I have always believed that dogs that were designed to work should do so. The emphasis in our breeding kennel is that all dogs used for breeding must be breed champions and have a working qualification. Our current brood bitch, Ch. Oaktreegardens Anushka of vom Paladin recently proved that dogs can excel in both the working and beauty arenas. Earlier this year she qualified BWT (scoring 100% for her manwork) and IPO1. She also has qualifications in Working Trials Classic and International Tracking Trials.
The Highveld Belgian Shepherd Dog Club’s specialist Championship show on 19th June 2011, was judged by Mrs Addy Smits, who is a highly respected and well-known judge. Under her, Dika won the Champions class. She then went on to win Best of Breed (Malinois).
This show had the highest entry of Malinois in the club’s history, with a 2 point c.c. being awarded for the first time. Dika’s son from her last litter, vom Paladin Gregor, owned and handled by Yolan Friedman won the male 2 point c.c., showing that it is in the genes. Gregor gained his Canine Good Citizen award on the same day. Dika then went on to win Reserve Best in Show, coming second to a Terveuren.