OUR 2007 SHOW NEWS AT A GLANCE

It is almost the close of the 2007 show calendar and Apollodane Great Danes have now hung up their show leads until 2008  in readiness for the Christmas season. Our Danes will rest and enjoy with us in our home the special treats in store. Lots of  toys, new doggie beds, special collars and leads and all the other things we can spoil them with.

On reflecting back through 2007 we can see just how busy life has been, remembering Cyprus is a beautiful island, but every show we attend is only accessible by flying, so you can imagine the traumas we have to go through first before we even  enter a show ring.

This year 2007 we have done 12 country’s, 42 shows, have been the winners of DOG OF THE YEAR, CHAMPION  OF CHAMPIONS and BREED CHAMPION. We have taken no less than 6 BEST IN SHOW WINS, 3 RESERVE BEST IN SHOW WINS, 30 GROUP WINS and 12 CHAMPION TITLES THROUGHOUT EUROPE in the past 12  months. We are also fortunate enough to have taken the TOP WINNING HARLEQUIN BITCH IN  EUROPE AT THE EuDDC IN SWITZERLAND.

FINAL AWARDS POSITION IN 2007 FOR ZSACHARIAS

Zac finished his year fathering a beautiful litter of 9 puppies, 5 of which are destined for the show ring and already showing  great promise, individually taking Best Puppy in their respective shows on alternate show dates.
Zac went on to finish his year with the following titles and has proved consistent in his performance in the ring.

CYPRUS GRAND CHAMPION, CYPRUS DOG OF THE YEAR 2006, CYPRUS BREED CHAMPION 2006,  CYPRUS BEST IN SHOW 2006 AND CYPRUS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2006
Cyprus Grand Champion, Cyprus Multi Champion, 2 x Bulgarian Grand Champion, 2 x Cyprus Champion, 3 x Australian  Champion, 2 x Bulgarian Champion, 2 x Balkan Champion, Greek Champion, Croatian Champion, Slovenian Champion,  Russian Champion, Zagreb Winner, Aphroditeís Winner, 8 x Best In Show, 6 x Reserve Best In Show, 35 x Group Wins,  Crufts 2007 & 2008 Qualification.

FINAL AWARDS POSITION IN 2007 FOR HEIDIE

Heidie took to her role as a new mother with ease and confidence. She raised 9 beautiful puppies and then 16 weeks later  went on to take Best Bitch at the Mediterranean Winners Show in October, testament to her excellent condition following  her pregnancy.

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION, CYPRUS GRAND CHAMPION, CYPRUS MULTI CHAMPION, 2 x  BULGARIAN GRAND CHAMPION, Cyprus Champion, 2 x Bulgarian Champion, 2 x Balkan Champion, Greek  Champion, Croatian Champion, Zagreb Winner, Aphroditeís Winner, Mediterranean Winner, Reserve Best In Show, Best  Great Dane Cyprus 2005.

FINAL AWARDS POSITION IN 2007 FOR ODETTE

Odette this year matured in to a beautiful young bitch with many highlights of the year. The first was her success in the  Large Breed Specialty Show in Slovenia when she was entered in to the intermediate class at just 18 months and managed  to scoop Best Bitch over the World Winning Harlequin bitch entered in to Champion class aged 3 years. Her next most  notable achievement was in Switzerland where she took the EuDDC Champion title for the top winning harlequin bitch.

Best Puppy N.S.W. Australia 2006. CYPRUS MULTI CHAMPION, EuDDC Champion, Russian Champion, Greek  Champion, Aphrodite Winner.

The New Year can see us hitting the show circuit in Europe with our new Mantle boy Turbo, our Harlequin bitch Athena  and our Harlequin boy Adonis. We have Crufts in March were we have Zsacharias, Heidie & Odette qualified to enter and  then in May we hope to continue with our breeding programme with a repeat mating for Zac & Heidie and a first mating for  Odette and Turbo.
Our Mantle puppy Apollodane Astraeus (God Of The Stars & Planets) will travel to Finland to take up home with Anne-Mari Vouri (Kennel Mi’havana) and Marja Partanen (Kennel Ozaenas) We are delighted and very happy that Marja and Anne-Mari will become the new owners and we are confident that Apollodane Astraeus (Harry) will prove to be successful for them in the ring as his father Zac has been for us here at Apollodane Great Danes.

So it only remains for both Craig and myself Paul, to thank all the Judges for having the faith in our Danes, by placing them  and recognising them for the titles they have achieved. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to all the show  organisers, Kennel Club Presidents, ring stewards, administration staff and airport officials who have made our European  Show adventure both possible and trouble free. Travelling with 2 adult Danes as we have has presented many obstacles, all I  have to say which we have overcome. Walking through the green section ” NOTHING TO DECLARE ” always raises an  eyebrow and to all those additionally such as Pet Transporters, Chauffeurs, Hoteliers, Pet food companies, travel agents and  facilitators we would also like to thank you for your help and assistance.

Our very best wishes to one and all for the Christmas season and we wish you all the very best for the forthcoming New Year 2008

Paul, Craig and our family of Danes which can be seen at www.apollodane.com

As always, we enjoy our visits to the Greek mainland, the hospitality, the warmth and the genuine appreciation of the Greek clubs sees us return, show after show. We feel there is a genuine understanding of how difficult it is moving LARGE breeds in and around Europe, not only with our own Danes, but with many of the other large breeds that travel to shows far and wide. The disadvantage of living on a beautiful island such as Cyprus is that EVERYWHERE is by flying, other such country’s have the luxury of jumping on a pre-arranged coach or in to their cars and making the journey, albeit longer in time, at a more relaxed pace. What can we do ????? if you have dogs and you want to show them, then this is the price you have to pay. For living, Cyprus is one of the most beautiful islands that I could ever think of wanting to spend my life, for showing dogs, it has improved tremendously over the years and now boasts one of the better show programmes in Europe, one which I would recommend if you have not visited then you really must give it a try, for visiting other country’s, then to be honest we may just as well reside on Alcatraz, because once you are here with your show dogs you really are limited as to where you can travel at a budget affordable to the average pocket. So most Cypriot breeders content themselves with the shows on offer on the island, who’s standards are good, who’s entrants are high and who’s quality of dogs are improving year on year. To travel overseas is a luxury many dream of and to bring back prizes is something most only read about in the papers. So!!!!!!! to travel as we do is not something we just take for granted. We feel very privileged to be able to finance such trips, we feel honoured to be accepted by other kennel clubs and we are truly grateful to be awarded titles in country’s where the competition with local bred dogs is tough and very difficult to compete with. To be given a place on the winners podium consistently as we are is something we know is a recognition to be VERY proud of and our special thanks to all the kennel club members, the Judges and the entrants who cheer us and support us. It makes us very proud to be a part of your individual organisations, for the day or for the weekend and the extended hospitality as is shown is something we are happy to share with our colleagues in the hope that they too will visit your shows and share the experience.

Travel time to Larnaca has now been refined to around 1hour 30 minutes door to door. Our routine has also been refined to ensure quick and smooth check in for us and our Danes. This particular weekend I have to report being better than any we have experienced. I just hit lucky with the correct administrative girls at check in, the dogs were processed, our luggage whisked through and it was smiles all around as I walked outside to inform Craig we were now free to enjoy a leisurely drink and something to eat in he executive lounge before take off.

As I walked across the departure lounge to the outside car park a familiar face to the show world here in Cyprus appeared in the crowded hall. Demitri, our strong competition with the Bichon Frise was standing in the line up waiting to check in. The first time he had actually checked in one of his dogs to the aircraft hold so he was understandably a little nervous. After much reassurance that all would be fine, he waved goodbye to his 2 adult Bichon and put the other 2 puppies he was taking to rendezvous with their new owners on his shoulder in their very luxurious carry on bag and for the moment we parted company. Demitri spent time with an old school friend he had bumped in to and we went off in to the direction of the exec lounge for a peaceful meal before we departed. Remember at this point that we are still in the middle of the busy tourist season and the airports are filled to capacity, so our exec lounge indulgence is more a way of maintaining sanity over the maddening crowds now building up in the departure lounge.

Now happily relaxed and reflecting on how smooth everything had gone we were conscious of an announcement over the tannoy system.
“Ladies and gentlemen, could we please have your attention. Would all Cyprus Airways passengers please report to the main reception desk”
Both Craig and I walked over to what was now a sea of people fighting to speak to the reception girl. We handed her our boarding cards, she looked at us and said in a most apologetic tone.
“Sir, I am sorry to have to tell you, Cyprus Airways Pilots have just called a walk out strike for the next 7 hours, this will mean a build up of flight traffic, there is no guarantee you flight will take off at all today. If you wish you can re-book for another day, you can cancel, or you can take a chance and see what happens later”
“Thank you I said, but we have a number of livestock on the flight and I would like to know what your provisions are for them during this time”
Horror drained through her face as she realised the announcement she had just made was for us not going to be as simple as the options given. We had by now been joined by our friend Demetris and collectively decided to continue with our journey, providing we could be re-united with our dogs as soon as possible.
We were taken back through the passport control in reverse, we had to pass through a security check going the return direction and we eventually were taken back in to the departures hall which was now FULL of angry passengers. Fortunately we had each other for support and left immediately the departure hall to return to our cars. Our own Zac climbed in to the 4×4 and immediately fell to sleep stretched out full length of the car, Odette climbed in to the back of the van and did the same, Demitri took his Bichon and swapped them over in to our very large travel crates and his puppies did the same. For all the dogs this was complete heaven, luxury beyond belief. For us, well we took three chairs from the local cafe bar, set them up in the car park by our vehicles and spent the next 7 hours talking about shows, future, past and present.
Eventually the time came for us to gather our things once again and go through the whole ordeal of boarding our dogs, getting them settled and hopefully this time the flight staff were over their walk out and ready to fly us to our destination.

We arrived now very late. What should have been a 1700hrs arrival was now a midnight arrival and we still had the journey to the hotel to make, another 30 minutes on top. Fortunately a phone call ahead made sure our room was still available, the dogs were walked and fed and like us just crashed fast asleep. For what seemed like only minutes the Nokia phone was now ringing in our ears telling us that we had now had our complete allocation of beauty sleep and it was time to get both dogs ready for the show.

The hotel Stefanakis, room 113 or 112 are perfect for our dogs. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and fantastic sized balcony for each dog ensured that both Odette and Zac had a good nights sleep without the need for them sleeping in their crates. It is not the most luxurious of hotels, but when you travel with dogs you are grateful for a bed for the night, never mind creature comforts. The most important thing for us is that we are accepted with our dogs and we are not having to worry about the concerns of the management, as in this case I feel they appreciate we are all quite respectful and know that any accidents which may happen are immediately resolved, either financially or otherwise.

Both dogs walked and our own breakfast taken we waited for our Pet Taxi Nicos and his additional driver being his mum. The journey to the Markopoulos stadium takes about 30 minutes and you will see from the photographs it has actually got better in time as an Olympic venue, unlike some whose beauty has faded over the years. The weather was at it’s best and the sun shone down as the exhibitors registered their dogs and took up their places. Having been here last year we knew the procedure, we knew which way the sun was going to shine and we knew just where to go to make sure we were in the shade all of the day. Old friends we are always happy to see greeted us and welcomed us once again to the Greek mainland and a quick walk around to familiarise ourselves with the rings saw yet more familiar faces.

Our crates in place, our ring times sorted and our dogs ready for presentation we prepared ourselves for the day ahead. We had early show times so for us this was good. At least our dogs were well rested, they were not to hot from the mid-day sun and they had not become bored at all the hanging around. Show started prompt at 0900hrs and by 0915 we were in the ring with Zac who was just raring to go. We stood at ring side watching the other Danes in class go through their stuff and then it was the turn of Zac. Now I have to say at this point we had struggled keeping his attention as 16 days earlier both Odette and Heidie had chosen with precise and accurate timing, right in the middle of show season to come in to season. Yes here we are just as we embark on our 7 months of extensive travelling with 2 bitches re-enacting the sequel to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” They don’t do delicate and feminine seasons, no, not our Heidie and Odette, what they do is bleed by the bucket full until they decide they have had enough, which in some cases can extend in to three weeks of constant blood loss. We had watched eagerly awaiting the blood flow to stop so we could decide if it was safe to take her and if all would be OK at the show. By the time the show came all seemed safe, the blood flow had dried up and both bitches had returned to slight normality, nothing that a good strong bitch spray, some Vics vapour rub and a bit of good supervision wouldn’t resolve. Our normal travelling routine had to be slightly altered to make sure Zac stayed well away from Odette and under the circumstances we coped very well. That was until on day 2, Odette with possible reaction to the flying decided to switch on the blood flow again just after she had done her class. I tell you, I could have donated to a battle field and still had more left over. Fortunately our red doggie blankets hid most of our embarrassment and she had at least finished showing for the weekend, but never the less, this still meant that Zac, super stud, thought his services were required and at every given moment tried to mount anything in site, fortunately this did not include the judge.

So day one we came home with a Champion class win for Zac and then Best Dog win with CAC & CACIB and an Excellent critique which read;

BEAUTIFUL HARLEQUIN DOG, SOUND AND ELEGANT WITH GOOD REACH OF NECK, EXCELLENT HEAD AND EXPRESSION, CLEAN EYES, GOOD FRONT, FORE CHEST AND DEPTH OF CHEST, GOOD SET OF TAIL AND CROOP, CORRECT HIND ANGULATION, MOVES WELL AND PRESENTED VERY WELL.

For Odette we took Champion class win and Best Bitch. Understandably in her condition she was a little giddy and in the head to head Zac won over with BEST OF BREED. Odette took CAC 7 CACIB with an excellent critique which read;

EXCELLENT SHOW CONDITION BITCH, EXCELLENT MARKINGS, FEMININE HEAD, EXCELLENT FRONT AND BACK, EXCELLENT TOP LINE, GOOD MOVER AND EXCELLENT TEMPERAMENT. WELL PRESENTED.

Paolo Dondina was the Judge, very nice, knew his stuff and got on with the job in hand. He was very precise about his requirements and expectations of your role as handler and his comments on the critique I felt were exactly what he was being presented with by way of our dogs.

So for us, part one of our goal had been achieved, Zac had taken B.O.B and had qualified for a second Greek Champion title but more importantly, Odette had now completed her 12 month campaign and had qualified as GREEK CHAMPION. She now stands at CYPRUS MULTI CHAMPION, RUSSIAN CHAMPION, GREEK CHAMPION AND EUROPEAN DEUTCHE DOGGE CHAMPION and is still only just starting out, now aged 29months.

We had the rest of the day now at leisure until groups later in the afternoon, time to walk the dogs, enjoy the friends who had still yet to show, take lunch and then watch the show jumping of which Athena Onassis was in attendance showing off her amazing skills in the stadium next door.

The afternoon judging commenced around 1530hrs and it was not long before Groups were up and ready to show. I always like to get in to the ring first as Zac needs his space to show off his movement. It still surprises me how many ring stewards still let smaller dogs in first, for example the good old English Bulldog who looks so majestic when walking at his own pace around a ring suited to his size. How on earth can a Great Dane or a Newfoundland be expected to show at it’s best behind the English Bulldog going at his own pace. Come on ring stewards, wake up to the fact that you are there to do a job and order of entry has to be top of your priority list. So many times we have fallen victim to the small snappy dog bouncing off the heels of the larger breeds wanting to run his course. get the big boys in first and then let the little ones follow and take their place and then if they need only to walk at a slow pace, or if they need to complete only half the ring circuit, then at least they can do so without interference to others who have the ability to stride it out and go the course.

The group judge was that of our class, Mr Paolo Dondina. He asked to see the dogs he had not already judged move and he asked to see stacked those that he had already judged. Zac I have to say consistently shows well. Show after show after show he stacks to perfection and presents himself in such a way that you just can not help but want to place him. On occasions he can be a little sluggish with his movement, it all depends on the temperatures and the size of the ring, oh yes and if he just happens to have one of his girls in season.

Presentation now over and the judge made his way to the steward to offer his results. In third place was the only announcement I focussed on which was the Harlequin Great Dane. So we had done it again, we had made our place to the winners podium and we were more than happy with the result. It is the judges choice and today the judge had seen other qualities in other dogs he placed 2nd & 1st over Zac, but in terms of our goals, we had done what we set out to do and come away with more.

It is always a mad scramble once your place in the groups has been decided and for us it was time to pack our things, call the taxi and return to the hotel nice and early to shower, feed the dogs and wander down to the local restaurant for dinner. A whole day sitting in the fresh air is sufficient to draw you to your bed for an early night and by 2100hrs we were all tucked up, Zac snoring on one side, Craig on the other and Odette banished to the outside terrace so she could continue in peace with her season.

Sunday another hot and sunny day, Nicos outside waiting in the taxi and all the crates packed in advance. The morning sun coming up over the Markopoulo Olympic stadium is a sight not to be missed, truly awesome and one of those moments when you reflect on the fortunate position you find yourselves in at certain times in your life.

Registration is always an easy affair, one that many other shows could well learn some lessons from. Ring side information is in Greek and in English, great for visiting exhibitors and there are sufficient programmes to go round to each dog entered.
Our show time was the same as the day before, nice and early and before the heat of the day kicked in, however this time our judge was Zvi Kupferberg from Israel.

Once again we watched as the other Dane exhibitors entered the ring, always making sure that we were ready for the ring steward as he called our numbers. Today’s biggest change to plan was that Craig was handler for the day, a little competition rivalry, so he was really out to do a better result than my own the day before. He first entered with Zac and true to form he showed magnificently, that was Zac and not Craig by the way, although I have to say, for someone who four years ago would not be seen in the ring, he is really making up for things. Zac once again won his Champion class, going on to take Best Dog and coming away with a critique which read;

CORRECT SIZE WITH BEAUTIFUL HEAD, EXCELLENT BONE, CORRECT TOP LINE, CORRECT FRONT AND ANGULATION, EXCELLENT STRONG DEEP CHEST, CORRECT COLOUR, EXCELLENT MOVEMENT.
he took CAC & CACIB (excellent).

A quick change over and now the turn of Odette in her very own Champion class. She trots happily around as if to kick sand in the faces of all around her. She stacks to perfection and presents herself well as the judge writes;

CORRECT SIZE WITH BEAUTIFUL HEAD, EXCELLENT TOP LINE, CORRECT FRONT AND ANGULATION, CORRECT BITE, LOOSE ELBOWS, CORRECT CHEST, EXCELLENT MOVEMENT, she took CAC & CACIB(excellent)

Winning her class and then Best Bitch she came head to head with Zac for Best Of Breed. The sun was now starting to burn through, I was handling Zac who I had rushed in from his ring side crate and the judge pondered as he asked us to move our dogs once more around the ring. Now at this point Zac had managed to get the beautiful sweet smell of Odette in season, Odette was happily flirting her way around the ring, throwing her head back as she trotted along teasing all the way. Zac was now pulling his way like an old English Shire horse, desperate to make actual contact with her. For sure the pace was a good one and fortunately we both knew how to use the situation to our advantage. We halted at the judges request, stacked our dogs once more and presented them to him for final inspection. By now our friends from Cyprus had all gathered at ring side to watch the event and the judge turned and said;

BOTH DOGS ARE BEAUTIFUL, THE BITCH IN PARTICULAR HAS A STUNNING HEAD, ONE VERY SELDOM SEEN SO BEAUTIFUL IN BITCHES, SHE IS QUITE REMARKABLE, BUT ONLY FOR THE FACT THAT SHE STILL HAS A LITTLE MATURING TO DO AND IS STILL A LITTLE LOOSE I AM AWARDING BEST OF BREED TO THE DOG. He than said, WATCH OUT FOR THE BITCH TAKING BEST OF BREED VERY VERY SOON, SHE IS GOING TO MATURE VERY, VERY WELL.

So another great result, points for Zac as we had hoped, recognition for Odette and a place in the group line up once again.
The rest of the day was spent supporting our friends, Giannis from Thessaloniki who travelled without his dear wife Erine and for who we promised to cheer from the ring side to make him feel more relaxed. Demetris from Cyprus with his Champion Bichon and his friend who took B.O.B from him on day one. Stella & Pheytos who’s beautiful Akita bred by Julie & Carl Nicholls from the UK and who did so well on day 2, but again lost out on the group win to our friend Giannis with his impressive Siberian Husky. Stella Mimis, Secretary, Athens Canine Society who I have to say that the makeover has taken years off her and she looked fantastic. It is like an old school reunion when we visit Greece and so nice to see Elena & Elias from Crete and Sissi Adramitli with her beautiful Bulldogs and who always makes us welcome to the Greek shows and has great admiration for our Danes. Mind you I have to say, I think Craig has been working his magic as he too loves the British Bulldog and I think secretly has withdrawal symptoms when he is in their company.

The group 2 now being called and Craig looking like a movie star from the film “The Blues Brothers” moves to prime position to enable him to show Zac to full potential. He is first in with no scuffles at the entry point from any of the small dogs trying to get in the ring first. Consistently he moves like a true professional, the applause rings out and the whistles are evidence that Zac is a real favourite with the crowd. He stacks well and he takes note of what is behind in order to plan his next move. The judge once again moved the dogs not seen by him in the class and an almost instant decision was made and the result handed to the ring steward. Where would Zac be placed in this group, or would he be placed at all. The places are being announced in reverse order, the cameras are flashing and the cheering starts to whip the spectators in to real enjoyment. In second place we hear being announced, in second place, the harlequin Great Dane !!!!!!! A great finish to a great weekend and once again a place on the winners podium for Group 2 line up.

As far as our results were concerned, we came for a possible Greek Champion title being completed with Odette and we got it and we came hoping for B.O.B on both the Saturday and the Sunday and we got it. The 2 group places on the winners podium were over and above our expectations and we are delighted with the final achievement. It was just now time to pack our things once more and take the taxi back to the hotel for a celebratory drink.

Monday we ambled down to the water front, took in the scenery and reflected on our wonderful weekend in Greece. By 1330hrs we were sitting at the airport ready to board our flight and once again we have to compliment Cyprus Airways in Athens for their excellent service and compassion towards our dogs. Arrival in Larnaca in time for sun down and home just in time for dinner prepared by our dear housekeepers Lalyn & Connie.

To see the full selection of photographs from the Athens show, left double click on any of the photographs and this will take you to our photo album selection with over 5500 photographs broken down in to various sets for you to view. You then click on Athens or click on the full selection of Apollodane photos.

In conclusion and it goes without saying, a huge thank you to the Kennel Club for making us feel so welcome, thank you to the administrators for keeping us up to date with show news and thank you to the judges who are never taken for granted and whos service, knowledge and support is very much appreciated.

Crete has had a special place in our hearts since we bought a home there in the summer of 2006 following our visit to the 2nd Heraklion Society CACIB Show. The island to us has a magical feel and a warmth shown by all the locals. So for us this seemed an ideal place to make our next property investment, recognising that of many of the Greek Islands, Crete really does have a lot to offer and is tipped to be the next property hot-spot. Channia was the chosen location for our holiday home, but the dog show was held just outside of Heraklion which is the home of the main airport for the island. When we were planning the years events, this show had to be on the programme as it had proved to be a very well run and organised show in 2006 when we were just spectators.

In Greece, each Canine Society has the right to organize a Dog Show. At the moment they have Societies in most Greek cities (Heraklion, Katerini, Thesaloniki, Athens and more). You can see the show schedule for each year at the web site of Greek Kennel Club.

This particular show was organized by the whole team headed by its President, Elena Alexandri and assistance was given to us in completing entry forms. Even though we live in a Greek speaking country, we have not yet mastered the art of this beautiful, but quite complicated language, especially as the older you get the more difficult it gets. This is their third show so still quite new, but I have to say it is important for us all to get behing these shows so they continue to provide us with shows for many years to come.

It was now time to book the hotel recommended by the Kennel Club, the Gallini Hotel which was a perfect choice, clean, very friendly and most reasonable in price, especially as they were very dog friendly, having 4 Great Danes of their own.

Arrival at the airport we were collected, transferred to the hotel and there we got ourselves ready for a nice evening meal and our evening stroll with the dogs. Odette and Zsacharias were the 2 chosen Danes for this trip and very quickly they got in to their show routine. The evening was spent being admired and adored in the hotel bar and I have to confess, that was the Danes and not us. I can only assume as the events of age take over, our personal appeal is less desirable and attractive than that of our lovely doggies. So for about the next 4 hours our Danes were truly spoilt by every person walking in the bar that night. They really lapped up all the attention and were on their very best behavior.

The following day we decided to explore the local area, walking first to the village and then as we had hoped in to the main town and tourist area. As we first approached the village, our thoughts turned towards the hire of a car, as this seemed by far the most obvious solution to us seeing as much as we could of that particular area, in the short space of time remaining before the show. A quick negotiation with the hire company saw us 10 minutes later driving off and exploring hidden coves and waterways we would not have normally seen on foot. After a couple of hours out of the road, we decided the heat of the day had passed and it was an ideal temperature to collect the dogs and let them share with us our sightseeing experience. Back to the hotel we went, dropped the back seats of the car, covered them with our traveling blankets and loaded the Danes in ready for their trip around the island. We had been traveling a few kilometers down a very narrow, winding and extremely dangerous road when a car behind started to furiously BLAST their horn. Now I have to say, Craig is a great driver, but patience with road hogs he does not suffer to well.

“Stay calm” I said in a reassuring voice, “Just let them BLAST their horn because it is impossible for them to pass”
We continued a few more kilometers and now this road hog is mounting the grass verge and trying to pass, screaming at us in a very angry Greek attitude. I could see Craig now beginning to get himself agitated by this car so I asked him to pull over so the car could pass. Happy to oblige, Craig pulled over, but the testosterone levels now at boiling point, his male pride would not let this car pass without him at least shouting something back that sounded equally as rude as what this ROAD HOG was shouting at us. The car passed and came to a halt at our side, our window was quickly would down and Craig asked “What is your problem, you can see this is a single road and impossible to overtake, the sun is hot and I suggest you stop shouting”
“Stop shouting” he said “I will not stop shouting, I am the owner of the car you are driving and I do not want dogs in my car”
“Ahhhhhhh I see said Craig, but we did explain at the time of making the reservation that we had dogs.”
“Yes” he said “but not such big dogs like that.”

Now !!!!!!! what are the chances of driving down a country lane and bumping in to the owner of the car hire firm you have hired your car from whilst you are transporting 2 full size Great Danes on a sightseeing tour of the island ?

Greek balding men in the heat of the day with extremely high blood pressure do not make a good sight, so the easiest option was to smile, apologies most profusely and retreat back to the hotel to return the dogs to their room. It was so funny and we laughed at the time thinking we were like naughty school boys who had just raided the neighbor’s apple tree.

The day arrived for the show and in the reception area of the hotel whilst paying our bill; we met many old faces who had traveled from many of the Greek Islands also to visit the show. It is nice to catch up and see the enthusiasm and support coming to these local shows that in some ways are quite difficult places for many to travel to. A quick hello, and exchange of each others show results from previous shows and then off we went in search of the Exhibition Centre where the show was to be held. It is actually very easy to find once you have an idea of your location and 20 minutes later we were the first to arrive. First to arrive means best pick of spaces, spread your things out to save the all to annoying barking dog setting up home next to you and then sit watching the others arrive looking for a suitable spot to set up camp.

We met 2 really lovely young ladies from Athens who had traveled 9 hours with their American Cocker Spaniels. There was the Cretian Hound club and their selection of recently accepted in to the FCI ‘Cretian Hounds’. We met once again the local German Shepherd breeder who was local to the area and had a very good following along with many other faces we had begun to recognize from shows around Greece.

It was a great venue with beautiful sea views on your arrival and space doubled from the previous year. This was actually quite a good move as last year was rather cramped and difficult getting your dogs in and out of the ring. This year we had none of those problems as classes were a good size, the rings were manageable and there was space enough to maximize on your dogs potential.

Judges for the day were quickly observed. First judging the class was a Greek lady by the name of Dekaristou, Maria-Marionka an All Breeds Judge, GROUP FINALS AND BEST IN SHOW JUDGE.

A really impressive background on dogs and involved in a project very dear to our hearts, that of the welfare of animals that have been abandoned or rejected.

The other Judge was a Russian gentleman by the name of Kupliauskas, Jevgenij an equally impressive background and always a great privilege to show under such a wealth of knowledge.

The show proceedings were opened with prayer from the local Priest, which as overseas visitors we found to be nice and personal giving a local feel to the event. Show started around 1030hrs. Classes moved fairly quickly as the judge gave her opinion and wrote out her critiques and all eyes were on her winning dogs to check out her style. I have to say from a judge’s point of view and from an organiser’s point of view; there really should be a basic dress code for some of these events. I am very much from the old school and I have covered this point many times in previous show news reports. If you are expecting to be taken at all seriously in the show ring, then respect the judge who travels many miles to assess your dog and respect the show organiser who has spent many months putting this event together and dress with an element of respect for the dog you are showing. If you can at least go this far towards PRESENTATION you are half way towards winning the points you are there for in the first place. I saw people running around the ring the wrong way, showing their dogs on the wrong side, letting their dogs become most uncontrollable in the ring and angry onlookers shouting abuse whilst the show was in progress. This is no way to carry on at a dog show and as we have been dog show educated in the UK and over in Australia, there is a certain show etiquette and the sooner we all start to learn a few principles from this requirement, shows in Europe will be elevated to a different level. This show I have to say was by far better than most we have attended and it was refreshing to see a very clear message going out regarding the double handling going on at ring side, a practice most show organisers are getting extremely tired of and now seem to be fighting back to eliminate it. It’s a start and credit goes out to all those organisers who are standing firm and removing the offenders from the ring.

First to show was Zac in Champion class, we approached the ring, waited our turn and then moved slowly as requested to stack in front of the judge. The smile on the judgeís face filled me a little with confidence that despite her own breed of the Papillion, she may just also like big dogs. Zac stood to attention!!!!! STAND I said to him, SHOW. The judge went over him from top to bottom. How old is he? Three and a half years old I said. He is beautiful, like a statue. Thank you very much, I said. He is actually a Champion in 9 countries and Grand Champion in 2, I informed excitedly. Well he deserves it replies the judge. By now Zac is relaxed and enjoying the judges comments and his ears stand to attention. Me on the other hand, beads of perspiration running down my back, hands all wet and I hear the instruction, please run your dog once around the ring and then corner to corner. Now Zac if you read my Switzerland report at this point decided to call it a day, so what was he going to do today I wonder.

Good boy Zac, show time, lets go!!!!! and off we went around the ring in just the way we have all begun to expect of Zac. He was a dream, moved like a spring lamb and shows all his Champion qualities. We did our corner to corner and then both Zac and I stood to attention, always observing the judge at all times. There was lots of writing, a little smiling between the judge and the lady writing the critiques, I later discovered to be a language misunderstanding. Zac we are happy to say won his Champion class and then we were thanked and asked to leave the ring being handed our critique which read:

SUPER DOG, EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY. EVEN IF I TRIED TO HARD TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG, I COULDN’T. THIS DOG IS A TRUE CHAMPION AND GIVES A GREAT PLEASURE TO JUDGE HIM. EXCELLENT PRESENTATION, A REALLY SUPER MOVER.

We then prepared to take in Odette, both of who had been entered in to the Champion classes respectively. Once again we were given our instruction and we obeyed to the command. Stacked and showing her highest qualities, Odette really caught the eye of the judge again.

“Both very beautiful Danes you have, you should be very proud” and then she went over Odette from top to bottom “Can I see her teeth please?”
Odette, Teeth, good girl and as good as gold she did not move a muscle whilst the judge went over her teeth.
Once again I would like you to move your dog around the ring and then do corner to corner. This is when Odette comes in to her own and so we set off with all eyes watching and to the click of cameras. She glides and floats around as though she is on air, she just loves it and she knows she is on full show. We came to a halt, stacked once again and allowed the judge to write her critique. Happy to say the critique was of the highest standard and Odette took winning place in Champion class, her critique reading !!!!!.

ANOTHER SUPER DOG, EXCELLENT TAIL, SHE DESERVES ALL THE TITLES THAT SHE HAS, SWEET AND LOVELY DOG, SHE IS NOT RUNNING IN THE RING, SHE IS FLYING, EXCELLENT PRESENTATION.

Now we have the unenviable position of Best of Breed with both Zac & Odette in the head to head. Both received an Excellent on the critique and both had been awarded CAC & CACIB.

I have a very difficult decision here said the judge as both Danes are beautiful, but my final choice is going to the Dog, Zsacharias. Wow, we were over the moon and so happy that the judges choice was such a close one between Zac and Odette and Odette is really now starting to come in to her own, quite coincidently at the similar age to when Heidie started to realise what it was all about.

So here we were in preparation for group which to be honest I have to say is always a difficult one. Compared to some of the other groups we always face some very tough and stiff competition and it is never guaranteed a place. At the end of B.O.B I made a point of thanking the judge for her super and very complimentary critique to which she replied;

“If I was judging Best IN SHOW, I have to say I would seriously be looking at placing your dog, he is beautiful and when I feel from my heart something is so good, I wish for it to happen. Unfortunately I am not the judge for Best In Show so I can only wish you the very best of luck”

What a lovely and reassuring comment for her to make and how kind to say such complimentary things about both Zac & Odette.

Groups were soon called and in a different order to how we expected, so nearly missed our call. Fortunately the ring steward saw us at ring side and quickly told us to get into the ring. We moved slowly in to place and I have to admit, for my particular liking it was not the best place in the line up for Zac to show himself to full potential. He had a dog behind him that was getting a little to close for comfort and then to my horror his show lid came undone and I was left fumbling to get it back on again. Lucky for me the judge was now down at the other end of the line up and missed my little accident and when he returned we had regained composure and were standing to attention.

Third place, second place, to me they were just a blaze of names and dogs, all I wanted to do was make sure this first place which still had not been announced went to Zsacharias. First place is the Harlequin Great Dane. !!!!!!!! Oh my goodness me, I felt like a Miss America finalist, overcome with emotion and so proud of Zac and so very privileged to have been chosen by this very authoritative judge. This is the judge that was going to be judging Best In Show, so again happy that he had chosen us, feeling he may recognise us and place us in the Best In Show line up, but this was something we would just have to wait and see.

Groups came and went, then they went on to do Best Puppy which I have to say the Harlequin Great Dane puppy took 2nd placing, so well done to him and then on to Best In Show. By now the crowd had built up around the main ring and it was so gratifying to know that they had stayed to see the final part of the show. At this point so many have left and the best part of the show is left with a hand full of hardcore show groupies, staying to offer their support and see the outcome of the day.

In we all went and presented when requested to the Best In Show judge. We were then broken down in to smaller groups and asked to run our dogs and then it was the turn of the remaining group. The judge looked us all up and down, kindly shook all our hands which makes such a difference to know that they also appreciate our hard work and efforts and that they can see the dedication that has gone in to getting this far.

Announcements in reverse order and I am looking at the club President for a clue when she was taking instruction from the judge, but not a clue did I get. I stood there, Zac stacked like he knew he had to stand out in a crowd and 3rd place was announced. A round of applause and a few cheers and third place took to the podium. 2nd place was announced and once again that all familiar sound of cheers for yet another popular choice. First place was !!!!!!! the silence seemed to take forever and I stood there thinking, well either we have done very well or we have blown it big time. First place and Best In Show goes to the Harlequin Great Dane, Zsacharias. Yes we had done it again, but this time in a country not our own, which I have to say for us is more important than the place itself. Donít get me wrong, Best In Show is the best accolade we could have bestowed upon us at any show, but to be accepted amongst local clubs who have also worked very hard to get to the final line up was in itself more than our words could express. People genuinely cheered and applauded us as we ran around the ring and we really do owe a huge thank you to the judges, firstly for believing in us and second for having the faith to place us in such an honourable position in the show, representing the clubs show and a country we were merely visitors to.

We came out of the ring on a complete high and we have to personally thank the clubs President Elena Alexandri along with her husband who were one of the first to congratulate us. To both judges who I have to say it was an honor and a privilege to show under and to the show stewards and show personnel, both in front and behind the scenes, thanks to them for what they did to make life so much easier on the day.

It was a great venue, a great show in terms of it’s organization and the results of the day made our journey all the more worth while. Like the Switzerland show last week, we would fully urge anyone to make the journey the next time a show is organized and we look forward to returning, not only to the show in Crete, but to supporting the other Greek Societies Shows as so far they have all proved to be very well run ad very well organized. Like so many who have not experienced the European show circuit, despite many of the comments that come my way regarding the standard of dog being poor, that titles are easy to win, that European titles do not have the same value as titles in non FCI ruled areas and that the standard of judging is by far lower than non FCI governed regions. What I would say to all those who express their thoughts openly and have not yet experience the European culture, please accept our FCI invitation, come and show your dogs here in Europe, sample it first hand and let us see how well you do in a country where dogs are judged on their quality and standard and not on the person at the end of the lead. We have a very tough circuit indeed, the FCI rules are very clear and the FCI judges I have had the priviledge to show under are as experienced and knowledgable as any up for the challenge. So please do not sit there thinking we have an easy time of it, believe me we do not. We have stiff competition, we have a very high standard of dogs and many of the most famous lines have come from European shores.

We have our own specialty show next week in Nicosia where we will be taking 9 Great Danes and then for all you would be travelers, our Double International Show is being held on the weekend of the 21st / 22nd October. Cyprus will play host to the Mediterranean Winners Show again to be held in Nicosia and I would urge all that can attend to either show or just support all those that have entered. They should to get in touch with the Cyprus Kennel Club. It will be a really good show weekend with the added bonus of the Mediterranean Show also being a Crufts 2008 qualification show.

From the show it was a swift transfer to the airport ready for our return flight to Cyprus.

The whole weekend was most enjoyable, it was a credit to all the organizers and once again we would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts for giving us such a lovely weekend.

Special thanks also to Sam, her mum & dad who were a family we met in the hotel and who’s daughter (Sam) took to the Danes as though they were her own. So insistent was she that she came to the show, her mum and dad hired a car and brought her along as our support, so a big thank you to them. Our congratulations are sent to John & Eve who have 2 of our puppies and who’s daughter got married and who’s event we had to miss because of a clash on dates. Special thanks once again to the judges for their confidence in us that we were worthy winners. Thanks to the whole Heraklion canine Society for making us feel so welcome and finally to all those supporters who we did not get the time to talk to but who clearly loved Zac and Odette as they ran round the ring.

Last but not least, Apollodane Great Danes would like to dedicate this BEST IN SHOW win as a part of the Apollodane Great Danes tribute to ; Aust Ch Stordansk G’Stone Webe Awesum Imp USA and who can be found here. He is the Grand father to our girl Odette and our girl Heidie and Great Grandfather to our new puppies, unfortunately he passed away this time last week and we send Julie and family all our love.

Our show photos were all taken professionally at the show by RIALTO photo videography and will be forwarded to us some time this week when we can get them straight on to the web site and the link will appear as a separate e-mail for you all to view.

We are proud to announce that on Friday the 13th July 2007 Apollodane Great Danes of Cyprus received certificate confirmation from the Cyprus Kennel Club that we are one of the first breeders to be awarded and recognised with; MULTI CHAMPION & GRAND CHAMPION TITLES OF CYPRUS for HILDYDANE ZACHARAIS & HILDYDANE HILDAS HEIDIE, also we are pleased to announce that our very own HILDYDANE ODETTE has just today been awarded MULTI CHAMPION OF CYPRUS at just 2 years of age.

Whilst being one of the first breeders overall here in Cyprus to be awarded the recognition of Multi Champion & Grand Champions titles for three of our dogs, this is the very first Great Dane recognition at such a level, so we are very honoured and privileged to be the first to carry this standard forward for all future Danes.

We have had a great 12 months taking many BEST IN SHOW AWARDS, GROUP WINS and of course not forgetting the very prestigious and current holder of DOG OF THE YEAR & CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS with Zsacharias.

Our very sincere thanks to all the judges who felt our Danes worthy of recognition in all the shows here in Cyprus since they arrived from Australia, thanks to all at the Cyprus Kennel Club for the hard work and effort they put in to the shows and to Hildegard Schliefert our guide and mentor for making it all possible. We hope to continue with our success and look forward to seeing you all quite soon at up and coming shows with not only our existing Grand Champions, but our very new and soon to be showcased, Apollodane Athena, Apollodane Astraeus, Apollodane Asclepius and Apollodane Adonis, born to Grand Champion Hildydane Hildas Heidie & Grand Champion Hildydane Zsacharias, photos which can be seen on our puppy news web page.

Hildydane Odette, D.O.B. 28th April 2005. A perfectly marked Harlequin bitch that we had seen on photographs being shown by Hildegard Schliefert, Hildydane Kennels, Sydney, N.S.W. She was just perfect, a real gem stone, one of those true finds of a life time. We contacted Hildegard and asked if she was for sale, A stern NO was the reply and an exchange of banter that was typical of the conversations we used to have with each other. A few phone calls later, Hildegard knew as she had learned before, I was not going to give in. Fortunately she kindly gave in and allowed us to take Odette, but only after her qualification as Best Puppy New South Wales. Talk about cutting it fine, Odette qualified just days before her first birthday, three days later she was on the plane and bound for Cyprus. Upon her arrival, tired, jet lagged and quite disorientated she settled for the evening, crying and feeling very sorry for herself. The break of daylight, a good nights sleep and Odette realised this was her new home, she accepted our food and she became the latest addition to our family. She now holds her own with the other dogs, even giving big boy Polo a run for his money. She had her second season not long after arriving and she has now become the most affectionate Dane I have seen. We put a bit of weight on her and within weeks she started to look like a true show girl. We take her down to the tourist area in Paphos to socialise and interact, she also loves having her photo taken. We also practise her show work by the harbour, a beautiful setting and as the crowds gather, she steps up a pace as if to say, ” look at me, how fantastic do I look” As you can see from the phots of Odette, she has the makings of overtaking her cousin Heidie for Cyprus Best Great Dane. Cyprus Champion and International Champion, well !!!! we have to have something to set our goals on.

Hildydane Odette was blessed with taking numerous awards in Sydney, N.S.W before joining us here in Cyprus, most notibly Best Baby Puppy in Breed at the Blacktown Kennel & Training Club, N.S.W. Best Baby Puppy in Group & Best Baby Puppy In Show at the Dalwood Charity Show N.S.W and Best Puppy N.S.W 2005.

On her showcase at both of the Cyprus Kennel Clubs International Shows held on the 14th and 15th October 2006, Odette was fortunate to win not only her class, but went on to win Best Bitch on both days, taking C.A.C & C.A.C.I.B also on both days. She was only beaten in breed by our very own Champion Zac. Odette was also the very first Great Dane to win the Aphrodite Winners award. She was given excellent critiques on both days and a promising future lies ahead for her.

Her European debut in 2007 started in January at the Slovenian Kennel Clubs International show weekend covering 2 seperate shows, plus a Speciality Large Breed Show on the evening of day one. Odette won all her Intermediate Casses, she received C.A.C & C.A.C.I.B in each event and went on to outstand us all by taking the title of Best Bitch on day 2, away from the 3 year old World Champion Harlequin bitch from Italy which then meant she came head to head for B.O.B with our Champion Zsacharias. Zsacharias won the day, but I don’t think it will be to long before Odette gathers a little more maturity, still at only 18months and starts holding her own. She is a beautiful bitch, moves well and will do well in the long term. 

You can send us your request by filling out the puppy order form or call us on (+357) 99 56 06 09