More than Just a Pretty Face
My name is Karen Randall, and I came to the dog world when health reasons meant the end of a lifetime of riding and competing with horses. I wanted a smaller animal-partner to train with, that was easier on my joints, and low allergen so it didn’t bother my allergies. The charming, joyful Havanese seemed just the ticket! I was lucky to find an excellent, conscientious breeder for my first experience in the Havanese world. I brought home my fabulous partner, “Kodi,” ARCHMX Starborn Kodak Moment CGC, TKN, BN, PCD, NA, NAJ, CDX-CCH, RE, RLV, RL1X3, RL2X4, RL3X3, Yes-that’s a lot of letters for a little dog, and an incredible amount of winning for a “Novice A” dog. Kodi put up with me learning the ropes of dog training and dog sports with him. He was a super star!
Kodi with just a small portion of his winnings!
When Kodi was six we decided to add a second Havanese to our family. “Pixel” Starborn’s Picture Perfect. The PLAN was for her to become my second competition dog. Fate had other plans. My husband had a massive heart attack, and Pixel became his nurse dog, his emotional support dog… his heart dog. Although Dave recovered, Pixel was without doubt, “The Daddy Dog”. She loved me too, but there was no doubt who she’d rather be with!
In 2015 I went to temperament test a seven week old litter bred by my friend Elizabeth O’Meara, Nauti Havanese. The first puppy she popped into the room for testing was this adorable girl who danced into the room on her hind legs with a smile on her face. She never stopped performing. The entire litter was lovely, but THAT puppy! WOW! I wasn't looking for a puppy. I really wasn’t! But… sometimes things are meant to be. “Panda”, Ch Nauti Herd Compact Flash CGC, BN, RI, CDC, RL1 bounced her way into our lives and into our hearts. She has been every bit as wonderful a dance partner as Kodi has been. Panda is a quick learner in agility, rally and obedience, and has the titles to show. (CHIC)
Panda finished her championship, ably handled to her second 5 point major by Ashleigh Rutzel, just a couple of weeks before the pandemic closed the country down!
Since then we have added Panda’s son, “Ducky”, Ch. High Jump Shutter Bug CGC TKN to our pack. He is shaping up to be everything we would want a young stud dog to be. He finished his championship quickly, completely owner/breeder handled, and is on his way to his Grand Championship with BOB’s, several BOS’s, OH BOB’s, and OH Group placings. Ducky also easily passed his Canine Good Citizen test, and earned his Novice Trick Dog title. He is now training for Rally and Competition Obedience, as well as continuing his Conformation career. (CHIC)
He has sired several beautiful litters now, as well, both here at High Jump and for others!
And now we have added an adorable little new girl to the family…Ducky’s daughter, High Jump Nauti Picture Show (Ch. High Jump Shutter Bug x GCHB Nauti Pardon the Interruption ATT), AKA Lili St. Cyr, or just Lili to her friends! Lili is showing in conformation, shown both by myself and by Artemis Tsagarakis, and training in performance. She will eventually become a mama for us after passing her health clearances.
While our dogs are carefully chosen for their good pedigrees, wonderful dispositions and good conformation, we also really value excellent movement, athletic ability and dogs who WANT to “play the game” with us.
In any group of puppies, there will be some that are quieter and more thoughtful, while others are more driven and energetic. Both types can be good performance dogs when partnered with the right human. My goal for any puppies we produce is to help make the best match between puppy and human partner. Whether the goal is as a family pet who will fit into daily life, or as an agility or obedience dog for someone who is looking to compete at a high level with a loving little partner, there is a Havanese for most everyone. I hope as many High Jump puppies as possible could also be shown in the conformation ring if that fits into their owners’ goals.