From there it was a crash course in grooming, as I had no idea about the amount of work required in getting a Bouvier into the show ring. I am still learning and it is a case of the more you know, the less you know.

I took Sophie to her first show, a ribbon parade where she went Baby Puppy on Parade and I was hooked. I had my first ever Champ show group win with Sophie and being the first, that win stands out in my mind 11 years on!

My second Bouvier Dixie (Ch Demi B V Doubledutch) was a beautiful black girl who loved showing and soon beat Sophie for Best of Breed.

I then imported Tyler (NZCH Estrik Nico - imp Aust) as really wanted a boy to show. Tyler had a short but successful show career, including a Puppy in show, but was pulled out at 13 months as showing was not his thing.

Inca (CH Doubledutch Inca) was my next girl and she is the ruler of the roost - she loves the boys but is an absolute madam with the girls.

Tyler and Inca had 9 (although 1 did not make it past the second day) babies in 2001. Parting with the babies was too difficult (for me) and as a result breeding plans are halted. I kept 1 boy, Rico (Aristes v d Flandresfarm) who was shown through puppy, but a serious leg injury ended his show career.

Despite checking the puppy homes, two were returned and are still with me.

Maddie (Ch Aridane vd Flandresfarm) was shown as loves the fuss and attention, but has not been shown lately.

Cruise (Ch Doubledutch Oceanstorm at Flandresfarm) is my absolute pride and joy, being the greatest natured boy with a very wicked and full on sense of humour. Cruise has done very well in the show ring and I hope he continues on - please check him out on "our dogs" page and also check latest news/ results to see how he is going.