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Forrest and Major
Major and Forrest |
NL/VDH/NL Vet/VDH Vet Champion (Dutch, German, Dutch Veteran, German Veteran Ch.) Gwensigor's Hey I'm a Major too JW01 *Major*
Born: 06-07-2000
Hundreds of photos I have of this fellow. Because I’m head over heels in love with him, he’s photogenic, loves the camera but most of all, because I’m super proud to own him! The collage above shows how he developed from the age of 3 weeks till 1,5 year. Here on the left you see him from the age of 2 years (top) till 9,5 years (last one). In 2010 Major will be 10 years old. Major gained his Dutch champion title quite early in life, but I believe he looked his best when he was 4 years old. When fully matured, his coat was in all its glory and his movements were superb and strong. When Major is trotting you see that special “daisy cutting”, his feet only just moving over the ground, as if he’s cutting off the daisies. A Sheltie’s way of moving which specialist judges love to see. Major has one nasty fault, his short tail. Specialist judges often couldn’t forgive him for this, so then the ticket went to another dog. However, when we would have an all round judge, Major usually had more chance to gain the ticket or at least a reserve mainly because of his marvelous movement. When a judge had no idea what to choose from, he/she would pick Major for his overall look general appearance. Once Major became a champion I entered him in champion class to keep out of other dogs’ way for the tickets. Major didn’t really win much in that class, but we did have a lot of fun as he was usually the only one. Later on after Major turned 8, I entered him in the Veteran class where he was once again the only one. So gaining his Veteran titles was a piece of cake in both Holland and Germany. I also entered Major a few times together with his mother Didji in the class for couples. This is separate from the breed judging and the dogs aren’t judged on the breed standard, but whether they are much alike. You must have 2 dogs, a male and a female, of the same breed, same owner and they really must be a perfect pair. Well…. Major and Didji were that perfect pair and they won a lot of prices. You can see more pictures of them together on Didji’s page.
In all Major sired 17 litters from which came 5 champions (till now). I had been dreaming of a son by my Major for some years and I nearly gave up all hope when my Forrest was born in 2008. This would also be Major’s last litter, so I got my “son by Major” in the nick of time! And mind you, Major might be a good looking fellow, Forrest is even better! Major has a wonderful personality. He is a true gentleman, especially with the bitches and here in the pack he is a true leader. He doesn’t need to fight to maintain his position, everybody respects him immediately. And if he does encounter a dog who wishes to be the boss and also wants to fight for it, then Major will step down. He is no dictator !! If I would have been able to part from Major he would have had more titles and more litters to his name, but he never went on tour and as I like to spend the night in my own bed, we never went far for showing. Despite his age, Major is still a young lad. He’s still full of energy and spirit, he’s healthy and always happy, a joy to live with. And I hope he will stick around for a long long time, because what would I do without my Major?
Major is retired now for stud.
Major-offspring (puppy photo's) |
