Borzoi were the breed that first introduced me to the world of exhibiting dogs, I remember the first time I saw one and it took my breath away, today to see one in full flight or doing their thing in the show ring with their elegance and great beauty, they still has the same effect.

Over the years I have been owned by some truly great gentlemen and have just recently ventured into the world of "girl" Borzoi, it began with "Boris" who I bought from good friend Faye Nicholson of "Czarzif" kennels, he was my very first dog that I exhibited and I blame him for getting me "hooked" so to speak. Over the years I have had a few from different kennels all special in their own way and they have all been shown to some success. However the dog that really took my breath away was my beautiful boy "Ferdie"  Aust. Ch. Russkimir Amberdash. I met his breeder Margaret Davis while she was over in W.A. judging many years ago. From this meeting has developed a long friendship and association with her "Russkimir" kennels. After speaking to her one night on the phone she mentioned she was having a litter from a boy that went directly back to Russian dogs, (actually bred and registered in Russia), well, that was it, I had to have one, at the time to have a Borzoi that came from Russian parentage was to me very special !!!!!!!!!

I couldn't have asked for more. From the day Ferdie arrived everybody said he was something special. He grew into the most magnificent dog , and he had that famous Borzoi "smile", in fact he never stopped smiling. With both great looks and a fabulous temperament, he was one of those dogs that made people who didn't know the first thing about dogs or Borzoi want to rush up to me and ask, what was he ? Isnt' he just beautiful, does he eat much? You could literally see their jaws drop. Ferdie used to to just stand there and take it all in, he was the most gentlest of souls, and even when in great pain only ever gave a very low growl .On his final visit to the vet he still managed to smile at everyone. It still breaks my heart and brings tears  to my eyes to write about and remember him. Sadly at nearly 7yrs we lost him to Bone Cancer.

But the Borzoi tradition still lives on in our lives and I have been very lucky to now have a brother & sister  (Frehya & Espen ) from Ferdies sister from a Borscana dog , bred by Russkimir and a daughter of Ferdies 'Holly".We also have "Rudy" a young red/white dog also from Russkimir, so from a time when I didn't want another Borzoi we now have four !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So much for the quieter life of Dachshunds. Oh well, just keep taking the Nurofen!!!!!

I have to thank some people in my life who have helped me greatly in educating me about this breed and continue to do so.Firstly, Faye Nicholson who introduced me to the breed, Andrew Beattie who allowed me to have a couple of "Arbee" dogs and has helped me immensely with both educating me and helping me to exhibit them. I think I have now got to the stage where I can perhaps have some sort of intelligent conversation with him about Borzoi!!!!!!!!!! Also my thanks to him for being a great friend. Also to Jim & Ruth Small for just being good friends and great company at the dog shows. and lastly, at the moment anyway to two great friends, Margaret for always being there ,even though I must bore her to death at times, she is a great friend and mentor who helps me to try to aspire to great thing with all the dogs, and I can never repay her for allowing me to have Ferdie. and also to Mandy Manley-Smith, for again being a great friend, a mind of information in all things dogs, and also alot of rubbish, and a source of great laughter and fun over the years.

Multi Best in Group,Class in Group & Class in Show

"FERDIE"

"Australian Champion Russkimir Amberdash"

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