Baldslow Tohu-Bohu
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That’s a fascinating piece of Briard history in New Zealand! Evie Oakes played a significant role in bringing the breed to the country. With Lullingstone Tess as the first Briard in New Zealand, and the subsequent arrival of Baldslow Tohu-Bohu, it must have been an exciting time for Briard enthusiasts.
These early imports likely helped establish the breed’s presence and popularity in New Zealand, leading to the development of a dedicated community of breeders and owners. If you’re interested in learning more about the breed’s development or any specific aspects of their history, feel free to ask! |
Briard History in New Zealand (1976)In February 1976, Lullingstone Tess whelped the first New Zealand litter of Briards, producing 11 black puppies under the Bala prefix. Despite her dedication, Evie Oakes faced significant challenges as Tess fell ill shortly after giving birth, necessitating the hand-rearing of all the puppies. Although Tess eventually recovered, she was unfortunately deemed unfit for future breeding.
Meanwhile, Linda Shove of Angevin Kennels in Port Chalmers was in search of a Briard puppy after being captivated by the breed upon seeing a photograph of two black Briards alongside an Old English Sheepdog. Unaware of the Bala litter in Wanganui, she arranged to import a puppy from Australia, named Bendelbah Manara Bear (affectionately known as "Michelle"). Born in quarantine in Sydney, Michelle's dam, Desamee Etolie Bear, had been imported from England while in-whelp to Beaune of Baldslow. She arrived in New Zealand in March and was soon joined by one of the Bala puppies, Abigail of Bala, at Angevin Kennels.
That same year marked a significant milestone for the breed in New Zealand, with Baldslow Tohu-Bohu becoming the first Briard to earn a Championship title by securing his first Challenge Certificate (CC) at the national show. Additionally, Bendelbah Manara Bear achieved her Championship title later that year, further establishing the Briard breed in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Linda Shove of Angevin Kennels in Port Chalmers was in search of a Briard puppy after being captivated by the breed upon seeing a photograph of two black Briards alongside an Old English Sheepdog. Unaware of the Bala litter in Wanganui, she arranged to import a puppy from Australia, named Bendelbah Manara Bear (affectionately known as "Michelle"). Born in quarantine in Sydney, Michelle's dam, Desamee Etolie Bear, had been imported from England while in-whelp to Beaune of Baldslow. She arrived in New Zealand in March and was soon joined by one of the Bala puppies, Abigail of Bala, at Angevin Kennels.
That same year marked a significant milestone for the breed in New Zealand, with Baldslow Tohu-Bohu becoming the first Briard to earn a Championship title by securing his first Challenge Certificate (CC) at the national show. Additionally, Bendelbah Manara Bear achieved her Championship title later that year, further establishing the Briard breed in New Zealand.
Briard Milestones in New Zealand (1977)In early 1977, Abigail of Bala achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first New Zealand-bred Briard Champion. This accomplishment underscored the growing recognition of the breed in the region.
In June, the excitement continued with the arrival of Bellesme Alkaid, the first fawn Briard in New Zealand, imported from England. Alkaid is a son of Dutch Champion Valentine de la Petite Suisse du Nord at Desamee. Remarkably, at his first show, just a day after completing his quarantine, Alkaid secured the Baby Puppy Group—a notable achievement as it marked the first championship show group win for a Briard in New Zealand.
By the end of the year, Alkaid had also earned his Championship title, further contributing to the breed’s growing prominence in the country.
In June, the excitement continued with the arrival of Bellesme Alkaid, the first fawn Briard in New Zealand, imported from England. Alkaid is a son of Dutch Champion Valentine de la Petite Suisse du Nord at Desamee. Remarkably, at his first show, just a day after completing his quarantine, Alkaid secured the Baby Puppy Group—a notable achievement as it marked the first championship show group win for a Briard in New Zealand.
By the end of the year, Alkaid had also earned his Championship title, further contributing to the breed’s growing prominence in the country.
Briard Highlights in New Zealand (1978)In early 1978, Ch Abigail of Bala achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Briard to win Best of Group. This accomplishment marked a significant moment in the breed's history in New Zealand, reflecting its growing success in the show ring.
In June, the excitement continued with the birth of the first two litters at Angevin Kennels, both arriving on the same day—a rare and thrilling occurrence for the breeders. Several puppies from these litters were subsequently shown across both islands.
From the "A" litter (sired by Kaid and Michelle), a black female named Angevin Arlette Charbon was placed with Bruce Gowan in Wellington. From the "B" litter (sired by Kaid and Abi), Linda Shove retained Angevin Badine Doree, the first fawn bitch in the country. Additionally, Angevin Bibiche Noire was sent to Ken Robertson and Ewan Paynter, also in Wellington. These developments contributed to the continued growth and recognition of the Briard breed in New Zealand.
In June, the excitement continued with the birth of the first two litters at Angevin Kennels, both arriving on the same day—a rare and thrilling occurrence for the breeders. Several puppies from these litters were subsequently shown across both islands.
From the "A" litter (sired by Kaid and Michelle), a black female named Angevin Arlette Charbon was placed with Bruce Gowan in Wellington. From the "B" litter (sired by Kaid and Abi), Linda Shove retained Angevin Badine Doree, the first fawn bitch in the country. Additionally, Angevin Bibiche Noire was sent to Ken Robertson and Ewan Paynter, also in Wellington. These developments contributed to the continued growth and recognition of the Briard breed in New Zealand.
Briard Achievements in New Zealand (1979)In 1979, puppies from Angevin Kennels continued to make their mark in the show ring, with both Angevin Badine Doree and Angevin Bibiche Noire achieving Puppy of Group honors. Each of these exceptional dogs earned their Championship titles on their first birthday, with Angevin Arlette Charbon following suit shortly thereafter.
In February, the Angevin "C" litter (sired by Kaid and Michelle) was born, but none of the puppies were shown. Later in June, the "D" litter was born (sired by Kaid and Abi). Notably, Angevin Debonnaire Fauve was placed with Helyne Williams in New Plymouth and earned his Championship title the following year. Tragically, he was run over in thick fog shortly thereafter.
Another standout from the "D" litter, Angevin Dansette Dor, a striking clear fawn, was sent to Karen Buchanan in Australia, where she not only gained her Australian Championship but also achieved numerous Group wins. Dansette Dor went on to produce Australian Champion progeny, further enhancing the reputation of the breed across the Tasman.
In February, the Angevin "C" litter (sired by Kaid and Michelle) was born, but none of the puppies were shown. Later in June, the "D" litter was born (sired by Kaid and Abi). Notably, Angevin Debonnaire Fauve was placed with Helyne Williams in New Plymouth and earned his Championship title the following year. Tragically, he was run over in thick fog shortly thereafter.
Another standout from the "D" litter, Angevin Dansette Dor, a striking clear fawn, was sent to Karen Buchanan in Australia, where she not only gained her Australian Championship but also achieved numerous Group wins. Dansette Dor went on to produce Australian Champion progeny, further enhancing the reputation of the breed across the Tasman.
Briard Developments in New Zealand (1979)During the 1979 National, Linda Shove and the Wellington Briard community engaged in extensive discussions regarding the future of the breed in New Zealand. As a result of these discussions, it was decided that Linda would import a female Briard, while Ewan Paynter would import a male, both from England.
Later that year, they successfully imported Valois Black Shandia for Linda and Rolverden Rangler for Ewan. Both dogs were black but carried a recessive gene for fawn, having a fawn parent. Notably, both imports are grandchildren of the esteemed Eng. Ch. Desamee Bambin Bear, the first Briard to win Best of Group in England.
"Nida," the female, is a descendant of Eng. Ch. Baldslow Bach (son of Vir) and Eng. Ch. Desamee Bashin Bear of Valois. Meanwhile, "Jito" (Rolverden Rangler) comes from Desamee Boogaloo Bear of Rolverden and Eng. Ch. Desamee Emily Bear, who is the daughter of D Ch. Valentine de la Petite Suisse du Nord and Eng. Ch. Lullingstone Lottie.
These strategic imports were pivotal in enhancing the genetic diversity and future prospects of the Briard breed in New Zealand.
Later that year, they successfully imported Valois Black Shandia for Linda and Rolverden Rangler for Ewan. Both dogs were black but carried a recessive gene for fawn, having a fawn parent. Notably, both imports are grandchildren of the esteemed Eng. Ch. Desamee Bambin Bear, the first Briard to win Best of Group in England.
"Nida," the female, is a descendant of Eng. Ch. Baldslow Bach (son of Vir) and Eng. Ch. Desamee Bashin Bear of Valois. Meanwhile, "Jito" (Rolverden Rangler) comes from Desamee Boogaloo Bear of Rolverden and Eng. Ch. Desamee Emily Bear, who is the daughter of D Ch. Valentine de la Petite Suisse du Nord and Eng. Ch. Lullingstone Lottie.
These strategic imports were pivotal in enhancing the genetic diversity and future prospects of the Briard breed in New Zealand.
Briard Timeline in New Zealand1981
- Diamont Mr. B Gowan: NZ CH ROLVERDEN RANGLER (IMP-UK) × CH ANGEVIN ARLETTE CHARBON. 7 puppies.
- Ocein Mr. K M Robertson: NZ CH ROLVERDEN RANGLER (IMP-UK) × CH ANGEVIN BIBICHE NOIRE. 9 puppies.
- Import of STORMFIELD REBEL BY NATURE (IMP-UK).
- Bruinbri le Garçon Noire ('Garçon'): Born 13/12/85; imported from Australia by Linda Shove. Sired one litter for Angevin before moving to Alan & Bev Geddeson in Oamaru. The most significant puppy from this litter was Ch. Therese Noire d’Angevin ('Holly').
- Import of MARASHAR KOALA BLUE (IMP-AUST), a black bitch.
- Import of NEILHURST PARK TYRNEMON (IMP-AUST), a fawn bitch.
- Yvron Miss G R Cameron: OURSON DOR D' ANGEVIN, ANGEVIN HIRONDELLE NOIR. 4 puppies.
- Import of MARASHAR AUSTRALIS (IMP-AUST), a black dog.
- Import of CHATILLON EARL (IMP-AUST) with 3 puppies.
- "Amboise" Mr. B D Hammond: CH RAPHAEL NOIR D' ANGEVIN, CH PELUCHE DOR D' ANGEVIN. 4 puppies.
- Import of TRISKELE BOHEMIA (IMP-UK).
- Import of NZ & AUST CH MARASHAR GHOST TOWN (IMP-AUST).
- ‘Charlie’ (Cacharel Nitouche): Born 12/4/97, owned by Brian and Kath Falkingham in Dunsandel. Joined by two black Briard bitches, Oboe and Debbie.
- Artemis: John & Vicki Wylie imported Marashar Ghost Town ('Kaspa'), who gained both his Australian and New Zealand Champion titles.
- On 15th Nov, the first litter from Kaspa and Ch Bardot Noire d’Angevin was born, comprising 4 black dogs, 5 fawn dogs, 2 black bitches, and 1 fawn bitch.
- Brian & Kath Falkingham brought ‘Cassie’ (Triskele’s Cascade) from the UK, a fawn bitch and the first of her color at Mermadale.
- Import of Narbrisse le Gentleman ('Kruz'), a fawn male puppy from Australia, born 26/11/98. Made his show debut in the Baby Puppy class at the Auckland KC show at Easter.
- Ch. Trilby TicTac Bear achieved his title.
- Import of TIAHART OPTICAL ILLUSION.
- Chai was recognized in 2007.
- Dante followed in 2008.
- The B litter produced Dexter and Ruby.
- Import of GILCORU WIRRA WIRRA D'BRIE.
- Import of ENG CH KSHAN KOOL KRIMINAL.
- ELITE BRIARD EMBRUJO AT SALIERI was recognized.