REVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES WITH OUR HAVANESE in 2011

Activities: Dog Dance Competitions - Dog Dance Demonstrations - Obedience - Agility - Show

Today we've participated with other members of THE WET NOSE DANCERS to a demonstration of canine freestyle at the Eurodogshow (Kortrijk). Alle dancers did their best and the pulic was happy. 

Havana danced on the music The Riverside of Agnes Obel. At the end of the routine she plays on the piano. We are so proud of Havana. 

We have been practising again on the quattro act : The Bongo Song of Safri Duo with our Havanese Freestylers (Dolce, Vita, Dalia, Mistica). 
It's always a lot of fun to show this routine! We amuse ourselves a lot! The dogs have a lot of fun too! In the beginning they were a bit distracted since they didn't have the chance to walk through the ring before the start of the performance, but we are very glad. 

Videos : 

More photos

Click on the picture above to open the webalbum with more pictures.

Tiziano was staying with us this weekend so he could accompany us and his sisters to Vinkt for a puppy visit. All dogs have played well. The pups of Princess and Rose could go outside for the first time. 

Today the Provincial Championship Agility (Antwerp) took place at dog school Sloeber in Kontich. I participated with Gioia and Havana. They both run in grade 1 small. In the morning, every participant had to run a jumping and in the afternoon a fixed trail. It was a very pleasant and relaxing day together with the other members of the club. 

Gioia 
Gioia didn't make any defaults on both trails. She had a lot of attention. She runs slower than during training. She did get some time penalties (5.88 jumping and 9.14 on the second trail). 
Results jumping : 13e place on 20 participants. Results fixed trail :  6e place on 20. Final result : a very nice 9e place on 20.

Havana 
Havana only made one mistake on the first trail (wrong entrance in the weave), but the second trail was perfect. She was also calmer than during training. She got some time penalties as well (7.10 jumping and 10.56 second trail). 
Results jumping : 15e place on 20 participants. Results fixed trail : 9e place. Final result : 12e place on 20.

I'm very proud of our two Havanese!!! They've done their best. It's been a long day for them. They are always a bit slower at a competition (long day). 
My English Cocker Nikita was also present to "support" her little sisters. She behaved very very well! There were many people and dogs. 

More pictures of Gioia & Havana in action : click here.

Gioia grade 1 [13e + 6e place -> 9e place] with 2x no defauts	Havana grade 1 [15e + 9e place -> 12e place]  with 1x no defauts

Today we've participated to the canine freestyle competition of CCS (club canin sportif) in Luik. We've participated with Nikita, Mistica & Vita. We are very happy with the performances of our little dogs. They really did their best. It was a very pleasant day. It's just a pity that some members of the jury were not objective in giving points. 

Beginners
Nikita : 7th place (on 9) with 8.13 (8.41 - 7.96 - 8.02) 
Music : Adele - Rolling in the deep
It was the first competition for points with Nikita and her second performance in an unknown environment. She misses some experience. She was the youngest competitor of the competition. I'm sooo proud of her! She did her best. She was a little bit overwhelmed and a bit distracted, but we had a lot of fun. She was wagging her tail the whole time. 

VIDEO Nikita

Novice
Vita : 5th place (on 8) with 8.24 (8.55 - 7.93 - 8.24)
Music : Gia Farrell - Happy Feet (Hit me up)
I've enjoyed a lot performing with Vita today!! She was happy and working on her own funny way. We danced on the music of the film Happy Feet. 

VIDEO VITA

Novice
Mistica : 6th place (on 8) with 8.023 (8 - 7.85 - 8.22)
Music : Beth Ditto - I wrote the book
Mistica performed for the first time in the Novice class. Jumping around like a clown, it's typical for her. Her ever wagging tail showed her joy during the routine. 

We had so much fun today with our dogs. That's the most important thing. We are proud of them. 

VIDEO Mistica

More PHOTOS of Nikita, Vita & Mistica : click here

Webalbum with more pictures of the Havanese Reunion

Today we've visited together with our puppies Lucca, Emilia, Jolie, Dafne and Quenna Anja in Bergen Op Zoom of "A Maiden Efforts". Quenna was reunited with her sister Fleurie. It was also nice to see Red again and his mother Kammie Su and his son Rubino and the mother of this little one Enna (Pipotje), and also Boysz. We've played with the little chocolate puppies of Duja (MissyKissy) and Toto. 
The sun was not shining today, but it was raining, so the dogs couldn't play outdoors, but we've all had a pleasant afternoon. The puppies have enjoyed playing all together.

LUCCA   Jolie Lucca del Paradiso di Cani                             EMILIA   J'Emilia del Paradiso di Cani

JOLIE   Jolie Siena del Paradiso di Cani                            Dafne   Jolie Dafne del Paradiso di Cani

To TIZIANO (Je Tiziano del Paradiso di Cani) we also wish a "happy 10 months" :p

Quenna has had a very busy week and she obtained some very nice results.

Film Agility with our Havanese : click on HS Pallieter Club Championship Agility 19.09.2010

Collaga Agility at dog school Pallieter : click on HS Pallieter Club Championship Agility 18.09.2011

Today we've participated to the dog dance / canine freestyle competition of the B.B.C.C. in Vlimmeren. We've showed a performance with Nikita, Havana and Dolce. We are very happy with the results. Thanks to the B.B.C.C. for the good organisation and nice prices! 

Initiation
Nikita : PASSED
Music : Adele - Rolling in the deep
It was the first performance of Nikita. She is one year old. She known several exercises, but she is not really used to 'dance' in wet grass. She had a lot of attention. She got her diploma, so now she can participate to competitions for points. The music suddenly stoppped during the performance. It's a pity since we didn't get the chance to show the whole routine. 

Beginners
Havana : 3rd place (on 12) with 8.32 !!
Music : Agnes Obel - The Riverside
I'm very proud of Havana because she worked very well todya. Wet grass, lots of people surrounding the ring, ... that's not easy for her. She got the 3rd place!  

Novice
Dolce : 6th place (on 9) with 7.97
Music : Kato - Dancing on my own
Dolce, our oldes Havanese, knows a lot of exercises, but she is always very calm in performing them. On competitions she is even more calm because she has a bit of stress. It's been a while that we'd participated to a competition with her. She did very well.  

More pictures of Nikita, Havana & Dolce : click here

Nikita & Kristine	Havana & Kristine	Linda & Dolce

Today I've participated with three of our Havanese to the club championship of HS Pallieter. With Gioia, Havana and her son Iliano I've participated to the Agility competition. 

Gioia and Havana run in "grade 1". Iliano, who doesn't have his diploma yet, runs in the group of the "beginners". It's not a competition for points, but it's always a good exercise. With each dog, you had to run three times.

Gioia
Gioia did so well today. She just made two mistakes (wrong entrance tunnel and weave). I'm very glad with the results and it was a lot of fun to run with her.

Havana
Havana did also very well. She even got a  3rd place on 24 !! I'm soooo proud of her!!

Iliano
Iliano, who is just a beginner and likes to "run" slowly, did surprisingly well. The first and third trail were excellent, but the second one he made several mistakes. It was nice to run with him. He got a nice 4th place.

I'm very proud of our three Havanese! It's not easy to do Agility with these companion dogs, but they love it. It was a very pleasant and relaxing day. Well done Gioia, Havana and Iliano !!! 

More pictures of Gioia, Havana and Iliano in action : click here.

Iliano Beginners 4th place	Gioia Grade 1	Havana Grade 1 3rd place

Click on the photo below to open the webalbum of our visit to the beach (Blankenberge). We were accompanied by our "old" Maltese Tosca (who still had a lot of fun and walked well with us), the smallest Havanese Itala, Havanese Quenna and English Cocker Nikita and Havana's puppies : Tiziano, Lucca, Emilia, Jolie and Dafne. As soon as the dogs were off the leash, they ran towards the water and jumped in it. They had a lot of fun. Most of them were completely wet. After less than an hour walking in the dunes, they were dry again and we took a small photoshoot. 

                                  Maltezer Tosca           Havanezers    Itala & Quenna            Engelse Cocker Nikita

Is there a way I can find you?
Is there a sign I should know?
Is there a road I could follow,
to bring you back home?

                    Enya - If I Could Be Where You Are

Havana and her six puppies : 
Dafne, Jolie, Emilia, Lucca, Tiziano, (mommy Havana), Iliano.


Old to young : Dolce, Vita, Gioia, Dalia, Hippy, Mistica

Click on one of the  photos above to see the webalbum of our trip to the beach (Blankenberge). We were accompanied by  Dolce, Vita, Gioia, Havana, Dalia, Hippy, Mistica, Iliano, Tiziano, Lucca, Emilia, Jolie and Dafne. We had a nice walk on the beach and in the dunes. The sun was shining a lot. We enjoyed the afternoon together with the dogs. They could run and play a lot. It was a reunion of Havana with her six puppies : from the first litter Iliano, from the second litter Tiziano, Lucca, Emilia, Jolie en Dafne.

Click on the picture above to open the webalbum of the Havanese Puppy Party on Friday August 19, 2011 with four of the "del Paradiso di Cani" puppies (Lucca, Emilia, Jolie and Dafne) in Vinkt at "mis Amores Pequenios". We were also accompanied by Havana, Dalia, Mistica, Hippy and Quenna. 
It was nice to see Valter, daddy of our puppies (second litter of Havana) again. And also Julia and Juanita, two halfsisters of our puppies and Hippy (same father), Jimena (daugther of the halfsister of Mistica), Gringo (brother of Gioia), the parents of Gioia and Hippy, Pepita (halfsister of Mistica). We've also met Konchita, Karmella, Hana, Konsuela, Kesara, Billy Boy, Bibi and Romina.
It was a pleasant afternoon with a lot of sunshine. The pups had a great time. 

More photos

This afternoon we've been to the beach with our youngest dogs. Tiziano and his owner accompanied us. The dogs have run on the beach, put their paws in the water and played in the dunes. The weather was pretty good. 

Click on the picture above or on this link More photos to see more pictures of the 5 puppies of Havana (Tiziano, Lucca, Emilia, Jolie, Dafne), our other Havanese Quenna and Itala and English Cocker Nikita.

Today I've participated with our Havanese Dalia to a dog dance competition organised by the Holvense dog school in Geel. It was a very pleasant competition. We were accompanied by Dalia, Itala, Nikita and Tiziano who was staying with us this weekend. They could run a lot in the grass!

I've participated with Dalia in the Intermediate class dancing on the song "Happy Feet". The competition took place on grass. Luckily the weather was good: no rain and not too much sunshine. Before it was our turn, I was practising a bit in another ring with Dalia and she was very enthusiastic. She was so obedient and worked very well. In the ring where the competition took place, Dalia was again distracted by the public in the beginning of the routine. The rest of the routine was better, but she was slowlier than usual. I'm still proud. Dalia is a wonderful dog to work with. Dalia obtained the 5e place with 7.7 points. The jury was very severe.
Thanks to my mother Linda for the pictures.

Today I've participated with our Havanese Dalia to a dog dance competition organised by dog school Te Lande in Reningelst. It was a very pleasant competition with a nice atmosphere. The ring was very good. The competition was well organised. 

Dalia participated for the third time in the Intermediate class. We showed the routine on the music of the animation film “Happy Feet”. Dalia had just been in heat so we didn’t practise outdoors for the last few weeks. She was also a bit overwhelmed by all the people standing around the ring. In the beginning of the routine she was a bit distracted, but soon I could get her attention back and the rest of the routine went very well. It’s not easy to combine dancing with heavy shoes (tap shoes) and giving commands to the dog, but it’s a challenge. I’m proud of Dalia. In the Intermediate class there were several good working herding dogs. We’ve obtained a very good 5^th place with 8.44 points. I’m very happy and had lots of fun! Thanks to my mother Linda for the pictures.                    EuroDogSportMagazine

The short interview "5 questions" with Kristine is published on Memo Dog Blog. Link

Today an interview with Kristine was published on the Dog Sport Magazine on the page "To the top". 

Links :  Magazine  -  Interview  -  To the top

The page "To the top" is described as : 
"Here we have chosen and still choose boys or girls who play sport with dogs and even being very young have already left their mark by appearing in certain competitions.Talented guys who have something special. Without a doubt a motivation mixed with determination that has no equal. We will follow the career of each of them through competitions in which they will participate the trainings, the news about them and their dogs…updates on their careers."
It's a great honnor to be selected for the part "dog dance".

Today we've participated with Gioia and Havana to an Agility competition at dog school Pallieter. More than 300 participants participated. It was the first competition for Havana and - apart from the provicial championship - also for Gioia. In the morning everyone could run one trail and in the afternoon the jumping. The categories are small, medium, large, grade 1, 2 en 3). Gioia and Havana, both small companion dogs, run in the categorie small grade 1.

Gioia ran very very, but slower than on training. She made twice the same mistake (she missed the entrance of the weave).
Trail : 10th place on 16 with 11 time default and 5 penalty points (16,450 - G).
Jumping : 13th place on 16 with 9 time defaults and 5 penalty points (14.330 - ZG).

Havana, did very well. She didn't make any mistake, but was also a bit slower than on training. 
Trail : 7th place on 16 with 6 time default and 0 penalty points (6,460 - ZG).
Jumping : 6th place on 16 with 3 time default and 0 penalty points (2,970 - U).

It was a very pleasant day. We are very proud of our Havanese. It's just about making fun and enjoying 'working' with them. 

More pictures of Gioia and Havana

In July, a short interview "5 questions" with Kristine will be published on Memo Dog Blog. Link

The interview "5 questions" with Silvia Trkman is already published on Memo Dog Blog. Link

   More information

Canine Drumming Challenge of Silvia Trkman from LoLaBuLand.
Click on the photo or link of Youtube to see our video.

Between May 12 and June 5, people could vote for our video. The three videos with the most votes win a training DVD of Silvia Trkman, a famous dog trainer from Slovenia.

WE WON !!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR VOTES !!!

Click here to see the results.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf6yC-Kf7X4

Performance of the Havanese Freestylers as the Havanese Drummers drumming on 
The Bongo Song of Safri Duo. Enjoy the drum rolls!

6 months ago the 5 puppies of Havana and Valter were born. It's the perfect occasion for a photoshoot. 

	Je Tiziano del Paradiso di Cani
	Jolie Lucca del Paradiso di Cani
	J'Emilia del Paradiso di Cani
	Jolie Siena del Paradiso di Cani
	Jolie Dafne del Paradiso di Cani

This afternoon we've been to the beach (Knokke) with our English Cocker Spaniel Nikita and three of our Havanese (Dalia, Mistica and Quenna) for a walk with some members of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of Belgium. There were +- 20 Cockers. It was a lovely afternoon. The dogs (and we) have had so much fun! 

Click here for more photos.

Today I've (Linda) been to a Symposium about canine genetics organised by the Scientific Commission of Sint-Hubertus. It was very interesting.
The topics and teachers:
- Dr. Tom Struys : genetics : basis
- Prof. Dr. Renaville of Progenus : determination of decendence
- interactive session about inheritable problems
- Prof. Dr. F. Coopman : HD, is it genetic? 

Today Quenna and Nikita have accompanied me (Kristine) at the course of "wound care" at KATHO where I study Agro- & Biotechnologie. There were four other dogs as well. None of them were really injured of course. It was just an exercise. Quenna and Nikita were so brave!  

Today I've (Kristine) participated to the Canine Freestyle competition of 't Kruierke in Balen with our Havanese Dalia.

We participated for the second time in the Intermediate class. We've shown a new routine which I had already in mind for a long time. I've chosen the theme song from the film Happy Feet (with tap dancing pinguins) "Hit me up" of Gia Farrel. In this routine I combine Dog Dance and Irish dance (heavy or hard shoe) with a bit of influence of American tapdance. Dalia learned very quickly to "tap" on the ground and she didn't have any problems with me tapping (it makes some noise). The pinguin refers to the film Happy Feet. It was so much fun to perform this routine during the competition. It was the first time we brought this act outdoors. Dalia did very well. She got an excellent 3th place on 11 participants with 8,4. We've received very nice and positive reactions. Super!!! 

Video of Happy Feet    Thank you Lotte for filming!

Between December 4, 2010 and April 23, 2011, I've (Linda) followed the course General Cynology. There were 10 course days. The teachers were Theo Leenen, Jos De Cuyper and Tom Struys. The topics we've seen are: anatomy (skeleton, muscles, nervous system, sense organs, cells), metabolic processes (digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion), glands (reproduction), genetics, nutrition, cynology in Belgium and abroad, exhibitions and competitions, judging and judges, classification of breeds, canine terminology. Today was the last day of the course. The lessons were interesting. 

Here some videos of our Havanese puppies (and Nikita) :

Video of 23.03.2011 in the garden :

Video of 21.03.2011 part 3 "The Gardeners" :

Video of 21.03.2011 part 2 "The Shredders" :

Video of 21.03.2011 part 1 "Playing in the garden" :

Sunday March 6, 2011, we've visited Anja Van Haarlem of "A Maiden Efforts Havanese" in the Netherlands. We've taken the 5 puppies of Havana, Quenna and Nikita (English Cocker Spaniel) with us during this pleasant Havanese reunion. Quena was reunited with her two sisters Fleurie and Kisha (staying a few days with Anja). It was also nice to see Toto, Duja and Boysz again, and also Red, Kammie Su, Meme and Enna. It was a bit cold outside, but in the sunshine, the dogs and puppies have been playing and had a lot of fun. It was lovely to watch them playing and running around. 

To see more pictures, click on photos.

Today Anja and Geoff from the Netherlands have visited our puppies. They brought their Havanese Fleurie and Toto with them. It was nice to see Quenna's sister Fleurie again, two A Maiden Efforts girls. The puppies also had another play mate : Toto. They have all been playing a lot. After the visit, Quenna was tired, but the puppies still had a lot of energy and continued to play for a bit longer. It was a pleasant Havanese reunion! 

Some pictures :                                                                                                                       Click for more pictures

Today Marja and Rinus from the Netherlands have visited us to see the puppies of Havana. Of course they brought their Havanese Kenzie and Guendo with them. Our Iliano del Paradiso di Cani was reunited again with his father Kenzie (MacKenzie La Cuba Cao). The puppies got some very nice gifts! Thank you very much :). It was very nice to see them all again! Kenzie and Iliano have played a lot. Guendo liked to play with the puppies. We had a very pleasant afternoon! 

Some pictures :

"Hi daddy, it's been a while since  I've seen you!"

"Hi, my brave son."

"I've a lot in common with my daddy."

Cute Guendo.

Father and son.

mommy Havana - son Iliano - daddy Kenzie

Havana & the puppies    -    Guendo

REVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES WITH OUR HAVANESE in 2010

Activities: Dog Dance Competitions - Dog Dance Demonstrations - Obedience - Agility - Show

Today we've welcomed Quenna in our family. She is a chocolate parti Havanese female with some soft tan points on the head (tricolor). Most of our Havanese have a solid colored coat. It was a dream of us to have one day also a parti Havanese since we like that pattern as well. Quenna felt immediately very well at home with us. Nikita is her big companion. They play a lot together. Quenna is very brave. Both of them have a lot of energy. Quenna should be a bit more tamed, but she is so adorable!

Click on the picture to see Quenna's page :

We'll add pictures of Quenna later on this link: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Felici.Animali/HavanezerQuenna

Day 63 of the pregnancy. It's midnight. Half an hour ago, the contractions of Havana have started. The birth will come soon. At 0.05 AM, the first puppy was born. It's a chocolate irish pied male of 199 grams. Just like with our puppy of last year (Iliano), this puppy was born very easily. After the first care of this puppy, Havana started to dig again in the whelping box. Another puppy would come soon. At 0.23 AM, a second puppy was born. It's a chocolate female with white markings of 220 grams. The birth of the third puppy was a bit more difficult. Havana was getting tired and didn't push hard enough. We helped her and this way another female was born. She's chocolate parti sable and her birth weight is 235 grams. She was born at 0.49 AM. We are very glad that she was breathing immediately. Havana became a bit more relaxed and took her time to dry and feed the puppies. The fourth puppy was born at 1.28 AM. It's a chocolate sable female of 202 grams. This one was born easily. The specialist who had done the ultrasound a month ago could see 4 puppies. So, we thought that Havana's puppies were all born now. But only a few minutes of the birth of the fourth puppy, Havana had again some contractions. And at 1.38 AM the fifth surprise puppy was born. It's a chocolate irish pied/parti female of 230 grams. After the birth, Havana became more relaxed. She had to get used to her larger litter, but she's doing fine! 

Havana is eating and drinking very well and she takes well care of the puppies. With the cold temperatures outdoors, the snow and the rain, we make the living room where the whelping box is, as warm as possible for the puppies. 

We enjoy this amazing experience very very much! It's our second and for now last litter. The idea that we have to say goodbye to some puppies in two months is very tough for us. 

More info and pictures see Puppies - Gestation - Birth - Weight scedule - Journal - Photos - Videos

Some pictures of our dogs having fun in the snow:

Today we've welcomed a new companion in the house : Nikita (Chocolate Prettiness of Csipirkei), a chocolate English Cocker Spaniel female. She's born on September 19, 2010. She's 10 weeks old now. 
We've always liked the English Cocker Spaniel. And we love the chocolate colour in all breeds. It's a dream that comes true. 
Nikita was welcomed with enthousiasm by our other dogs (Maltese and Havanese). She is adorable.

On this occasion we also open a new part of our website dedicated to Nikita and the English Cocker Spaniel in general (in Dutch). 

Today we've seen lots of Havanese on the Eurodogshow in Kortrijk (Belgium). Kenzie (father of our Iliano del Paradiso di Cani) and Guendo (his "brother") and his owners were also present. It was very nice to meet them again!!! Here some pictures :

Guendo & Kenzie (father of Iliano)	Kenzie	Kenzie & Guendo	Kenzie

It was also nice to see again some of the other Havanese breeders / dog owners. 

Today the Canine Freestyle competition of the G.H.V. also took place at the Eurodogshow. Like usual, it was in the ring of honour. Dog Dancing on an event like a dog show is not easy. There is a big crowd, a lot of noise and distraction.

We brought again the quattro act with our Havanese Freestylers (group Innovation) (Dolc and Vita with Linda and Dalia and Mistica with Kristine) on the song The Bongo Song of Safri Duo. We are very proud of them! The public was enthusiastic.

Via this link you can see the video of The Havanese Freestylers in Kortrijk 20/11/2010

We are so happy with the performance of our Havanese. They are still companion dogs. It's not easy to dance with 4 dogs in one ring. Each handler dancing with two dogs. We had to do everything at the same time. We also exchanged dogs twice. Try to do that!

We thank An for filming and Lisa for taking pictures. Our thank goes also to the whole team that has organised this competition. 

Meanwhile we've also put these two videos online : 

Today we've given a special demonstration. We were invited by Jacky Lafon to perform with our dogs for a Variétéshow for "Het Blauwe Kruis van de Kust" in Oostende. This took place in the Royal Astril Hotel. We were the "special surprise act". We were accompanied by Lisa and Linda of The Wet Nose Dancers team. The whole show was very good and was with a lot of variation. 

The dogs have worked so well. There were two shows (each of 3 hours). We performed twice the quattro act of the Havanese Freestylers and twice the routine of Dalia. Linda and Lisa also performed several times. They were all BRILLIANT. 

It was a very special experience to perform on a stage with the spots shining on us in front of a very numerous public. It was very unique.  
After the show, the kids were playing with our dogs and doing tricks with them. It was very late when we returned home. We were all very tired and especially the dogs. We look back on a very special day with a lot of fun. We are glad that we could help the animal shelter this way. 

Some pictures :

Today the Havanese walk of the Havanese friends (Havanese Lovers) took place in the forests of Kasterlee in the Provinciaal Domein De Hoge Mouw. It was a great success. We are happy with the large number of people and dogs participating to the dog walk. It was very nice to meet other Havanese fanciers on this occasion. Luckily the weather was good. We only had a bit of rain for a few minutes. The rest of walk we had sunshine.

Around 80 people had subscribed for the Havanese walk. 70 people were actually present and 37 dogs (most of them Havanese). It was a very nice occasion to see other Havanese and to meet other people. We hope that everyone has enjoyed this day as much as we did and that all dogs have had a lot of fun! We enjoyed very much. 

Around 12h40 people started to arrive at school De Mast in Kasterlee. All participating dogs got a present of us. At 14h the walk started. First we made a circle on the Kabouterberg. We had a little pause. Then we entered another part of woods of De Hoge Mouw to make another larger circle. We've passed the devils pit. The walk was 5,5 km. There was a large variation in the landscape. There were some hills. But the dogs have clearly amused themselves and will sleep well this night. 

Some pictures : click Havanese Lovers

Around 16h20 we went with circa 60 people and their dogs to Hotel & Chaletpark Fauwater to drink and to nibble something. We've hold a mini tombola and chatted a bit. 

We thank everyone for coming to the Havanese walk! Without you, it wouldn't have been such a nice afternoon! We hope that everyone has had a pleasant day like we did. See you!! 

Also thanks to :

  Wommelgem             Antwerp                        Kasterlee

Today the Provincial Championship Agility (Antwerp) took place at dog school De Dappere Vriend in Herentals. I participated with Gioia together with other people of dog school Pallieter. For me and Gioia, it was the first real Agility competition in grade 1. It was a very nice day.

Gioia did her best. She can sniff a bit out of curiosity and she is not the fastest dog :p, but she enjoys doing Agility. She runs in grade 1 small. On the first track (fixed) she got a 7th place (on 10). She had one refusal (5 penalty points) and some time faults. On the second track (jumping), she got the 6th place (on 10). She did a faultless run, but 3 seconds off time. On the third track (fixed), she got the 2nd place (on 10). She did again a faultless run, but she was 9 seconds off time. I will know her final result (on the three tracks) later. I'm very proud of Gioia! It was a long, cold and tiring day, but we had a lot of fun! 

Mac Kenzie La Cuba Cao (Kenzie), the father of our Iliano del Paradiso di Cani, became again daddy. In the Netherlands, Sandra's Romance Rivana (Rivana) gave birth to three Havanese males in the colours black and white.  Iliano has now three half-brothers J Congratulations!!!

The breeder is Marianne van der Lee of Veenendaal (NL).

It was not an easy decision to make because we don't like the idea of operating a healthy dog, but we've decided to neuter Dolce. She is a Havanese female of 6,5 years old. The problem of Dolce is that she had period of being in heat that succeeded very quickly (sometimes only 5 months in between) and that she often had false pregnancies. The risk of tumors was very high so the vet advised us to operate her. Now she is still very young and fit, so we wanted to avoid an urgent operation in future.

This morning Dolce is neutered. Uterus and ovaries were removed. The operation took an hour and was very successful. Back home, the other dogs were very curious, but they understood that Dolce needed to be left alone. We hope that she quickly recovers from the surgery. 

Today we participated with our Havanese Iliano to the socialization test at dog school Pattieter. He PASSED !! He did all the tests without any problems. We are very happy!!  

The dogs who have passed receive an official certificate as proof of their social behavior towards people and other dogs. This test is also obliged to get the certificate of obedience and agility.  

The test is examined by 2 judges. The main goal of the test is to verify if the dog behaves socially towards people and dogs and in traffic.  

We would like to thank HS Pallieter and all the assistants during this test!

Today we've attended the admission day in Lichtervelde organised by the K.K.U.S.H. with our Iliano del Paradiso di Cani. Judge was Diane Degryze. 

The 'show' took place outside. The sun was shining, but it would have been nicer if it hadn't been such a rainy weather. So, we've put on our boots in the ring ;).  

Iliano stood neatly on the table and walked nicely on the leash. He received his certificate of admission to the LOSH-breeding. Well done little bear!  

Today we participated to the Canine Freestyle competition organised by the Belgian Border Collie Club in Vlimmeren. It was a cold day with a lot of rain. Luckily there was a large tent on the lawn. We only participated with Dalia. 

Intermediate
Dalia : 7th place on 11 with 8,59
Dalia danced for the first time in the Intermediate class. We showed the routine on Alors on danse of Stromae for the first time during a competition. She worked very well and had a lot of attention. We are very proud of her! :)  

More pictures of Dog Dance

When we were asked if our picture with the "Havanese Freestylers" could be used for the next issue of the HCA-horizons, that was of course not a problem for us. And so it happened. We just wanted to mention this here. We are so proud of our four-legged friends! Click on the link to open the Havanese magazine : 

HCA Horizons Volume 4 Issue 3

Havanese Club of America (HCA)
The Havanese Club of America (HCA) was founded in 1979. A small group of dedicated Havanese fanciers assembled for the purpose of forming a national breed club for the Havanese, the Havanese Club of America. One of the goals was to seek AKC (American Kennel Club) recognition for the breed. Meanwhile, the Havanese is a member of the Toy Group with full recognition by AKC.

Havanese Horizons (magazine)
Hot off the HCA Press - the Fall 2010 issue! The Havanese version of Tips for Heloise or actually Havanese Horizons : Highlights for the Havanese Fancier is now available for free download or just web reading from your HCA. You spoke, we listened. You can download it and read it later, or read it on the web in your leisure.

Today we participated with two of our Havanese to the Club Championship of Dog School Pallieter. With Gioia and Havana we participated to the Agility competition. Since they obtained their admission test (to competitions), they had to run in "grade 1". Despite the fact that this was not an official competition for points, it was a good experience. During the whole day, each participant had to run three trails: 2 with interfaces and 1 jumping. Gioia and Havana have worked fantastic! Havana obtained the 2nd place (3x trail without defaults) and Gioia the 7th place (with a few penalties) on 10 participants in this group. An awesome performance for these only two Havanese! 

It was really a very nice and relaxing day with a very pleasant atmosphere! Compliments to HS Pallieter. I've had a very nice day with the other Agility people. And a big hug to Gioia and Havana !! :)

More pictures of Gioia and Havana in action : click here.

Havana 2nd place with 3x trail without defaults		Gioia 7th place with 1x trail without defaults

Iliano has passed successfully the test of access to the Agility training at HS Pallieter!  
After the club championship, he can have his first lessons. We are very curious! 

Well done, good boy!

During the past year, Linda has followed the second year of the course "Independen Dog Instructor" at Syntra in Sint-Niklaas. She had an exemption for the first year because she's passed the two years course of "Dog Breeder", also at Syntra. After a year of theory, lots of practise at the dog school and making a thesis, Linda has passed the exam J. She has followed this course purely out of interest. Now she will concentrate again on the education of her own dogs.

Today we participated at the Canine Freestyle (Dog Dancing) competition organised by the dog school Haachtse Hondenclub Thor. The competition took place in Mechelen (Nekkerhal) where the dog show took place at the same time. It was very hot in the hall and there were several distracting factors. But all dogs have done their best. 

More pictures Dog Dance
Kristine & Havana	Kristine & Dalia & Mistica - Linda & Dolce & Vita

Beginners
Havana : 16e place on 20 with 7,9
In the beginning of the routine Havana was a bit distracted and overwhelmed. She had also found a piece of food on the carpet of an earlier participant ... As the routine progressed, it got better until she heard a hard noise (a bank fell in the hall). She was again more shy and did the exercises more slowly. She didn't get an eight, but that's not a problem. She still has to get more used to the whole competition context. She danced with Kristine on the music of Jovanotti L'ombelico del mondo.

Innovation
Havanese Freestylers (Dolce, Vita, Dalia, Mistica) : 1e place with 8,75 !!!
In the Innovation class you work with more than one dog. Dolce and Vita have worked a few times together  in the past with one handler, but it was new for Dalia and Mistica. A few months ago, we started to teach them as well some exercises in pairs. As a song, we've choses The Bongo Song of Safri Duo. We would work with two handlers (Linda and Kristine) together with four dogs (Dolce, Vita, Dalia, Mistica). A quattro act J. We've called our group the "Havanese Freestylers". The routine started with the drumbeat of our Havanese on the bongos. Towards the end we changed twice of dogs. After a lot of practise we could show our routine on the competition. As last of all the 62 participants we could start our routine with our 4 Havanese. And they've given a brilliant performance! Apart form some minor flaws, it was in our opinion considering the circumstances just fantastic. We were rewarded with the 1st place and with a nice score of  8,75. We are so proud of our Havanese!!! Super! We enjoyed!

More pictures Dog Dance

On this Friday evening, we've been to the dog school Ter Dries in Beerzel with Gioia and Havana for the admission test of Agility. After the large and medium dogs, the small dogs including Gioia and Havana could start. The admission test consists of  a trail in an eight-shaped arrangement of all the appliances that the dog must pass in less than one minute. 

Kristine & Gioia	Havana & Gioia geslaagd	Havana

Gioia and Havana have done a fantastic run! Both got their  Agility brevet and they may participate now to Agility competitions (grade 1). They both ran the trail without mistakes and at the first attempt and in less than one minute (resp. 51 and 52 sec). I'm sooooo proud!  

This Friday we've visited our (grand)mother  in Blankenberge. We went for a walk on the beach with our 10 small dogs. Our Maltese Tosca was also present. Despite the fact that she is a very calm dog, she started running around with our Havanese and jumping like a puppy once she was on the beach. They all had a lot of fun. And so did we J.

We've added new pictures in our online photo album: More pictures Havanese at sea

Today we've done with our Havanese male Iliano del Paradiso di Cani the test from the Juniors to the B class of obedience at dog school Pallieter. He passed with a nice score of 86,5/100 and is now in the B class. Well done little boy!

Iliano	Iliano	Gioia & mother Havana

Today we've had a great day at the beach of De Panne with all our Havanese! For a demonstration with the Canine Freestyle group THE WET NOSE DANCERS we went to the sea to give a performance on the occasion of the first edition of Beestig Geestig. There were lots of animals present like dogs (for Dog Dance), horses, donkeys, a camel, birds of prey, geese, etc. The demonstration took place 'in the arena', a kind of stage (on the dike) in stone with seats surrounding it (with a bit of fantasy it could be considered as a mini colosseum :p). We were with several dancers, so everyone gave one performance. The demo was 2x half an hour. All dogs have worked fantastic! The public was very enthusiastic and they clapped on the rhythm of the music. It gave a wonderful sensation. Linda danced with Havana who was a bit shy in front of the crowd. She danced on L'ombelico del mondo of Jovanotti. Kristine danced with Dalia on Alors on danse of Stromae. She worked brilliant! After the performances we went for a walk on the beach and our dogs have played in the water. They had a lot of fun! Because we'd taken all our Havanese with us (Dolce, Vita, Gioia, Havana, Dalia, Hippy, Mistica, Itala, Iliano), yes, 9 in total, lots of people looked at us ;). It was nice that they could all join us today. They loved this day at the beach and afterwards they were tired of course. They slept immediately in the car. We look back on a very pleasant day. The weather gods were favorable since the weather was beautiful for a day at the beach. 

More pictures Dog Dance		More pictures Havanese at sea
Havana - L'ombelico del mondo	Dalia - Alors on danse

As an annual tradition, we've given with other Dog Dancers two demonstration moments at the dog show in Luik (Golden Dog Trophy).
We've participated with Mistica, Dalia and Havana. Mistica danced twice on "Pokerface" of Lady GaGa. Dalia danced once on "Requiem for a dream" and once on "Right Round" of Flo Rida. Havana danced on "L'ombelico del mondo" of Jovanotti.
They've all worked very well. Here some pictures:

Mistica	Dalia	Havana	Dalia

On the invitation of our good friends of dog frisbee we've given today a demonstration of Canine Freestyle with four of our Havanese (Dalia, Gioia, Mistica and Havana) on the occasion of the European Championship Dog Frisbee Skyhoundz® that took place in Olen on July 17 and 18. 

Despite the unstable weather, it was still too hot for our dogs. They did their best, but the sun was too hot. It was a very nice day! Sven and Katrien, you did a wonderful job with the organisation of this competition of Dog Frisbee! Congratulations! 

The public was very international. There were participants to the championship from Belgium, Holland, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Hungary, etc.

With Dalia, Mistica and Havana we've showed the usual routines. Dalia danced on Requiem for a dream, Mistica on Poker Face of Lady GaGa and Havana on L'ombelico del mondo of Jovanotti. With Gioia we showed a new routine on the music of Stromae with Alors on danse. 

Dalia Requiem for a dream	Gioia Alors on danse	Mistica Poker Face	Havana L'ombelico del mondo

Today our Havanese Iliano del Paradiso di Cani could participate for the first time in the Junior class of Obedience at dog school Pallieter. 

He knew already for quite some time the exercices of the Prejuniors class, but due to exams and agility courses (same hours as obedience), we couldn't train so much with him at the dog school. But he is a very big supporter during the agility training! He is always there to encourage his mommy :p.

He will train now one hour (instead of 30 min.). Iliano has a lot of attention, but he doesn't like to retrieve toys at the dog school. From whom did he get this characteristic?

Today we've had visit from our Havanese friends from Denmark! Sanne Friborg and her family are travelling through Europe and they stayed in Flandres for a while. They've seen our Dog Dance performces in Herk-de-Stad. They've brought two of their Havanese : Coccio and Lillo. The handsome MystykalSky's Coccio, a younger 'brother' of our Havana (another litter) and Havatilles Lillo, their own bred gorgeous female. Janine was also present with her female Tootsie (MystykalSky's Tootsie Roll). We had brought with us our  MystykalSky Chocolate Mistica, MystykalSky's Chocolate Havana and her son Iliano del Paradiso di Cani, Itala de la Vallée du Rêve (daughter of MystykalSky Gavroche) and Massivus Angel's Dalia Hanna. It was like a « MystykalSky Chocolate Havanese party ».

           Lillo             Coccio        Mistica       Itala  Iliano        Havana        Dalia        Tootsie

We continued the reunion in Hoepertingen at the owners of Tootsie where they've made a nice BBQ. The dogs have been playing in the garden! It was so nice to see them run and be crazy!! Of course we've talked a lot about Havanese and we've taken some pictuers. We look back on a very pleasant day! 

Photos of the Havanese Party (3)

Despite the heat, we've done a Dog Dancing (Canine Freestyle) demonstration with THE WET NOSE DANCERS in Herk-de-Stad on the occasion of the Shetlandpony- and animalday. Just like last year, we had a lot of sunshine. All dogs did their best. It was a very nice and relaxing day. We participated with three of our Havanese: Havana, Mistica and Dalia. We also brought Itala and Iliano with us. It was also nice to see our Dog Frisbee friends again. 

We've met on this occasion our Havanese friends from Denmark (see news above).

Today we participated to the Canine Freestyle competition of HS Cynopolis in Kapellen. We participated with three of our Havanese. They have worked very well!! Dalia obtained the 3rd place in the Novice class and has to go to the next level now: the Intermediate class. She's our first Havanese who will dance in the Intermediate class!! Mistica also has to pass to the next class: the Novice class.

Beginners

Havana : 8th plaats !!! (on 13) with 8,44 points!!!
She danced with Kristine on "L'ombelico del mondo" of Jovanotti. Since a long time I wanted to make a routine on this very nice Italiano song with drums and a nice rythm that invits to dance: E noi stiamo già ballando. Havana did all the exercices very well, but she was slower than at home. She's more uncertain with public. Havana is an adorable dog with a great will to please. She's rather nonchalant, but she loves attention. We are very happy with this result. Well done Havana!  

Mistica : 5th plaats !!! (on 13) with 8,66 points!!!
She danced with Linda on the music "Pokerface" of Lady GaGa. Fantastic little Mistica! She has obtained now 4x more than 8, so she has to pass to the Novice class.

Novice

Dalia : 3rd plaats !!! with 8,45 points!!!
Dalia danced with Kristine on the music "Requiem for a dream" of Clint Mansell. A bit more distracted as usual, but again with a lot of speed that I'm hardly able to follow, Dalia, always happy, danced on this beautiful film music. Dressed like an archer with bow and arrow (which was not really understood by one of the judges) I danced with her on the theme song of Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers. Dalia obtained now 2x more than 8 and 2x more than 9 and has to pass to the Intermediate class. Well done Dalia!!

Today the Dog Dance (Canine Freestyle) competition of HS Pallieter took place in Ranst. We participated with two of our Havanese. They worked fantastic!!! We are very proud of them!! Mistica and Dalia got the 2nd place. Mistica in the Beginners class and Dalia in the Novice class. Well done little darlings!

Beginners
Mistica : 2e place !!! (on 16) with 8,94 points!!!
She danced with Linda on the music "Pokerface" of Lady GaGa. Congratulations to you Mistica!!
(Film follows later)

Novice
Dalia : 2e place !!! (on 12) with 9,18 points!!!
Dalia danced with Kristine on the music "Requiem for a dream" (theme song of 'Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers) of Clint Mansell. I'm so proud of you Dalia!! 

Today the Dog Dance (Canine Freestyle) competition of RCCDISH took place in Wavre. We participated with three of our Havanese. Our three dogs have worked fantastic!!! We are very proud of them!! 

More photos : click

Initiation
Itala : passed
It was Itala's first competition. And she worked very well. Our smallest Havanese was also the smallest participant of the competition. She was very active and she did all the exercises in a funny way. She obtained her diploma. She danced with Kristine on the French music "Moi ... Lolita" of Alizée. 
     Video

Beginners
Mistica : DK
Even though Mistica worked very well (even better than on the last competition in Balen), she briefly crossed the line of the ring so she got a disqualification. It's a pity, because she did her best. She danced with Linda on the music "Pokerface" of Lady GaGa.
     Video

Novice
Dalia : 1st place !!! (on 12) and a nice 9,4 !!!
FANTASTIC, that's how it felt to do this routine with Dalia! She ran the whole time and she did all the exercises perfectly. What an energy, what an attention! Dalia was rewarded for her nice performance and she became first in the Novice class. It was her second competition in this class. Dalia danced with Kristine on the music "Requiem for a dream" (theme song of 'Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers) of Clint Mansell. I'm so proud of Dalia!! 
     Video

Our first Canine Freestyle demonstration this year took place in Borgerhout on the occasion of the inauguration of a dog meadow. It wasn't easy to 'dance' on this grass court. Mistica was very distracted by all the smells. She danced with Linda on the song Poker Face of Lady GaGa.

For Itala it was the very first Canine Freestyle demonstration. Smaller than a regular Havanese, a nose closer to the ground... She has been sniffing around during the routine. Kristine danced with her on the song "Moi... Lolita" of Alizée (a French song referring to Itala's roots). 

Havana has worked very well. She had a lot of attention. Kristine danced with Havana on the song "Bad Romance" of Lady GaGa. In the morning, Havana has been running a lot during the Agility training. She must have been a bit tired, but she still worked very well. 

More pictures : click here :)

This was the first Canine Freestyle competition of the year to which we've participated. Mistica and Dalia have worked well. They had to get used to the new location to dance. 

Beginners class : Mistica 5th place on 26 participants. She obtained 8,68. A wonderful score. It was her second competition for points. She danced with Linda on the music of Lady GaGa (Poker Face). To the routine were added some new exercises. She worked very well without the use of food.

Novice class : Dalia 9th place on 19 participants. She obtained 8,84. A very nice score. For Dalia it was the first competition in the Novice class. Together with Kristine she showed her routine on the music of Clint Mansell : Requiem For A Dream. This music is also used as the theme song of the film The Lord Of The Rings (The Two Towers). The song is more than a minute longer than the song of her last routine and she has learned several new exercises.

We are very proud of our little Havanese. They've done their best!

More pictures : click here :)

Today we've visited Truffel and her family. It was very nice to see them again. This very sweet Havanese stayed some time with us when she was a puppy before she went to her new home. 

Truffel has a very nice life. She has a big garden where she can play and run a lot. She has a big companio: the cat Praline. And soon she will be able to enjoy the Soutern sun. 

Truffel is a very open and happy girl that loves to wag her tail and to cuddle. She loved to play with our Havanese Dalia, Mistica, Itala and Iliano.

To see more pictures click on this photo or here.

Today we could participate for the first time with our Havanese Iliano del Paradiso di Cani in the prejunior class of Obedience at dog school Pallieter. 

Last lesson (March 10) we've been told that he could enter the new class. 

He is 4 months and three weeks old.

On Sunday February 28, 2010 the Flanders Dog Show took place in Ghent. We participated for the first time with our own bred Iliano del Paradiso di Cani who had become 4 months on February 23.
He participated in the Baby Class males. His walking was fantastic and he stood quite still while posing. The judge (André Leblond from France) loved his walk. 
Iliano became 1st and got a very promising. He became Best Baby and could enter later that day the ring of honour together with many other young dogs of other breeds that had become Best Baby too. He posed better in this ring. The judge (Jos De Kuyper from Belgium) selected him as one of the  12 Best Babies of the whole show! 
We are very proud of our little brown bear. In the evening, Iliano was of course exhausted of the long day, but he has behaved so well. 

REVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES WITH OUR HAVANESE in 2009

Activities: Dog Dance Competitions - Dog Dance Demonstrations - Obedience - Agility - Show

Yesterday and today our dogs have had a lot of fun in the snow. For Itala and Iliano it was the first time they could play in the snow. 

This way we could make some nice pictures.

Click on SNOW FUN 2009 to see more pictures.

Collage snow fun December 2009

Collage snow fun January 2009  

On the Dog Sport Awards 2009 Kristine Goossens & Massivus Angel's Dalia Hanna "Dalia" obtained for the Award of "Best Dog Dancer 2009" the 3e place on 21 selected dog dancers !!!! 

We are very happy !! J 
Thank you very much for all your votes !! We appreciate that a lot !

Click here or on the image to see some pictures of the evening.

This beautiful CNC engraving with blue LED lightning is made by Frank. 

It's magnificent !

Thank you J !!

This evening we (Linda and Kristine) have attended the symposium organized by the Belgian Bichon Club. The following topics were discussed:
- Herpesvirose
- Fleas
These two issues are often underestimated in the canine and breeders world. It is also interesting to know more about it. 
It was a very educational evening with afterwards a delicious cold buffet J.

Today we've participated with two of our Havanese to the canine freestyle competition organised by dog school G.H.V. on the occasion of the Eurodogshow in Kortrijk. 
It was the first competion for points for Mistica (Beginners) and she has worked very well. She did her dance making some enthusiastic jumps :). She got an 8,40 and became 12th on 18. She is still very young of course. We've received some very nice reactions of other dancers. Super! Linda & Mistica have danced on "Poker face" of Lady Gaga.

Dalia  obtained an   8,74   and she got the 4e place on 18 participants (Beginners). She's made a handsome performance. She did all her exercises in a very controlled way which is not easy for our little Speedy Gonzales. The new exercises went very well too. Dalia has obtained four times in a row at least an 8 on 10 points so the next competition she may start in the Novice class. We've also received some very nice reactions of the public. That's very pleasant. Kristine & Dalia have danced on the music of  Flo Rida with "Right round".

We are very proud of Mistica and Dalia. They have both worked without food. They have not been influenced by the large hall and the crowd of the show. After their performance they were pretty tired.
Our congratulations to the other members of the G.H.V. and all the other co-operators for the whole organisation of this nice competition in a relaxed atmosphere!!  

Today we've seen Kenzie, the father of our puppy Iliano, again on the occasion of the Havanese walk organized by the Havanese Club of the Netherlands on the beach of Nieuwvliet-Bad (Holland). While Laura stayed at home to puppysit, we (Linda and Kristine) went walking with our Havanese Dalia, Mistica and Itala. Marja and Rinus has also brought their little dog Guendo. Other Havanese of the dog school were also present.  
During the first part, we walked along the water and in the dunes, in return, we walked (in the rain) on the beach, in the dunes and along the Black Polder. 
It was a very nice meeting between Havanese friends. It was a pleasant day despite the rain. 

Small collage                                                                                                                                          Large collage

At 7.45 AM Havana gave birth to a dark coloured male. The labour went quit and perfect. The pup came easily and in the right position. The pup searched immediately the mother's milk. His weight at birth was 172 grams.

Even though it's all still very new for Havana, her mother's instinct is already present. She takes well care for her puppy. When he was dry, we could finally see his real colour : it is chocolate !! Whata a surprise J. He has a tiny little white stripe on his chest. 

The first hour Havana was still a bit restless. The other dogs were very curious to see Havana and her new born puppy. The stood around her like they were watching television. Havana didn't bother at all. Meanwhile, she is a lot calmer. She has eaten and drunk well. We give her puppy food now and some puppy milk. 

It was not a 'good gestation' because at least one other puppy reabsorbed around day 30 of the gestation. The birth of this wonderboy is like a little miracle. He must be very strong. We hope he will develop well. 

We enjoy watching mother Havana and her brave son... 

Birth + Day 1

More information see Puppies - Birth - Weight scedule - Diary - Photos - Videos

First of all we want to thank Marja and Rinus, owners of Kenzie, for the wonderful collaboration! We also would like to thank all breeders, owners of small kennels and animals lover friends who have supported us the last few months by sharing experiences and providing encouraging words! Our sincere thanks!!! You are real treasures!