A Little Merry Christmas from"The Kelev K'naani"

When it is "Bitter and Cold" the Canaan Crew  can turn it to "Glitter and Gold". My "Kelev K'naani" and cattle are looking forward to another New Year with more challenges and adventures ahead of us.

Best Wishes From me and  my "Kelev K'naani" 

Miss Easy Breezy Festive Cover Girl "Ash" is always ready to shine 

Miss Cybelle AKA "Bibs"  is always ready for a shoot - and like a true fashion Diva she is prepared to show off the latest fashion accessories 

Master "Rook" says "look how good my sit-stays are progressing - and how long do I have to hold this regal shot?"

Master Rook says "ok, since I now have to do an extended down-stay for how long? I am going to chill and give a raspberry to the camera" - Two-year old Rook was quick to remind me that male Canaan Dogs take at least four year's to fully mature physically and mentally  - yep, as I say "many miles before we sleep":-) But, been there and again with the breed......does he know I have a leg up on him:-)

Rook says  "ok I lasted quite some time on that down-stay, now it's time for me to dine on some festive raw treats!

Ash says "me too!"

Ash says "if I pose again will I get some more stinky tripe from the Canaan diner!"

Cybelle says "look how long I can maintain my Diva pose:-)"

Still life on our ranch from the den window

Late afternoon Frost on our window that looks so beautiful and feathery

One of the Lulu B's during our first hoar frost looking beautiful and pregnant

A Few of the Crew's favourite Christmas songs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHcsdmKkoWA 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgWWgyBJ-pU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADbJLo4x-tk

A little "fix" for Canaan Dog Enthusiasts

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, which took place in Orlando, Florida this past weekend, is recognized as one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world. It is open to purebred dogs from all over the world who have earned the highest points as champions representing their breed. In order to compete, they are sent a formal invitation from the AKC.

Best of Breed went to GCH CH Pleasant Hill Magnum Of Samara "Magnum" Breeder: Donna Dodson By CH Lahat Me Shaar Hagai -CH Jealou Hum'nbird Whoopedoo Owner: Pamela Stacey Rosman (Bruce F Schultz PHA, Agent) Congrat's to Donna! 

Here is a video link (below) to this year's show with the top four Canaan Dogs competing for Best of Breed. It was wonderful to see such a great representation of our breed! There were three dogs and one bitch representing the breed. "Magnum" who won  best of breed is the second dog in the line up in the video. CH Rivroc Onto Somethin Bsnatch Rosndog "Cayman" owned and bred by my friend Chris Miller is the first in the line up, CH Tahoe's Sirius Black N White "Sirius" owned and bred by Robin Prince is the third dog, and GCH CH Rivroc Lycm Own Dream Bsnatch Rsndog "Torino" owned and bred by Chris Miller is the fourth dog (bitch)              

Click Here for the link
http://www.dogchannel.com/akc-eukanuba-videos/canaan-dog-best-of-breed-video.aspx

And come back For Memories From A Former Show Girl

CKC Ch Ha'Aretz Gimel Northern Confidence "Cybelle" CKC-HT, CGN, CARO-RN-MCL, AKC-RA, CDCA-HC
Whelped: August, 29, 2005
Black with white trim
Sire: AKC Ch Ha'Aretz Pei Mishacam "Mish"
Dam: AKC Ch Ha'Aretz TZ Starlite "Starli"
Breeder: Bryna Comsky, Ha'Aretz Canaan Dogs

Miss "Cybelle" had a formal invite to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in 2007 & 2008 as the Top Show Canaan Dog in Canada. She remembers showing with this year's  best of breed winner "Magnum" way back when she competed in some American shows. It was definitely an honour but unfortunately we could not find the time to travel at that point, so Miss Cybelle continued her love of herding lessons back in Ontario and went on to become a fabulous cattle dog on her Alberta ranch. I am sure she would of loved the opportunity to be captured in the spot light for one last time. However, she did get a snapshot of her ranch work on national TV not too long ago here at: 

http://albertacanaandogcrew.blogspot.ca/2012/11/national-canaan-tv-diva-cybelle-aka-bibs.html

A very young Cybelle  making history as the first Canaan Dog to earn a group placement in the "Working Group" in Canada under Canadian Judge Phyllis Wolfish. She is shown here with her fabulous handler Ward Bailey who fell head over heels in love with the "Bibs'" and her overwhelming confidence in the ring. 

Gee, can you see the attitude and confidence in this girl at 8 weeks old when we brought her home from Chicago:-) Poor Macc, he did not know what he was in for with this little black and white pistol:-) But, he always let her have her own way and they ended up being great team partners  as ranch dogs. What great memories.

The "Bib's" winning a "Group Three"   and a best puppy in the working group in August 2006 under Canadian Judge Bruce Wegar, with handler Jessica Moulton

A fav old photo - Miss Cybelle practising her runway moves before a show in northern Ontario with  young handler Jess Powell who also wanted to practise her skills  for Junior handling -  since Cybelle loved to show she was a great dog for young handlers.

and although I have to admit that I hated being in the show ring I did love showing  this gal - Larry snapped this shot of me and Miss Cybelle at a show in Ontario where she won best of breed. I had to move fast to show off the gait on this girl! 

And here is a copy of her AKC/Eukanuba National Championship 2007 & 2008 invite that came in the mail - yes I saved it:-) 

Of course what I treasure most is her working spirit - I would not trade that for the world.  She is the "Go-Go-" girl of the crew!  and she won't let me forget it:-)

Miss Bibs in the driver's seat moving the herd to the next grazing zone

The Crew "barks up" some festive Cheer

The Crew and I decided it was time to spark up the homestead for the merry month of December. 

We recently had an extreme propane leak, so the wood stove is our only heat source for a few days as we wait  for the tank to be full again. The crew  and I are no strangers to living a rural life, especially during our long cold winters, and as I  heat up the home, they remind me to take a breath,  put on some "frosty",  sparkle up the home, and keep the fire a glowing  24/7 for the festive season .

A few rambling pics of  some cozy indoor cheer with the Crew getting their "Festive On".  

Miss  festive Ash poses with her Christmas Tree

Cybelle strikes a classic festive Diva pose while helping with the decorations

Young Master Rook gets ready to watch his favourite holiday movie "Frosty The Snowman". "Hey Boss, can we have popcorn tonight?"

Rook gets a special treat  - his own private bowl of popcorn

Rook says "quiet everyone, Frosty is on!"

Ash says "I love Frosty too!, but Rook can have the popcorn. I prefer the homemade  biscuit you made for me."

Cybelle says " look how long I can hold my festive Diva pose - I think I should try out for a Christmas theatre production since I can maintain a dramatic look no matter what season."

Miss Ash says "I can also hold a "diva festive theatrical pose" too - bring it on miss Cybelle!" Can you tell I have competitive girls in the house:-)

And as the girls work on their "diva festive pose-off" contest the Rookie of the crew is more concerned if there is more popcorn coming his way:-) 

Rook says "Ah Ha! I knew if I waited patiently I might get some more popcorn for a festive treat!"

And of course, Rook is no stranger to festive pics and meeting up with the abominable snowman. A  few favourite pics of the Rookie as a pup during the merry month of  December

Rook investigating his very first Christmas Tree

December Ranch Ramblings With The Crew

Some Rambling pics of the Winter Crew - Indoors & outdoors

Miss "easy, breezy winter cover girl" Ash

Master Rook with a tasty winter snack

Miss Ash says" this is a real treat from Michelle since she has a strict policy about the crew on furniture." 

The bone collector

Miss Ash keeping an eye on the boys

The boys at sunset

Miss Ash says "ok one more pose"

Time out for a snack

Rook says "time for my winter laps around the pasture"

"OK, I have worked up an appetite  - back to my raw bone snack time!"

Ash says "it's time to do my laps!"

Miss Cybelle in my new studio room - she decided she needed some time out to do some yoga exercises. She has mastered the "downward dog" pose .

Ash says " It is time to check on the boys again....ok all is well"

Rook in silhouette

A Cozy Canaan

Happy Hour 

Ash says "ok, back to business - my Canaan senses detect coyotes on the land, better get back to work!"

Rook  says "this is my favourite  tooth brush"

Meanwhile, back in the studio..........The "Bibs" says "Hey, look how long I can hold my "downward dog" yoga pose - impressive, eh?"

Ash says "time to go rodent hunting"

Master Rook on a scent