Cuckavalda Gundogs : North Yorkshire

Vet checked and ready for home

2012-01-08T14:45:00.001-08:00

Snowflake is Molly's daughter and she is sister to Snowball and George. She will be 3 in April and these are her 6 puppies that were born on Thursday. Troy is the father. So when you cross a black dad with a lemon and white mum -this time you get 2 chocolate ones and 4 black ones. Off they went on Saturday morning to Skeldale Vets to see Tim who checked them over,docked and dewclawed them. Flake is an excellent first time mother and she travelled with them though they were wrapped up in warm towels as it is the middle of winter. They were soon home again and tucking into their dinners.

Labrador pups a month on

2012-01-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here you see our pups. A month has gone by and they are now up and about. They are on solids but still like to go to their mum for a drink. They are happy little characters. Although they are still tempted back to their heat lamp which is on day and night they have started coming out of the kennel and this morning Jack had them on to the grass for the first time.Some were even as good as to go to the toilet when they were out which saves on the cleaning up. They have paper bedding inside and then in the run sawdust.

They have arrived safely

2011-12-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

For everyone who is waiting to see what puppies we have got. Here they are arriving late Thursday night early Friday morning. They are all healthy and content.Mother is doing fine and is very proud of them. Have rung to pass on the news to Catherine and Billy Steel snr owners of the sire FTCH Leadburn Viceroy who once again has produced some fine pups.. There is 5 girls and 2 boys. We are going to keep two girls. Although we havent chosen which 2 we are keeping yet, their names will be Holly and Ivy. Quite appropriate for the time of year. It was a very frosty night,the grass was hard and white. The moon was more or less full and it all made for a magical night.

Brendan Kelly and his black Labradors

2011-11-16T14:03:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of Brendan Kelly with us today on a shoot. Brendan with his black Labradors. So when he changed over at lunchtime with yet another perfectly behaved black dog Anna didn't realise it was a different one to what he had out in the morning. To think Brendan hadn't picked up a gun for a long time he had some excellent shoots and didn't let his dogs down. It was nice to see the 10 month old dog that we had sold him. In the last 4 months he has certainly grown into a big handsome dog.He is by FTCH Leadburn Viceroy.

Update on Fox red Labrador pups

2011-11-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

Not into taking too many photos of the pups.The flash makes them look a lot lighter than what they are . In fact we have never had such a dark fox red litter Here you see our month old fox red Labrador pups starting to explore. They are eating like good ones now and Jack is thinking it is time they were going out a bit more.At the weekend he will start to walk them out. By the time these pups are ready for going they will be walked about 200 yards down the road 3-4 times a day. We have a radio in with them I don't think they have a favourite tune but it gets them ready for when they go to their new homes and the big wide world.

We are absolutely delighted....

2011-11-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

for Billy and Catherine Steel from Leadburn Kennels on Billy achievement today.Early this afternoon we heard that Billy Steel snr had made his young fox red dog Copperbirch Paddy of Leadburn into a FTCH. It was at the Tay Valley 2 day event in which there were still 12 dogs in on the second day. Now for us mere mortals if we could ever get one dog to be a FTCH that would be a dream come true. Now this man can be called no less than a legend as he has made up an unbelievable 10 FTCHs now.This is sheer dedication not only from himself but from dear Catherine his wife who keeps the rest of the dogs in top form at home when he is away trialing.After the fireworks have died down and the celebrations have finished we hope they sleep well in their beds tonight. Paddy has actually qualified for the IGLs twice. Anna asked if he qualified twice -can he run twice but it doesn't work like that. These are to be held on the 5, 6, 7, Dec on the Nevill Holt Estate in Leics by kind permission of D. Ross Esq. So lets hope Catherine has a bit more silver to polish. The trophies here are from when Paddy qualified the first time . Copperbirch Paddy of Leadburn stands at stud at Leadburn Kennels in Leadhills ,Lanarkshire.-www.leadburngundogs.com.

Cuckavalda Gundogs on Dallowgill Grouse Moors 2011

2011-10-31T03:15:00.000-07:00

The shooting season begins with the grouse on the 12th August -better known as the Glorious Twelfth. If the weather is good and the heather is out, glorious it certainly is. Although I take cockers to the moor it is the Labradors that work tirelessly all day. You have to be a crack shot to shoot a grouse as they travel so fast. here you see the dogs working and resting on the Dallowgill Moors near Pateley Bridge in the heart of the North Yorkshire Dales

Finn and Blade

2011-09-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here you see Finn and Blade waiting up amongst the heather on the Dallowgill grouse moors. Both of these fine looking dogs are by Billy Steels snr - FTCH Leadburn Viceroy.Blade was born in Jan 2010 and Finn in April 2010. This is their first year of experiencing going picking up and they are really enjoying themselves and as you would expect are behaving like first class labradors should.

The Partridges and Ducks are now in season

2011-09-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

The first of September was the beginning of the partridge and duck season. The Cuckavalda Gundogs were out on the first two days up on the Rievaulx shoot. This shoot is renown for high birds and this year it is no exception. The dogs had to work hard sweeping up and down the hillsides.Here you see May and Tina watching the shooting and waiting to get given the go ahead to go and pick the birds up. Bet they were glad to have a rest on Sunday.

Back on the Dallowgill Grouse Moors

2011-08-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Monday being the Bank Holiday most people have any easy day . Not so for Jack and his dogs.Up without an alarm at 4.10am as there were the rest of the dogs to exercise before setting off for the Moor. The youngster left at home needed feeding and a small amount for the workers. they don't go to work on eggs but need something in their stomachs when they are working the grouse moors all day . Off from here about 7.45am and back by 6.15pm made it quite a long day .We will all be sleeping well tonight. The bag was not as large as it sometimes is as the birds were flying fast and the guns didn't seem to be able to hit them . Four Labradors- Tara,Hidi,Blade and Rollo went along with Troy and George the cockers and Charlie the veteran of them all - the springer spaniel. The heather was a picture and the day was pleasant. It can be very harsh conditions up on the Moor but today it made for a pleasant day. Back home Anna had had the other dogs out and exercised and pups feed. Roast lamb and Yorkshire puddings to fill a hungry man.So off to bed now as it all starts over again in 7 hours time

Bess goes to her new home

2011-08-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Bess, one of our Labradors has gone off to her new home today. She has worked hard over the last couple of years on the grouse moors Then later on picking up pheasants and partridges as the seasons progressed.She has had 2 litters of pups and we don't want her to have any more pups. One of her pups went to Holland and one went to the North of Scotland to be trained for field trialing. She has now gone to friends near Skipton where she will have a wonderful life living in their house. As Chris does a bit of shooting she will get to have the occasionally day out there showing everyone how it should be done. We occasionally have dogs we give away like Bess,free to good homes where all we ask is that they have a lovely life-to be loved and well looked after. Not to have to go to work every day in the season or to have any more pups. We are careful to choose where they go. As they have given us their best so we want the best for them. Sally,a cocker,is going to Suffolk next week to join Penny who went a couple of years ago.

Laid back Labradors

2011-07-30T04:04:00.000-07:00

I am a great believer that young dogs should not be over excited. I don't like to start training them until they are nearly a year old. Here you see our young dogs laid out enjoying the sunshine and having the space to just chill out. Not everyone has the space to have more than one but here you can see how much they relish this time being with their siblings

Optigen tested for PRA.

2011-07-30T03:55:00.000-07:00

As you will probably know more and more buyers are now looking for Optigen PRA clear dogs. We have just had May and Tina -our 2 fox red girls tested. We are delighted that their tests have come back clear.

Cocker Pups at 4 weeks

2011-06-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

These little cockers are starting to explore. It is surprising how they come on in a week. People who have left deposits when they are very young usually make one or two trip if they have time to come to see how they are developing. Daisy is quite happy to be away from hem for a short time now. They are all penned in so they cant get into the pond or under car wheels.You can spend ages watching them as they play together with their siblings . This si all part of growing up and if people sell them too early they miss all this.A week ina pups life as young as this is a long time. People say they cant wait to get their pps but we are not swayed and tehy stay here until we think they are ready to go it alone. As they get older we move them into big space which is near the kitchen window and love to watch their antics. We do honour peoples holidays which often means they are a little more than a bundle of fluff when tehy go .

BATA ,Helmsley

2011-06-28T02:33:00.000-07:00

Not that I like shopping one bit but this is a store which I don't mind going to. Young Alec Snowball works there and is on hand to get you what you need. Not only does he know who you are but he serves you with a smile. He will even put it into your vehicle for you -you don't get that from the supermarkets. This store sells everything the country person needs. We get shavings for the dogs and orphan lambs milk for the younger ones. They sell wormers and sprays to keep ticks and mite off. Wooden posts and railings also wire for making dog runs etc. Their stock is endless.Whether you want a pair of wellingtons or a rat trap you can get them here.

Tucking In....

2011-06-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that these Labrador pups have been introduced to food .Weetabix and orphan lamb milk was on the menu for their first feed. They are incredibly forward as they are only 16 days old . There eyes are open and today 2 had wandered out of the kennel into the sunshine in their run. We do not want Bess ,their mother,to get dragged down so went in with some sloppy food to see what they thought of it. You can tell they are Labradors as they were soon happy to be tucking in. We have just registered 10 names on the Kennel Club website so that their papers will be in good time for when they go to their new homes. Each pup will come with the Cuckavalda prefix. Anna has chosen Cuckavalda Jilly June for the girl we are keeping . She will be called Jill which is a easy name to remember and say. June was added in the name as she was born in June. We are also keeping a dog pup but have a choice of 5 names to go at.

Cocker pups with French bread.

2011-06-20T01:47:00.000-07:00

After yesterdays lunch we had lots of food left. Nothing has gone to waste but the French sticks had gone hard so something for the young pups to play with. They were light enough in weight for them to carry around. But soon they decided it was more fun to eat them. We still have these pups here as although they are spoken for and named their new owners cant have them for a week or two .SO we are having the pleasure of watching them get up to their antics. Now they are laid flat out asleep enjoying the sunshine. Ollie is going to live near Leeds to a lady whose daughter bought one from us last year.Monty to Marton near Borobridge as their friedns have oneof our too. Harry will be going a bit further away to Staffordshire. Just realised this has not up loaded as a video. You can watch it on Youtube under TheCuckavaldaGundogs.

Fathers Day...

2011-06-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

I might have known that Quozzi would have organised getting a card signed from all the dogs. Quozzi being the pup we hand reared and she thinks she is more human than a human and certainly does not think of herself as a dog. Also presents in an appropriate dog bag -even though it was a Jack Russell. Someone had been busy shopping with my hard earned money shopping at Barkers in Northallerton . So I am now the owner of a new shirt and 2 pairs of new trousers.
A busy Sunday as we had a family gathering here to meet up with Maria "Big Ann" and George Oxtoby from Dalton near Thirsk. When I along with Ann and Frank were small she looked after us and it was so nice to see her after all these years. As always Anna put on a spread to feed an army. Family gathering - plenty to eat,plenty to drink and no one fell out so we all had a good time.

One man and his young dogs

2011-06-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Jack with his young Labradors aged between 5 months and a year old. As you will see they have their noses down and hunting around. It is good for them to go over different terrain and experience new things. They don't stray too far and easy to say and handle. They will be ready to go picking up later in the season. Some of these young dogs are for sale.They are very well breed mostly by FTCH Leadburn Viceroy. They have just done basis training so far and some have only been on a lead a couple of time. Jack believes they should have a easy time until they get a bit older and that they enjoy their puppy life. It makes for them being very laid back dogs.They are all dogs and Leadburn Mabel is the only bitch amongst them. Anyone who is fancying the idea of trialling these are ideal material.

There is a YouTube for you to see about this morning under Cuckavalda Gundogs.

Coco- the perfect mother

2011-06-12T03:20:00.000-07:00

Although Coco is over 4 and these are her first pups she is the perfect mother . Maybe her offspring don't think so as she is always washing them and tidying them up. They are tiny compared to the other cocker pups who are a week older. It is hard for people wanting to come to choose a pup to have to wait a week but we are determined to try to give these little dogs the best possible start to their lives. A week in their life time means a lot in the time they spend without outside intrusions into their lives. Most people understand this and are happy to wait to see them when we think they can ready. Some people cant wait,that is their lose. Maybe such people aren't fit to own a dog in any case.

Daisy and her brood

2011-06-12T03:09:00.000-07:00

Daisy's little cocker pups are doing equally as well as the young Labradors although they are now 2 weeks old and people will be coming at the end of the week to see their puppies for the first time. By then they will have their eyes open and be crawling about more.After 3 days of their eyes being open they will then be able to focus.Their hearing will come too until that happen they are deaf to any noise around them. During the day if it is hot outside they do not need a light over them and they seem quite happy as Daisy joins Bess and Coco for a mothers meeting in the sunshine.

What a difference a week make

2011-06-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

Time flies and it is now a week since Bess had her Labrador pups .All ten are doing well. Happy and content you will always find one laid flat out on its back. They say they do this when they are happy with life. They are moving about and climbing over each other. What an even litter 5 girls and 5 boys . Now we have 5 that look as if they are going to be fox red and 5 yellow. Bess is sat outside the kennel now enjoying the sunshine and on call should any of her babies need her. As fathers are -Rollo is off doing his own thing and has been up the wood this morning with his mates. And no he wont be going to the pub later.

Young labradors dogs by FTCH Leadburn Viceroy and Mabel

2011-06-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

These young Labradors are 5 months old now all by Leadburn Viceroy. Mabel mucks in with them too She is by the late Mrs Reids dog which now belongs to Billy Steel jnr FTCH Hillius Clyde. They are enjoying the summer and now I am taking them up through the woods every day which is bringing out the hunting instinct in them and strengthening their muscles. All this is fun and play for them.In the next few months this is what their life will consists of as I don't believe that they should be introduced to too much discipline too early in their lives.Its like a youngster before they go to school. This makes them not so hyped up and easier to deal with when they are brought in to be trained.

Cuckavalda Boris- the first winner we have bred,

2011-06-06T04:01:00.000-07:00

They say things come in 3s . We have had 2 safe deliveries of puppies. The third was an email from Brendan Kelly this morning . He bought Cuckavalda Boris from us a few moths ago. Brendan has been very kind keeping us up to date with Boris' progress. The other week he got a 3rd and a COM in a working test. Boris has now won his first test in the under 18th month old Lancs and Mersey working test and as Brendan said the name Cuckavalda will be on the trophy for ever. Well done to Brendan and to Boris.

Coco and her cocker spaniel pups

2011-06-06T03:49:00.000-07:00

It has been very busy here over the weekend and Coco who is 4 had her first litter of puppies during the night. A variety of colours and a mix of boys and girls. She is a very competent mother and soon had the ship shape and Bristol fashion without any help from us. They will go to the vets soon to be docked and dew clawed. More information later - humans exhausted here

Litter of fox red and yellow labradors

2011-06-06T03:40:00.001-07:00

the 5th of June was Marks 40th birthday and also the day when Rollo became a father for the first time to 10 yellow and fox red pups. There was 5 dogs pups and 5 bitches so you couldn't ask for a fairer mix than that .Rollo is our yellow stud dog.For Bess who is a bit over 4 it is her second litter. We have never had so many in a litter before. She was very good and is now proudly looking after her pups and dining on raw chicken. She did get to celebrate Marks birthday by having a sausage roll from the party eating the meat and declining the pastry.

Daisy keeps us waiting.

2011-05-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

Daisy made us wait 5 days before she gave birth. Mother and 7 pups doing well. Both girls and boys and a selection of colours.After a week with the baby alarm on she started at 4am and was finished by 9am. All very even in size and as this is her second litter she is managing very well. There looks as if there is going to be one which turns into a blue roan which other than Pip who is black/blue roan we havent got one that colour. Will we keep it ...not sure at this stage as there is another I have my eye on -maybe two.

Cocker Spaniel Puppies making friends...

2011-05-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

It is surprising how many people ask to see the dogs. This is usually an after breakfast thing. Time to take them around and explain about different ones and who is who. As we have puppies too at the moment it is an extra attraction. Here you see the visitors this morning enjoying the antics of these little cocker spaniel puppies. Sometimes people's lifestyles mean they cannot accommodate a pet but it doesn't mean to say they don't like them. These puppies will soon be ready to go to their new homes but as we are keeping one called Harry he will still be here for future guests to see. But having such interaction with lots of people they seem to take everything in their stride and settle into their new homes very well.

Cocker Spaniel Puppies

2011-05-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Pegs pups will be 5 weeks old on Monday. They are certainly out and about now and exploring a bit more every day. The guests staying here love them and often go to see them.So they are well socialized and handled. We got the Kennel Club names back this morning as we are going to keep a yellow and white dog and were lucky to keep the name we choose-Cuckavalda Harry. Well we have William a Labrador who was born earlier this year and as it is quite a Royal year thought a Harry would be appropriate too. Anna does most of the name choosing and I think if we are lucky to get some pups from Hidi that we will keep one of hers and call it Diamond.I was stuck at what to call two black Labradors so I called them both Twig. One Twig has now been sold to Margaret Crawford who is a Class A judge in the trialling field . Margaret also bred a famous FTCH called Millcottage Pathfinder. So we are hoping Margaret does as well with Twig.

and then they saw ....

2011-04-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

..it was me .Jack was out with his dogs when I came back from shopping yesterday and there they all were enjoying the sunshine and keeping close together in case they missed out. they made a nice photo . I got out of the car and shouted to them. Although I don't have much to do with the every day running of them. What I find is though if I have them out all together it is quite a handful . I have them sussed though and always reward them with food when I get them back to their kennels and so talk about cupboard love. so they quite like to see me and here they are all coming over to say hello

Peg Produces...

2011-04-05T13:30:00.001-07:00

Peg is one of our little black cocker spaniels who is a right little character.When she is showing happy she "grins" and shows her teeth. She doesn't weight much more than a good sized cat but is quite capable of carrying pheasant and build up her neck muscles during the season . Tyson would be proud of muscles like that. She has been picking up since she was about 10 months old. She is quite capable of climbing too. She is one of those with a huge personality and everyone who she comes in contact with cant help but take to her. The sire of the pups is George our lemon roan stud dog . There are 6 males and 2 females- black,brown and lemon and white with one at the moment snow white We have never had one all white before. She started as we were going to be bed so it made it a long night .She had her 8th at around 6am. Bitches often don't eat for a couple of days before they pup and hid their food. Anna had decided about 3am to get something to eat to pass the time. Peg had looked at her as if to say cant I have some too and so they shared cheese and olives.

Lazy Sunday afternoon....

2011-03-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

A sunny afternoon and 4 pups to keep my eye on .They really enjoy romping about in the field. It is all part of growing up for them as they play around and take on board everything around.Here they are taking a rest.Two of them had been alerted to a pheasant calling .They now walk the length of two fields.Mabel went exploring a bit too much one day. Fortunately Jack was at hand to help her as she ran head first into a water trough. Her adventure doesn't seem to have worried her. She was soon happily running about again.

Welcome to Leadburn Mabel

2011-03-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

We were early visitors this morning at Billy Steels' when we called to pick up a pup from his litter out of his FTW Leadburn Tango and sired by Billy sons dog FTCH Hillius Clyde. Anna has always fancied a dog with FTW Jacob Bogdami of Leadburn in the breeding. What a lively litter they are -all 11 of them. Billy certainly has his hands full with them. What a credit they are to him. Quite like peas in a pod. Mabel travelled well and although she is a week younger than the ones we are keeping she is quite "at home" with them. Out and about exploring she will soon be ruling the roost and showing the 3 boys who is the boss. Lets hope it wont be long before Mabel is very ABLE.

Optigen PRA tests

2011-03-08T04:08:00.000-08:00

We were happy to get notification from America this morning from Optigen that Willow -Jakoranda Feel the Moment and Hidi- Cuckavalda Metal Vicereine's blood tests have come back clear after being tested for PRA. This is good news and Willow's litter which she had last April will also be show all clear too as she was lined with FTCH Leadburn Viceroy who had already had his tests done. It is now getting more known about these Optigen tests.

Pups ready to go

2011-03-06T05:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend we have had Labrador pups go to Northumberland,Cumbria and the little fox red girl is on her way to France. As you know we are keeping a fox red dog for ourselves / There are 2 black dog pups unsold if anyone is interested as people have given us back word . Just give us a ring for further details. If they are not sold in a week or two Jack is going to keep them. If they turn out like Tara,Hidi.Blade and Finn we will be glad that we kept them but as you know we cant keep them all. Here they are out with Jack . Even now at 7 weeks old they are already heeling up and following him and picking up and carried little twigs in their mouths.

Enter Cuckavalda Mero ....

2011-02-19T11:27:00.001-08:00

better known as Blade. His sire is FTCH Leadburn Viceroy and his Mother is our May- Jakoranda Mango. He was born on the 20th Jan 2010 one of a litter of 9. He is a very handsome dog. Easy to say and quick to learn.I have had chance to sell him more than once in the last few months but as I am thinking of having a go at trialling myself Anna says I wouldn't forgive myself if I sold him and he did well. More over I guess she wouldn't either me too. We have just got his hips scores back at a very respectable 2/3. His eyes tested clear on all 5 counts. His Optigen test for PRA came back clear too. We are now offering his services as a stud dog.

What a week of activity....

2011-02-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

Cuckavalda Monty-Tex has gone off to his home in Tennessee where he is going to be have wonderful life with the American females of the canine world as a stud dog. Cuckavalda Mero- Blade -a very handsome dog with brains too has just had the results of his hip scores today 2/3 so we are very pleased. Also his eyes were tested clear and he is Optigen tested PRA clear. So with this clean bill of health we now are about to offer a black Labrador to our stud dog list.Finally the Kennel Club papers of names has come back. Cuckavalda Red William is the Sunday best name of the fox red dog pup we are keeping.We will call him Will. Here you see him with his siblings

All paperwork...

2011-02-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

We have had 4 of our Labradors Optigen tested. Yesterday we heard they are PRA clear so we are very pleased. This is Boris,Finn,Tex and Blade. 2 yellow dogs and 2 black dogs. The two younger ones have been to get their eyes tested today along with their sisters-Twiglet No 1 ,Twiggy No 2 and they all passed. On Friday, Tex and Blade who had their eye tested before and passed- go for their hip scores so it will be fingers crossed until the results are back. No doubt someone will come up with another test that has to be done. Boris and Tex are for sale should someone want a young dog.They are both yellow and there sire is FTCH Leadburn Viceroy. The Twig girls are also for sale . They are black and again their Sire is FTCH Leadburn Viceroy. Please ring for further details

Weighing in time....

2011-02-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Weighing in time was what we used to do. When I was riding horses at the point-to-points that was 30 years ago.The season has begun the other week with a meeting at Easterbys near Malton. Now the nearest thing I get to weighing in is seeing how much the pups weigh. This litter has really come on so quickly. We were interested to see what they weighed. 7 pups and they range from just under 3 lbs to 4 1/4. It is the fox red dog that weighs the most. This is not surprising as he was a fair size when he was born and has remain the biggest ever since.Also he was not for sitting in a bowl for long . The girls were a little better behaved.

2 weeks old Labrador pups by FTCH Leadburn Viceroy

2011-01-30T03:02:00.000-08:00

May is doing her pups really well and they are growing so fast. Their eyes are starting to open and they are crawling about. This morning they were wormed for the first time. We worm them on 3 consecutive days every 2 weeks. We are having some people coming to choose theirs this morning as we don't like people to come too early. We dont like may to get upset as she is a really good mother and very protective. Before they open their eyes it is natures way that they eat and sleep but every day now will be a new adventure for them.

Tony Fawcett -star of the shoot

2011-01-28T03:36:00.000-08:00

Labrador Pups at 3 days old

2011-01-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

Here you can see May's pups which were born 3 days ago. there are certainly being well fed and looked after by May their mother.May had just nipped out for a plate of chicken and quick walk round.

May-our fox red Labrador and her pups

2011-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

It was a long night - it never used to bother me having 2-3 hours sleep but it will take me a week to recover from this. Mother and pups are doing fine. They are sturdy pups as there are only 7 of them. One is already earmarked to go to France and I have my eye on one but there again there is another I quite fancy keeping. There will be a couple spare but it is early days yet. Please ring if you are after a pup but there will be no viewing until they have their eyes open and are well-established. Their sire is FTCH Leadburn Viceroy -Billy Steels snr's stud dog which has produced some wonderful pups for us including Tara -Cuckavalda Touch of Gold who you can see her when she was 14 months old. Leadburn Viceroy is the top dog in Scotland and also was runner -up in the IGL2008. The dam of these pups is 4 year old May who is by FTCH Talisbrook Rhum of Bolton Abbey- 4th in the IGL2001 and out of Delfleet Treasure. This is her 2nd litter . Out of her first litter we kept Boris and Finn who jack is hoping to go trialling with this year.

Any day now ...

2011-01-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

May our 4 year old fox red Labrador is due to give pups any day soon. Her due date is the 20th Jan.This is her second litter.Her first litter were born born 5 days early it is just a waiting game now.She already has some milk and is hardly eating anything. She had two rib bones with some beef still on and has hid them. So bets are now being taken to see how many she has. As long as she is ok that is all we worry about. Baby alarm on and heat lights too. Looks as if it could be a couple of long nights for us all.

January Shoot in North Yorkshire

2011-01-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

Just another couple of weeks to go and it will be the end of the shooting season. This shows another day in our beautiful North Yorkshire countryside .Plus plenty of high birds,good company and a drink and something to eat at the end of the day in the White Horse in Ampleforth -what could anyone else ask. for.

My Blackberry Is Not Working! - The One Ronnie, Preview - BBC One

2011-01-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

When people say "Let me have your mobile number I will give you a ring" they are amazed I don't have one. Now you will maybe see why I don't have a mobile phone. I am thinking of keeping a loft of pigeons instead.

A Brilliant Book...

2011-01-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

it was thanks to Gregory Huygens that I got a very useful Christmas present. He had been to the IGL2010 at Sandringham and had purchased a book which is called Labradors2010 -Champions of the New Millennium. It contains British Field Trial and Working Trial Champions along with British Bench Champions 1999-2009. It is a very interesting book and Anna managed to track one down which I got for my Christmas present. A hard back book which tells you everything you need to know about each of over dogs. All listed in alphabetical order,a book which will be very well thumbed over the years. It is written by Gary Johnson and Dr Isabella Kraft and is worth every penny. Here you see a page which show FTCH Leadburn Viceroy which belongs to Billy Steel snr and is the sire of all our pups so far and of Mays litter due on the 20th Jan

Boxing Day Shoot 2010- Newburgh Priory Estate.

2010-12-28T01:34:00.000-08:00

Out as usual with the dogs and then on to Newburgh for the Boxing Day shoot which is run by Mark Faulkner and keepered by Rob Easton. The bag was over 130 with pheasant and partridge shot. Organised by my best friend Geoff Thornton ,Anna went along to capture the day and ended up driving the game cart.The snow came down until lunchtime but then cleared.Later in the day we joined up with the guns for a meal at the White Swan in Ampleforth. There would be 7-8 bottles of port passed round so it was not as you can gather for the faint hearted.

Christmas Eve 2010 with the Cuckavalda Gundogs

2010-12-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

Newburgh Christmas Do

2010-12-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight there was a party at Coxwold pub for the beaters and pickers up on the local shoot. Thanks to Mark and Rob for inviting us and paying for us to have a good time. There was mountains of food and the beef sandwiches really got the thumbs up. A good time was had by everyone. It was left to the young ones to compete to drink the year of ale Mikey managed to empty it.

A Night out with Rubi-Sue

2010-12-12T03:26:00.001-08:00

It has been a busy week for the dogs as we have been out and about picking up most of the week. So as the saying goes "All work and no play" So it was off to the Carpenters Arms to be well feed and watered- the wine wasn't bad either. With Anna ,Nick,Claire and little Rubi-Sue it was a good night. I may be biased but that young lady could be the next Mrs Thatcher -she is so determined and so on the ball with what is going on. She had been shopping all day with Claire in Leeds ,had a quick nap on the way home- just like me a nap does you the power of good - and then out on the town at night. Are we looking at the youngest FTCH handler . I hope so .She is already like dogs so we are on the way.

Red sky at night...

2010-12-11T02:59:00.000-08:00

Shepherds delight /I am no longer a shepherd but I couldn't help but admire the sunset last night. I was out with the dogs and took these photos . Even the water in the beck[stream to some people] reflected the colour of the sky.

Lucky Number 13 -FTCH Delfleet Neon of Fendawood

2010-12-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Well done to David Latham who won the IGL 2010 trials today in Norfolk with his Labrador -Delfleet Neon of Fendawood who he both owns and trains.
His sire is FTCH Mediterian Blue who strangely enough we had thought of a couple years ago to use as a stud dog for one of our girls as being one of only 3 fox red FTCH dogs we came across at that time.Fox red x fox red we were not sure if they would be much demand if they all turned out the same colour. We ventured north instead going to FTCH Leadburn Viceroy who is black to get both black and yellow pups. You can always bet someone wants a different colour than what you have or different sex . We have always been delighted with Viceroys offspring.We will have to look for different bloodlines when Viceroys daughters need a mate. The dam of Neon is Delfleet Dawn Flush, which is also interesting as another Delfleet line is Delfleet Treasure is the dam of our 3 fox red girls -Tina,May and Willow. I will have to study the Labrador 2010-champions of the New millennium in great depth.
Tonight we have Gregory Huysens,his wife and friend staying with us from France . They have had the last 3 days at the trials, so we have had the run down of the performances.

The IGL 2010 -Sandringham ,Norfolk

2010-12-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

The IGL- International Gundog League Retrieve Society will hold its 88th championship on Sandringham Estate in Norfolk this week on Tuesday ,Wednesday and Thursday by gracious permission of H.M.the Queen. Here the cream of the Retrieve world will be battling it out to win.
Our dear friend Billy Steel snr will not be taking part this year. We waited with baited breath for Billy and FTCH Leadburn Viceroy to win in 2008. Viceroy is an excellent all rounder plus a very good stud dog. We have some lovely youngsters by Viceroy who are keen and ready to listen. We hope to have a go with in the novice trials next year. We hear already some of his offspring are making their mark on the trialling field. So we will listen with interest at how young Billy Steel jnr gets on with Hillus Clyde his qualifier for the event.We wish him all the very best and hope he will be taking the top trophy back to Leadhills for the family to fill. The photo show two of Viceroys pup who as you can see are very laid back and take everything in their stride. They have got brains and are very easy to train./ We are hoping to have a litter from May which will be born towards the end of January 2011

Stuart Ellis ---top eye specialist

2010-12-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

We were all ready loaded and ready to go .We had been waiting for an update on how Stuart Ellis was managing to travel from Preston to his Barnard Castle clinic to test dogs eyes. Fortunately we had not got set off Stuart had to turn back when he got to Harrogate. He is only one of six specialists in the country who is qualified to do such tests- lets hope he made it home ok. All dogs have to be microchipped before they can be examined and then they get drops put in by the veterinary nurse to get the pupils to dilate so when Stuart looks in to their eye he can see if there are any deformities. There are 5 tests he performs and it takes 5- 10 minutes. Now we will have to wait until the roads are clear and he can rescheduled .Until then the dogs are quite happy to stay at home.

First sight of snow

2010-11-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

We took May one of our fox red Labrador bitch up to Billy Steel snr's Leadburn Kennels to use his stud dog FTCH Leadburn Viceroy. It was very windy and rained most of the way up. We turned off the A74 and travelled through the hills to get to Leadhills. The snow was still laid although I think it had been a lot more a day or so before. The stream - a burn in Scotland -that runs along side the road was in full flow and it was degrees colder up there. The warmth of the Steels kitchen and hospitality was far more warming. We sat and put the world to rights before departing to travel south again. It looks as if we will not be going on holiday in Feb after all much to a certain persons disappointment and that person is not me I am quite happy to stop at home with the dogs.

Cuckavalda Gundogs on Dallowgill Grouse Moors 2010

2010-11-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

Shooting at Carr House Farm and the Cuckavalda Gundogs- November 2010

2010-11-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

Shooting and Home

2010-11-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

Had a grand day. Started off with breakfast at home -this was my second breakfast which was at 9am . My first breakfast had been 3 hours earlier. There was plenty of birds and even more shots.Although I took a gun after the first drive I worked the dogs and Anna took charge of the gun . She reckoned she had shared a bird with Did Thompson and they are both sticking to that story. Finished the day down at the White Horse in Ampleforth with good company and good beer.

Young Labrador dogs

2010-11-05T02:10:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased with how the young dogs are shaping up . They have been out with me picking up and the main thing to ascertain is that they are not gun shy.With the best breeding in the world it can happen or if they are introduce too suddenly . I start them off with an air gun noise and gain their confidence before taking them anywhere near a shoot gun. Then I keep well back picking up birds that have gone a long way back . The same with introducing them to water.There is no need to force them and to take older dogs to lead the way is a good idea as they dont like to think they are getting left behind. Here you see them taking to the water seeing who can get to the fallen bird first.

Sleet on them there moors at Dallowgill

2010-11-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

It wasn't the nicest day to be up on Dallowgill Moors today. It was bleak and from the set off it was driving rain which turned to sleet and a biting wind. After the first drive they were 120 birds off getting 4,000 brace this season. Every drop of rain seemed to prick the skin and Quozzi took shelter under a boulder. The Labradors are made of stronger stuff but they were glad when the day was over. Here you see them getting blown in the wind.Me -I was wet to the bone. Everything is now hung round the Aga drying off. The dogs dried off on the way home and had a good feed. As for me I was glad to jump into the bath,have a good roast dinner and spend the rest of the night in front of the fire. Apparently here at home the weather was fine but the wind must be blowing from the west as we are getting the stormy weather now.

Carters Country Ware in Helmsley...

2010-10-31T02:25:00.000-07:00

comes to the rescue. Remember the song - and now we've walked one thousands miles. I guess my socks have walked more than that. I hate change and so it was with deep sadness that I had to give up the ghost of the old socks and am wearing a new pair of shooting socks which Anna got from Jeremy Carter's for me ages ago. Not that there is anything wrong with the new ones -they are very comfortable. Shame the old ones have got such large holes in, they barely resembled socks any more. They haven't finished their life yet as I have tied knots in them and have given them to the chocolate cocker pups to play with. A good pair of socks are hard to find.

Quozzi goes missing...

2010-10-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

I don't let all the dogs out on every drive and although I take a list with me each day of who I have with me. Some dogs alternate drives with others so they are not working all day and every day as the season gets into full swing. As we went from the first drive this morning I didn't count the dogs back into the vehicle and after the 4th drive around 2pm found Quozzi to be missing.
She must have headed out late on the scent of a downed pheasant and hadn't come back to the vehicle. What a sickening feeling it was as I headed back to where I had parked up on the first drive. Three hours that little dog had been waiting by herself. I dreaded that she had gone out on to the road and got run over. There she was waiting where she had jumped out of the vehicle at 10am .She had the sense to wait . I don't know who was the most pleased -her to see me or me to see her. She is safe and sound and that is all that matters.When we got home and we headed to the kennels she certainly wasn't lagging behind and kept close to my side. We dont want another day like today either of us

Tara- Cuckavalda Touch of Gold...

2010-10-25T13:58:00.001-07:00

This young bitch is a pleasure to have and although I do not want to waste her picking up, I want her to know what it is all about and for her to get used to the noise of the guns. She was quite happy to travel in the back with the other dogs and just go for the ride out. She did work on one drive. Her sister Hidi was out the other day and both her and Rollo cleared 2 strands of barbed wire waist high,with no pig wire underneath This is everyone's dread that they get caught up in the wire or don't clear it . I think they will have to have a bit more schooling before they go out again. Both came home unscathed but it could have been a very different story.

Apple Lovers

2010-10-24T03:53:00.000-07:00

We have lots of fruit trees and it has been a really good time for apples this year. The dogs love to go pinching the apples. It started first this year with Rollo clearing the fence to get one Three or four times when he was exercising would he go off returning with an apple.Soon the other dogs caught on to what he was doing and here you see them going off to get their apples

Ocober 1st - the weather forecast...

2010-10-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

There was no need for a weather forecast from the powers that be this morning as soon as I woke up I could hear the rain lashing against the window. It was still dark and it was blowing a gale. There was a partridge shoot at Newburgh today so it was crack on..... Talk about the rain in Spain ,it was the rain in North Yorkshire. It was a long day and I was glad to get the dogs home and fed. Peel the layers of wet clothes off and jump in the bath. Its a good job we have an Aga to get everything dry.Even the dogs strings in my pocket hadn't escaped the rain.

A partridge day at Newburgh Priory

2010-09-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

For those who don't go picking up this will look as if the dogs are having their own game of hide and seek. Here you see cockers and springers working together after a drive on the Newburgh Priory Estate partridge shoot which is just a few miles from our home. The weather is remarkable mild for the time of year but already the days are starting to draw in. It is always dark in the mornings when I start around 4.30am and after a long day- which is on the grouse moor- it is dark when I get finish.Another month and the clocks will be changing. The pheasants are starting to stray away more from their release pens now.They are getting their feathers more now as it wont be long before the pheasant shooting starts -this means hard working days for the dogs but they build up their muscles and stamina as by the end of the season a good sized cock pheasant will weigh a good four and a half pound.

Quozzi and the Cuckavalda Gundogs on Grouse Moors 2010

2010-09-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

Boots all the way from Arizona, America

2010-08-30T13:44:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to Starr Stamp who has come to stay with us and to Liz of Healy's Red Wing Shoe Store -both who went out of their way to source me a new pair of Red Setter boots. Apparently Liz had to ring around as there was no size 14s left in their store as the Red Setter boots are very much in demand as it is the hunting season in America as well as over here. I have had my old pair nearly 2 years and they have walked a lot of miles on hard terrain as well as in all weathers but they have had their day and so I am now the owner of some very fine new boots. Anna had hoped we would have to go on a holiday to America to get a pair Thanks to Starr who brought them over I can stay put in England and Anna will have to go back to the drawing board on how to get me away on holidays. I think we live in the best part of the world so why do we need to go away. Hopefully it will be good weather tomorrow as Starr and her husband get their first taste of Yorkshire.

First day at Dallowgill grouse moors for Cuckavalda Metal Vicereine

2010-08-23T13:33:00.001-07:00

better known as Hidi -the black Labrador- she is sat her with her mother,Tina to her right and aunt,May to her left. Her family are no strangers to the grouse moor and no doubt her sire FTCH Leadburn Viceroy will be out on the moors around Leadhills in Lanarkshire today with his owner Billy Steel snr. Billy says a dog has to work for its supper not just be a pretty face and Hidi certainly took to the moors in her stride and we think a good looking dog. The heather is well kept up at Dallowgill but it certainly tests the stamina of the fittest of dogs. Hidi was born in March 2009. She is sister to the more well known Tara-Cuckavalda Touch of Gold. All safely home now and the older dogs will be getting rested up for another early start in the morning

Copperbirch Winnebeggo- Hip Hip Hooray.

2010-08-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

This morning Skeldale Vets rang to say they had received Rollo's hip score back from the BVA. They are 2/2 so we are very pleased. Anna rang me at Dallowgill this morning on the grouse moor to tell me . It is like waiting for your A Level results to come through. So here Rollo will know be joining the University of Life as a stud dog . His eyes are tested clear and his hip score is very good too. Through his parentage -his sire is FTCH GREENBRIAR of DRAKESHEAD[3rd IGL 2006] and his dam who is IR FTCH ERNEVALE MAUD of TUDORCROFT -who was also top bitch in Ireland in 2008 -both parents are unaffected by TRD,GPRA,CPRA,HC- Rollo is PRED-PRA Clear. What is more he is a super looking dog with a keen nose and a lovely temperament. He was born in Ireland but can now call himself a true Yorkshire dog as he now understand all his commands in a Yorkshire accent

Billy Steel snr wins again.....

2010-08-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

and another win for the Leadburn Gundogs. This time with his Irish bred dog Copperbirch Paddy who Catherine said went like a dream. This was Paddy's first trial and he came in first place. Not so much a dream as the reality of hard work and skill that this great man has in training his dogs. I saw Billy working Paddy earlier this year and was very impressed with how he hunted.
Paddy is 2 years old now and out of Irish FTCH Ernvale Maud who was Ireland's Retriever of the year 2008 . She is also the mother of our Rollo- Copperbirch Winnebeggo, who is just turned a year last month. So we are following both dogs with great interest.
What a wonderful result for Billy -the best birthday present a man could ask for -and lets hope there are many more ......winners and birthdays

Magnificent Seven

2010-08-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

What a difference the weather was today for the second day on Dallowgill grouse moors. The colour of the sky was distinctly grey as the rain came down in sheets. Talk about the rain in Spain -it was rain in North Yorkshire. The dogs didn't seem to mind, it certainly wasn't too hot for them which is sometimes a worry at this time of year. The heather is well maintained and the Labradors have the long legs to cope with the ling . Peg loves to go and Troy had his second day out. I took Hamish again -he is a strong dog and eager to please just over 2 years old and in his prime. Also the Three wise sisters,Tina,May and Willow. and what a picture they looked. Bess completed the seven.

Jack Peckitt and his Cuckavalda Gundogs on the Glorious Twelfth 2010

2010-08-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Glorious twelfth

2010-08-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

had hoped to upload a Youtube tonight as we have recorded the Glorious Twelfth for you to see -from setting off this morning to come home tonight. I took 7 dogs with me. May ,Tina ,Hamish and Rollo the Labradors,Troy and George the cockers and old timer Charlie the springer. Tomorrows another day when I will have a different crew with me. Quozzi was not amused she missed out today.

A voice from the past

2010-07-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

What a marvellous thing the Internet is and who has been looking at my website.... We had a phone call from Ruth who used to live at Oldstead 40 years ago. We meet her sister years ago at Coxwold Fayre. Ruth had been looking at the website .She has springers and goes on a shoot very close to here so we caught up on the news. Maybe I will persuade her to buy a cocker as I find when they are hunting they are easier to handle than a springer as they stay close to me.We will not be having any more springers I just have my three old faithfuls Charlie,Molly and Twiggy.
We do hear from Rose and Jill who went down to Nottinghamshire last year and enjoying a lovely life and now go to music festivals with their own tent.

Labrador pups enjoying the sunshine.

2010-07-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Even though the days are drawing in a bit now and we have had our fair share of rain this week the sun was out today. These Labrador pups are very laid back and spent their day soaking up the sun without a care in the world. They were just back from having their second jab at Skeldale and were quite happy to go for a trip out in the pickup . We have lots of lovely photos of them playing out together. I am a great believer in that they should have time to play while they are pups before setting them into training. They explore,discover and carry things around at their own pace.

Work to be done...

2010-07-21T09:16:00.001-07:00

had a day off yesterday -well 7 hours.leaving Fiona and young Owen in charge.So thanks to them they held the fort and we escaped to Scarborough to see Tony and Liz Fawcett- but today it was work as usual. I was up just after 4.30am to get the adult dogs out and give the pups their first feed of the day. The next job is to swill and brush the kennels out. Then come in to get my breakfast. Out after breakfast and clean out the pups bedding and so the day continues with training the young dogs,fixing a gate,feeding the young pups again. Answer the telephone- I am a man of few words with Anna coping with most of the communications we get through emails or phone calls. An hour before lunch I just have time to finish strimming the sides of the drive down. The 2 mothers of the pups are exercised more times a day and separately from the rest of the dogs.Lunch then it all starts again. The adult dogs are fed once a day before supper after they have been let out for their second exercise until the shooting season starts then they are fed twice a day. The pups mothers are fed at least 3 feeds a day. I tend to feed pups 4-5 times a day -little and often as I hate to see bog bellied pups and in this way they ate as graciously as a dog will rather than gulping it down and making pigs of themselves.When pups get to 5-6 weeks old I start to walk them and by 7-8 weeks they have built up to walking about 200 yards down the road 3 times a day. Any youngsters we have are feed 3 times a day until they are at least 6 months. The pups are wormed every two weeks from two weeks old so hopefully we keep on top of them. At eight weeks we would then wormed them every month until they are 6 months old then at three month intervals .It all take time and I reckon I know what the painters of the Forth Bridge feel like. By 5 pm I am ready for a sit down and my own dinner and a couple of hours off or off for a few pints. About 8 pm I do the rounds and at 9 pm the pups get their last feed for the day and I am looking forward to getting my head down as 4.30am comes round pretty quickly

Molly- lemon and white cocker spaniel having her pups

2010-07-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

Labrador pups have got their eyes open.

2010-06-28T13:13:00.001-07:00

Tina's' brood of fox red Labrador pups have got their eyes and are starting to explore. We read from books that although they are open for the first few days they are not properly focused. They seems to be bombing about great guns now and are getting interesting to watch. As time goes on you can see their characters start to develop. It will not be long before they are bringing back their first pheasants.
By coincidence we have some people staying for bed and breakfast and they have a Labrador out of the same litter as our Hamish-Leadburn Gavin that we got from Billy Steel. We thought when we travel up to Scotland it is a fair trek but these people had a lot further to travel as they are based in Kent. Their dog has already trialled and been placed

George is now a Dad....

2010-06-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

of 6 very good sized cocker spaniel pups. 4 dogs and 2 bitches. Photo taken at 5 days old

Lemon and white/lemon roan cocker spaniel pups....

2010-06-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

are due any day. This will be our Georges first litter. His sire is the only FTCH lemon roan cocker spaniel in Great Britain or was when he was born. His Sire is FTCH Maesydderden Sorcerer bred and owned by Peter Jones who is famous for his Maesydderwen cocker spaniels and very successful on the trialling field and a well respected judge. His Dam is our beautiful Molly-Buckshaw Bobsleigh,whos sister went on to be a FTCH, who has certificates in novice and open trials in her own right. Anyone who knows her will know what a good hunter she is and what a lovely temperament she has. She is Anna's favourite cocker spaniel and is mother of our Quozzi, of Flake and her sister Ball.

Eating out ....

2010-06-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

...It is horse work for Anna to try to get me away from the dogs but as I was 6 weeks late in going out for my birthday meal which my girls had given me a voucher to go to the Magpie at Whitby. A dog sitter was sorted,so we made a trip over the North York Moors to Whitby. The heather is not out yet and you can see where the gamekeepers have been busy burning off the old heather so the grouse can feed on the new shoots - a reminder it will soon be the grouse season again which is less than 2 months away.
We had a great meal at the Magpie as usual- I had a kipper to begin with brown bread and strawberry jam and then a trio of fish -lemon sole,salmon and poached king scallops. I should have known given the big portions that are served there that I should have kept the kipper for another visit. The tide was in so it was a good excuse on my part to get back to check on the pups and give the dogs their last run out before bed.

Cuckavalda Gundogs-Fox Red Labrador pups

2010-06-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Tina as done us proud....6 fox red Labrador pups...

2010-06-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

She had a pups at a civilized hour and has produced 6 fox red pups 3 dogs and 3 bitches. Mother and babies doing well. She as just had scrambled egg and brown bread and has been for a walk out, then down to the stream for a drink and laid in the water to freshen herself up. Marvellous thing -nature.

Steven Wilson -Court House Farm

2010-06-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

I presume you have found me and I havent forgotten what I said to you in the White Horse this afternoon.We will expect to see you for a days shooting this coming season and there will be plenty of high birds .Whether you can hit them is another thing.

Cuckavalda Gundogs

2010-06-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

George- our lemon roan cocker spaniel

2010-06-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

To give him his full title he is Cuckavalda Snow man George. His mother is our Molly- Buckshaw Bobsleigh who has won certificates of merit in Novice and Open Field Trails and his aunt went on to be a FTCH. His Sire is FTCH Maesydderwen Sorcerer -the only lemon roan in the UK who is a FTCH. He went up to Durham with 2 of our young Labradors,Tex and Blade on Wednesday to Stuart Ellis' eye clinic and we were pleased to hear they all passed. Although Labradors have been know to be tested for a long time .Stuart said it has not yet become common practice to test working cockers and that George is one of the the first few working cocker spaniel who have been tested.He was a year old in May and has already successfully mated with Sally who will be having pups in the next couple of weeks. He is a kind ,good looking dog and a pedigree to be truly proud of.George will soon be added to the stud dog page

Make hay ....

2010-06-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

....while the sun shines as the saying goes and in the heat that we are having this week -Only mad dogs and men go out in the mid day sun. It is too hot to do much training work with the dogs so I have been making hay for Wass Grange.The pups are happy to have the shade of the weeping willow tree to keep the heat off them and I am thinking of putting a fan on Tina who is due to have some pups next week as she is finding the weather a bit too hot in her condition.

Cuckavalda Gundogs Labrador Pups at 5 weeks old

2010-05-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

Training a cocker spaniel to hunt

2010-05-27T02:15:00.000-07:00

Labrador pups -FTCH Leadburn Viceroy x Jakoranda Feel the Moment

2010-05-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

Here are Willows pups just over a month old now enjoying the sunshine. They like to have a roam about now and then are happy to go back inside for their afternoon nap. They are intelligent little dogs and out of this litter we are keeping 2. If they turn out like the other pups we have kept out of FTCH Leadburn Viceroy and Willows two sisters we will be very happy. As you will probably have read before Tara has a 0/0 hip score and you can see her in action on UTube.

Baby Donkey....

2010-05-12T00:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have not blogged for a while but my Dad is still not at all well in hospital.He had gall stones.an infected gall bladder,a small heart attack and then pneumonia set in -Please think of him .
On to happier things as you know we have some of Jennifer Floris' donkeys here and now one of the females has given birth to a little boy donkey who even at 2 days old is quite cheeky and is not at all shy. He is like a big cuddly teddy bear with long wonky legs . You can see a lot more of him on UTube -

"Tara"-CuckavaldaTouch of Gold trained by Jack Peckitt

2010-05-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

Cuckavalda Gundogs Izzy in Training by Jack Peckitt

2010-05-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

Tara and her hips score.

2010-05-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

Tara has been jumping 5 bar gates since she was 5 months old with no encouragement. We dreaded getting her hip scores back . So it was an early birthday present for me the best I can have this year . When Tim the vet himself rang up to say that her hip scores were back from the BVA and they are 0/0 .We are absolutely delighted.

Gundog learning the job

2010-04-23T03:27:00.000-07:00

The start of life for a Cuckavalda Gundog.

2010-04-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Cuckavalda Gundogs at Home

2010-04-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Seka Deer..

2010-04-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have nearly finished tree planting, so wasn't too happy to see 4 Seka deer grazing a stone throw from the kitchen window. Although they look a lovely sight I know they can be very destructive and it is only a matter of time before they dine on my young Christmas trees. If Gerald had been here he would have had them in a pie by now. My main problem is they upset the dogs and they set them off to bark. Anyone got a couple of deer hounds going spare?. The Labrador pups went to Skeldale Vets this week for their second injections. I am going to keep them until the shooting season as there is always someone wanting a young dog to bring on.They are growing like mad now and enjoy exploring in the wood behind the house. they are too small to go out with the big dogs yet but it wont be too long till they join the happy band.