(Me and my precious Flint at Ohtakari beach)
History
My first own dog was Coton de
Tuleár “Sasa” (Pronssiportin Caro Jade 1995-2010). I started to learn agility
with her when I was 6 years old. Sasa was a great dog to young girl because she
was easy to handle and friendly for everyone. After all we competed in the
highest class in agility and several times in Finnish Junior Championships as
well.
After few active years I got an
agreement from my parents to have a new dog for agility training. I was hoping
a bit faster breed than Coton. After a hard decision and a long waiting my
choice was Shetland Sheepdog and I finally got my second dog “Jerry” (FIN ACH
Peltsun Namstop-Bailamo 2001-2011). Jerry had a bit more attitude and stamina
than Shelties usually have and he was very intelligent as well. I was only 10
years old when I had to learn how I can handle a dog who loved to control every
single dog or human he met. Jerry taught me more than I could ask from any dog!
And he also gave me a good perspective to the Sheltie breeding program and I’m
very happy that I have Jerry in some of my bitches’ pedigree.
With Jerry we competed in
agility’s highest class, but we also trained obedience and we competed in
couple of tests. We tried tracking and human searching exercises as well. Jerry
was always ready to every single hobby which I introduced to him!
Agility is been part of my life a
very long time, since 1997.
Ten years later (year 2007) I
bought my first Border Collie and started to train herding with him because I
became more and more interested about dog sports which measures dog’s natural
instincts. That’s the reason why herding is nowadays the most important hobby for me.
Unfortunately I had to make one
of the hardest decisions of dog’s life and let my first BC go to the Rainbow
Bridge only 1 year and 10 months of age. “Wau” (Tammikallion Zurron) had bad
health problems (hips, back and eyes).
Three years later (year 2010) I
got my second Border Collie and this time I had a better luck. Killiebrae Flint
came from England and he is still part of our pack. Flint is an excellent
teacher to me and he really proved his natural skills in herding and agility. From
the beginning I hoped he’d be part of my breeding project and my dreams came
true. Flint has 6 litters (two of them are my own litters) and he is in some of
my breeding bitches’ pedigree.
Studies
In year 2004 I went to Finnish
Breeder Course although I was too young to request my kennel name then. But I
was so curious to learn about dog breeding and genetics.
In year 2007 I started studying
at the Central Ostrobothnia Rural Institute in Kannus (Finland), orientation to
Canine studies. There I learned more about protection dog training. I trained
protection with my German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois because those breeds
are more capable for that kind of sport. And once again we’re talking about the
sport which is measuring natural instincts and nerves.
I graduated in year 2010 and
after that I started studying at the Sport Massage School in Tampere (Finland),
orientation to Canine massaging.
I’ve always been curious to learn
more about dog training and breeding and I’m so thankful to everyone who has
shared experiences with me.
Breeding principles
and thoughts
My main thought is that breeders
have to always remember what kind of dogs the own breed included hundreds of
years ago. There’s some reason why Shelties and Borders didn’t have ten kilos
of coat top of them. From history of the breeds we can find the key dogs which
are showing us when we’re going too far from that. Breeders have to remember
what the main use for the breed was and try to keep those qualities in breed.
I don’t appreciate overstating
things in my breeds like too much coat, position of the ears, too heavy
comformation/build etc.
I’m avoiding matador-breeding
because that doesn’t help to keep breed’s genetically diversity in good level.
I mostly appreciate outcross, but
sometimes also line-breeding is good if the litter is planned carefully and
there’s point to do that.
My aim is to breed suitable
Border Collies for herding, dog sports and everyday life. I really appreciate
dogs which can rest if nothing happens. In herding is important that the dog
wants to please you but it’s still strong enough to move all kind of flock, not
only few sheep in trials. The good dog keeps on going although you might not
have the best day in your life. My opinion is that if the dog has enough instinct
and quality to be a good herding dog, then the dog can be a good sport dog as
well if you can utilize those qualities. Naturally all breeders want to breed
healthy dogs.
My aim is to breed suitable
Shelties for various hobbies like agility, obedience, rally-obedience and
nosework etc. Shows are not my favorite but that doesn’t mean I will forget
which a good build is. It’s only because I’m not interested to do magic moves
to set the ears to the right direction.
I’m focused on British type
Shelties. Shelties must also be brave and friendly, not too fearful, shy or
sensitive.
Back to year 2018
Our hairy pack includes all of
mine and my partner’s dogs. You can find the introductions of them from these
pages (à “Dogs at home”). :)
You can read our news from Facebook!
And previous news you can find from a training
blog, but unfortunately texts is only in Finnish.
Nowadays we’re training mostly
herding with our dogs. The rest of the hobbies (agility, obedience, searching,
tracking and rally-obedience) are in our training list when we have extra time
for them. In winter times we’re training also sled dogs things with our Border
Collies! And whatever we’re doing, we’re always having fun with our dogs! :)
If you have anything to ask about
our thoughts or dogs etc. please contact me!
You can send me a private message
or an e-mail: jepu.kilponen @ gmail.com (remove spaces)
-Jepu Kilponen-
