28 January, 2007

Garreg Ddu Kennels

By Edith Miller

In this short article on the development of the Garreg Ddu lines, I have only mentioned the animals that directly affect the continuity of the present day breeding programme.  However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have purchased puppies or indeed any of the stock in the past, giving them loving homes.  Especially folk who campaign them in any way.  May you have continued satisfaction and success?

There is no doubt that Formakin Digger aroused my interest in the ACD.  He was not an easy dog, but nevertheless a wonderful character who gained many admirers during his long life.  Mated to Swordstone Rozella of Slipwood they produced Slipwood Yippee who in turn was mated to Formakin Kimba at Drenoss producing Drenoss Red Wyola. 

Meanwhile, John and Mary Holmes imported Baiamul Blue Dinky Di of Formakin, who eventually came to Garreg Ddu.  Once she had overcome the effects of quarantine she had an excellent show career.  She was mated to Drenoss Red Wyola.  These two produced Garreg Ddu Aphrodite who has many wins to her credit at both open and championship shows.  Only once was she out of the cards!

Dinky Di spent the later years of her life with her namesake Di (Atkinson) who fell in love with her when she did her animal care course at the Huddersfield Technical College which was linked with training at Marina Kennels.  Dianne desperately wanted an ACD at home so we came to an agreement and they had a wonderful love affair until in her 13th year Dinky Di left for the kennel in the sky.  She was loved and admired by all who knew her, particularly in her last years when she was a frequent visitor (as well as being a patient) to the PDSA where Dianne works.  Thanks must go to the veterinary surgeons and staff who nursed her through several operations for the removal of cancerous growths.  No dog could have had better treatment and postoperative care.

Garreg Ddu Aphrodite was mated to Rafael Shades of Blue by Curdeleon, a Dinky Di grandson and a Digger GGG.Grandson.  This mating produced Garreg Ddu Bhindi who has also enjoyed an excellent show career to date and I hope will continue in the future.  Mated to Am. Ch. Brynmawr's Sundance Kid, imported from America by Stella and Alison, produced an interesting litter including G.D. Red Adare and G.D. Roo the Day at Milamber.  Though I did not retain a puppy out of this litter owing to a) pressure of work and b) ill health.  I hope to have a puppy out of Roo who has produced a litter by G.D. Corker, who was by Rafaell Indigo Blue ex G.D. Aphrodite.  So I await the result of the hearing tests, which is to be done in December.  For any breeder this is always an important event.

Meanwhile, Aphrodite has been mated to Kimberley Jebsons' import, Pavesi Real McCoy of Austmans.  This will no doubt be her last litter so it is eagerly awaited.  I am indebted to Kimberley and Mark for being so kind to Cindy (Aphrodite) during my illness.  They have cared for her from September 1999 to the present day.  True friends indeed.

Bhindi is now almost 5 years old and thoroughly enjoying life in Anglesey.  She was mated to Dillon Angela Cocker's import from Germany: Multi Ch. Du Vieux Poirier's Blue Tobias who has interesting lines containing many dogs with working qualifications with which I am so interested.  As he has Landmaster blood in his veins the progeny should be exciting to say the least.

Am I looking forward to the next few years - however many I have left.

In 1991 I purchased Morrow Blue Attunga (Skippy) from Stella, fully intending to include him in my breeding plan as he was a dog with 'work' in his background.  He was so handsome and we loved him dearly.  He was BOB at Crufts 2 years in succession.  Sadly he was barely in his prime when the dreaded cancer took hi life.  What a gap he left.

I have touched on the principle animals that have been the backbone of the Garreg Ddu ACD breeding.  Since my childhood I have never been without a working dog.  GSD's have always been there and I have also bred Irish Setters, Rough Collies, Shih Tzus (oh! Yes) and owned a border collie which I rescued.

I have tried to breed to produce intelligent and as far as possible, trouble free dogs, always giving thought to and taking advice on the lines available.  In all breeding projects it is inevitable that faults will 'pop up' out of the blue, but it is my principle never to use an animal with unknown hereditary fault unless I know that the strength of my own lines should counteract it favorably.  Now that BAER testing is available there is no excuse for us to be naive on the deafness front; PRA is just as important and regular testing is a must if we are to keep on top of the problem.

There are some good homes waiting for ACD pups.  Let us ensure that we do our utmost to see that they get quality stock.

To Learn more about Garregddu Kennels and my current dogs click here for my own website

Back to ACD History

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Garreg Ddu Edition in Blue

(Int. Ch. Du Vieux Poirer's Blue Tobias x  Garreg Ddu Bhindi)

Garreg Ddu Eminence

(Int. Ch. Du Vieux Poirer's Blue Tobias x  Garreg Ddu Bhindi)

Garreg Ddu Red A Dare                  

 (Am. Ch. Bryn Mawr's Sundance Kid x Garreg Ddu Bhindi)