The Hudges at one year old

Twelve months ago today our first ever Cavalier cross Brittany litter came in to the world  Smudge has nine little Hudges. We called them "Hudges" as it was a mash up of their parents names, Smudge and Henry. I have resisted the temptation to call them Brittaliers, although a good marketing tool to have a name, but those who know what I'm doing, it is not about creating a breed or fashion accessory, but a more healthy type Cavalier spaniel. I don't want someone coming to have a pup from me because it's rare or fashionable, I just want those looking for a healthy, happy, good tempered spaniel type dog.
You can do all the research and theory in life, but the proof is in eating of the pudding. We kept two girls from the litter, Bumble and Blottie, and I have watched over the last twelve months these two girls grow in to two beautiful spaniel type dogs. 
So just now checking my emails it is with great pleasure to be able to see more of the litter siblings of Bumble and Blottie have also grown in to beautiful dogs, not just to look at, but also in temperament.

Beasley

"Hi there Jane,

I just wanted to wish all the Smudge/ Henry litter a wonderful 1st birthday today and to let you know that Beasley is very happy, healthy and loved! 

As I mentioned before, he is my Dream Dog and we have such a strong bond. Attached are a few photos, the 4th one on the log was taken today (extra smiley). 

All best wishes and thanks again!!

Myfanwy" 

Beasley

Beasley

Beasley

Beasley extra smiley today on his 1st Birthday

Thanks Myfanwy for the Ist Birthday wishes to all Beasley's litter siblings and thanks for letting me know how Beasley is getting along.

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Tilly

Tilly, one year old today

Tilly

Hello Jane
 
Congratulations to you all on the safe arrival of Treacle’s pups. It’s hard to believe that it was  a year ago that I was looking at pictures of Tilly on your blog!
 
Tilly has grown into a beautiful, calm and very affectionate dog and has certainly provided us with many hours of laughter. Her latest pastime involves sticking her head out of the cat-flap whereby she she’ll sit there for some time if it’s raining! Speaking of the cat, she now tolerates Tilly and they will lie next to each other on the bed and seem to co-exist quite happily.
 
Tilly’s recall is excellent and she particularly enjoys her walks on the common disappearing into the woods to chase squirrels! She is incredibly sociable towards both dogs and people and she still generates much interest from those that we meet.
 
Looking at the photographs of her siblings Tilly appears very similar in size and I wondered how much her sisters weigh? When I last weighed her she was just under 15kg. Does this sound about right? She has 2 meals a day which we measure and generally are careful with treats, although she does like to do the prewash for us!
 
I do hope you and your family are well. I look forward to seeing how the new pups develop.
 
Best wishes
 
Karen X

Thanks Karen for getting in touch on Tilly's 1st Birthday. The weight sounds about right. Her sisters, Bumble is around 13 Kilos and Blottie the who is taller and more of a thicker set dog is 15 Kilos. I always look for a waist and a tuck. If from the dorsal view of your dog you can see a narrowing (waist) as the ribs end going towards their tail end and from the side at the tail end of the rib cage the dog tucks up, the dog is most probably about the right weight.
Great to hear from you. Molly who was besotted by Tilly when she was with us, still asks after her and made her day to see the photos. Thanks for that.

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Daisy and Harry

Harry and Daisy

"Hi Jane,
Just a quick message to say happy birthday to Daisy and Harry's siblings and to send lots of love to Smudge and Henry. 
Our terrible two enjoyed a birthday romp in the woods with their dog walking group buddies this morning, followed by some digging in the garden this afternoon. I've attached a picture, in which I think Harry is saying "Did someone mention cake?" In fact they haven't had cake, but had some leftover chicken from our roast dinner.

Laura x"

Sounds like you had a lovely day with your terrible two, Laura. Thanks for getting in touch on their 1st Birthday.