Thursday, December 17, 2015

Lexi is a CKC Champion

Lexi’s CKC Championship certificate arrived in the mail last week.  I know that it will always be a thrill for me to see my own dog’s name in writing on a title certificate.  It’s a very special feeling as a breeder to see the name of a dog that I bred.  Lexi is a pretty Barbet and I’m so pleased with what she has achieved in the conformation ring.  She has a very sweet temperament and is a delightful addition to her family.

My heartfelt thanks to her co-owner Delia Bucknell for taking such good care of this special girl.  She is much loved by her entire family, immediate and extended and I couldn’t be happier.

Lexi (BPIS CH Northrock's Eureka CGN) finished her Championship back in September under breeder judge Ms. Wendy Schira.  
She was piloted to her wins by handler Peter Scott.  

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Upcoming Litter Plans


UCD CH Neigenuveaux Fleur D'Northrock WC CGN "Sophie" and Northrock's All Night Boogie "Boomer"


Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays Sophie has come in season.  This past week we travelled to Quebec where Sophie was bred to Northrock's All Night Boogie aka Boomer.  Boomer is a wonderful male with a lovely personality.  Our visit went very well and we are hoping for puppies to arrive round about February 8th.

Thank you to Robert Souchereau and Sylvie Marleau for your hospitality.  We believe that the combination of Sophie and Boomer has the potential to produce some very nice Barbets with good health and structure and happy, friendly temperaments.  More information can be found on our website. For updates about Sophie and other news about Northrock Barbets, please check out our facebook page 

A waiting list for puppies from this breeding has been started.  If you are interested in finding out more about Northrock Barbets contact Stephanie at northrockbarbets@gmail.com 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

The newest member of our Northrock family.

Summer - Nuphar’s Soak Up The Sun
Eddie Bo da Capo "Emil" x Nuphar’s All My Tomorrows "Dolce"
Born March 14, 2015


It’s high time I wrote a post about the newest addition to our Northrock family.  Summer joined our family earlier this year and quickly made herself right at home.  We have so much love and affection for this puppy.  
She truly is a ray of sunshine that has brightened our lives.  I’m very thankful to her breeder Anne Plomb (Nuphar's) for entrusting her to us and also to Miska, Arno, Sylver and Jade, the family who own Summer’s dam Dolce.  With Anne’s involvement, they have done a wonderful job raising the litter and giving Summer such a good start. 
Summer has been with us since the end of May when she flew all the way from the Netherlands to Canada.  Miska, Anne and I were on pins and needles waiting for her safe arrival and thankfully the trip was uneventful and our little puppy travelled very well.  



She was happy and friendly from the moment I first opened her crate and her delightful personality continues to win over everyone she meets. 




 Summer and I are currently working towards her Canine Good Neighbour title and I have started teaching her how to track.  She is so much fun to train and we are having a great time together.  I look forward to making lots of wonderful memories with this special puppy. 
For more photos of Summer check out her album on the Northrock Barbets - Facebook Page








Thursday, November 5, 2015

Beazie, Airport Pet Therapy Dog

I am delighted to share that Beazie (Northrock's Beatrix de Beziers), one of the puppies from our Chmurnik x Sophie litter is now a working Pet Therapy dog.  Beazie lives in Providence, Rhode Island.  She is part of the Pet Therapy program instituted earlier this year at TF Green Airport which helps to alleviate the stress of flying experienced by many travellers.

Along with her owner, Mary Reineman, Beazie enjoys her job greeting passengers that are waiting for their flights.  She loves people and her friendly nature is well suited to the task.  Mary writes that "she was so much fun to train for this program, it is something that we both enjoy doing together and it has been rewarding!!" I am so pleased that Mary and Beazie are enjoying their time together and helping others in the process.  Beazie is a wonderful ambassador for the Barbet.

Thus far the program has been hugely successful and similar programs are in place at other airports.  The PVD Pet Therapy dogs undergo intensive training and have to pass a strict certification process to make sure they have the correct temperament to handle the busy atmosphere of the airport. All PVD Pet Therapy dogs are expected to be calm and well mannered on leash, behave well around other dogs and be comfortable in large crowds.

Beazie volunteering at the airport on halloween dressed as a lion .

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Urban Toronto's Love Affair with Dogs

I first met April Esteves a few years ago.  She has since become the owner of Baxter, one of the Mona x Obie puppies.  She's a wonderful person and gives her Barbet a great life. April has written this article that I am happy to share on the blog.  


Urban Toronto's Love Affair with Dogs

Baxter the Barbet, French Water Dog
A short while ago, I joined the growing number of dog owners found in Toronto. It had been some time since my last dog and it was like a new world had emerged for pet owners. After doing my research and finding the breed that best suited my lifestyle and family, I contacted the breeder and was sent a questionnaire to see if I was the right fit to adopt one of their puppies. After bringing my little guy home, I was suddenly immersed in house training, chewing, crating, obedience and socialization classes as well as learning about the latest attributes of raw feeding. I was arranging play-dates with my puppy and his new found friends and when possible was also bringing him along when I went to visit, rather than leaving him home alone. It was a completely different mindset amongst fellow owners of furkids, and the world of consumerism was happy to oblige.

According to Stats Canada, 50% of us live with pets and some 38% of them are dogs. A whopping upwards of 8 Billion dollars a year is spent on our furry friends including everything from veterinarian costs, food, training, grooming, and dog walking to doggie daycare.  

Urban Toronto’s dog population is growing by leaps and bounds with many households having pets taking over the place of children in pre and post child rearing stages.  Gen “Y”’s look at having a dog as training before the kids come and Boomers are filling the gap once their kids have left the nest.

Pets are now being considered part of the family on a more equal note and more than half of the owners like to refer to themselves as Mommy and Daddy with them. With the changed attitude towards their pets, owners are also investing in dog-walkers and doggie-daycare for when they can’t be with them.  A greater number of people are working from home, which has eased the responsibility and walking their dog has become more of a social event. Since the beginning stages of puppyhood is so important with both training and socialization, some are taking their vacation around the beginning months and calling it tongue-in-cheek “Mat Leave” and even sending announcements of their new addition.

Walking along the waterfront trails at Humber BayMore hotels have become dog friendly for vacationing pet families and it’s also become more common for doggies to visit boarding facilities where they not only play together, but the owners can monitor their pup on a web-cam. North American courts have actually seen a rising trend with divorcing couples also sharing custody of their pets. These bundles of fur hold an important role within their families.

Many of the older homes in Toronto have gone through extensive renovations and rebuilding.  Designers are considering the needs of these furkids and have implemented clever ideas that flow with their vision and allow for doggy-friendly spaces. Mudrooms for wet paws, water resistant flooring, doggy doors to outside, canine showers and tubs, built-in feeding stations and matching dog bedding and pillows are adding both functionality as well as visual continuity to these redone homes.

Toronto’s Condo boom continues as well as an increasing dog population moving into them. It was never foreseen, that such a large number of condo residents would include having a dog. City Councillors and Planners are hoping to introduce new bylaws that would include amenities for dogs as a requirement and not an option. That could include for providing pet spa areas for cleaning dog paws and keeping the hallways clean as well as rooftop and indoor dog runs. In the past decade, we’ve seen an increase rising to 57% of the new homes being sold in the Toronto area being condominiums. Affordability is the greatest factor and the number of dogs included with these households, was not foreseen before.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Another important factor that Condo Buyers with dogs are taking into consideration is the proximity to any green spaces. Exercise is important to the dog’s life as well as the necessity for them having an area to do their business. Being close to a park is usually more important to someone living in a condo, since there’s no backyard for pooch to visit. The increase in Toronto’s off-leash areas in parks can certainly be attributed to the rising number of dogs and responsible dog-owners that are catering to their furkids. Both dogs and kids are sharing the parks in and around Toronto’s urban centres. 

In addition to neighbourhoods being a deciding factor when choosing where to live, now with their dogs in mind, the closeness to parks and trails is another element to consider. Many of Toronto's communities offer the best of these worlds, with great shopping, fab eateries, closeness to subway access as well as areas that offer ideal outdoor spaces for pooches to enjoy.

A number of Toronto Condos and Lofts are already top of mind for those with dogs. CityPlace, which is downtown near the waterfront, offers bathing areas and dog runs without having to leave the property, as well as being steps from the waterfront trails.
Liberty Village has a number of dog park areas and green space that service the surrounding buildings and is super dog friendly.
  Candy Factory Lofts, one of the more popular true hard-lofts in west-downtown Toronto, is walking distance from Trinity Bellwoods Park. It’s a massive multi-use park with an off-leash area known as The Dog Bowl. Abbey Lofts in the High Park & Roncesvalles area, is a converted 19th century church that is minutes to High Park. There you will find both off and on leash areas along with trails for exploring. Another popular choice is the Martin Goodman Trails that run along the waterfront and a little further west is the Humber Bay Parklands that also offer off leash areas as well as winding trails and paths that create a dog owners outdoor paradise in the City.
Candy Factory Lofts, West Toronto Condos, CondominiumsAbbey Church Lofts, Roncesvalles, High Park, West Toronto, Condos, Lofts
Urbanites looking for the perfect neighbourhood are now also factoring into the mix how their pooch will add to their own enjoyment of socializing and how they’re able to include them into their daily routine.  It’s now quite common to see outdoor patios filled with dog owners sipping their cappuccinos while Fido patiently lay and waits. Strolling along your favourite neighbourhood street is always more fun with a companion by your side that also happens to have four legs, and attracts more attention than you ever imagined.

If you already have or plan on getting a dog, it’s important that you confirm with any Condominium you might be considering, that in fact having a dog is allowed. Rules can differ in buildings as to having a dog, size, breed and number of pets. You don’t want to be disappointed after the fact.  Unfortunately, some of the older buildings still have a “no dog“ rule.

So, as I embraced adding Baxter to my family, I was able to experience first-hand the joy of having a dog again. I found that even during our daily walks, in addition to getting extra exercise for myself, I was also finding the people I encountered friendlier. Being around a furkid, really does make you smile.

I've included a list of my favourite neighbourhood parks in west-end Toronto that are part of communities that share green parklands with our furry friends. They are perfect for all pet owners to enjoy and especially for those living in Condo spaces where finding a nearby park is even more important.

Fave Doggie Training & Daycare
Where Hounds Fly – Clicker Training & Puppy Socialization
All About Dogs – Obedience Training & Agility
Doggieland – Daycare, Grooming, Boarding & Training

West Toronto’s Dog Friendly Parks
High Park – 1873 Bloor Street West
Rennie Park – 140 Ellis Avenue
Beresford Park – 400 Beresford Avenue
Sorauren Avenue Park – 289 Sorauren Avenue
Kings Mill Park – 105 Riverwood Parkway
Sir Casimir Gzowski Park – 2001 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Christie Pits Park – 779 Crawford Street
Trinity Bellwoods Park – 790 Queen Street West
Earlscourt Park – 1200 Lansdowne Avenue
South Stanley Park – 845 King Street West
Coronation Park – 711 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Bichford Park – 400 Grace Street
Hillcrest Park – 950 Davenport Road
Wychwood Car Barns Park – 575 Christie Street
Humber Bay Park – 2225 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Colonel Sam Smith Park – 1 Colonel Sam Smith Dr.
Marie Curtis Park – 2 Forty Second Street
Search for Properties Click Here

Thinking of moving to any West Toronto
Neighbourhoods?
Contact April Esteves

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Pascal’s Canadian Adventure

CH Northrock’s Athos Pascal

Pacal has had a couple of visits to Canada this past spring and summer.  He is such a great dog and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to spend some time with him.  Earlier this year in April, Pascal came to Ontario to have his health clearances done - his hips are OFA good, elbows normal and he has received his eye, thyroid and heart clearances as well.  


Pascal (CH Northrock’s Athos Pascal) is one of the Coco and Dougy puppies.  He lives in the United States with his co-owners Josh Bandoch and Maria Rogacheva.  You can read more about him on his page.

In July Pascal returned to Canada to be shown.  Our family loves this dog so much.  We took some photos while out on a hike with him - he is a good natured dog and a joy to be around.  We had a wonderful time enjoying nature him.  




Pascal quickly finished his championship going Best of Breed at the Muskoka Kennel Club each show entered.  Pascal was piloted to his wins by his handler and new friend, Peter Scott. We’re grateful to the judges for recognizing Pascal’s quality and delighted that he now has his championship. Congratulations and many thanks to Josh and Maria - he is a lovely dog!

Pascal with Judge Mrs. Rosemary Shoreman and Peter Scott



Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Gemma

It is with a very heavy heart that I post the news of Gemma’s passing. Last week I had to say goodbye to Gemma.  I was there with her when she came into this world and I am thankful at least that I could be with her when she left.  She died far too young.  She was diagnosed with blastomycosis and unfortunately any chance of her surviving was extremely unlikely.  Her family and I made the decision to help her pass peacefully and end her struggle…sometimes this is the last act of kindness we can show to our dogs.  My grief is still very raw.  

Many thanks to the wonderful vets who helped to care for Gemma and my love and thanks to the Griffith family who opened their hearts and home to Gemma this past spring.  

Gemma (CH Northrock Diamond in the Ruff CGN) 
February 7, 2014 to August 27, 2015.


Friday, August 14, 2015

Lexi - Best Puppy in Group and Best Puppy in Show!

Lexi - Best Puppy in Group with Judge Dr. Michael Woods
We are absolutely delighted that our homebred girl Lexi (Northrock’s Eureka CGN) had such a successful time at the Muskoka Kennel Club dog shows this past July.  Thank you to judges Dr. Michael Woods for awarding Lexi Best Puppy in Group and to Mr. Alan Ewles for Lexi’s Best Puppy in Group and Best Puppy in Show wins. Lexi was piloted to these wins by her wonderful handler, Peter Scott.

Lexi - Best Puppy in Show with judge Mr. Alan Ewles

We are so happy with what Lexi has accomplished in the show ring thus far.  Earlier in July Lexi also earned her CKC Canine Good Neighbour title!  Heart felt thanks and congratulations to her co-owner Delia Bucknell.  We’re very pleased with how this Winston x Sophie daughter is growing up!

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Gemma new CKC Champion and CGN

CH Northrock Diamond In the Ruff CGN "Gemma"



I'm absolutely thrilled to share that this past July, at the Muskoka Kennel Club dog show, Gemma added the title of Champion to her name.

Gemma (Northrock Diamond In the Ruff) is out of Sophie (UCD CH Neigenuveaux Fleur D’Northrock WC CGN) by Oreo (MBIS GChEx Treebeard’s Galileo CGN).  In addition to finishing her championship, earlier in the month she also earned her Canine Good Neighbour title.  Gemma was shown to her championship by Peter Scott who always takes such good care of our dogs.  Congratulations and thank you to the Griffith family whom Gemma lives with for their support and love for our special girl.  


Tuesday, July 21, 2015

New CKC Champion and Canine Good Neighbour titles for Ellie!


I'm delighted to announce that Ellie, CH Northrock's Eau de Joy CGN one of the Winston x Sophie puppies is now a CKC Champion.  Ellie finished her championship as a young puppy.  Along the way she won Best Puppy in Sporting Group twice under judges Avery Gaudin and Dr. Richard Meen.  Lise Pomeroy (Ellie's awesome co-owner) and I are grateful to the judges for recognizing her quality and to Peter Scott her handler for piloting Ellie to her wins in the conformation ring.

Ellie also recently earned her Canine Good Neighbour title .  It has been an exciting beginning for our little minx who now has titles at both ends of her name.  We are looking forward to seeing what Ellie and Lise will get up to next!

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

A New Move For Gemma



Some happy news here at Northrock.  Our wonderful pup Gemma (Northrock Diamond In The Ruff) has gone to live with another family.  We will certainly miss our happy-go-lucky girl but David and Nicola and their children do not live far from us and we will get to see Gemma regularly.  Not only will Gemma have two great kids to play with but she will also have another Barbet!  David and Nicola are the owners of Alfie, a Northrock puppy from the Mona and Obie litter.  We couldn’t be more pleased. 


Gemma is going to have a great life with her new family and we are delighted that they have opened their home and their hearts to our special girl.

Gemma and Alfie with humans Isobel, David and Nicola (Duncan had gone out before we remembered to get a photo).

Friday, April 17, 2015

Boomer x Charlie puppies have arrived at BleuZorange in Quebec

On April 15th nine Barbet puppies were delivered at BleuZorange in Quebec. Congratulations to breeder Denyse Rousseau of BleuZorange Barbet along with Charlie's co-owners Marcelle and Denise.  The puppies are out of CKC/FCC CH Bleuzorange Xil dite Charlie by Northrock's All Night Boogie "Boomer". There are 5 males (3 brown, 2 black) and 4 females (1 brown, 3 black).  Momma Charlie and her puppies are all doing well. 


Many thanks to Boomer's wonderful co-owner Robert Souchereau and Sylvie Marleau who's cooperation helped to produce this lovely litter.  We are all looking forward to watching these sweet puppies develop.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Upcoming Litter at BleuZorange

LITTER PLANS - SPRING 2015

FCC / CKC CH BleuZorange Xil dite Charlie
will be bred to our co-owned male, 
Northrock’s All Night Boogie (Boomer) 
in early 2015.  



Both dogs have passed all of their health clearances.  Charlie is a sweet 4 year old Barbet, in excellent health, and this will be her second litter.  Boomer is a happy and healthy 2 year old male. More information about Boomer can be found on his page .  If you are interested in learning more about this exciting breeding please contact Denyse Rousseau at BleuZorange Barbets and she would be happy to answer any questions that you might have 418-827-5888.

Nous présentons les futurs parents de la portée 2015. Il s'agit de FCC CCC CH BLEUZORANGE XIL DITE Charlie et NORTHROCK'S ALL NIGHT BOOGIE (Boomer). Ces deux barbets sont matures, les examens de santé sont très bons, quel plaisir! N'hésitez pas à nous contacter, il nous fera plaisir de répondre à vos questions.  418-827-5888.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Winston x Sophie Pups Leave the Nest


It has been a busy last couple of weeks with the "E" litter.  The puppies have grown into inquisitive, happy, active, playful and friendly Barbet puppies and we couldn't be more pleased.
Eating lunch on the patio
We've been fortunate to have had a mild winter so far which lasted up until the pup's 9th week.  As a result the pups were able to spend lots of time playing outside.
Duke and Minx
Rogue
Duchess
Lady - helping with the laundry
Minx


Duke

Lady and Marie
We temperament tested the puppies last week and as always it was a great experience that gave us more information as to how the pups behaved in new situations.  It's also a great opportunity for the puppies to meet new people and try new things.

Structural Evaluations for the puppies also occurred last week.  It's a lovely consistent litter. They are nicely put together puppies and I'm pleased with what Winston and Sophie have produced together.  I look forward to seeing how these puppies mature. 


The litter was introduced to whole birds in the form of pigeons.  It's always nice to see them as babies doing what the breed had been developed to do.  The Barbet is a very old, and versatile French breed of water dog. One of it's functions was used to locate, flush and retrieve birds shot by his master, primarily waterfowl.

The puppies have all left the nest and have started the next chapter in their lives with their new families.  Here they are in order of departure with their new families;

Rogue now lives with Robyn and Craig. 
His registered name is Northrock's Evian and they call him Beau.

Duchess went to live with Delia and Matthew and their two boys.  
She's called Lexi - Northrock's Eureka

Duke now makes his home with Leonardo and Michael.  
He is Northrock's El Magnifico Theo and goes by Théodore.

Minx now lives with Lise and Les.  
Her new name is Ellie and her registered name is Northrock's Eau de Joy.

Lady is now Northrock's Elouisa Belle and her new family calls her Lulu. She lives with humans Sheila, David and Ethan and has a canine buddy Lincoln.

Saying bon voyage to these puppies was bittersweet. I enjoyed them so very much and will miss their happy wagging tails.  They have such lovely personalities and are such delightful little Barbets.  I have come to know their new owners and I know these pups will be deeply loved and well cared for.  I'm thankful for the new opportunities their families will give them and I look forward to updates that share with me how the chapters of their lives are unfolding.  Huge thanks to Winston's owners Denyse Rousseau, Isabelle Auger and Derek Duguay for helping to make this litter possible.