Nuttu's puppies were born on 9 Jan and have already moved to their new homes. The only male, Nuuk, moved to Parainen to follow in Nasti's footsteps, while Huisku lives at Tyrnävä and Noki at Kiiminki (she is owned by kennel Pippurimuorin, but lives as a family pet with another Lappie). Nasta joined my team of co-owned dogs and resides at Paimio in the same household as her dam.
 
The first health examination results of the year have been encouraging. Armi's hip and elbow scores turned out to be B/B and 0/0, and her eyes are clear. Mette's x-ray results literally could not be any better: hip score A/A, elbow score 0/0, shoulder OC score Unaffected/Unaffected, and spine scores LTV0, VA0 & SP0. Finally, Ippo underwent a CT scan due to his previous elbow score of 1/1. The scan revealed that he does not have the medial coronoid disease suspected in his December radiology report, but only a small amount of new bone formation around the medial coronoid process of the left elbow. Ippo's elbow score is now 1/0. Thanks to everyone involved!
Although there have not been very many dog shows so far this year, I have a few results to share. At the Kajaani international show on 10 Jan, Vappu was graded Excellent in the champion class under Sanna Kavén. At the traditional Spitz Specialty event in Kuopio on 25 Jan, we showed Havu (photographed left), Helli (photographed right), and Armi. The star of the day was Havu, who took second place in a huge junior class and was awarded his first junior CC. Helli did not place in the enormous baby puppy class, while Armi placed surprisingly high in her class (Very Good/3) considering how little coat she had. The judges were breed experts Christian Lauluten (males) and Pinja Hiltunen (females).
 
As part of the Spitz Specialty program, Armi also underwent a conformation examination and the report looks very good despite her complete lack of undercoat. The examination was carried out by Esa Ruotsalainen. Photos by Sanna Parviainen.
A week after the Spitz Specialty, Havu took part in the Parkano group show and achieved an excellent result this time, too, placing fourth in the dog challenge and scoring his second junior CC and a reserve "adult" CC. The Finnish Lapphunds were judged by Maarit Hassinen.
Herding has clearly been the number one hobby this year. Sami and Totti have tried sheep herding with promising results, while the more experienced Ruusu and Pate have shown great performances in reindeer herding training. The now traditional reindeer herding camp of the Jäätuulen and Cantavia kennels on 21-22 Feb was attended by Rasmus (pictured below), Nuttu, Varpu, Havu, and Martta. It was once again extremely fascinating to watch how the team's dogs performed in the breed's original task!
Photos have been added to the following galleries: Nuttu, Varpu, Havu, Martta, Helli, and Mytty. Also, Noki's progeny page has been updated. Thanks for the photos to Taru Vallius, Titta Repo, Sanna Parviainen, Ida Tikkanen, and Outi Uusitalo!
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