Pumi Florida | Catskill Pumi

June 27, 2018

One of Anka’s three written evaluations. It is nice to have them. It can be helpful for exhibitors.

The future generation of Hungarian handlers, Virak Mester and Marko Tuncsik

Up and coming young Hungarian handlers, Virag Mester and Marko Tuncsik. Pro-handlers give a big boost to the Hungarian conformation show scene.

Marko Tuncsik Junior Handler with Anka right after the junior handler show. They earned second place.

Marko Tuncsik Junior Handler with Anka after the junior handler show. They earned second place.

During last weekend, I have entered Anka at the HPK (Hungarian Pumi Klub) and Budapest Grand Prix shows in Budapest. Originally, I signed up Agyag to finish her Hungarian Championship, however, because of the change of airline, I could fly only one dog and I’ve ended up choosing Anka because of her scheduled breeding. Consequently, I scratched Agyag and showed Anka instead.

One of my favorite photos of Anka

The shows have also given me a chance to eyeball a limited cross section of the Hungarian Pumi stock again during these turbulent days when European Pumis conquering America.

My scope was limited because of the long time ongoing schism… – PU…MI – between Hungarian Pumi breeders. (For beginners, the two major opposing groups do not show at each other’s shows -with a few exceptions… (the two percent…) and a number of breeders, who are opposing the official Pumi Club, rather break the law and register their Hungarian born dogs in foreign countries than join the Hungarian Kennel Club and Hungarian Pumi Club’s data base. – crazy isn’t it…?

So when you buy a Pumi from Hungary with a NON-Hungarian pedigree (!), watch out, because AKC might do not register your imported dog and you are supporting some crazy illegal Pumi activities.

Anyway…

After all, my Anka did well and has been complimented by both, the natives and the judges too. She’s got Res.CAC Excellent, CAC Excellent 1, and Res.CACIB Excellent. All three of her written evaluations are glowing and I cannot be happier.

Anka and Marko second place at the Junior Handler show, Budapest Grand Prix

Overall, the quality of dog shows in Hungary are slowly getting better. Most importantly, the dogs’ grooming is improving, however, showmanship still needs a bit more push. Exhibitors also pay more attention to their ring attire, that is already a positive commitment. The number of pro-handlers have been steadily increasing and that certainly has a positive impact on the quality of dog shows. The venue, “HUNGEXPO,” the international Budapest Fair Center also makes people to take dog shows a bit more seriously.

The quality of judging could be a bit more formal (based on my experience) and less partisan (as I have overheard people talking…), however, the judges’ knowledge of the Pumi is certainly outstanding.

Another graceful Anka photo. Remember, NECK NECK NECK…(read the standard..)

I have met about 52%…(?!) of the “Who is Who on the Hungarian Pumi Scene.” People have been nice, open, and curious about the state of the Pumi in the US.

Grooming Queen, Tunde Baloghne Jovanovics also visited the show. She has panned each dog with her laser piercing critical eyes in the grooming area, than has given some pointers to people and the quality of Pumis suddenly increased in no time.

Overall, it was a nice show and I hope to be back sometimes soon.

Anka and Marko with a lavender background. Love my girl!

Mark Walley with Ilka the star of the weekend. Congratulations to Gabriella Kassai, Mark Walley (owners) and Kate Pinches and Budd (Breeders) :-)

Mark Walley the lone British (soon English or potentially Northumbrian – thanks to Brexit F.C.) soccer fan with Ilka, the star of the Budapest Grand Prix weekend. CONGRATULATIONS! Mark doesn’t know that he is lucky, because if he decides to prepare for the Hungarian citizenship test, two of the questions coincide in Hungarian and English history; November 25, 1953 and May 23, 1954. I’ve heard somewhere that these two dates are automatically tattooed on every new born English baby boys’ butt in English hospitals to never forget… or… always remember…? it is cheeky…

Ilka and Gabriella in the ring. Congratulations for the outstanding performance at the Budapest Grand Prix.

with Pumi grooming legend/guru/expert/authority, Tunde, Balogne Jancsovics. The debate is still out there, what was first the Pumi or its grooming by Tunde. She has taught me all the shop secrets...

…with Pumi grooming legend/guru/expert/authority, Tunde, Balogne Jancsovics. The debate is still out there, what was first the Pumi or its grooming instruction by Tunde. She has taught me all the shop secrets (almost…) over the years

Julia Szurdoki, one of my mentors, and main sources of "Everything Pumi One by One."

Julia Szurdok, one of my super mentors, and owner/creator of one of the most extensive collection of written private records on the breed “Everything Pumi One by One…” So…watch out.

Mobile Vendor at the Budapest Grand Prix

With Piroska Nagy and her Pumi Gomolya. He was BOB Friday at the HPK club show. Congratulations!

With Piroska Nagy and her Pumi Gomolya. Gomolya was BOB Friday at the HPK club show. Congratulations!

May 28, 2017

A last good bye before Fatyol Felho leaves his Catskill family

A last goodbye photo with the Larkins before Fatyol Felho leaves his Catskill family and heads to Florida to join his half brother, Catskill Csaszar aka ZEKE

Another memorable milestone has been reached during our long Pumi journey. GCHB CH Catskill Apacatancos Anka, PT, JHD, CA, after two AKC National BOB, and the first ever Pumi BOB at Westminster has said goodbye to the pups of her first litter. She’s been an exemplary mom

three generations... Mama Fruska has been one of the main actors to be responsible for the international Pumi addiction.

three generations… Mama Fruska (left) has been one of the main actors to be responsible for the international Pumi addiction.

So this weekend, the pups of our F-litter have moved to their new homes this weekend, to destinations in Florida New York, Massachusetts and Ohio. The last day went fast while playing with the pups, sharing food and stories. Luckily, the weather was collaborating.

We are thankful for Marika and Paul Foreman and Martha and Bob Fisher to stop by and help this joyous event to roll smoothly.

JoAnn and Maria with their new pups Rubik and Frankie

Nanci and Ficko with one of the incredible designer name tags given by Maria Barnum to each puppy

What’s cooking’ Laszlo?

The Wright sister Cathrine with Füzfa

Marika’s sixth “Catskill Pumi Farewell”

the class of FW-2017

Mark, Jane and Odie posing with Ildiko before heading back home

there is never a dull moment up in the Catskills. Martha Fisher guarding the ingredients of our lunch during the outdoor cooking from the Pumis.

As the pups move to their new homes they pave the road to build new friendships and Pumi camaraderie. Our Catskill family has grown bigger and stronger. When we search for the best homes for our puppies, we also build relationships that offers reciprocal growth and learning opportunities for the new owners and us, the breeders. Once the pups leave us, the proverbial umbilical cord is not cut, rather our connection gets stronger.

Maria, JoAnn, Nanci, Cathrine and Dana, Jane and Mark, Lisa and Barry, thank you for opening your homes for our pups raising them to be examples of the breed that we can be proud of and happy members of your family. We hope to hear from each of you often!