Tag Archives: Pumi Breeder USA

Last Week Tonight

February 22, 2016

The FeHoVa dog show hall

The FeHoVa dog show hall

It’s been seven busy days in Budapest with the girls, Fruska and Agyag.  In this short time, I’ve managed to squeeze in a family reunion, a four day international dog show, some city hopping/shopping  and a three-day long  un amour de chien. By the way, Kaffogo Agyag justified her amorous attitude with a  quote from the  famous romantic  poet, Ashley Madison, a contemporary of Jane

Austen NOT…,  “Life is Short, Have an Affair…”

Ashley Madison

Ashley Madison, – stories of discretion

Jayne Austen

Jayne Austen – stories of indiscretion

Meeting my family is always a passionate affair...

Meeting my family is always a passionate affair…

Meeting my family is always a passionate gathering and my sister’s high-rise flat seemed a bit tight at times…

Starting on Thursday, February 18, we’ve participated the FeHoVa International  Dog Show at HUNGEXPO, the Budapest fairground. Five shows in four days. Dog shows are a different  kind of animal in Europe than in the U.S. One is better to cancel any other plans on a dog show day (the day really goes to the dogs.)  The organizers certainly give you all the time for your entry fees.

Agyag's result less one CACIB

Agyag’s result less one CACIB

I was glad that I entered Kaffogo Agyag to the shows.  I had a chance to get a partial inside look at the Hungarian Pumi field.  Partial, because, unfortunately, there has been a major schism between the Hungarian Pumi aficionados.  There are breeders and dog owners who are members of the official Magyar Pumi Klub (Hungarian Pumi Club) and than there are the “others” who refuses to recognize the official Club. If you thought that the partisanship in the U.S. Congress is serious than you ain’t see nothing.  It is a sad state of affairs, because there are good breeders and great minds on both sides.  Members of the opposition, with a few exception, do not enter to dog shows organized by or associated with the official Club and vice versa.  As a result, I had a chance to see approximately  70% of the Pumis of those who tend to participate at dog shows and a handful of foreign breeders.

The tram in front of Eifel's Budapest West Railway Terminal than...

The tram in front of Eifel’s Budapest West Railway Terminal than…

...and now (sort of...)

…and now

Since the 2013 Budapest World Dog Show, I’ve noticed some changes. Some Hungarian breeders/handlers started following the Nordic countries and have been experimenting with a more dramatic grooming than what we used to see earlier. Shorter hair and sculpting becoming a more frequent appearance. Interestingly, even some of the judges seemed to prefer the more sculpted Pumi look. In fact, I’ve heard some judges suggesting to some handlers whose dogs entered the ring with a  more natural coat that they should groom their dogs better. I am hesitant to go either way, however, one of the disadvantages that I can see is that much shorter cuts will reduce the importance of the quality of the Pumi coat because it simply won’t be possible to check it. Attitudes and customs have been changing.  One thing however, most handlers seems to be resistant to is, wearing former attire in the ring.

Gray has become the dominant Pumi color. Fawn, unless it is white or off white looking, appears to suffer some set backs.  I had a chance to talk to some of the foreign participants and it sounds that they’ve experienced similar tendencies in their countries too.

IMG_4527The Teddy Bear Syndrome:  I had an interesting discussion with some breeders and “off duty” judges about the increased number of Pumis on the smaller end with softer denser hair with more curvy angles than one would think of the Pumi after reading the breed standard. They are certainly cute and huggable, however, they are missing the size and stamina necessary for the breed’s original function, herding.  I’ve noticed this trend  the past few years in the northic countries and now in Hungary too. Some voices have also raised concerns about this issue in the U.S. too.

in front of the beautifully restored Central Market Hall

in front of the beautifully restored Central Market Hall

The update on Friday’s story is that I filed a formal complaint with the MEOESZ, the Hungarian Kennel Klub, about Judge Istvan Laszlo’s action of withholding the CACIB certificate from Agyag, because she was in “heat.”

photo from upstairs

the market indoor

According to FCI rules, the judge’s decision is final an cannot be reversed. However, if the MEOESZ rules in my favor, the judge can get sanctioned or disciplined.  I was  surprised how much support I’ve got from people. Surprisingly, there were also some supporting opinions from the opposition Pumi camp.

the cholesterol department

the cholesterol department

fruits and veggies

fruits, veggies and the famous paprika

Even though the dog show has consumed most of my time and energy,  I managed to have a nostalgia ride with my sister on the number 6 tram on the ring around the center of the City. The line is 8.3 km long has 19 stops in 29 minutes and it runs 24/7. The tran stops 225 times at each station during the day in both directions during the school year and 210 times when schools is out. The tran starts and ends on the Buda side of the city, however, rides the longest on the pest side.

Now that Agyag’s love affair and the dog show are over, I am ready to catch up with myself.  I am starting my spin class in the nearby gym tomorrow.

ready for my tomorrow spin class

ready for my tomorrow’s spin class

ready for my tomorrow's spin class

ready for my tomorrow’s spin class

 

 

“Budapest Budapest Te Csodas…”

February 16, 2016

“Budapest Budapest You Wonderful…” The title is a popular Hungarian song, I think back from the 1960-70. For Hungarians it is sort of the equivalent of Sinatra’s “New York New York.” https://youtu.be/TIsXvH-e6bU  (it is heavily edited and appropriated sorry original content owners….)

I am so thrilled to be back again…

 

Catskill Pumis waiting to board at JFKIt is that crazy time of the year again when we travel to Europe to check out the royal and not so royal Pumi houses of Europe to make some holly alliances between the Pumis of the New World and some of the Ancient Regimes of the continent.

 

It is that crazy time of the year again when we travel to Europe to check out the royal and not so royal Pumi houses of Europe to make some holly alliances between the Pumis of the New World and Pumis of the  Ancient Regimes of Europe.

Catskill Pumi petting ZOO at JFK every one loves the Pumis

Catskill Pumi petting ZOO at JFK every one loves the Pumis

I’ll spend six weeks traveling in Hungary and a few other countries. The plan is to enter some dog shows, visit breeders, get some unofficial breeding and health history on the breed.  I will put  my light blue NATO helmet on and try to do my best to clean off the dirt that comes with all the information from the various sides…  and we also try to breed if all works as planned.

The Catskill Pumi Teddy Bear Collection - I WANT ONE!

The Catskill Pumi Teddy Bear Collection – I WANT ONE!

We had a very orderly departure that is usually a pretty  rear occurrence. Left on time from upstate, made it to the airport without incident, checked in dogs and luggages, I even get to check in an extra duffle bag without paying a penny. The early arrival to JFK gave us some extra quality time with the dogs. They could eliminate, hang out and get used to the new environment without any tension so when they were hauled away to load them on the plain, they did not care too much.

We let Mommy off leash for a pit stop

We let Mommy off leash for a pit stop…

The flight was uneventful. In Helsinki I changed plane to Budapest.  While boarding, the captain assured me that the dogs were  transferred to the second flight and so we went.  After the brutal cold spell of of Upstate NY (we had -40F windchill Friday night) I did not mind the unseasonable warm temperature at my arrival in Budapest.

Agyag and Fruska are checking in at Finnair

Agyag and Fruska are checking in at Finnair

We walked through customs like middle eastern migrants enter to Europe; no one checked my papers or really cared about me or the dogs.  I picked up my rental car and we were on our way to my sister’s house. The station wagon I rented is a blessing because I can fit both crates in the back so I can keep the car clean from muddy dog paws for six weeks. It was funny to see the dogs when we got out of the car and entered the lobby of the high-rise building where my sister lives. As we were waiting for the elevator, they kept looking and wondering why the sheep live in vertically stacked stalls and why they have so many shepherds around.  I needed to pull through the day without going to sleep until the evening so I can manage better the jetlag aka desynchronosis (a fancy word for you).

The Catskill Pumis are ready to board the subway

The Catskill Pumis are ready to enter the Budapest subway system

Today we took it easy. I bought a monthly public transportation pass so I do not have to drive in Budapest traffic unless it is necessary.  I also bought a gym membership to a fancy gym just a few blocks from my sister’s house because even though, i promised myself that I keep my relatively healthy diet while in Europe, I am afraid I will get tempted and breaking down within minutes after walking into one of those famous indoor food markets where they sell all those mouthwatering insanely delicious food creations.

My sister Zsuzsa with my Pumis

My sister Zsuzsa with my Pumis

The rest of the day we are off to the central shopping district on the Pest side of the City.  Lets see what the fancy boutiques of Budapest can offer comparing to Delhi’s “Tractor Supply” selection or Oneonta’s “Walmart” back home in New York. Do not tell this part of my trip to Laszlo…

Dogs and owners need to know a lot before entering a dog run you have to pass a "dog body language test" study material is available at the entrance. Turid Ruugas would be pretty proud

Dogs and owners need to know a lot before entering a dog run. Everyone has to pass a “dog body language test” Study material is available at the entrance. Welcome to Dog Run University… Turid Ruugas would be pretty proud

 

Four More Days To Go…

Fruska has a ferocious appetite she has turned into a mean feeding machine...

Fruska has a ferocious appetite. She has turned into a mean feeding machine…

March 22, 2014

It is less than 100 hours until show time. Although, Fruska has significantly slowed down, her appetite has become ferocious.  She has turned into a mean feeding machine.  Of course, she also eats for her invisible family these days. She gets three meals a day and she polishes her bowl each time to perfection. (A herding dog and a housekeeper – what a breed…)

 

Her temperature is closely monitored and it has been steady in the 99-100F range.

We've been closely monitoring her temperature...

We’ve been closely monitoring her temperature…

Catskill Pumis Winter Remix

November 12, 2013

We got the first real snow today.  At 6:30AM we dressed, grabbed a coffee and opened the door.  Although, the view of the snow covered hillsides were beautiful, the accompanying wind was unpleasantly cold and biting.  Than the dogs stormed out from the house and we forgot about the whole bone biting chill.  We just kept watching the dogs, especially the pups who’ve seen snow the first time today.  Their excitement was spectacular.

http://youtu.be/wM0LTHtVJa4  <——–Click here      

Just Chillin’…Catskill Apacatancos Anka

October 31, 2013

it was a beautiful day yesterday.  After we finished the chores went for a hike with the dogs and done some work in the studio.   Before the sun went down we got some nice light in the kitchen that inspired us to take some lazy photos with the dogs.  Anka was pooped from the hike so she did not mind to stretch out on the dining table for a few pictures.

Growing up and up and fast…

want to eat them allive

Want to eat them alive

 

Safe inside

Safe and roomy inside

August 28, 2013

Wow…!  Wait a minute…, I would get a speeding ticket for that!   These pups are growing with the speed of mushrooms.  What has been a a nice excuse to hang out and play with the pups, the past month, fast it turned into a demanding job watching these rascals do not get hurt and cleaning them around the clock.

Photo 27-08-2013 12 53 23

The troop is together figuring out what kind of mischievous things to do next

But honestly, it is a great and rewarding job. I love to see them interacting with each other,and their personality developing.  I hope to get many nice days so we can spend lots of time outside.

Alpar is seriously thinking about something

Alpar is seriously thinking about something

Happy 20th day birthday…

August 19, 2013

The pups are 20 days old today, growing big, their eyes are open, moving around and loud. They are a very happy bunch.  Mama Fruska, although, spends less and less time with them, religiously feeds, and cleans every  one of them. Feeding the pups is a virtual riot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCrsV9fmsMI&feature=share&list=UUGAe-4zFkQdx4L2mHnpLHBw   <—— Click here

Here are some mug shots of the pups on a Kalocsai Decorated pillow (I think it is Kalocsa style)

Apacatancos "Anka" girl she is the biggest, 41.30 oz. Loves to get drunk on milk

Apacatancos “Anka” girl she is the biggest, 41.30 oz. Loves to get drunk on milk

 

Acsecsebecs "Ara"girl 33.40oz today, little precious gem really full with herself

Acsecsebecse “Ara” girl 33.40oz today, little precious gem really full with herself

 

 

 

 

Akulipintyos "Ag"  boy who simply walked off the stage in the middle off the photo shoot he growled something like this, "get your act together before you bother me again..."

Akulipintyos “Ag” boy who simply walked off the stage in the middle off the photo shoot he growled something like, “get your act together before you bother me again…” 38.80oz

 

Afityfirittyos "Asz" boy, who  actually turned out to be fityfirittyos (so much about self-fulfilling prophecy) 33.75oz he is a smart little guy who picks up and collects the dow quietly that the other dropped off while crowding around the milk bar and moves on

Afityfirittyes “Asz” boy, who actually turned out to be fityfirittyes (so much about self-fulfilling prophecy) 33.75oz he is a smart little guy who picks up and saves the doe quietly that the others dropped off while crowding around the milk bar and moves on

 

20 day-old green pup

Acsinnadrattas “Acel” boy
look at the way he poses, it says everything; “hey you out there, do you want trouble than come and see me”  little guy with a big stick 36.40oz

 

20 day-old yellow pup

Apityokas “Alpar” boy, strong, deliberate quite milk shark he could have been the villain of “Jaws. “However, after eating, he just wants to be loved 38.25oz

 

 

 

“Best of Miscellaneous…”

Saturday, July 20, 2013

We have entered with Agyag the Putnam County Kennel Club Show, in Stormville, NY Saturday and Sunday.  It was a hot and muggy day over 100F and a crying screaming baby under the tent- pretty exhausting…

"I Love Australia"

“I Love Australia”

Agyag won Best of Misc. over, the Mini Am Shepherds, Lagotti Romagnoli and the Bergamascos.  Our judge, Mrs. Lydia Coleman Hutchinson from Australia,  simply said, “Gorgious…”  She has also  handed out some nice gifts from Down Under.

"I Love Australia 2"

“I Love Australia 2”

 

 

 

 

We got also invited by the Bergamascos Club President to their upcoming FSS (incl. Misc.) Show in October.  I guess, the Pumi is keep getting popular.

A Puli owner friend of my, who suggested me to enter this show, introduced me to Janina Laurin (she was judging the herding group) who really liked Agyag.  I have also had a chance to talk to other judges who are planning to participate at the judges seminar in Pennsylvania, in August.

So except the heat and the screaming baby, we had a nice day.

Fenceless Tending…

June 12, 2013

South African Boer goats, Transylvanian Shepherd, Australian Wine...Welcome to the United States...

South African Boer goats, French Pumi, Transylvanian Shepherd, Australian Wine…Welcome to the United States…

 

If the wind blows from the right direction everything is fine, including those famous  ears. I guess, not today...

If the wind blows from the right direction everything is fine, including those famous ears;  perhaps not today…

My visit to Hortobagy has been paying off…  We have several pasture fields with no fencing.   Previously, we used electric netting to keep the stock in place.  After returning from Hortobagy, I said, it is ENOUGH…! let those Pumis do what they have been bred for.  So we took Fruska wearing her new collar with the brass bell and magic has happened…

If you have a good herding dog just lean back and and smile at the sky (and most likely an NSA satelite...)

If you have a good herding dog just lean back and smile at the sky (and most likely at an NSA satelite…)

Thank you Hortobagy!

 

http://youtu.be/fbjVzyRI-nc <—Click here