ATB Video: True & Piper 6 week old Puppies

THE NEMO LITTER at 6 Weeks Old!!

 

For sure I haven't been able to keep up with the blog these past two weeks! But here's a glimpse at what's been keeping us very, very busy at J&A's Brittanys during that time.

 

We've enjoyed visiting with all the families who are going to welcome one of True and Pipers beautiful Brittany pups into their life very very soon. I'm so pleased with how these pups have developed and feel certain there will be a repeat of this breeding in a couple of years. I see show potential animals here as well as knowing full well that the hunting skills are a given with the breeding behind them.

 

Bo and Chris Longley of Litchfield Maine (Merrymeeting Brittanys) have a nice litter due with our Jack and their Brandy in mid April.  We will soon be announcing particulars in regard to a litter we hope to see arrive here in mid-May. Those of you who are on the waiting list already have this information. The litter is completely spoken for.  We're still accepting serious inquiries for our future breeding plans however if someone really wants a puppy from us you should let us know now because a year long wait is inevitable at this point. We have some excellent plans that we're very excited about but waiting lists are already forming.

 

Other news includes an ATB road trip to the New England Sporting Dog Group Association shows about a weekend ago.  Treasure and Hemi both came home with placements and ribbons as did Bolt (Treasure/Bullet pup).  Thistle came home with her second Grand Champion Major points so she is well on her way to finishing her AKC Grand Championship title. It was really a great weekend, the host clubs did a fine job. Enjoyed visiting with all our dog show friends and their beautiful animals.   Bolts littermate and brother "Wilson" was shown in Kentucky and he too came home with some nice placements and ribbons as well.  Very very proud of the up and coming generation.  Additionally we're very blessed by the support and encouragement that comes our way to continue to move forward - you know who you are. It's just going to continue to improve and we could not possibly hope to do that without those who embrace our hopes and goals, who understand what we're about and want to accomplish. And I especially appreciate those who step in and boldly remind me that we are not breeding show dogs and we are not breeding field trial dogs. But competing and doing well with our hunting dogs is icing on the cake as proving our breeding program ends up not being as difficult as I once thought. We have some amazing animals out there and everytime we win a ribbon, a placement, points, etc. we are winning it on behalf of ALL of the ATB family because they are all well loved primarily as a family pet. Some people think the pet part should come last. I believe it should come first. Showing our hunting dogs, proving them, loving them all, and knowing for sure that when everything is said and done we have some pretty amazing and beautiful bird dogs right here.

 

It's been tough to get into the fields with all this snow but the dogs are looking forward to some springtime events. John is interested in checking out National Shoot To Retrieve events in 2013 and perhaps bringing one to Maine. The Central Maine Brittany Club spring hunt test will be held the end of April and we're busy working on that. As for me, I'm working on the 2013 CMBC Specialty show to be held the end of June.

 

Everything is going well, we'd sure like to see the last of the snow disappear but at least the frost is out of the ground.

 

The pups have been outside, they've enjoyed the change of scenery but obvious not for long with the mud, snow, and cooler temps. They are all using a 'litter box' to go to the bathroom in, they are nearly paper trained and I don't mean maybe.  We have used our Sound Effects Library to help with desensitizing them to loud and sudden noises.  They will react but they are not fearful, they advance to the noises. I love it!  Pups are eating solid food throughout the day but still have some snuggle time with their momma Piper. She is doing great, loves her pups, is disciplining them well in regards to bite inhibition and will not let them nurse at will, although they do occasionally enjoy a treat from mom. That's okay, she's in charge, not the other way around. Average weight of this litter at 6 weeks 2 days is 6 pounds and 9 ounces.  The pups have played with bird wings since they were 4 weeks old. It has moved from playfulness of a new object to a desire for the scent.  I spend as much time as I possibly can in their midst. This week they will begin to enjoy their x-pen in the kitchen more and more.  Next weekend informal puppy evals will take place and their first formal photo shoot. We will use those photos to identify new owners and their pick puppy. Something everyone is waiting for! I don't expect any surprises along the way, These pups are sweet, outgoing, bold, confident, feisty, and lovable.

 

I see traits of both parents clearly. I have the honor of living with their grandparents and a great grandparent.  It's a blessing and a joy to see the similarities go right down through the line personally. To be at a point where we no longer need to outcross to get what we want in our Brittanys is something we've worked hard at. I remember the first pedigree I looked at on Wish side, all the lines said Birch Spring for about 3 generations back. All were titled and proven in the hunt. I thought at that point - that is what I want to see someday in a pedigree. Sire, dam, grandsire, grandam, greats and even beyond - with our prefix as a J&A Brittany. And then I wanted to see those titles. Not that we need them, but they are desirable to me. This too is happening. Improving upon what we had, to make what we have better, outcrossing as needed (and we have done this with great success over the past years). To know we have a line of close working gundogs, of sound temperament, solid structure adhering to the standard, well proven hunting ability - and so much more. To God be the glory!

 

Take care and God bless always, John, Ann and All Things Brittany