Winter in the PNW can be a little dreary at times as the weather is wet and the dogs can’t get out as much as we would like them to. It has been cold and so the rain has turned to ice, but since it’s not raining, we are playing outdoors anyway.
Enjoy the photos of them from today. I love watching them play.
Nellie was due on the 1st of Feb, but she had other plans and decided to go into labor a little early.
Unfortunately we lost a ruby boy that was stillborn and then the blenheim boy went septic and we lost him within 24 hours (he swallowed meconium in his sack unfortunately).
The other four, 2 ruby boys and 2 blen girls are doing excellent.
Nellie is a phenomenal mother and we are so proud of how she has taken to her new role so quickly.
My friend Dolly (JoyfulNoise beagles) and I went to Alexandria LA this last weekend – we wanted to spend time with Mike & Karen and learn from them (grooming, handling tips & beagle history). Bonus was that I took Nick and got his ATT (Akc Temperament Title) and watched Nick and Mike get 3 BOV and 2 group 2s and a group 3! Callie (5 months) played in the puppy ring and fun match getting BOV and BHgroup2 both times.
We then met up with my daughter who was visiting her brother in Monroe, and travelled home together. It was so so fun to meet beagle people I had never met before (only online) and see old friends too. When can we go back?
At AKC shows, you don’t get any feedback on your dogs, so I love to attend International dog shows as you get a written critique on your dogs.
I met up with my friend Dolly Stearns from JoyfulNoise beagles (Spokane) and Sarah Smith-Falkner from Zamaradi whippets & basenjis (Seattle) – we brought our golden Shirley (2Rivers It Sure Is Hot), 4 beagles Callie (Kazuri’s Everything’s Sugar N Spice), Murphy (Everything’s Gonna Be Alright), Dutch (CH Kazuri N Van-Mar Brewin’ Up Trouble BCAT) & Johnny Rose (JoyfulNoise N Kazuri Keeping Up With The Roses) and 2 cavaliers Phoenix (Kazuri’s On the Wings of Love TKN) and Charlotte (LoKazuri Star Fourth In Line TKN). Of course, we didn’t take any photos the first day and Shirley, Murph, Dutch and Phoenix went home after the first day – silly us.
It was so busy, but thankfully the International show is laid back and so we made all of our ring times – we just missed a couple of group rings.
We walked away with: Dutch – new Int CH, Shirley – new Int CH, Callie – new JrNat/JrInt CH + Group 1 winner, Johnny Rose – new JrNat/JrInt/JrHonors CH + Group1, 2 & 3, Phoenix – new Int CH, Charlotte – new Nat CH Group 2 x 2.
More than that, I had so much fun! I look forward to the next one!
Here are some of the comments from the judges:
DUTCH (Beagle) ** Presents well overall. Very well balanced head. Good depth of chest, Shoulders well placed, Solid level topline standing and on the move, easy relaxed and efficient movement ~ Delvina M Beaulac (CAN) ** Presents himself well in the ring, strong planes of head, well developed chest, tight elbows, good bend of stifle, firm and level topline, clean moving ~ Laura Myles (INT & USA) ** Well balanced young man, good quality and condition of coat, lovely shape head with good planes, good depth of chest and prosternum, good turn of stifle, level and strong topline, brisk movement with good reach and drive ~ Cheri Hollenback (USA) ** An impressive boy, balanced and pretty head, deep and broad chest, straight front quarters and strong well muscled back quarters, correct topline, moves well ~ Karen Burgess (USA)
CALLIE (5 month old beagle) ** Pretty puppy, good texture of coat, well shaped head, well set and dark eyes, well placed foot timing, deep chest for age, legs straight – good rib spacing, level topline, true movement coming and going ~ Roland (Hatch) Hatchel (USA) ** Great lively puppy, nice rounded top skull with dark well set eyes, well let down chest and nice layback, good bend of stifle, nice well set hocks, nice level topline and great movement especially coming and going ~ Rhonda Silvera (INT & USA) ** Very pretty bitch puppy, balanced head, very pretty, large soft eyes and expression, ears proper set and shape, broad deep chest, straight and strong front quarters, stifles strong and well let down, correct topline, moves well ~ Karen Burgess (USA)
Johnny Rose (5 month old beagle) ** Happy great attitude, good coat texture and rich color, lovely dark eye, adequete depth of chest, well muscled for age, good strong hocks, well let down, firm level topline, balanced with good reach and drive ~ Delvina M Beaulac (Can) ** Presents nicely – happy, good texture of coat, good parallel planes of head, dark round eyes, well developed chest, well let down hocks, well muscled, level topline, easy mover – well done! ~ Rhonda Silvera (INT & USA) ** Happy energetic puppy dog, broad, full and pretty head, large eyes and gentle expression, deep and broad chest, straight pasterns and well let down stifle, correct topline, moves well ~ Karen Burgess (USA)
Murphy (5 month old beagle) ** Very pretty puppy dog, correct coat, balanced and pleasing head, eyes large and well set apart, proper color, chest broad and deep, nice straight bone, well muscled back quarters, nice turn of stifle, moves well ~ Karen Burgess (USA) ** Bright, alert youngster, excellent condition, correct head planes and correct eyes, good layback and lay on, very nice turn of stifle, level and strong topline, brisk movement with good reach and drive ~ Cheri Hollenback (USA)
CHARLOTTE (CKCS) ** Curious graceful girl. Correct coat, round dark eyes, ribs well sprung, Shoulders well laid back, nicely angled back quarters, tail is proper set and carriage, moves well ~ Karen Burgess (USA) ** Lovely breed type, good/silky coat, great stop and beautiful flow from head to neck, lovely dark and large – expressive, well let down chest, nice lay back, well angulated back quarters, correct tail, croup and juncture, level with smooth transition to tail ~ Rhonda Silvera (INT & USA) ** Lovely type, good texture to coat, sweet expression – proportionate head, lovely eyes, lovely depth of chest, lovely angulation, pretty level topline, balanced pretty movement ~ Regina Lee Bryant (USA) ** Lovely balanced female, good quality & condition of coat, correct skull shape & proportions, good depth of chest, good 2nd thigh muscling & turn of stifle, correct set and carriage, strong level topline, brisk movement, well timed, with clean down & back ~Cheri Hollenback (USA)
PHOENIX (CKCS) ** Overall impression is pleasing & happy, Nice typey head with pleasing expression, dark round eyes, Well let down chest, well balanced, nice layback, smooth efficient movement ~ Rhonda Silvera (INT & USA) ** Happy, Sweet attentive girl, correct rich ruby coat, balanced pleasing expression, large round eyes, ribs well sprung & full, shoulders well laid, well muscled hind quarters, proper set & carriage, nice topline, moves well ~ Karen Burgess (USA) ** Nice outline, shows well. Broad head with soft expression, chest correct per breed, balanced front, correct carriage of tail, movement is good ~ Laura Myles (USA)
Shirley (Golden) ** Good side gait, energetic movement with a good outline, correct water resistant coat, Correct and dark eyes, front quarters align straight, good turn of stifle, correct level tail carriage, level topline ~ Carmen Haller (Can) ** Lovely energetic young female, good quality and condition of coat, correct skull shape and planes, lovely dark eyes and shape, good depth of chest, strong prosternum, good turn of stifle, strong feet, level and strong topline, well timed foot placement with good reach and drive. ~ Cheri Hollenback (USA) ** Well built for age! good condition and correct coat, balanced head planes, dark eyes, hind quarters balanced, elbows tight to body, clean coming and going, plush tail. ~ Laura Myles (USA)
Me with Callie, Me with Charlotte and Dolly with Johnny Rose.
2022 has been an incredible year indeed. One for the memory books. We’ve had some incredible high moments and some low points also.
Focusing on the highs – this is 2022 in review.
PLATINUM Grand CH – Nick – MBISS MBIS GCHP Kazuri’s All I Want For Christmas TKN CGC – He also finished 2022 as the #1 15 inch beagle in the USA and winning 4 BIS and getting select dog at the Beagle National. Nick is also proving himself as a stud, with having seven of his get finishing their CH titles this year!
New Grand CH – Madison – GCH Foxtails Dreaming of the Race TKN – my foundation bitch bred by Sheri Berndt-Smith, Darrell Smith and Michael Kurtzner finished her Grand CH at a local beagle specialty from the Veterans class.
12 New CH beagles that I bred/co-bred
“Dutch” – CH Van-Mar N Kazuri Brewin’ Up Trouble TKN BCAT – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer – owned by Sarah Smith-Falker, Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer
“Audrey” – CH Van-Mar N Kazuri Trouble At Tiffanys – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer – owned by Dan Carter & Terri Papagni-Carter
“Tex” – CH Kazuri N Van-Mar Trouble In Texas – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer – owned by Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer
“Daisy” – CH Kazuri N Van-Mar Oops a Daisy Here Comes Trouble TKN BCAT – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer – owned by Sarah Sweetman and loved by the Chamberlain family
“Maddie” – CH Van-Mar N Kazuri Trouble Takes The Cake TKN BCAT – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer – owned by Sarah Smith-Falker
“Charlie” – CH Van-Mar N Kazuri The Trouble With Charlie – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer – owned by Lisa Young & Jenni Neift
“Harley-Quinn” – CH Van-Mar N Kazuri Trouble In Gotham – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Chelsea Metteer – owned by Sarah Sweetman, Lisa Young & Jenni Neift
“Beau” – CH Kazuri’s All I Need Is Love And Cake – bred by Sarah Sweetman and Mike & Karen Kurtzner – owned by Sarah Sweetman, Mike & Karen Kurtzner and loved by the Smith family
“Derby” – CH Kazuri’s Run For The Roses – bred by Sarah Sweetman and Mike & Karen Kurtzner – owned by Sarah Sweetman, Mike & Karen Kurtzner and loved by the Olson family
“Maxim” – CH Kazuri’s Rockin The Naughty List At Roylcrest – bred by Sarah Sweetman and Mike & Karen Kurtzner – owned by Lorna & Sam Boydston & Sarah Sweetman
“Sylvie” – CH Kazuri Dreaming Of A Joyful Chase Thru The Woods – bred by Sarah Sweetman and Mike & Karen Kurtzner – owned by Sarah Sweetman, Mike & Karen Kurtzner and loved by the Neuenschwander family
“Willow” – NatJr IntJr HnrJr CH Kazuri’s Cover Me In Sunshine – Also attained her NatJr, IntJr and HnrJr titles at the International Dog show – bred by Sarah Sweetman and Mike & Karen Kurtzner – owned by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns
2 New CH Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that I bred or co-bred
“Truman” – CH Kazuri’s Struck By The Truth With Lockestar – bred by Sarah Sweetman – owned by Kim Lagretta, Sue Gray, Sarah Sweetman & Alisha Lockleer
New CH & GCH – GCH Kazuri’s Time To Solve A Mystery – bred by Sarah Sweetman – owned by Sarah Sweetman, Megan Hogan and loved by the Hogan family
GCH CH Lockestar ‘Cause I’M Up To No Good CD PCD BN RE FDC BCAT ACT1 ACT1J RATM CZ8S CGCA CGCU TKN ATT Gaining SO many more titles under the direction and dedication of Susan Lockleer – bred by Sarah Sweetman & Alisha Lockleer – owned by Susan Lockleer, Sarah Sweetman & Alisha Lockleer
She isn’t a CH yet, but worth mentioning is Stella – Kazuri’s Diamond In The Sky – bred by Sarah Sweetman – owned by Amie Adams, Emma Adams & Sarah Sweetman. She has both of her majors!
I have several beagles and cavaliers that are pointed and should finish their CH titles in 2023 – as well as several young ones that are up and coming and ready to hit the ring. It should be another fab year in 2023.
A huge thank you to my co-breeders Mike & Karen Kurtzner, Chelsea Metteer & Dolly Stearns for your friendship, partnership and support. Thank you to the co-owners and guardian homes for your support, and letting me show your dogs – for keeping them trained and in good shape. Thank you to Sarah Smith-Falkner, Tammie Wilcox & Cheyenne Calvert (and their teams) for showing my dogs, especially out of state, when I could not be there in person. I couldn’t have finished so many without you. Thank you to all the judges who have found my dogs worthy – in the classes and group ring and BIS ring – I am so thankful for you acknowledging my breeding program as you have.
Thank you to all the incredible families who cheer us on, and love our dogs like we do – we are eternally grateful for all of you. <3 It really takes a village and I feel I am better because of all of you <3
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the newest member of the Kazuri family. We were lucky enough to aquire Mishka “Michelle” – CH Pun Kotzky’s Michelle, Ma’ Belle bred by Dr Oleg Voloshin & Dr Oksana Gavrilova. She will complete her health tests in 2023 and maybe have her first litter. She is pictured below at 6 months
Also joining the Kazuri family in the new year when I fly and pick her up, and co-owned with her breeders Mary Cummings and Sue Nichols and my good friend Dolly Stearns from JoyfulNoise beagles is Allegria (Itallian for joy) – StoneMeadow N Lighfall Full Of Surprises At Kazuri – pictured below at 9 weeks
At the Whidbey Island Kennel Club – Monroe Washington
On Saturday, Dutch (CH Van-Mar N Kazuri Brewin Up Trouble) went BOV under judge Mrs. Kathleen J Brock and then onto a Hound group 4 under judge Mr. David J Peat.
On Saturday Derby (Kazuri’s Run For the Roses) went WD for a 3point major under judge Mrs. Kathleen J Brock. On Sunday he did it again under Dr. Steven D Herman, for his 4th major and became a new CHAMPION.
On Saturday Willow (Kazuri’s Cover Me In Sunshine) went WB/BOW for a 3point major under judge Mrs. Kathleen J Brock. On Sunday she went WB/BOW and BOV over 4 specials for a 5 point major under Dr. Steven D Herman! She just has 1 single before she is a CH.
Chalotte (LoKazuri Star’s Fourth In Line) made her showing debut. No points for her but I was proud of her free stacks and building confidence over the weekend.
Watson (CH Kazuri’s Time To Solve A Mystery) went select dog both days under judge Mrs Pamela Peat and Mrs. Janice L McClary – he now just needs 1 single to finish his Grand CH title.
I also attended the EYE and HEART clinic – I did clearances on 9 of my dogs – everyone passed their hearts and I had one who we discovered a mild eye issue on but wont impact him. I am so happy. The photo with my 9 week old puppies is of them plus their daddy Granger (CH BeckWith If The Boot Fits TKN), and Emma and Amie Adams who own him.
thank you to all the people who cheered us on, to the judges who found my dogs, and to all the helpers holding my dogs, taking them back in to the ring – I appreciate you all so much. It takes a village – no a community and I am grateful for mine.
These will be the last photos of the babies all together as the boys are heading off to their new homes in the coming. I am so thankful that they went to the vet this week and got a clean bill of health and are strong and ready. (even if they are small – but growing)
Enjoy the photos of them on my famous blue chair
Puff
Raven
Puff and Raven (the two girls)
Griff
Sly
Griff & Sly – The two boys
Interested in your own Kazuri Beagle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pup? please visit our Puppy page for information on our breeding plans, and pricing, how we place pups and how to apply.
My pack is used to puppies, and I would go as far as to say that they enjoy them – they keep young with the youthful play of puppies. I always supervise of course, but it’s always fun to see the older dogs enamored with them.
We have a couple of extra dogs staying for dog shows, so we are a little over full, but not for too long. The extra paws sure make for some fun playtimes.
Interested in your own Kazuri Beagle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pup? please visit our Puppy page for information on our breeding plans, and pricing, how we place pups and how to apply.
Sweet Buck (Buckaroo, Buckster, Bucky-boy, Buck eye 🙂 ) turned 12 weeks this week. He is a quick learner and so sweet – he loves to be held and snuggle.
Here are Kazuri we are a girl only home – we do this so we have no accidental pregnancies. So – I am looking for a home that would be open to loving this boy every day as a companion, but open to a partnership with me and let me keep him in tact (not neutered) and let me show him. I would give a discount for him, for this, and would work with you and your schedule. He is already fully vaccinated except for rabies (I give this at 6 months) and started leash and crate training.
If you are interested in this beautiful sweet boy, contact me through the questionnaire or email me sarah.sweetman@outlook.com
With many enquiries into my puppies or dogs, I will get a statement of “Well, I am not looking for a show dog – just a companion”.
That’s fair enough. Showing is not for everyone.
However, let me explain the benefits of buying a “companion” puppy from a breeder who shows their dogs. What do I mean? Let me explain.
Each breed of dog has a written standard showing the “ideal/perfect” specimen of that breed. It’s the gold standard we are all trying to get as close to. Here is the standard for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Here is the standard for the Beagle. It goes through everything from earset, to topline, to head shape, to acceptable colors, to temperament, and everything in between.
When show breeders show their dogs, they are asking judges to critique and choose their dogs based on that criteria. Showing dogs is essentially assessing breeding stock – how closely do the dogs match the standard so when they are bred, hopefully they will pass on genes that look and act like that specific breed. So, if you don’t get a pup from a show breeder, you may be getting a puppy that wont really look like the breed standard by the time it is an adult.
Show breeders are often part of clubs also. These clubs hold high ethical standards of breeding and there are penalties for not breeding ethically. So, while it might totally be in fashion to breed designer colors, since it is deviating from the breed standard, a preservation breeder won’t do it intentionally. I just introduced another term – preservation breeder – I did a separate blog all about that – you can read it here:
In any litter that a show breeder may have, they may only keep 1 or 2 pups. The other pups may have not been chosen, may still be beautiful but may have less angle or white in their eye, or be a carrier rather than clear of a genetic issue – whatever the reason, it wont impact your puppy from being an incredible pet. However, a show breeder/preservation breeder only wants to keep the best to continue breeding from. So, as a companion home you get the benefit of all the planning, time, effort that went into the litter.
Show breeders are often involved in other sports, and often they are also involved in their local rescue groups. They are interested in the BREED as a whole. What they can do to help and serve their beloved breed, not just them serve you by producing puppies to sell.
In addition, not all “pure bred” puppies have been well bred. To get a “pure bred” dog, you just need two purebred parents. They don’t have to be good examples of the breed or health tested to have puppies. However, to get a “well bred” dog, means you get the benefit of health testing, and a good example of the breed. A “well bred” puppy is one where the breeder has thought about the whole process – the structure, the temperament and the health of the dogs being bred.
For each breed, there is a club list of the recommended minimum health tests. A preservation breeder will perform these on all of their breeding dogs. The health tests for a CKCS can be found here: The health tests for a beagle can be found here: You can look up any dog by their name on www.ofa.org – not all tests are posted there but you can ask your breeder for their paperwork to look at.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
xo Sarah
