16 Week Weights

Deacon - 21.6 lbs.
Dare - 22.3 lbs.
Ambrose - 30 lbs.
Dublin - 23 lbs.
Gigi - 22.1 lbs.
Phoenix - 27 lbs.
Briggs - 23.5 lbs.
Ripley - 25.6 lbs.

As a general rule you can take this weight and double it for their adult size!

Emery is 40 lbs.
Jett is 46 lbs.

Hi from Daddy "Jett"

Hello handsome! 

Puppy Photos!

Day 2 for the baby Believers. All babies gained weight over night, and Emery is a wonderful and doting mother. These eight beauties are so similar in size and color its hard to tell them apart, for now anyway.

Girl - "Brooklyn" Neon Pink Collar

Girl - "Blaine" Burgundy Collar

Boy - "Baker" Blue Collar

Boy - "Bradley" Orange Collar

Boy - "Bruno" Purple Collar

Boy - "Brecklen" Lime Collar

Boy - "Bowen" Red Collar

Boy - "Brixton" Yellow Collar

They're here!

The BB's are here! Early this morning we welcomed the Jett x Emery babies -- 6 boys and 2 girls. Emery's temperature dropped to 97F for 2-3 days beforehand. She was showing signs of labor (nesting/digging) most of Monday -- but the first puppy was not born until 1:40 AM which means I have not slept 😲

Myself and whelper-helper/sanity saver extraordinaire, Denyse, spent the early morning hours bringing Emery's babies into the world. She took to them right away and immediately started loving and cleaning them. They are good sized weights between 9-13 oz. with dark shiny coats. With a sleepless night for the breeder -- I will wait to post more formal photos tomorrow. Thanks for your patience!

Can't wait to watch these babies grow! Introducing the babies (in birth order) who all have "B" names.

Girl - "Brooklyn" Neon Pink Collar

Boy - "Baker" Blue Collar

Boy - "Bradley" Orange Collar

Girl - "Blaine" Burgundy Collar

Boy - "Bruno" Purple Collar

Boy - "Brecklen" Lime Collar 

Boy - "Bowen" Red Collar 

Boy - "Brixton" Yellow Collar

Drum roll...🥁

Emery was NOT happy with waiting for her breakfast until after the x-ray! 😚 

I brought her food and she ate right after the vet visit! 

X-ray Day! Take a peek at the upcoming Believer Babies!

X-rays are an invaluable resource when whelping a litter, a couple reasons "why" I do radiographs on pregnant dogs. X-rays are generally done after Day 50+ of gestation, otherwise the skeleton hasn't ossified (calcified) enough to count the babies. 

You can usually count puppies readily on radiographs, again +/- one puppy. (Count skulls, not spines! Most people count BOTH). Even then, someone can be hiding behind another puppy or along mom's spine. This helps me plan for the whelp and know what to expect. 

The other advantage is that the skulls can be compared in size to the width of the dam's pelvis (not usually an issue with Vizslas).

Drum roll...🥁 Emery had her X-ray today with Dr. Beckie Williams (Chino Hills Animal Hospital). How many babies do you see? Don't forget to count the skulls and the spines!

What is Puppy Culture?

Our Moonlight litters are raised using Puppy Culture protocols, we have seen the difference in our adult dogs raised using their program and we can't imagine raising puppies any other way. 

Learn the basics in less than four minutes with this video:

https://www.facebook.com/puppyculture/videos/347043355481212/

Written by Jane Messineo Lindquist creator of Puppy Culture

So many people ask us for a good written explanation of the Puppy Culture program that they can pass on to others. This is something I have grappled with a lot lately as we are re-doing our website and I think we really need a true explanation of the program. I'm going to throw out some things but it's still fairly "free form" so bear with me.

On the top level, Puppy Culture is a socialization and training program specifically developed for puppies from birth through the end of their critical socialization period, with age appropriate protocols and lessons laid out in an organized format. But that really does not get to the "why" of Puppy Culture, or what makes it different.

Puppy Culture is based on the premise that the puppy always leads the learning, and puppies learn best by appropriate experiences at the appropriate time. So what we are doing is teaching you to observe the puppy, and, based on the behavioral markers you see, serve the puppy the experience or lesson that is optimal for him at that moment in time.

By letting the puppy lead, we are:

• Maximizing the benefit of any given protocol or lesson,

• Minimizing any danger of overfacing or scaring the puppy

• Creating confidence and self-efficacy by presenting the appropriate level of challenge that the puppy CAN do without failing or presenting a danger to himself.

Finally, we teach owners to enjoy each puppy for the precious individual he is, and to tease out the best qualities in that puppy, rather than holding the puppy up to an arbitrary yardstick and labeling him as a problem if he does not measure up.

Many puppies are labeled as having behavior or temperament issues when they are simply being served an inappropriate experience for their developmental age. This can hobble the puppy for the rest of his life with an unjust label that will cause people to treat him in an unthoughtful manner. By letting the puppy lead, you avoid this and enjoy your puppy for the wonderful individual that he is.

So you watch the puppy and see what learning experience he's ready for. And learning what those experiences are and how to effectively serve them is a big part of the Puppy Culture program.

Why is this so important? Because things that are perfect in one developmental period could be useless or even detrimental in the next, and vice versa. So we teach you to know where you puppy is developmentally, and what to do right now.

Yes, Puppy Culture is a "positive," reinforcement-based program and we do not use corrections or outmoded dominance theory, but that is really all a by product of observing the puppy and serving him the learning experience he is asking for.

And I will add that our program is based on the latest science and studies on puppy and animal rearing, and we include many experts and authors in the film to further explain the logic of the program.

Still working on all this but these are my current, somewhat unorganized, thoughts 🙂. Your thoughts and comments are welcome and will help make the new website better!

Day 40ish

Can you see the baby bump? 👼

🥁 DRUM ROLL 🥁

Christmas came early -- I am thrilled to share that Emery is expecting puppies by Jett! For those wondering about the recent road trip, I wrote a song about it ... 😉

🎶🎵 This past Thanksgiving the Vizslas gave to me ... 🎶🎵

• Two feet of snow ❄️❄️

• Three thousand miles driven 🚙🚙🚙

• Four states to visit ☀️🌵 🎨 🏔

• And a belly full of babies for my favorite Emery! 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Thank you Michelle (Rhapsody Vizslas) and Sean (Jett's owner) for making this breeding happen despite the Holiday week and snowstorm, and to Judy (Boulder Vizslas) for the cold weather survival gear!

In the meantime, Emery will receive the best of everything (food, veterinary and general care) as her pregnancy progresses.  Puppies expected on or around January 29th. 

I AM SO EXCITED! 😍

Ultrasound date 12/23/19

Emery will have an ultrasound at Chino Hills Animal Hospital on 12/23/19. Ultrasound is the best technique to detect the pregnancy from around three weeks in, the ultrasound is safe and uses sound waves to create pictures of your bitch’s womb.

Ultrasound won’t tell you how many puppies are in her womb as it is extremely difficult to count them with what is resulting from that type of scanning imagery.

YouTube video of an ultrasound (not Emery).

What is the Believe Litter you ask ???

Litter themes are the norm when going to such great lengths to plan a litter and the 2020 Jett x Emery litter is no different.

Some musings on the "Believe Litter" . . .

One of my favorite quotes is, "I believe in you" and I knew there would be a lot of great AKC Registered names that using "believe" (see down below).

"Believe you me" means "believe me" and you can believe me 😉 when I say Emery is a superstar! 💫 Early on I knew she had that special something and she just keeps getting better. Anyone who dog sits her wants to keep her and her titles and accomplishments came easily. She is a joy to live with and those in the know might hear her referred to as "my favorite".  So believe you me, her puppies are going to be amazing!

Also, on the 3,000 mile road trip I naturally listened to a lot of music and Podcasts! At one point in the trip Chris Issack's "I Believe" came on and it happened to be energizing and I hate to admit, I started belting out the lyrics.

Each pup in the litter will have an AKC Registered name which must include the word "believe". Their "call name" can be anything but it can be cute if they tie back together. For example, (Emery's 1/2-sister) Cordie's call name (full name: Cordelia) means "heart", and her AKC Registered name is CH Moonlight's Eat Your Heart Out, RN JH CGCA TKI. Make sense?

Here are some examples of names, but feel free to let me know if you come up with others!

Moonlight Easy to Believe

Moonlight I Believe in You (reserved)

Moonlight I Believe in Love

Moonlight Believe You Me

Moonlight Believe in Magic

Moonlight Make Believe

Moonlight Hard to Believe

Moonlight Believe it or Not

Moonlight Something to Believe In

Moonlight Believe Your Eyes

Moonlight It's Only Make Believe

Moonlight Somethin' to Believe In

Moonlight I Believe in Miracles

Moonlight Reason to Believe

Moonlight Make Believe

Moonlight Daydream Believer

Moonlight Believe in Miracles (added 1/11/19)

Jett: Daddy to the BB's

CH RHAPSODY OXFORD COMMA JH “JETT”

DOB: 11/12/2015

Sire: CH Kizmar Justice for All ROM "Justice"

Dam: MBISS GCHP Szizlin Rhapsody Never Say Never JH RN NAP NJP CA DN ROM "Ellie"

Owner:  Sean-Patrick Oswald & Michelle S. Porfido

Breeder: Michelle S. Porfido & Yelena Kourtei (Rhapsody Vizslas), and Carol Phelps (Szizlin Vizslas)

AKC #: SR91780703 (Pedigree) 

DNA Profile #:  V783103

CHIC #: 126094

OFA Hips: VZ-15203G24M-VPI (Good)

PennHip: LDI 0.27, RDI 0.27 - 90th Percentile

OFA Elbow:  VZ-EL2683M24-VPI (Normal)

OFA Thyroid: VZ-TH1508/24M-VP (Normal)

OFA Eyes:  VZ-EYE773/24M-VPI (Normal)

—

* Championship with 3 Majors * 

* Best of Breed from the Classes * 

 * Junior Hunter / Owner Handled with scores of 9's and 10's *

* Training for Advanced Hunt Titles * 

Jett's Bio from the Rhapsody Vizslas website:

Jett is from our Justice/Ellie litter, and was one of two boys. He lives with a good friend of mine Boulder, CO. He finished his championship very easily, almost undefeated through the classes and with three majors. Other than showing, Jett was owner-handled by his newbie dad to his JH with impressive scores of 9's and 10's. We plan on pursuing training towards his MH in 2019+.

With only light training in the field since he's been living with us at camp Rhapsody, Jett's bird work is very admirable and honest. He's a natural backer, has a beautiful stylish point, and is well on his way to being broke. We ran him in an OD stake at a FT, and although he went birdless, he walked away with several nice comments from the judges and gallery.

​

Aside from Jett's accomplishments and biddable personality, he is a pleasure to live with. He can (and will) play fetch with the chuck-it for hours if you let him! He and his sister, Naomi, are a hoot to watch together, and have earned the nickname of "the twins" - they are always getting into something naughty together, or cuddling together in their cave-bed.

​

Jett has sired two litters thus far, and has one AKC Champion, and several others on their way to finishing their show titles, as well as getting started on performance titles.

[Karen] Jett is a wonderful companion for his owner and he flies as a service dog companion on his  owner's many work travels. He is a biddable and friendly dog who is up for anything! Some of our breedings took place with his owner out of town (Thanksgiving Holiday) and Jett was content to travel with total strangers like it was the most normal thing in the world to do. He is a very easy going and lovely tempered dog.  

_

Jett's pedigree reflects a proven strength in conformation and versatility:

His Sire: CH Kizmar Justice For All ROM "Justice" has been a formidable producer earning his Registry of Merit (ROM) from the Vizsla Club of America. Sire of 12 (twelve) litters, many have been some of the influential Vizslas in the breed, see more at the Vizsla Database: Justice Progeny.

His Dam: 18xBISS GCHP Szizlin Rhapsody Never Say Never, JH RN NAP NJP DN CA TKN CGC ROM "Ellie" holds several top honors: 

Tied for The Top Best in Specialty Show Winning Vizsla Bitch in Breed History

The Top Owner-Handled Best In Specialty Show Winning Vizsla Bitch in Breed History

Ellie winning one of many Group Placements

See more photos on the Rhapsody Vizslas website: "Ellie"

Ellie began her specials career in October of 2013 only 9 weeks after having her first litter, and the rest quickly became history... she attained her PLATINUM Grand Championship and was America's Number One Vizsla (All-Systems) for three consecutive years. She has 18 career Best in Specialty Show wins, 12 Group wins, 40+ Group Placements, was awarded the coveted Vizsla Club of America Dog of the Year, and was 3x BOS and 1x Select at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Show. She went on to win Select bitch at the Vizsla Club of America Regional Specialty in 2014, AOM at the 2016 VCA National as well as BISS at the 2016 VCA Regional Specialty, VCA National Select bitch in 2017, and AOM at the 2017 VCA National.

Aside from Ellie's accomplishments, it has been the impact she made in the whelping box that sets her apart. Ellie was bred three times, and her kids have gone on to be nationally and internationally recognized. She has produced a total of 4 BISS winners, a National BISS winner, multiple group placing kids, dogs that have gone on to compete in a multitude of venues, and most importantly - animals with phenomenal temperaments that enrich the lives of their families. Her grandkids likewise continue to make us proud and represent our breeding program well. We love our Ellie, and are lucky beyond a reasonable doubt that we were given the opportunity to be owned by her.

 

Ellie's bio by Michelle Porfido DeLucia / Rhapsody Vizslas

Planning, progesterone and dog sex (oh my!)

Emery is somewhat predictable on her heat cycles and I had an idea she would come into season in November. After having a few in depth discussions about stud dogs with Michelle (Rhapsody Vizslas) we both agreed Jett would be a good choice for Emery. I then began planning my road trip from Southern California to Boulder, CO where Jett lives with his owner, Sean.

When doing any breeding, step #1 is to do progesterone testing. Good breeders do progesterone when organizing each breeding (whether "live cover" or an AI - artificial insemination breeding).

What the heck is progesterone testing, you ask?

Basically, progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that rises as the heat cycle progresses. Early in the canine heat cycle the progesterone values will usually read less than 1.0 ng/ml. The first significant, sustained rise in progesterone usually coincides with the "LH Surge". The LH stands for luteinizing hormone and is released by the pituitary gland in the brain. This is important because ovulation occurs about 48 hours after the LH surge. The progesterone value at the time of the LH surge is usually about 2-3 ng/ml. The progesterone will rise to about 5-8 ng/ml at the time of ovulation. Canine eggs are not ready to be fertilized at the time of ovulation and take about 2 days to mature. Once mature, the eggs remain fertile for 2 to 3 days and then begin to deteriorate. Of note: progesterone stays elevated for about 2 months whether the bitch is pregnant or not. We like to know when the "surge" is so that we have an idea of ovulation, when to breed, and to estimate the whelping day.

11/21/19 Day 7 - Emery's first progesterone test at Chino Hills Vet came back at 1.5. We're looking for the LH Surge of 12+ to indicate ovulation.

11/23/19 Day 9 - her progesterone was 0.7 via IDEXX at a veterinary hospital in Scottsdale, AZ (en route to Colorado).  At this point we decided Emery should meet Jett and after watching the weather I knew I had to get to Boulder before a huge snowstorm hit. 

11/25/19 Day 11 - We arrived in Boulder, CO at the beginning of a huge snowstorm. Around 4PM, we made my way to Jett's house. We decided to let Emery and Jett play in the backyard and have Emery stretch her legs. Out of no where we got a 22 minute tie. Neither human was ready for this to happen and we didn't have on the right winter gear -- it was SNOWING 🌨 so I ended up putting my coat over Emery to keep her warm. 

11/26/19 Day 12 - We woke up to 22" of snow!  Thankfully I had rented a 4x4 SUV to get around town (photo of my car in the morning!).  After I was able to unbury my car, we did get another 20 minute tie around 4PM. 

11/27/19 Day 13 - Progesterone test came back at 5.1. This was a 3+ hour road trip north on snow packed roads! And it was COLD OUT! 

Thanksgiving 11/28/19 and 11/29/19 Day 14 and 15 - We had two more good ties, 44 and 20 minutes.  Jett's owner left for the Holiday and I was able to take Jett to the hotel for our lovebird rendezvous. He is a very easy and friendly dog with a fabulous temperament, I was so happy to spend some time with him.

Jett

After consulting with other breeders and vets it was decided to leave town as there was another snowstorm on the way and we didn't want to get stuck in Colorado for the weekend. Bye bye Boulder!

Emery: Mommy to the BB's

Gorgeous Em!

New Grand Champion!

Emery and her mom, Zene

GCH CH MOONLIGHT IT’S GOOD TO BE ME, RN JH CGC TKN NA PZ III “EMERY” A/K/A “EM”

DOB: 10/27/2017

Sire: MBISS GCHS CH Russet Leather Ride To The Top, JH MX MXJ “Teak”

Dam: GCH CH Moonlight’s Rock’n Ow’t, RN JH CGC ROM “Zene”

Owner: Karen Lake

Breeder: Karen Lake

AKC #: SS01855905 (Pedigree) – NAVHDA #: VI-001782

DNA Profile #:  V867497

Height: 22″, Weight: 41 lbs.

CHIC #: 145262

OFA Hips: VZ-16172E24F-VPI (Excellent)

OFA Elbow:  VZ-EL3193F24-VPI (Normal)

OFA Thyroid: VZ-TH1934/24F-PI (Normal)

OFA Eyes: VZ-EYE1040/17F-VPI (Normal)

OFA Cardiac: VZ-CA875/24F/P-VPI-ECHO (Normal)

—

* Grand Champion – Owner Handled with 5 Majors * 

* NAVHDA NA Prize III *

 * Junior Hunter four straight passes, two Hunt Tests days (GWPCSC HT and GSP Club of SoCal) *

* Rally Novice * 

 * Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Novice (same day) at 11 mos. old *

* Finished Championship at 7 months old from the Bred By Exhibitor Class *

* Winners Bitch and Bred By Exhibitor Group 2 – SoCal Sporting Dog Show at 7 mos. old *

* Winners Bitch & Best of Winners 4 Point Major – VCSC Specialty (Pasadena) at 7 mos. old *

* Winners Bitch 3 Point Major – SCVC Supported Entry (LMKC) at 6 mos. 2 days old *

* Winners Bitch & Best of Winners 5 Point Major – SCVC Specialty (LMKC) at 6 mos. 1 days old *

—

Our newest superstar, baby “Emery” caught my eye early on — she is Zene’s doppelgänger in more ways than just appearance. Sweet like sugar but with extra spice and an independent but thoughtful streak. She is incredibly biddable and eager to please but can think for herself which became evident early on in her puppy socialization and introduction to bird work.

She finished her Championship title at the tender age of 7 months old with three huge Majors at Specialty/Supported Entries, and a big Bred By Exhibitor Group 2 during the competitive SoCal Sporting Dog Fanciers show. What a thrill to show this gorgeous puppy! At ten months old we started prep work for the NAVHDA Natural Ability Test and less than a month later, she received a Prize III, scoring 4’s (Prize I equivalent) in Nose, Cooperation and Water and the top rating in Pointing. We are so proud of her efforts. This was our first time ever testing in NAVHDA.

At just over a year old, she had FIVE titles to her name! She finished her Grand Championship with *five* GCH Majors (owner handled) and will work towards advanced Hunt titles in late 2020.

Read more about Emery’s litter and how we raise our puppies via Puppy Culture on the litter blog:  The Goodies.

Emery’s pedigree reflects holds a proven strength in conformation and versatility, and she is line-bred on the longest lived Vizsla “Marker” BIS BISS AM CAN CH Dirigo Gambler’s Marker ROM HOF (1982-2002).

Her Sire “Teak” (MBISS GCHS CH Russet Leather Ride To The Top, JH MX MXJ) is a versatile Vizsla who is titled in Show, Agility and Hunting and has an impressive pedigree. “Teak” has been a very successful show dog and won Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club in February 2017! In 2016, “Teak” was the #3 Vizsla in Breed points and #5 All Breed. He is also a handful of Vizslas who have earned their Silver Grand Championship. Teak has seven (7) Best in Specialty Show (BISS) wins.

“Teak” (photo above) is a moderate male Vizsla with a lovely front assembly and return of upper arm and is clean moving coming and going. He is biddable and has a nice easy going temperament. He lives with his intact son, “Tanner” MBISS GCHG CH Comynara Tanner Is The Silver Lining Ride JH NAVHDA NA Prize 1; I have met the two of them together and they are just adorable.

His Dam “Kona” (GCH Russet Leather Wild Ride, RE JH NA OAJ) is a beautiful moving bitch and hails from a litter of nine (9) AKC Champions! They also are versatile Vizslas who are titled in Advanced Hunt, Agility and Obedience titled, Multiple Best in Show and Best in Specialty Show Winners. W-O-W! “Teak’s” maternal grandmother is “Geli” BIS MBISS GCH MACH2 Russet Leather Sacajawea RE SH MXG MJC XF ROM HOF who is one of most influencial bitches in the breed. I had the pleasure of meeting her in person throughout the years and she was simply lovely. In 2016, Geli was inducted into the VCA Hall of Fame.

Emery’s Dam “Zene” (GCH Moonlight’s Rock’n Ow’t, RN JH CGC ROM) completed her AKC Conformation Championship with a 4 pt Major; earning the majority of her points from the Bred-By-Exhibitor class. In 2011, she also won back-to-back Best Puppy in Sweepstakes at the SCVC in Walnut, and VCSC in Pasadena.  The day after finishing her CH title, she took back-to-back Best of Breed wins for two 5 Point Grand Champion Majors – and she made the cut both days in the Sporting Group; she went onto finish her GCH tile with FIVE GCH Majors!  She easily completed her JH (Junior Hunter) title and Rally Novice (RN) title. Her progeny include a Best In Specialty Winner (BISS) and Group Placer as well as six (6) Champions and a 7th who needs a single to finish, as well as Obedience and Hunt titles. In October 2019, she earned her Registry of Merit (ROM) Certificate.

Zene’s Sire “Rocky” (GCH/Can CH Captivatin’ Ain’t He A Knockow’t, ROM) finished his AKC Championship at 7 1/2 months old with 5 Majors in only 8 shows. Before age 18 months, Rocky was awarded several Best of Breed wins and earned multiple Sporting Group Placements — all owner handled! With relative ease, Rocky finished his AKC Grand Championship (owner handled) in August 2010. In December 2015, he received his Registry of Merit (ROM). Rocky sired five litters with four females. His offspring include two (2) Best in Specialty Show Winners, Multiple Champions and Grand Champions, Agility, Obedience and Hunt titled progeny.

Zene’s Dam “Csilla” (CH Tamaron Okos Piros Csillag, CD RN JH CGC ROM) is a proven producer earning her Registry of Merit (ROM) Certificate; she produced a Best in Specialty Show (BISS) Winner, five (5) Champions, three (3) Grand Champions (two others are Major Pointed), seven (7) Junior Hunters, and a Rally Novice (RN) titleholder; along with Multiple Best of Breed, Group Placing, Award of Merit, and Multiple BBE Group Placements. Csilla has consistently passed her faultless temperament and good looks to her offspring. She hails from a successful litter with siblings earning (Multiple) Best in Specialty Show wins, and a Best in Show.