The 'King Arthur' litter
September 12 2008
So this was the start of Knightcastle's second generation. For her first breeding, Céleste has been bred with a wonderful dog from Netherlands but living in Iowa, Exel (Dutch/American CH Swallowsflight Excalibur's Enigma TDI CGC). This was simply the best dog for her. On September 12 2008, 8 puppies (four boys and four girls) were born, all in good health.
At first sight, this is probably my best litter so far. All the dogs are well balanced and like to play and work. They also have the scandinavian head I was looking for. Céleste did a great job as a mother and took great care of her kids. In November 2008, all the dogs left home for their new lives, except for Holly.
In that litter came some great ambassadors for this breed: Raven, Balin, Holly and the fantastic Jester. And of course all the good home dogs! I also think that this is my best litter so far.
Balin. He belongs to Jill MacLaurin, a long time member of the Flat Coated Retriever Society of Canada. Balin was the pick of the King Arthur's litter and wore the purple collar. In July 2009, at the age of only 10 months old, Balin completed his Junior Hunter ( JH ) title in 3 consecutive trials. At the end of September 2009, Balin also got his Working Certificate title ( WC ). Balin is also doing obedience. He got his Companion Dog titles ( CD ) in April 2010.
Bella. Donald and Chantal were the first to put a reservation on Céleste's first litter. They waited more than a year before Bella comes into their lives. They also have Toby, a golden retriever. Bella wore the white collar in that litter.
Gunnar. Ann-Marie's family has been waiting for their new puppy for a long time. They live in Nova Scotia. No doubt, Gunnar is a very happy dog there. He was the blue collar boy.
Holly. She was the yellow collar girl and the one I kept and is fully part of Knightcastle's breeding program.
Jester. He is Jack McKissock's dog. Jack has been involved in the obedience ring and field events for decades. Jester wore the red collar in that litter. In summer 2009, Jester completed his Junior Hunter title ( JH ) and Working Certificate ( WC ), becoming the third puppy from that litter to achieve that. In summer 2010 he got his Working Certificate Intermediate ( WCI ) and also his Working Certificate Excellent ( WCX ). In summer 2011, he completed his Master Obedience Trial Championship ( MOTCh ). He also has his american CDX. As for the show ring, he completed his Canadian Championship in October 2010 with a three points major and is the second dog from this litter to achieve that. He is the Knightcastle dog with the highest titles ever.
Merlin. He wore the lime collar in the King Arthur's litter and was living in Nova Scotia. He was a soft boy and also really liked to play with humans. On October 11 2009 I was in Truro (Nova Scotia) with all my dogs and we had the chance to see them play and run in the fields with Merlin and Carol. It was really great to see them reunited. Merlin died tragically a couple days after that. He had a very good life, unfortunately way too short. So sorry Carol ...
Mia. Sweet Mia wore the pink collar and lives now in a wonderful family in MontrČal. Francois was looking for a friend for the hunt season and I think he has the right one. Mia really looks like CČleste, I like her very much.
Raven. She lives in Michigan with long time flatcoat owner Jill Griffet. Jill is doing agility with her flatcoats at a very high level. Jill is also doing field work and obedience and is the Knightcastle dog with the most titles making me a very proud breeder!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3ilxvC788o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yK4p2jEMiQ
