Rafa is named in the prestigious Kennel Club Gazette judges choice in the Alaskan Malamute special edition as one of Breed Specialist Roger Crudenstop 3 Malamutes . Roger writes 'A dog of excellent type and quality. He is all male with no courseness, with that gentle and so conveted expression, slope of topline to produce the power required to pull a heavy load, substance (bone and muscle) and balance that says powerful sled dog. The most wonderful 'waving plume' completes his profile picture.'
Rafa’s litter brother Rollito was also named twice once by Mr Steve Hall and once Mr Dave Killiea. To make it a real family affair their sire Multi Champion Royal Star was also named among Breed Specialist Ms Sue Ellis’ top 3. This is a proud achievement not only for our kennel but also the kennels of Jungla Negra and Del Biagio.
At Coventry & Foleshill Canine Society judge Mrs Robby Wright awarded Rafa Best AVNSC and also Working Group 1 against some stiff competition
At the Alaskan Malamute Club of the UK champ show judged by American breed specialist Wendy Willhauk, Lapema kennels and our extended family had quite a day. BPIS was awarded to Gaby out of a massive 64 puppy entries, a Rafa daughter bred and owned by Sue Ellis of Chayo. Four other Rafa kids, our Thorn and Shelby bred by Rachel Robb of Icewolf and Lola and Kura bred by Sue Ellis all qualified for Crufts 2009. Our Fibi and Chico also got some good placings. Fibi came 1st out of a class entry of 28 and Chico came 5th out of a class entry of 22. Well done all!
LAPEMA ALASKAN MALAMUTES DO THE DOUBLE AT WKC
It was a great honour at The Welsh Kennel club to be awarded both Dog CC and bitch CC. Rafa was awarded dog CC and Best of Breed and Fibi was awarded the Bitch CC by judge Miss Mary Deats out of an overall breed entry of 140 Malamutes. This is Rafa’s 2nd CC and Fibi’s 1st. It is very hard to do the double at a non CC champ show such as SWKA in July let alone a CC champ show – we are over the moon! Rafa went on to be shortlisted to the final 7 in the Working Group judged by Mr Albert Wight. Also, adding the achievements for this show a Rafa daughter Piper bred by us qualified for Crufts 2009. Well done Piper, Mick and Michelle! What a fantastic day – one for our record books for sure!
At Bournemouth under breed specialist judge Mr John Philips, Fibi was awarded Best Bitch out of a total bitch entry of 37. Chico also won his limit class.
At City of Birmingham under judge Barrie Croft Fibi was awarded Reserve Best Bitch
LAPEMA ALASKAN MALAMUTES DO THE DOUBLE AT SOUTH WALES CHAMPSHOW
At SWKA under judge Mrs Averil Cawthera – Purdy, Rafa and Fibi did the double by winning both Best dog and Best bitch! Rafa went on to win Best of Breed. To do the double is a great achievement. Some good places also for other Lapema bred kids Malmo, Reina and Piper.
At Windsor judge Sue Garner gave our kennels some more top awards. Rafa was awarded Best Dog and Chico was awarded Reserve Best Dog! Great placings also for Fibi and Malmo.
At Three Counties judge breed specialist awarded some great places for Lapema Malamutes. Chico was awarded Reserve Best Dog with Rafa, Fibi, Malmo and Piper also in the cards.
At Working and Pastoral Breeds of Wales Fibi was awarded Reserve Best Bitch by judge Vic Salt. Malmo, owned by Linda and Seth was also awarded Reserve Best Dog, Well done Linda and Seth!
At Crufts 2008 judge breed specialist Jill Broadberry awarded Fibi the Reserve Bitch CC out of a bitch entry of 64.