A picture of the past, Ch. BISS Declaration of Love v. Duke’s Paradijs
In 1979 the first Irish Wolfhound came into my life, resulting in my first litter bred in the 80's.
We tend to forget but there was no Internet then. To learn all about the breed it was necessary to see as many good Wolfhounds as possible in person and speak with experienced breeders.
Those travelling days all over Europe together with Jose Cornelisse (of Fionnmae's kennels) gave us many a good memory to share. We did not seek instant knowledge, but rather a thorough understanding of what makes a good Irish Wolfhound. No theory knowledge compares to watching them move, studying their posture, feeling their bone and muscle, admiring their eyes.
We saw many photos and discussed all angles of breeding with other kennel owners.
For my own kennels: "v’ Duke's Paradijs" I aimed to breed sound Irish Wolfhounds with effortless movement made from a strong functioning nerve system. Health of body and mind came first for me, so I studied character as well as muscle, skeleton and bone position for the ease of movement we like to see.
Come rain come shine, I was out there with my hounds enjoying their company, watching and learning. I bred outcross to outcross, selected on type and family pedigree.
A living being can never be 100% perfect. Barbelate Cade v’ Duke's Paradijs was the girl who came closest to my ideal of a perfect Irish Wolfhound. Her outline was exactly what I looked for and she moved on a stamp just as easily as on a wide field. However, she was small, her legs could have been slightly longer. Her daughter, Declaration of Love v’ Duke's Paradijs made up for that. I was in awe of this bitch when I watched her move. She was so very sound and with the sweetest disposition.
Many of todays pedigrees still show Mona's and her sisters offspring in many lines. Another of Mona's family talents was excellent show behaviour in the ring; many of her children, grand- and greatgrandchildren inherited the trade.
V-93 FIN Ch EST CH. LITTLE WALTHER V. DUKE'S PARADIJS
with Markku Mahonen
pedigree
Eventually I co-bred with Pascale Mark & Markku Kipina from Finland. We co-own two champion bitches.
One is Ch. Queen of Hearts Fionnmae "Sharane", given to me as a present by Jose Cornelisse. Sharane went to Pascale & Markku in Finland to be bred.. They bred her to boothleg Fionnmae. There was one little girl in that litter reminding me strongly of the girls I had in the past. She then came to Holland to live at Fionnmae's Kennels. Her name is De Majodian Heart Desire "Daisy". In due time she will bred to Eraser of First Avenue.
I really must thank Jose Cornelisse and Conny Fernhout. They have been good friends over the years keeping me up to speed on the breed during the years I could not breed myself.
Conny Fernhout is a real friend who honoured me with the very special present of Pitlochry's Killian, a very handsome youth and one of the sweetest IWs I ever had.
By exporting some good IW puppies I was Best Irish Wolfhounds Breeder of Finland two years in a row.
Some of the ch. of the past
Multi Ch. Janis Joplin v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch.BISS BIS Chuck Berry v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. Ma Rainy v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. Chaldean v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. Endless Tyrone v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. Thor's Daring Risk v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. Cushlamochree v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. Desk of Delight v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. BISS Declaration of Love v. Duke’s Paradijs
Ch. Ruby Wax v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. Geoffrey v. Duke's Paradijs
Ch. Little Walter v. Duke’s Paradijs
Multi ch. Knighthood Ashley JW'87 WW'89 (bred by Sirkka Hanson)
Ch. Queen of Hearts Fionnmaë
Bred by Jose Cornelissen Co- Owned with Pascale Mark
Ch Araberara Ida
Bred by Marcella Grassi Co-Owned with Pascale Mark