As the hours tick down, it's time to reflect on the year past... 2015 was another year filled with good friends, good dogs, good wins and good travels.  While we concentrated on home renovations and the results are amazing, it meant no squeaks and squawks of puppies this year.  :-(

We were ever so pleased with the results turned in by many who have Kamgaard stock and we thank each and every one of you for your efforts.  Dogs have excelled in conformation, agility, rally and barn hunt.  Our travels produced some new friends and it was wonderful to see how several of our individuals are faring in their new homes overseas.  We close out our books with 164 Championships and quite a few more on the horizon.  New plans, new travels -- roll on 2016!

We end this year by wishing our friends a healthy and happy New Year and once again feature the work of budding young artist Michaela Michaels from the Chicago area.  Michaela is the owner of a new puppy and hoping to attend the National Specialty next year.

Hats off to the future!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

to all our friends around the world!

The Ladies Kennel Association -- England's last big Championship show of the year and quite a day!  Breed judge was Mr. Drew Littlejohn of Arcuilean Elkhounds and his winner of a large and quality Open Dog class was our SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above ably handled by co-owner Stuart Horner.  "Kobi" was then further awarded the Reserve Challenge Certificate.  Bryony Gray had a great day with her Grasilva Gee's Quest who won her second Challenge Certificate today -- "Nyx" is a granddaughter of Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now.  It gets better -- Danni and Tom Medhurst's puppy dog Ellahyde Fine N' Dandi went Best Puppy today in his first spin around a Championship ring for both dog and handler.  "Toki" is a Kobi son and as owner-handler Danni is an employee of the Dog World magazine, her co-workers put together this clever video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2TgtIYljZI&feature=youtu.be

CONGRATULATIONS, ALL !!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Mary Jo Benedetti and Kamgaard Kalistadora ("Dora") on Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed for another 2 points at the Lima Kennel Club show under judge Erin Brown ("Quanmarra") of Australia!!!

Agility time!  Once again making our annual trip to southern New Jersey to work at the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club agility trials, it was great to watch two of our breeding competing and doing so well.  Christine Tilburg traveled all the way from Maine with Kamgaard Katch The Wave RA AXP AJP RI RN VNE ("Rogue") winning two Time To Beat qualifies, both with First Place finishes!

And while we have come to expect great things from Ch. Kamgaard Kovered In Grey MX MXB MXJ MJB OF ("Grey"), we were taken with the improvements shown since we saw her last year.  Her command of the ring, preciseness, and speed are awesome!  She scored four qualifying runs over the week-end as well as Double Q #9 on Sunday:

https://youtu.be/ME7JyimkEOc

On returning home, we received the sad news that Ch. Kamgaard Klassic Mystery CD BN RE NA OAP ("Christie") had gone to the Rainbow Bridge just a few days short of her 15th birthday.  She has been a lifelong friend and companion to Marge Kabala and co-owned with Lori Machacek ("Charilor") producing several Champions and performance stars for them.

Rest in Peace, Christie... we know you were very much loved.

Following a six week total kitchen renovation, we had but one day (!) after the workmen departed to pack and prep for a Thursday evening night flight to London and on to Manchester.  Once in Manchester and rental car procured, we headed north to Scotland for the Norwegian Elkhound Association of Scotland Championship show on Saturday.  This club certainly gets our vote for the most hospitable Norwegian Elkhound club on the planet!  Lots of warm welcomes from dear friends and we were immediately right at home.  Judge for the day was Miss Annelise Haugstad ("Skogly") who found her Best of Breed in the Middleton's Ch. Ithum Agus Suim ("Odin"), a grandson of our Kriega and her bitch Challenge Certificate winner in Bryony Gray's Grasilva Gee's Quest ("Nyx"), a granddaughter of Ch. Kamgaard Kan You Hear Me Now.

It was great to see both "Kobi" (SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above) and "Siri" (Ch. Kamgaard Kiamesha) once again and both placed creditable seconds in their Open classes.  Maggie showing Siri below:

After the show, a lovely dinner and on Sunday a trip through the Lake District enroute to our cottage in Wales for ten days... bliss!

The following week-end found us in Stafford, England for the Midland Counties Championship show and the Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britain's Open show on the same day/location.  Maggie showed Siri to a very nice Open Bitch class win and after much deliberation in the challenge for the bitch Certificate, Siri was awarded the Reserve Challenge Certificate by judge Peter Hudson ("Norderhove").  The club Open show following was judged by Karen Gold and once again Bryony's "Nyx" was declared Best Bitch, so overall three good wins for her girls as "Siri" is now owned by Bryony and Vanessa McHugh.

Lots of good times, good friends, new friends, new experiences and of course it all ended too soon.  Happy to be home with our dogs though... missed them!

While we were away, some good news reached us from the Norwegian Elkhound Association of Minnesota specialty.  An Award of Merit for Ch. Kamgaard Kaministiquia of Wrathwood ("Trac") and Reserve Winners Bitch for puppy Kamgaard Kall Me Inkredible under Norwegian breeder/hunter/judge, Mr. Arild Berget.

CONGRATULATIONS, ALL!!!

Don't know what the Ramapo Kennel Club does to have such gorgeous fall weather at their shows every year and this year was no exception.  A supported entry of the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club, picnic and meeting awaited and our judge today was Mrs. Donnelle Richards.  She found her Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex in our Powdermill Remember Me ("Poppy") and with the awards went a big 5 point major pictured below!  This completed Poppy's Championship with three majors, all won at supported entry shows.  CONGRATULATIONS to her breeders, the Westons of the United Kingdom on breeding their first Elkhound titleist.  A VERY close Reserve Winners Bitch to Poppy went to Kamgaard Kryptic Kharacter ("Rune") from the 12-18 month class for owner Cheryl Cramer.

Thanks, all for the sincere well wishes!

Additionally, great news came afterward from "down under"...

Best of Breed at the Spitz Breeds Club of New South Wales went to American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge under Finnish judge Ms. Leila Karkas.  CONGRATULATIONS once again to "Seth" and owner/handler Craig Evans!

The long-awaited "show of the year" was finally here!  Harking back to bygone days the "once every five years" show in tribute to a grander, gentler time when dog shows were elegant showcases for breeders, the Morris and Essex Kennel Club event went off with few hitches, cool and breezy weather (the Elkhounds were in their element!) and a grand overall entry of 4,666 -- the highest recorded entry ever for a U.S. dog show!  Period outfits, spacious grounds, box lunches provided for the exhibitors, and hats galore are some of the trademarks for this event.  See www.morrisandessexkennelclub.org

Add to the above our Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club specialty held in conjunction with Morris and Essex, exhibitors from far and wide, beautiful trophies, an overall entry of 58 (13 in Sweepstakes and 45 in the regular classes), knowledgeable judges, well... a win/win situation!

Our Sweepstakes judge, breeder Sue Ratz ("Ersun") handled youngsters and oldsters with loving hands which told a story and we were super pleased with the results;

Best in Sweepstakes -- Kamgaard Kodak Moment RN RATO (Marlene and Bill Schlichtig)

Best of Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes, littermate Kamgaard Kintyre (Kamgaard)

Best Veteran in Sweepstakes -- SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point (Frye/Kamgaard).. dam of the youngsters above!

In the regular classes, Mr. Espen Engh of Lier, Norway and breeder of the world-famous Jet's Greyhounds evaluated the entry and our star of the day came in the form of young "Marnie" (Kamgaard Kintyre) who after topping a very large Bred By Exhibitor class went on to Winners Bitch for her second 5 point major!!!

Notable class wins were made by Marnie's litter sisters Kamgaard Knobody Does It Better at Elvemel CGC (Lisa and Ray Peterson) and Kamgaard Kryptic Kharacter (Cheryl Cramer) who looked very consistent lined up in the Winners class.  Kudos also to Ch. Horizon Rock Solid who shown by co-owner Linda Syner made the final Best of Breed cut.  THANK YOU all for your efforts!!

Can't wait for the next one!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to the following two and four-leggers on their successes this week-end;

to Glenda Haggerty and her young Ch. Greyplume's Retrofit, a son of our Ch. Horizon Rock Solid for his two group placements at the Grand Valley Kennel Club shows in Colorado; a Group 4 under Mr. Bob Stein and a Group 2 under Mrs. Gloria Geringer.  He is a litter brother to the NEAA National Futurity winner, Ch. Greyplume's Retrospective.

and to Lisa and Ray Peterson, tag-team handling Kamgaard Knobody Does It Better at Elvemel CGC to Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed for 2 points at the Westbury Kennel Association show under breeder-judge Ed Hall ("SoMerri").

Two CONGRATULATIONS shout outs today...

First of all to Mary Jo Benedetti and Kamgaard Kalistadora ("Dora") on a 2 point win on Sunday at the St. Clair Kennel Club show in Michigan under judge Tim Catterson and also to Cheryl Cramer and Ch. Kamgaard Kovered In Grey MX MXB MXJ MJB OF ("Grey") on her EIGHTH! Double Q agility run over the week-end.

Way to go, ladies!!!

Great to read the morning paper... the UK Dog World online one, that is!  Greeted this morning with the lovely "Kobi" ad above in the special Northern breeds issue.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Stuart, Moe and Ness for all you are doing for Kobi... he looks terrific and obviously very happy with his silly smile!

A great week-end for "Kasey" (SBIS American Grand/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point) and her kids!

Daughter "Adele" (Kamgaard Knobody Does It Better at Elvemel, CGC) was Winners Bitch/Best of Winners and Best of Breed over Ch. on Friday at the Tuxedo Park Kennel Club show under Mr. Jeffrey Pepper.  On Saturday at the supported entry of the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club at Somerset Hills Kennel Club, "Kasey" herself was Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed under Mrs. Miriam Paula Pontes of Brazil.  And to round the week-end out on Sunday, Kasey son "Jack" completed his Open title in Barn Hunt.  He is now

URO1, UCH Kamgaard Kodak Moment, RN, RATI, RATN, RATO

Congrats, all!!!

On Saturday off to the Newton Kennel Club show with Linda Atcheson to meet Cheryl Cramer and Kamgaard Kryptic Kharacter ("Rune") for a little grooming and ring practice.  A great showing by Rune in very hot conditions resulting in Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed from judge Houston Clark.  Back down to New Jersey on Sunday for the Sussex Hills Kennel Club show where Rune was once again Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed for a 4 point major under judge Hal Biermann.  Always nice to try out two judges you haven't shown to before and have great results as well!

Good friends Lisa and Ray Peterson were celebrating on Sunday too as their Elvemel Casino Royale CGC ("Linx") was Best of Winners over Rune to claim his title at just a few months short of his 9th birthday!  He is by our SBIS English/American/Canadian Ch. Kestos Kriega ex Ch. Elvemel's For Your Eyes Only, a Kommander In Chief daughter.

Coming home that evening, we were joined by Linda Syner who had judged some nearby agility trials over the week-end and time to go out and celebrate!  Getting home we heard from Marlene Schlichtig that Rune's brother "Jack" (Kamgaard Kodak Moment AKC RN, UKC R01, RATI, RATN) had an exciting week-end at the four K9 Connection UKC conformation shows in Maryland.  Marlene reports that there were very large entries and at each show Jack was Best of Breed, 1st in the Northern Group and Reserve Best in Show.  These wins qualified him for his United Kennel Club Champonship title.  WAY TO GO!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, ALL!!!

There is nothing better than sharing good dogs and celebrating with forever friends!

A little "north of the border" happiness was shared around on Saturday when Kamgaard Kaministiquia of Wrathwood ("Trac") completed the requirements for his American Championship at the Saint Croix Valley Kennel Club show in Minnesota by going Winners Dog and Best of Winners under Raymond Yurick ("Brushwood").  Trac is the fourth in his litter of six to complete his American title!  Big thanks and CONGRATULATIONS go to Lynda and Jim Tarnowski of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Closer to home on Sunday was the Elm City Kennel Club show in West Springfield, Massachusetts which offered Veteran classes, so taking a spin around the ring and collecting another Best of Breed ribbon was SBIS American Grand/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey").  Judge for the day was Ms. Carol Reisman ("Kai").  Kasey thoroughly enjoyed her day out and didn't want to leave the show building!  Showgirl supreme!

A great photo awaited on the arrival home:

Granddaughter Yasmin and her Kobi daughter "Siri" in the U.K. -- happy campers!

Doing a little catch up over the past few weeks...

Nice going, Vanessa McHugh for piloting SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above to a 4th in the Hound Group at the recent Bolton Canine Society show.  "Kobi" now has group placements in three countries!

Meanwhile, his son American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge scored a very nice Best of Breed at the Sydney Kennel Club under Norwegian judge Mr. Arne Foss.  Along with the award came a very nice critique for "Seth":  "Excellent type, good coat texture and colour, great head and moves correctly."

Critiques are one part of the American dog show scene which we unfortunately do not receive.  A good, well-written critique is a gem--educational, objective, and can tell you much about a dog, his or her performance and in many ways a judge's abilities (or lack thereof!).  We have added critiques next to Kobi's recent awards when possible as in the United Kingdom, these are norm and expected.

Another "Double Q" performance by agility star Ch. Kamgaard Kovered in Grey MX MXB MXJ MJB OF ("Grey") for owner-handler Cheryl Cramer... despite a few morning hiccups (!) and a 4th place in her Standard class to boot!

https://youtu.be/P6s_kgcdO7U

CONGRATULATIONS, ALL!!!

Some nice wins for the brother-sister team of "Seth" and "Marnie" this week-end.

"Down under" American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge ("Seth") scored two 
Best of Breed awards in his two outings on Friday/Saturday at the North of the Harbor Kennel Club
in New South Wales under Finnish judges Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen and husband Harri Lehkonen.

On Sunday, baby sister Kamgaard Kintyre was Winners Bitch at the Hudson River Valley Hound Association
specialty from the Bred By Exhibitor class under judge Thomas Kirstein ("Ripshin") for a point.  
This was her first showing in nearly six months and in near 100 degree heat, she handled herself beautifully. 
Good girl, "Marnie"!

At last!

Tabulations were released today from the American Kennel Club for
the top five dogs of each breed qualifying for the the AKC Agility
Invitational trial to be held again this December in Orlando, Florida. 
We are so proud and pleased to announce that once again

Ch. Kamgaard Kovered In Grey MX MXJ MJB OF

and her owner Cheryl Cramer have "made the grade" and will be
competing at this prestigious event!

to Cheryl and "Grey" who have worked so hard all year for this honor.

A good few days for the Kamgaard team in various locations around the U.S.

Three wins at the Duluth Kennel Club shows in Minnesota brought Kamgaard Kaministiquia of Wrathwood ("Trac") more points toward his American title.   He is fast approaching the finish line with his Canadian owner-handler Lynda Tarnowski.  Meanwhile in Long Island, New York, his litter sister Kamgaard Kalistadora ("Dora") was Winners Bitch at both of the Brookhaven Kennel Club shows with owner-handler Mary Jo Benedetti for 2 more points toward her title under judges Priscilla Gabosch and Nat Horn ("Eastern Waters").

Veterans ruled the day on Sunday as Lisa Peterson showed her 8 year old Kriega son, Elvemel Casino Royal ("Linx") to Best of Winners at the Twin Brooks Kennel Club show in New Jersey for a 4 point major win under judge Joan Goldstein ("Gold Dust").  Later in the day at the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club match, Lisa guided Linx's dam, Ch. Elvemel For Your Eyes Only ("Jinx"), daughter of SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kommander In Chief to Best in Match under breed aficienado Michael Halley.

We had but one entry here in yearling Kestos Yankee Dreamer ("Brecon") pictured above who was Winners Bitch in her first time in the ring and showing like an old pro... very pleasing.

The same week-end Marlene Schlichtig and "Jack" (Kamgaard Kodak Moment AKC RN, UKC RO1, RATI, RATN) earned another leg on their Open Barn Hunt title.

CONGRATULATIONS, ALL!!!

A sad morning here upon learning of the death last night of one of Maggie's earliest mentors.  Jane Kamp Forsyth was the ultimate handler, later judge and all-around dog person.  As an early teen Maggie happily worked as a crate girl for her at shows in the early 60's exercising dogs, ferrying them to and from ringside and helping with feeding and grooming... her favorite charge being the record-breaking Chow Chow, Ch. Ah Sid's The Dilettante ("Buddychow").  Janie was a combination mentor, mother, teacher and the most talented handler I have ever known.  I could watch her for hours, picking up tips and trying to learn from her style.  Elkhounders of a certain age will remember her as the handler of many top winners for the Pitch Road Kennels of Mr. and Mrs. A. Wells Peck as well as piloting the NEAA's first National Specialty winner, Ch. Gladjac Royal Oslo to Best in Show at the huge Chicago International show the day he won the specialty in 1962.  Photo below courtesy of Karen Elvin:

When she hung up her handling leads and turned her talent to judging, her assignments were many and her opinion revered.  A win under Janie was a treasure.

American/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kingfisher

Her final judging assignment was to be Best in Show at the legendary Morris and Essex Kennel Club show this October, but sadly not to be.  Two things are for sure... Heaven is probably not really ready for her and she is no doubt already "talking dogs" with Annie and Mike.

Rest in Peace, Janie ... you were legend.

Happy Canada Day

to all our Canadian friends from "Cottage Boy" a/k/a Kamgaard Northern Silver Spirit

It seems it was "Kobi week" celebrating both his and his children's doings.

Judged Best Dog at the Blackpool and District Canine Society Championship
show in Preston, Lancashire, UK was SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch.
Kamgaard Kut Above under Mr. Kari Jarvinen of Finland.  Mr. Jarvinen's
critique of Kobi was as follows:

Nice going Stuart and "Kobi"!

Kobi son "Seth" (American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge)
has scored four recent Best of Breed awards "down under" the week-ends of June 6-14.

Meanwhile in the UK, Dog World magazine's own Danni Medhurst is enjoying her
Kobi son and wrote an excellent article about her first days with "Toki." 
See http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=252c4a14-
e939-40de-bf13-067e00382106    
Pages 12-13

Kobi daughter "Devo" is happy, happy at the beach with owners Yoav Sassoun and Tina Pedersen:

and... Kobi son "Rogue" recently completed his Excellent Standard (preferred height) title
at the Agility Club of New Hampshire's trial under judge Mary Mullen.  His new "alphabet soup" name is

Kamgaard Katch The Wave RA AXP AJP RI RN VNE

https://vimeo.com/132033126?utm_source=email&utm_medium=clip-transcode_complete-finished-20120100&utm_campaign=7701&email_id=Y2xpcF90cmFuc2NvZGVkfGUzMjE1NGUzYjQzYj
U4MDEyM2ViNGU5NDc2YjdjNzk0OTQyfDQwOTM2MzYwfDE0MzU1MjI1NDJ8NzcwMQ%3D%3D

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS, ALL!!!

We love receiving photos of our Kamgaard Elkhounds enjoying life and here are two to share:

We love this photo of "a boy and his dog" and thanks go to the Binder family for sharing this of young Evan and his best buddy "Torvald" (Kamgaard Klear Trails Ahead) having a quiet Sunday morning wak in their Minneapolis neighborhood.

From the Boyd family came a photo of "Koda" (Kamgaard Northern Silver Spirit) happy to be back at his summer cottage up on the lakes of Ontario on his boat.  What a co-pilot!

SBIS/UBIS Ch. Kamgaard Kuddledown

(June 21, 2000 - June 19, 2015)

The downside of having and loving dogs is that it's never long enough and having to say good-bye when the time comes.  Such was the case today when we helped our "Sophie" over the Rainbow Bridge.

She lived a wonderful and very long life and leaves behind many two and four-legged friends.  A multiple Specialty Best in Show and Utstilling Best in Show winner and dam of one litter, she was known for her beautiful and correct breed type.  Her co-breeder Lisa Peterson got to visit with her before she left for Valhalla and below is a photo take last year of her giving a rare kiss to her other co-breeder, Ray Peterson.

Rest well, Sophie you were loved by many and will never be forgotten.

Our hearts go out today to the families of the six Russian exhibitors and their eleven dogs who lost their lives early this morning in a horrible accident on a Russian motorway enroute to the World Dog Show in Milan, Italy.  They, like all of us were following their dreams and passion only to meet with a fate we are all too aware of in the many miles we travel.

Rest in peace all.

A good day on both sides of the pond with an American dog winning in England and an English bitch winning in America!

At the Three Counties Championship dog show in the beautiful Malvern hills, Best Elkhound Dog went to our SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above ("Kobi") under judge Ms. M.E. Macgregor.  CONGRATULATIONS and BIG THANKS go to co-owner/handler Stuart Horner.  Ms. Macgregor's critique of Kobi is as follows:

1 Horner, Simmonds & Mott’s Am Gr Ch/Can Ch Kamgaard Kut Above, striking dog, very well muscled, & with a typical dense coat of lovely colour. Good topline, & moved with powerful drive. Good legs & feet. Lovely head & expression. BD

Later in the day, our Powdermill Remember Me ("Poppy") was Winners Bitch at the Greenwich Kennel Club for another 2 points under judge Ms. Bettyann Hale.

Good Elkhounds can compete successfully ANYwhere!

A happy note received from Marlene Schlichtig on Monday morning to say that "Jack" (Kamgaard Kodak Moment) had competed in United Kennel Club obedience and rally trials over the week-end in first level Rally.  His scores were 95, 96, 100 and 94 with both judges commenting on his sparkling attitude and temperament.  So another new title for Jack!  He is now

Kamgaard Kodak Moment, AKC RN, UKC RO1, RATI, RATN

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

One of the advantages of living five hours behind our friends in the United Kingdom is waking up in the morning and getting show reports somewhat instantaneously.  Starting off the day in a very great way on Saturday was reading that SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above ("Kobi") had won his first Challenge Certificate at the Scottish Kennel Club show under breeder-judge Brian Middleton ("Graythor").  Kudos and BIG thanks go to co-owner/handler Stuart Horner in helping Kobi to earn that first green card!

Mr. Middleton's critique of Kobi is as follows:

1 Horner, Simmonds & Mott’s Am GrCh/Can Ch Kamgaard Kut Above, strong wedge shape head, eye shape & colour good, deep chest, strong in back, short loin, powerful looking dog, very square, good tailset. CC

Later in the day we had news from the south that the littermate Kobi children Kamgaard Kodak Moment RN RATN ("Jack") and Kamgaard Knobody Does It Better at Elvemel ("Adele") had been Best in Sweepstakes and Best of Opposite Sex to Best in Sweepstakes at the Norwegian Elkhound Club of the Potomac Valley specialty show under breeder Toni Welkes ("Ellyka").  CONGRATULATIONS to owner-handlers Marlene Schlichtig and Lisa Peterson.  And extra points for Adele who had earned her CGC title earlier in the week!

That evening more good news arrived from Cheryl Cramer saying that Ch. Kamgaard Kovered In Grey MX MXJ MJB OF ("Grey") had scored a Double Q at an agility trial in New Jersey.  Two great clean runs...of course starting out with her trademark "scratch";

https://youtu.be/keP1YiOeKfU

Whatever it takes...she surely gets the job done and this was her fourth QQ!  CONGRATULATIONS Cheryl and Grey!!

Sunday - Syttende Mai (Norwegian Independence Day)

What better day to get a new puppy?... and doing that was granddaughter Yasmin Simmonds

Pictured with her new pride and joy (another!) "Siri"

Siri is from the first UK litter sired by SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above and her dam is Crossridge Clotted Creme for Ellahyde.  HUGE thanks go to Sheila Walters of Ellahyde Norwegian Elkhounds in allowing Siri to go to the Simmonds household... we know there were many wanting puppies from this litter.  Lucky girls!

The annual "Spring Fling on the Delaware" (River) is always a week-end to look forward to.  When the weather gods are kind, they are some of the most beautiful shows to be found.

On Thursday the first stop was the Central New Jersey Hound Association specialty at Tinicum Park in Erwinna, Pennsylvania.  Having herself a wonderful day was Kamgaard Knobody Does It Better at Elvemel ("Adele") who was both Best in Sweepstakes and Winners Bitch/Best of Breed over a Champion from the 12-18 month class for a point under judge Sharon Lyons ("Erin").  CONGRATULATIONS to Adele and owner-handler Lisa Peterson.

Again in Erwinna, Saturday was the turn of the Bucks County Kennel Club with the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club again holding their supported entry, meeting and picnic on what was a picture-perfect day.  Arbiter for the day was Mrs. Polly Smith.  Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed was our Powdermill Remember Me ("Poppy") for her second major.  Reserve Winners Bitch to her was Kamgaard Kryptic Kharacter ("Rune") owned by Cheryl Cramer and handled by Sue Ratz.

A short drive across the river to New Jersey for Sunday's Trenton Kennel Club show and this time it was "Rune's" turn to shine winning Winners Bitch and Best of Breed for her first point under Kimberly Meredith-Cavanna.  CONGRATULATIONS to "Rune", Cheryl and Sue!

A great three days for Kamgaard girls!  Joining us on Saturday was Linda Atcheson, now back stateside after living many years in Bermuda.  She came for a visit after the show on Saturday, spending a few days with us and bringing our nearly 14 year old "Liza" (BIS American/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Klapham Junction) back to visit with her old buddies.

"Liza" had a great time along with some serious snooze time on the deck.

While much of the anglophile world was waiting for the birth of "the" royal baby, we were holding our collective breath in the hopes of the safe arrival of the royal babies (plural).  Delivered today in the small hamlet of Monksilver, Somerset were six grey bundles (2 males, 4 females) who were stowaway passengers on the flight earlier in the month from New York to Brussels.

Proud mum of the brood is Ch. Kamgaard Kiamesha ("Siri") and the sire is Ch. Horizon Rock Solid ("Rock") -- a beautiful linebred pedigree.  CONGRATULATIONS to all the two and four-legged parents!!!

This marks the third exportation of a bitch in whelp from Kamgaard to the United Kingdom to further enrich available bloodlines.  If this one is as successful as the last two, we will be more than pleased!

In reporting the events of the week-end, I am reminded of what someone once told me -- "the Lord gives with one hand while taking with the other."  Very true.  Starting out on a sad note was the news of another wonderful family member crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

Canadian/American Ch. Fanarok's Kunstverk

(January 24, 2002 - April 17, 2015)

Canadian-bred and owned by Teresa Cloutier, "Ruger" was a multiple group winner and the son of SBIS Ch. Kamgaard Klearly Proud ex BIS Canadian/American Ch. Wrathwood's Lita av Fanarok (see News June 2, 2014).

Rest in Peace, Ruger... you were SO loved.

This week-end much action was to be found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the NEAA Regional and two GMNEA specialties.  Starting on Friday, Best in Futurity at the National under breeder Eric White and bringing the Breeders Cup home to Colorado was Ch. Greyplume's Retrospective who is bred and co-owned by Glenda Haggerty and co-owned and handled by Patty Brooks.  CONGRATULATIONS!!!   Retrospecitive is sired by our Ch. Horizon Rock Solid, himself the winner of the 2011 National Maturity.  "Rock" is co-bred and co-owned with Linda Syner and Pam Johnson.

Placing well in all of his classes as well as scoring Reserve Winners Dog at the Sunday Milwaukee Specialty under Dr. Robert Indeglia ("Tekdal") was yearling Kamgaard Kodak Moment RATN owned by Bill and Marlene Schlichtig and handled by Katie Bruce.  Thank you, Katie for your handling and assistance.  Marlene showed "Jack" to his Rally Novice title at these three shows with some first places.

On Sunday at the South Windsor Kennel Club show, while son Jack was doing well in the midwest, his dam, SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey") was Best of Breed and pulled in the group under Dr. Edna Martin ("Kaihorn/Full Circle").  Winners Bitch this day to our English import, Powdermill Remember Me ("Poppy"), shown by Lisa Peterson.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mary Jo Benedetti and Kamgaard Kalistadora ("Dora") on receiving an OFA Excellent rating for hips... the second in her litter to do so.

CONGRATULATIONS to Christine Tilburg and "Rogue" who completed the requirements today at the Tova Training trial for his Barn Hunt Novice title.  His new name is

Kamgaard Katch The Wave RA OJP OAP RATN   

Saying good-bye to a soulmate is never easy and sympathy goes to Sherry Falk who today helped "Holle" to cross the Rainbow Bridge.  Watching these two perform as a team over the years in several countries and in many disciplines has been a joy.

BIS, SBIS, UBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kristorn CGC, RN, CD

Rest in peace, Holle... you were SO loved!

A delightful visit (but all too short!) by British breeder Vanessa McHugh ("Conrick") for a good few days resulted in the culmination of a nearly year-long project.  Flying home with Ness was Ch. Kamgaard Kiamesha ("Siri") who has started life in her new land with owner Bryony Gray in Somerset with Ness as co-owner.  They fell in love with her when visiting last April and have waited patiently for all her health checks to be completed as well as her Championship.

Good luck, Siri in your new home and to Bryony and Ness all the best in the future.

Condolences go out today to Toni Sibrel and Pete Bojan who had to make the decision we all dread in allowing "ZigBee" (Ch. Kamgaard Katch The Buzz RE MX MXJ OF) to go over the Rainbow Bridge.

Rest in Peace, ZigBee... you were SO loved.

Doing a little catch up over the last couple of weeks, we send CONGRATULATIONS to the following on their recent successes:

Ch. Kamgaard Kovered In Grey MX MXJ OF for winning her Masters JWW 20" class at the recent Talbot Kennel Club Agility Trial: https://youtu.be/RKKnA73PjRU

American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge who on his third birthday was Best of Breed at both the a.m. and p.m. shows of the Dogs ACT Amenities Show in Australia under Mrs. Gail Arkell and Mrs. Sylvia Gartner

to his brother Kamgaard Katch The Wave RA OJP OAP RATI on gaining another leg on his Novice Barn Hunt title

while their baby brother Kamgaard Kodak Moment RATN completed his Novice Barn Hunt title

and to Sheila Walters of Ellahyde Norwegian Elkhounds on her new litter -- the first sired in the United Kingdom by SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above.  Beautiful babies!

Big CONGRATULATIONS on Saturday go to SBIS Irish/UK Ch. Ennafort The One And Only and "Team Pearl" on her Best of Breed at

Sunday it was the turn of "Seth" (American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge) winning his fourth Hound Group One at the Tarago Show Society in New South Wales, Australia under Mrs. Julie Fynmore ("Beljekali").

CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN!!!

New files have been added to the "Here We Are Today" tab for the following individuals:

Ch. Kamgaard Kaaterskill

Ch. Kamgaard Kiamesha

Ch. Kamgaard Kovered In Grey MX MXJ OF

American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge

Check them out!

How do you escape the snow and cold of a Chicago winter?  Go shopping of course!

These photos were recently received from Toni Sibrel and Pete Bojan of their new puppy Kamgaard Kall Me Inkredible ("Violet") who clearly was more interested in shopping than the stuffed animals at the Bass Pro Shop.  Girl after our own hearts!

While his daughter "Violet" (below) was out on a shopping spree, her dad "Kobi" (SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above) went to his second outing in the United Kingdom and once again had a successful day.  Attending the Newark and District Canine Society all-breed show, he was Best of Breed under Wendy Cross ("Sallidene") as well as winning the Special Open A.V. Spitz Stakes and placing 3rd in the Open Stakes class under Frank Kane ("Hirontower"). 

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Another bitter cold morning as we bundled up and headed out for the Rockland County Kennel Club show in Suffern, New York this morning.  Snow in the forecast, so hoping we could get there and home safely before it got too bad.  Lousy weather, but a brilliant day!  "Rosie" (Kamgaard Kaaterskill) was once again Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed for 2 points under Mr. Raymond Filburn.  This win completed Rosie's Championship title, so a super day for her!  We drove cautiously home as the snow was coming down fast and furious only to find once home and computer switched on even more wonderful news from across the pond waiting for us!

While at the show today our minds were on the Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britain's Contest of Champions which was being held concurrently in Coventry, UK.  This show would mark the debut to the English show world of SBIS American Grand/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kut Above ("Kobi"), now co-owned with his handler, Stuart Horner.  It is a competition judged on a knock-out system, round after round until a winner is declared.  The name of the judge is not announced until right before the competition and the mystery lady today was Miss Julia Swinburn.  End result?  "Kobi" was declared Champion of Champions defeating many of today's leading British title holders.  To say we were thrilled to bits would be an understatement!!!  Thank you, thank you, Stuart for your handling and great care of Kobi and to so many well-wishers.

More good news later that evening in learning that Kobi's son American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge ("Seth") had won a nice Best of Breed at the Gunning P A & I Society Inc. show in Australia as well as his daughter, Norvaan Kausin A Kalamity ("Jane") winning her first challenge points.

Thanks all, for a RED LETTER DAY!!!

Sad news from California today in that Marie and Joe Peterson had to say good-bye to their beloved "Dasher" dog at 16+ years of age.  English/Irish/American Ch. Carolon Simply Dashing was a lovely dog we always admired.  In Marie's words

"he left a huge mark on the Elkhound breed overseas and an even greater breed addition in the U.S.  His offspring and many, many generations he gave us are woven into pedigrees all over.  Without digging out the info, I think he sired 18 AKC Champions for us!!  He was an extremely showy/alert dog in the ring, and lived his life at home the same way.  Dasher always thought your hands were hiding something for his tummy--and he begged until his last day!!" 

  Dasher is pictured above at age 13+ at an N.E.A.A. Veteran event displaying sound and balanced movement.  We were proud of have bred his sire, Kamgaard Kapture The Moment who we exported to the U.K.

Rest in peace, Dasher.

Those lovebirds are at it again!  "Chip" and "Jazzy"!!

Good news again from "down under" in the form of another 2nd in Group for American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge ("Seth") at the Corowa and District Kennel Club show in New South Wales on Sunday.  Group judge was Mrs. Julie Keenan of Victoria.

CONGRATS once more, Team Seth!

The phone calls and emails have been exciting today!  First came some great news from Texas of a new litter born last night/this morning.  Canine theriogenology has always been a fascinating subject for us -- even moreso when the process works and hats off to brave breeders who go for what they want!  A while ago we dispatched frozen semen which we own from Ch. Greyplume's Gaining Momentum to Dr. Jim Rugila to use with his lovely bitch Ch. Jaru's Remington and four new "pupsicles" are the result -- 1 male, 3 females.  Best of luck with them Jim, we will be watching their progress with much interest.

An overseas email told us of the new Dog World video now out profiling the Top Ten dogs in the United Kingdom for 2014.  The #2 Hound and #10 overall went to one of our big faves, "Pearl" (Ch. Ennafort The One And Only).  You can watch either the entire video at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvc1wzBfhSY

or go to video stops 15:58 and 18:06 to see some truly beautiful and effortless movement.  Feeling a little proud in playing a part of getting Pearl started on her way as she was Maggie's top winner at the Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britains Contest of Champions two years ago.  Since then she and Will have blossomed and worked as such a great team, they are a joy to watch.

CONGRATULATIONS to "Pearl", Will, Nicola and Robert!

Cold, cold morning drive to Springfield, Massachusetts today to attend the First Governor's Foot Guard Athletic Association show.  Odd name for a dog show and several have asked about this -- see www.governorsfootguard.com/dogshow for explanation.

Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed for her third major from the Bred By Exhibitor class went to Kamgaard Kaaterskill ("Rosie") under judge Steven Gladstone.  Leaving shortly after judging due to heavy snow, we picked our way through bad road conditions and many accidents on the way home.  Meanwhile in the south, Best of Breed as the sole entry both Saturday and Sunday at the Maryland Kennel Club show under judges Jeffrey Pepper and Charles Trotter went to puppy Kamgaard Kodak Moment ("Jack") owned by the Schlichtigs.  Some great practice runs!

Good news arrived once home that now Kamgaard Katch The Wave RA AJP OAP RATI ("Rogue") finished his Excellent Jumpers Preferred Title in Agility under judge Jack Cadalso at the Middlesex County Kennel Club trial.  A great FAST! run:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvDaVYptGzI&feature=youtu.be

CONGRATULATIONS, ALL!!!

As a follow-up to his wonderful win last week, we received this proof of American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge's ad in the February edition of the Australian magazine "K9 Online."  You can view this layout on pages 42-43 of www.k9online.com.au.  Lovely!

Starting the year out on the right paw, the "Wonder from Down Under" American/Australian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge won Bests of Breed on Friday and Saturday at the Lake George and Wamboin District Kennel Club under Mrs. Leanne Duval and Miss Bev Daines, both of New South Wales.  For Sunday, on to the Bungendore PA & H Society under Mr. Paul Britza ("Taejon") where "Seth" was again Best of Breed and on to an exciting 2nd in the Hound Group!  These were his first shows of the year and we're hoping this is an omen of things to come in the New Year.

Congratulations, "Seth" and Craig!

Helping our four-legged friends over the Rainbow Bridge is never easy yet oft times it is the greatest act of kindness we can ever show them.  Thoughts and condolences go out today to Dennis Frye on the loss of Ch. Kamgaard Klear Blue Skye ("Skye").

We're sure Cecilia was waiting for her...

It's official!

"Seth" is    

American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kutting Edge was the #1 Norwegian Elkhound in Australia for 2014

in group competition by a wide margin.  As well, he was #25 Hound in his state of New South Wales.

CONGRATULATIONS TEAM SETH!!!

You've made us very proud once again! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing all our Elkhound friends worldwide and happy and prosperous 2015

Maggie and Sally