer something in the future for our members and enthusiasts. if you have any ideas of suggestions please get in touch. The weather really is proving to be a pain at the moment. We have had so much in such a short time and its affecting so many of the events and shows. This weekend was the East Of England Championship Show and wash out is not the word. Luckily the car park is mostly hard standing so for us getting three clean, white dogs into the show ground wasn't too much of a challenge. It was finding space ringside that proved a bit of a problem. There was quite a lot of tension with wet dogs, cages and general showing paraphernalia. For some it seemed the dogs were far more relaxed with the crowded conditions than some of the owners! AVNSC Working was being judged by Kevin Young and a range of dogs with four CED's, Tibetan Mastiffs, German Pinschers and Giant Schnauzers. Its quite nice at times to be in the NSC classes, you get to see a wide range of dogs and I find the owners to be a really nice group of people who are keen to tell you about their breed and be both complimentary and congratulatory. The CED's today were three of the Akna pack, Napu (entered into puppy), Kara (entered into Post Grad) and Aurora (entered into Open) East Of England being her first ever show. Plus Rufus into Open. Napu was a little uneasy with the clapping and cheering from the GSD ring nextdoor and the tannoy. But with this aside he was happy for the judge to go over him and moved so well. This won him his class and Best AVNSC Puppy. Kara was a dream as always, moved beautifully and stood stock still for her cheese. She took first in her class, Best Bitch and Best Opposite Sex to the Schnauzer who went on to win the Working Group. Aurora was the only one in her class and moved around the ring like a gazelle, happy she was a little too happy but stood for the judges inspection and has her Crufts qualification. Rufus was also a little happy in the ring today and thus took a second in his class and took Reserve Best Dog. It was nice to see so many CED's together and they all complimented each other at ringside and behaved impeccably I must say. It was nice to see people interested in our breed again and some familiar faces were around during judging to show support or to come and say hello. Next weekend will see seven CED's at National Working and Pastoral Breeds so good luck to everyone who has entered the show.

Well last week was exhausting but amazing all at the same time. Tuesday I travelled down to Heathrow to pick up Matty McNair who was going to be guest speaker at the CEDCGB Breed seminar. With all prep work ready for Wednesday we set off to the venue slightly early so I could get the dogs settled. Several other people arrived early too and had brought along different working spitz breeds for after the seminar. Once everyone arrived Carol Atherton and I thanked everyone for attending and got underway. Matty gave a fun filled presentation with some amazing pictures in her slide show which was well received. We broke for a lovely buffet lunch which gave people a chance to talk as there were a few faces there from the past. Bill Robins who used to own CED's many years ago joined us and told me stories about the dogs he remembered back in the 1990's. Getting back to business we handed over to Christina Chapman who I must say not only made several of us look like complete idiots was a comedienne whilst delivering a very informative and breed specific Movement and Conformation in the working dog presentation. Christina had clearly taken a lot of time in looking into our breed and at such short notice I would like to thank her both personally and on behalf of the CEDCGB. To finish off the day I had permission from Costa Botes, a New Zealand film director to show a documentary that has not yet gone to production, The Last Dogs Of Winter. It is a controversial documentary about the kennel of Canadian Eskimo Dogs in Churchill, Canada owned by Brian Ladoon. It showed the dogs interacting with wild Polar Bears, purely kept as a breeding program as the dogs are no longer used as working sled dogs. However it gave great insight to the true plight of our breed, the tough characters that they are in order to survive and some great images of the CED in its true raw state. The day was a great success. Thursday seemed to arrive too quickly and I took Matty back to Heathrow to fly back to Canada and then drove on to Windor Dog Show. I had two dogs entered into the show and the Salters had brought their boy Rufus and also the Smiths had brought Kaiser too. There were several dogs in the AVNSC Working and Pastoral class. Rufus took a First in Open Dog and Best Of Breed, Kaiser got a first place but is quite new to showing so was a little too happy and bounced around the ring on the move but none the less behaved impeccably. Kara got her first in Post Grad Bitch. Napu was a star and Frank Kane was very thorough with him. Poo didnt mind at all as he can sometimes be a little nervous of strange men but moved well and got a second in Puppy Dog. The temperatures were unreal and soared well into the late 20's and possibly early 30's! While we had heat waves the rest of the country seemed to be struck by storms and even a tornado which brought hail stones up to 5cm back home in Leicester. A fantastic day had by all so a big well done to the exhibtors. I would also like to say on behalf of the CEDCGB a very big thank you to everyone that attended our breed club seminar, we hope you all went away with a new knowledge and understanding of our very special breed. Many of you asked about club membership and judges applications. If you could drop us an email with your request it will be passed onto our club secretary for their attention. Our website has been updated with some new gallery pictures as well as a bit of breed history with the last 10 years of CED's at Crufts whom have taken Best Of Breed. We have also put a video on our links page sent from the Kennel Club titled "Dont cook your dog!" please take the time to watch the video. With recent hot weather and reading many stories of dogs dying in hot cars it would be a couple of minutes of your time to think about stopping this happening to your dogs. 

The Canadian Eskimo Dog Club Breed seminar bookings are almost full, so if you are interested in attending please drop an email or a call to the contact details below to avoid disappointment. The Akna "North" litter are all doing well with their new homes. All are growing well and settled in. Now just over 10 weeks old now, those little balls of fluff are running around causing havoc! All reported to be sleeping through the night, eating well and intergrating with their new packs. Its so nice hearing about them. Aurora has finally dried up her milk and hopefully looks set to be putting on weight nicely too. Maple and Star are both with the Akna pack and are fitting in well. Puppy training starts this week, should be fun. I wonder what they will make of all the naughty dogs at class? Sunday was an exciting day as Southampton and Distric Canine Association had their show and Shepherdsway Chestnut @ Akna aka Kai owned by Mr and Mrs Smith and Ms Bailey had his debut. it was the first ever show he has been to and he has been attending ring craft and coming along really well. Sitting by the phone in anticipation they ended up getting a first place in Post Graduate AVNSC Working. The judge has no problem going over him and was told he moved lovely. A big well done to them and a big head scrub for Kai for being such a good boy. Flick couldnt go into the show to support but decided that staying asleep in the car would be a better option! At the same time Sarah from Chillipaws has taken Billie down to the beach for the first time. She has paddled in the rock pools, eaten some seaweed and had an ice cream. Hard life being a puppy.

Boston Premier evening show was so busy, i was surprised to see so many people and dogs. We found our ring and chatted to a some people from the racing circuit that were also showing. I also bumped into Ray who is such a lovely man. Ray Morland whom i brushed up my adult handling skills with a few years ago is part of the show. He came to say hello and i introduced Napu to him who he thought was lovely. Poo wasnt bothered by Ray at all even though he is well over 6ft tall and sporting a bright "tango" orange shirt. This wasnt to be the same in the ring, Poo wasnt happy with the judge and although stood and moved spot on wouldnt let the judge touch him. Got some work to do with him as he is such a friendly boy once he gets to know people. This weather certainly is more for ducks rather than dogs! With Wednesday spent bathing and blasting Napu for his show at Three Counties it possibley would of been better to shampoo him in the car park prior to the show. It rained from the minute we left Leicester right the way through the day. Once inside it was quite slippy but we got settled and chatted to some lovely people who all had dogs smaller than his head. It was Working and Toy and the class we had entered was AVNSC of the two. The judge was a lady so Poo could relax in the ring. In our class only two dogs and poo got second. I was a little disappointed as he was such a good boy and moved so well but she clearly was a Toy breed judge and even the Bouvier never got a look in. Well thats another dog ticked off the crufts Qualification list. We still have some work to do with regards to this "man" thing as the stakes class judge had the same effect on him. I cant seem to pinpoint quite what it is other than hesitation by the judges but at least he doesnt grumble or snap so i am happy about that. In fact Poo never is a grumpy boy. His harness training is still ongoing and he is doing so well. After Three Counties we encountered a long drive to Scotland, arriving very late at night and bedding down near to Edinburgh airport, (right under the landing flight path!) The trip was to friends and to get the new rig carrier fitted to the back of the van and to collect a passenger rig. With a couple of test runs around a local forest it was a done deal. This will enable me to run more dogs on trails that do not allow the use of the quad which has become an invaluable training tool since getting the extra dogs. Aurora (Arcticice Qimmiq Anana @ Akna) also had a run out with the bigger team and this time was right on the ball even running out lead next to an experienced dog. She is such a happy girl when she runs and has taken to harness work like a duck to water. Here at Akna we excitedly opened the Kennel Club envelope last week that contained her KC papers. Its very exciting as the breeder in Canada had her up for sale for a while and then was supposed to be sending her to the UK but for whatever reason it all fell through. Luckily everything went to plan for us and now we await the registrations for her kids and getting all the little guys and Aurora qualified for Crufts too. Another exciting happening is the Canadian Eskimo Dog breed seminar being held on June 27th. Matty McNair an explorer and polar guide is giving a presentation, Christina Chapman will be discussing the conformation and movement in the working dog and we have a very interesting article being sent across from Canada from Genevieve Montcombroux who has been involved with the breed for several decades. There will be several dogs there and confirmed judges from working backgrounds as well as those who have judged the breed before or maybe doing so in the future. if you are interested in coming along to the seminar please contact Racheal Bailey (Akna) via rachealbailey33@hotmail.com or telephone 07921136975 places are limited at this event.

Well i hope everyone is enjoying the weather and the dogs are all coping. At Akna rig/quad training the dogs has been put a hold somewhat. Temperature and humidty have been high so  walking of the dogs has been very early or very late in the day! We managed to get to Sherwood Forest before 6am last weekend, so everyone got a run. The forest was all ours, apart from some deer and the odd squirrel. Aurora did her first 2 mile trail on the rig with my oldest dog and was happy girlie. Pine cone alley was fun as im sure every pine cone needed a smack with a paw to send it flying down the trail. Back at home paddling pools full of water have been greatly appreciated either for drinking from or playing in, pesky eskys certainly love water. The puppies are nearly 8 weeks old now and have been having a ball outside and with this good weather toilet training has been a breeze. They will all be heading off to their new homes this week/weekend. Sarah from Chillipaws is adding another little girl to her pack. There are a couple of them going to first time CED homes which is very exciting. People which have been working and showing their current sled dogs for many years, its nice to involve some new people into our wonderful breed. I have added to my pack a grey female who I have called Maple and Star is staying for a short while. Star is set to go to New York early August to begin her new life with a show kennel and hopefully to be an ambassador there; as her new owner has done lots of work with several of the kennel club organisations. There are some upcoming shows that some of the CED's will be at. Windsor, East Of England, Boston and Three Counties spring to mind. So come along and see us. There may be a breed seminar coming up in late June, just got a few things to confirm but we will list the info here if we go ahead. It should be quite exciting as Matty McNair, a polar guide and explorer is coming over to the UK for a few days to spend sometime with us here at Akna. I think she is excited to be coming here to see the dogs as we are to have her.

Wow what a fantastic weekend for Canadian Eskimo Dogs. On Saturday 19th May, Judge Ray McDonald at Wickford, Basildon and District Canine Society Open Show gave Rufus (Shepherdsway Jack Frost) a 5th place in AVNSC Working Open Class. While on the same day Judge Eddie Webster at Loughborough and District Canine Society Open Show saw Poo's (Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna's) first outing into the show ring and took a third place in AVNSC Puppy Class. He was very good and stood well for the judge and moved very well. It was a little daunting due to the bad weather we had been moved inside so the rings were smaller but it was quite cool. In AVNSC Post Graduate Kara (Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna) took a fourth. The following day at Coventry and District Kennel Association Open Show AVNSC Working started with Napu getting a third place again. Judge Dave Parish gave him several chances but today he just wouldnt stand for him to go over him. Although he commented on his movement he placed him last in the class which was fair enough, such a shame after yesterdays confidence. However the star of the show shone brightly today. Kara took a first place in AVNSC Working Open and then went on to take Best AVNSC Working. He really liked her and she seemed to like him, she wagged and moved like a dream. So it was wait for the Working Group, also judged by Dave Parish. It wasnt long before it was called and all the Working Group Dogs entered into the ring with Kara being held back till last in. What a line up it was but again Kara did her best and took it all in her stride with little woo woo's as she trotted around the ring for her final movement of the day. You can imagine the shock being pulled out in the short list of four and then being given the Working Group Two! This is the highest group placing for an Adult Canadian Eskimo and what a proud moment. I left the ring so happy with tears and smiles. It was lovely that people outside the ring were also chuffed to see a CED get such a placing. Kara has just come on in leaps and bounds and is such a good girl. Thank you to Dave Parish for being so patient and for thinking so highly of our girl.

What a fantastic weekend at the National Dog Show. It was a good turn out with 6 CED’s present and a couple of the dogs we haven’t seen around the show rings for a while. It was a nice atmosphere and the dogs did very well inbetween rain showers and wind! A big well done to Rufus taking Best of Breed again and to Kim for qualifying her two entrants for Crufts so early in the year. Kara did really well by winning Bitch and taking Best Bitch. A proud moment everytime, she does so well and for a rehome dog with zero background on showing or working its wonderful to see. There was quite an interest in the dogs, what with the new litter well and truly on the ground and with the prospective new owners coming to ringside to take a look its proving to be quite exciting for everyone. I must say i would like to thank the judge Jeff Luscott for his time. Not only did he take his time with each dog and go over them gently, he also explained his reasoning for placings and some bits of advice on various things. His judging and conversation was well received. As for puppies well growing well coming up to six weeks old now and eating, playing and sleeping hard. The beginning of June will see the youngsters going to their new homes with six of the little gang staying here in the UK and one pup travelling over to the USA. It will be nice to see some new pups at the shows and hopefully more dogs at Crufts 2013. There are six more shows this year with classes for us, check out the website to check out where we will be over the coming months.

Well its been a hectic couple of weeks at Akna HQ since the new CED litter arrived but they are doing very well. Meals of warmed goats milk are gladly welcomed, howling at 4am is however not! They are very active and happy little things and their colours are really amazing and have changed since they were first born. The litter have met their prospective new parents and I am very pleased that they will hopefully be all training through the summer ready for shows and harnesses later in 2012. More exciting news is that Racheal's imported CED boy known as "Poo" has now received his registration and Napu Of Northwinds @ Akna (as he is now officially known) will be out and about at shows through the summer. Akna's other import (mother to the puppies) Arcticice Qimmiq Anana @ Akna's registration paperwork has arrived from the CKC so more great news for the CED's here in the UK. There are quite a few excited new and old CED owners to say the least. Keep an eye out in the show rings over the summer for the new dogs. With shows in mind there are a few shows with CED classes, very exciting "The Nordic Show" scheduled for Nov 24th 2012 at Connexions, Coventry has kindly for the first time included us at their show. If you have any details of any shows that might be interested in putting on classes please contact Carol Atherton, Email: casiat1@btinternet.com

On Friday 6th April a very special event took place. A litter of seven CED puppies was born in the UK. The first litter from outside lines and not from Shepherdsway dogs. The one boy and six girls will now open up the gene pool here for the first time since Ann Allen, Walt and Kath Howarth brought the CED's here in the late 1990's. Born at Akna Kennels to an imported Canadian Female the puppies all have a great future ahead of them. Six of the puppies will be staying in the UK and are all going to working/show homes however one of the magnificent seven will be heading to the USA to a show kennel alongside some other CED's from Canada to be ambassadors there.

Well thats it for the race season now, it all ended for the Akna dogs with a trip to Pembrey Forest on the coast of Wales. Racheal Bailey took a second place with her two sisters Angel and Siku and Anne Sharman ran the third team dog Kara in the scooter class to bring back a well deserved third place. After the racing the temperatures soared to 16c so all the dogs went on a well deserved trip to the beach. With miles and miles of open sand and sea the dogs pretty much had it all to themselves and had the chance to run and swim in the sea. it was wonderful to see all the dogs playing and some fantastic pictures were taken. We will upload some of shots to the CEDGB website gallery soon. Akna are still patiently awaiting the arrival of their first litter of CED's. After a successful trip over Canada and then to Heathrow "Aurora" a stunning white female CED made it safely to the UK with her special cargo. Her pregnancy was confirmed by scan 3 weeks ago and she is due any day now. This is a very exciting time for everyone involved as the sire of the puppies is a completely unrelated dog to the dogs currently in the UK so this will open the gene pool up even more so. All the puppies are expected to go to homes where they will be worked and shown so expect to see quite a few puppies around the show's and rallies during 2012/2013. The Canadian Eskimo Dog Club of Great Britain will be holding their AGM in May. The venue is at Carol and Simon Athertons home Anchor Farm Cottage, Woods Lane, Little Ellingham, Norfolk, NR17 1JZ. Just in case you need more directions or information you can call Carol direct on 01953451519. The meeting will open on Sat 5th May at 11am. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Well what a fantastic week at Crufts for the CED. A big thank you to everyone who helped and offered to do so, its great to have the support of people with and without the dogs. Racheal Bailey and Lizzie Salter arrived on Thursday to kick off with the dogs on the Discover Dogs stand. Angel and Rufus (litter sister and brother) were meeting people through the day. Friday was Stu and Siku on the stand. Although Stu doesn't own a CED he attends many race type events with his own dog and thoroughly enjoyed talking to people about the dogs and the outdoor activities that can be taken in part in. Saturday was the big day for everyone, arriving not only to provide dogs on the DD stand but to show our qualified dogs too. Sarah Heyes girl Sinopa and one of Racheal's new Canadian import dogs manned the stand. It was a big experience for Napu who is only 8 months old but he attracted a lot of attention, although Sinopa who loves people made she sure she was well in with all the visitors! Down on the benches it was a great turn out. Every dog entered turned up which was fantastic. The whole Wookie and Polar litter were at Crufts. Rufus, Orlaigh, Angel, Siku, Kezzie and Sinopa. The results between these guys were so close with Rufus taking Best of Breed, Orlaigh taking Reserve Best Of Breed and Siku taking Reserve Best Bitch. The Reserve dog place went to Dakota also a Wookie puppy. It was nice to catch up with everyone and see how the dogs have changed and grown. A really nice example was Sugar (Shepherdsway Snowdrop), she currently stays with Becky and Dai and she has come on really well and has blossomed into a lovely young girl. The highlight of comedy was Jude and her tights. I think that brought a smile to everyone's face as she struggled with them staying up! We also had a lot of visitors down to the benches both old and new faces. A big thank you to everyone who came to support us, with folk travelling from all corners of England, Scotland and Wales. Crufts also gave the CEDCGB committee time to catch up. Its been a while since many of us have had the chance with the Atherton's having their new addition Romilly born in January, the Gow's being right up in Scotland and pretty much everyone else busy with work, dogs or life. We would like to ask all existing and new members for any photo's, info, results and stories to include on the website and within the newsletter.

February has been lots of training & rallies plus training for Crufts too. A combination of ringcraft during the week to trim the dogs up & the handlers for handling the dogs in the ring. The dogs are so universal one minute trotting nicely along in training to pulling a harness & rig through the forest. There are 11 CED's entered for Crufts in March. There are also dogs on the Discover Dogs stand. We missed Earls Court this year but will be back there in November, great place to meet the CED up close & personal. Good luck to everyone that's entered. The BSHRA has continued to put on some fantastic rallies within the Thetford Forest. Some very close finishes between Racheal & Simon. But the overall season finished with Racheal & her three little girls taking first place DF Championship & Simon Atherton & Noah second. Big well done guys. 

A big well done to Team Akna, Team Khakassia and Team Chillipaws on their success at the Arden range and SHCGB 29th Aviemore Sled dog event in Scotland. On the Friday morning the Weight Pull event saw Akna sisters Angel and Siku finish second and third in the 41-60lb class. At the weekend rally in the C2 class Racheal, Hendrix, Angel, Siku and Kara finished in fourth place, also taking the highest placed combined weight pull and rally trophy "The Lunar Cup". In the E2 class with some outstanding competition and finishes saw Sarah in third running Marley, Usher and Sinopa taking home the "Tamischka" trophy along with the highest placed mother and furthest travelled. Holding off stiff competition in fourth place Cheryl with Dakota, Luna and Lilly. E2 was a very competitive class this year with some great teams and day one of the event saw cold winds, sleet and snow storms and a trail with the consistency of a slush puppy! Monday was the SHCGB eye clinc and we are pleased to say that the Akna dogs tested were all clear. Angel, Siku and Akna's new edition "Poo" were all very well behaved. Napu, affectionately known as Poo is Akna's new male CED. This was his first Aviemore and it didnt phase him at all and he loved every minute of the cold and snowy weather. Tuesday was the SHCGB Trek and the dogs were brilliant. Several CED's took off in their group teams and covered the 10 or so miles with ease. Their were some technical issues such as Team Scotland snapping a rig frame and a head stock and Team Akna bent the side of their rig on the goat trail boulders but everyone got back in one piece and the Akna/Chillipaws dogs loved it and romped in little affected by the trail. Another big well done goes to the Casiat humans Carol and Simon Atherton and the birth of their not so little girl Romilly Elise, weighing in at 10lb 1oz! Big congrats from everyone a new musher is born. 

Hi all hope you had a wonderful start to the year.  The weather has been quite warm after the recent days so Sherwood SHCGB rally was hard going for Team Akna. Angel, Siku and Kara worked their furry butts off to bring home a beautiful 1st place shield. Day one was not too bad with a cold wind but Day two was very warm and on leaving the start line the sun was shining. Its a good training run pre Aviemore so more training will ensue. Crufts entries close soon but up to now there are several CED's entered and on the Discover Dogs stand. So if you are interested in CED's or would like some information please come and find us at Crufts Working Day on Saturday 10th March, where you will see the breed in the show ring. For all other days there will be dogs on the Discover Dogs stand and plenty of information will be available. I hope to keep you all updated from Aviemore this year as several teams from around the country will be competing their Eskimo Dogs against other breeds in the SHCGB Arden Grange Sled Dog Rally in Scotland. There will be at least 9 dogs taking part in the Weight Pull, Rally and Trek and we will bring you some video footage and pictures from the events too.

(Picture Courtesy of Mark Wyard)

Can I just start by saying I hope everyone has had a wonderful christmas. The CED folk have been out and about in all weathers and from one extreme to the other! The Scottish gang "Khakassia" have been lucky enough to get out on the snow (well at least one day of their event!) in Scotland. The SDAS Darnaway rally was a rig event on the Saturday and Mike Gow ran three of their Eskimo's for a first place and then with Sundays race cancelled they went out on sled's just for fun.

Send some south guys will you? 

Also with Livingstone Canine Society Open Show kindly putting CED classes on they took the team along there too. The final pick was 1st place to Shepherdsway The Big Chill, 2nd Shepherdsway The Little Chill and in 3rd Shepherdsway Raven. I think a few handlers were borrowed and all did very well. Well done guys. In the middle of England there hasn't been any shows or rallies attended so Team Akna have just been out training regularly, keeping up fitness ready for their next event which is SHCGB Sherwood in January. 

Down in the south however, AMWA organised a trek over Salisbury Plain. There was only two CED's taking part but judging from the pictures it was a very wet and muddy affair.

(Photo courtesy of Mark Squires)

Hopefully next year there will some more Peskimo's out and about at shows, rallies, weight pull and trek's plus some other events to keep an eye out for such as Discover Dogs at Crufts in March and hopefully for the first time at the Nordic Show, purely for all sled/spitz type dogs. 2012 looks like its going to an exciting and interesting year for Canadian Eskimo Dogs. 

Wishing you all a very Happy 2012 whatever you may be doing.

Well this last week has been wet, windy and cold for most of us! This has not stopped those of us with CED's getting out other than the Scottish gang who suffered with very high winds and issued with travel warnings. Michael posted some pictures on facebook while at work and with winds well into 150 miles an hour at times its hardly surprising the damage sustained in the north was bad for some. The Owen's Pembury Open rally was cancelled, a real disappointment so the Akna Pack met up with the "Coldfeet" siberian huskies gang and went to Sherwood Forest training instead which was a great run. Down in the south the Chillipaw's gang have been training ready for Aviemore in January 2012, running their E2 class team together which is going well and keeping Hendrix (Shepherdsway Apache) nice and trim ready for his run with Racheal and her team of girls for their C2 class entry. Sarah has been informed that if it is a sled rally she will be a passenger with Racheal as she thinks its funny running four dogs on a sled! The running lists for the SHCGB Aviemore rally are up on their bulletin board this week and there are lots of entries, especially in the freight classes. The event also has weight pull and a trek which will see more CED's taking part in too! Racheal's two girls Angel (Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel) and Siku (Shepherdsway Cinders) are both entered into the weight pull at Aviemore and will also be going to AMCUK's next weight pull event next weekend to get a bit of practice in before January. Also entered in the weight pull event in January is one of the Khakassia dogs plus the trek will see Racheal's four dog team taking part, Sarah Heyes with Sinopa in her team and we believe the Khakassia dogs will also be taking part. It seems there will be lots of CED's at Aviemore next year. How exciting! The CED website could do with some more pictures of all your CED's so please email us with some. 

Another fantastic weekend for the CED with some fab results. SHCGB Rally at Elveden Forest, Norfolk. Simon & Carol Atherton's Noah (Shepherdsway Snow Ghost of Casiat) was the sole CED runner this weekend, running with his Mally big brother Xabi (Shepherdsway Black Label) of Casiat). Saturday was very warm and humid with temperatures reaching 15 degrees at times and whilst it dropped to around 12 degrees at race time it was a tough stage. As well as the heat the overnight rain had made the trail heavy in places and throughout the 3.4 miles there were a couple of deceptive little slopes. In just his second competitive 2-dog outing Noah found it a little tough and was reluctant to run on. However the conditions were the same for all and overnight 2nd place out of 7 overall wasn't bad. Sunday was at least 5 degrees cooler and much more favourable. Noah also found reverse seeding to his liking and was running much more confidently overtaking 4 teams ahead of him meaning the 2nd place stayed in the bag. The times reflected this and the boys were over a minute and a half quicker than Saturday. More importantly they were the quickest 'all freight team' only being beaten by a mixed Sibe team. The tricky conditions were a good experience and judging by the quiteness in the kitchen a real test for Noah. He will be out again in a fortnight at the BSHRA Kings Forest event. At the same time at Sherwood Forest, Racheal Bailey and the Akna Peskimo's were running the three dog team class DF at the ABSA Championship Sherwood event. A brilliant run on the sunday took them into a clear lead sitting first place with some great overtaking with Lisa Morts home bred mally team. This is easy for the girls as they overtake like a dream but was a great experience for the other young team. Day two was colder and not quite so windy as the previous day but with a first out in the class Angel, Siku and Kara just took off and stormed home with well over a minute ahead of second place. Kara had also taken the initiative at the mushers meeting to slip her collar and trot up to find out where mum was, what time we were out and have a quick look at the trail map! This tactic clearly worked as Kara was brilliant working well in the team and even trying to catch the two lead girls on the grass straight. The Scottish Peskimo's were not out this weekend partly due to Luna having picked a bug up and needing some well earned R and R. A great time had by all yet again. Click on the You Tube video link below to see some footage from Sherwood.

Its been great fun training over the last week as the weather has gotten colder of an evening. The Akna Peskimo's Angel, Siku and Kara have been loving the colder weather and even though they are coming into season it hasnt affected them running at all. Proof of this was at the AMWA Forest Of Dean event where they stormed round to a first place on the 3.4 mile trail in a second over 19 mins on the saturday and were over a minute quicker on day two of the event running in a fan hitch, (even with the loose pug dog attached to Siku's neck and a rather impromptu squirrel moment!) Even so the girls were impeccable on their turns and behaviour. Joining the event was Mr and Mrs Heyes with Team Chillipaws dog's Sinopa running with their malamute Marley bringing a second place for Sarah. Stephen (Mr Chillipaws) Heyes had his first event and had opted for scooter class with Hendrix. This too was his first event and although day one went ok and left them sitting in eighth place sunday was slightly more eventful for all the wrong reasons! The trail was a fast and hard mile with a downhill hairpin bend that Hendrix took very fast, however the co-pilot didnt manage to quite navigate the turn and from eye witness accounts (thank you keith Martin for the heads up shame you didnt get any photo's) Stephen flew through the air at great speed, hit the bank and then the floor while the scooter and Hendrix were heading to the finish line at speed with shouts of "Hendrix, come on mummy got your dinner!". All was ok with Hendrix, the scooter needed a little tlc and Stephen was given lots of sympathy from all of us. It has now been decided that scootering is for mental people and a new rig needs to be bought so that Mr Heyes can compete safely in future. He still maintained his eighth place out of i believe 15 entries so still a good result. Well done to all this weekend. The Akna Pack have their local event coming up at Sherwood Forest so fingers crossed for them and the Casiat Crew who are racing at Elvedon.

Well into November now and lots of us are wishing the cold weather would make its mind up! Never the less CED's have been busy all over the UK yet again. Team Scotland have been busy racing. Michael Gow took first at Tentsmuir with all the Khakassia Eskimo dogs competing in the four dog freight class and Dakota (Shepherdsway The Big Chill) is back on the team now all the girls have sorted their seasons out. Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk and BSHRA had their first event of their calendar and also another piece of history with them now offering a DF class not just only for CED's but Greenlands and Samoeyd's too! Although only the CED's took part and an honory malamute to make up Team Casiat, everyone was well received and the dogs loved the fast, grassy trails. This was also a first for so many CED's to be present at a BSHRA event. Angel and Siku ran lead followed by rehome Kara in wheel to bring Akna first place each day, Sinopa (Shepherdsway Red Panda) and Hendrix (Shepherdsway Apache) stormed the trails with Mrs Heyes and Casiat's Simon Atherton running with his two dog team Noah and a mally on the Sunday. Hendrix's first rally went really well and Noah (Shepherdsway Snow Ghost) met a new peskimo friend to play with. A really positive event down south but great results from everyone. Over in Germany, Hollands Pameiyut Kennel were off on training trails with a seven dog team of Alaskan Malamutes and Kitu the CED. Bert-Jan has started doing his long distance training ready for longer trips planned in 2012. Watch for gallery updates as we collect some pictures in.

Well a busy couple of weeks what with races, show's and training, phewww! Check out the Working results page for updates from Team Akna, Casiat and Khakassia. The Akna Pack had a trip down to Haldon Forest, Exeter to visit Sarah and the Chillipaws gang. It was another great opportunity to get all the dogs out for some distance training on the quads plus for Racheal to try out her Aviemore team for 2012. It was a fantastic weekend and some amazing trails. The Athertons were in Thetford a couple of weekends ago at the AMWA rally and Noah ran his first rally with his malamute team mates. David Salter took a win at Thruxton, ABSA running with Rufus (Shepherdsway Jack Frost) and a malamute plus Team Mr and Mrs Khakassia were blazing the trails in Scotland pulling a first each with their four dog team! Becky and Dai Lewis now officially "Steelpaw" had some mixed news this week. Their CED "Noodle" (Shepherdsway Golden Kiss) eventually had her puppy, a little girl. Both mum and little 'un are doing well after being with the vet to deliver her but im assured both are doing well and Steelpaw now have a new addition to their pack. This weekend see's Team Chillipaws heading north to compete alongside Team Akna at BSHRA's Rendlesham rally and the scottish clan are racing too. More updates and blog soon. Well done everyone and keep up the good work.

Racheal Bailey with CED's Siku (Left lead), Kara (Left team) and Angel (Right team).

Hello everyone and welcome to the Canadian Eskimo Dog Bark. This is a blog that will keep you up to date with all sorts of things CED. Show's, races, results, events and general info. Sat 5th November Racheal Bailey ran two of her CED team, Siku and Angel (Shepherdsway Cinders @ Akna & Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel @ Akna) at Delamere Forest, SHCGB rally. In the D2 class set out in 6th place overtaking all in front to take a 1st place over 3.5 miles in just over 18 minutes. While at the same time in Scotland.....a little piece of history was made at the Working and Pastoral Breeds Association of Scotland show. Only two Canadian Eskimo Dogs travelled the 974 mile round trip to Edinburgh. Shepherdsway Jack Frost and Shepherdsway Snow Showers Over Akna (owned by Mrs Salter and Ms Bailey and both bred by Mrs Allen) were entered into AVNSC Working, which was one of the last classes to be judged by Richard Kinsey at 5.30pm, barely making the Working Group judging! Shepherdsway Jack Frost owned by Mrs Salter but handled by her husband David proudly entered the Working Group line up judged by Christina Chapman. After going over all the dogs she short listed her group and to our surprise picked out the CED. Although he didnt make the group placing, everyone was thrilled to have gotten so far. This is the first time since Canadian Eskimo Dogs were accepted as a breed here that one has ever been short listed to the Working Group at a Championship show, a proud day for all of us with Canadian Eskimo Dogs.